Company of Heroes 2

Company of Heroes 2 is the USSR of real-time strategy games: huge, powerful and just a little bit broken.

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"Company of Heroes 2" is a real-time strategy game set in the Eastern Front of World War II. Command Soviet Red Army forces to defend against the German invasion, using tactical decisions and unit abilities to outsmart and outgun the enemy. The game features a dynamic weather system and destructible environments, adding an extra layer of challenge and immersion to the intense combat.

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Reviews

83%

Audience ScoreBased on 42,145 reviews

gameplay1,339 positive mentions

monetization191 negative mentions

gameplay
3,610 mentions
37 % positive mentions
58 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Company of Heroes 2 is widely praised for its tactical depth, dynamic mechanics, and engaging multiplayer experience, featuring a cover system, true sight mechanics, and unique faction abilities that encourage strategic thinking. However, many players express frustration with the game's balance issues, particularly in multiplayer, and the prevalence of microtransactions that lock essential gameplay elements behind paywalls. Overall, while the core gameplay remains solid and enjoyable, the implementation of DLC and monetization strategies has led to mixed feelings among the community.
- “Dynamic gameplay: the game features a tactical, cover-based system and the unique 'truesight' mechanic, which realistically limits unit visibility.”
- “The core gameplay remains as satisfying as ever, with a focus on squad-based tactics and resource management.”
- “With its authentic setting, deep gameplay mechanics, compelling single-player campaign, competitive multiplayer, and stunning visuals, the game successfully captures the brutal nature of the eastern front.”
- “I do feel like some of the gameplay is a bit too tense, as often I find the enemy can ramp up quickly; you can spend ages building up any army only to run into some tank or large force that basically destroys all that hard work.”
- “The campaign is bad (both in terms of writing and gameplay) and the multiplayer is only fun if you are matched with someone of equal skill, which almost never happens.”
- “The gameplay is a nightmare, community is horrible.”
story
2,840 mentions
24 % positive mentions
69 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The story in "Company of Heroes 2" has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it engaging yet controversial. The campaign follows a Soviet commander during World War II, highlighting the brutal realities of war, but it has been criticized for its portrayal of the Red Army and perceived anti-Soviet bias. While some missions are praised for their variety and challenge, others are seen as repetitive and frustrating, often leading to a sense of disconnection from the narrative. Overall, the game offers a compelling but polarizing story experience, with additional missions and DLCs expanding the gameplay but also raising concerns about monetization.
- “The single-player campaign is gripping, with a story that immerses you in the brutal conflict from the perspective of the Soviet Red Army.”
- “The voice acting and cinematics are top-notch, ensuring that the characters and the story stay with you long after the campaign ends.”
- “The narrative is gripping and captivating, offering a compelling story that complements the gameplay perfectly.”
- “Its story is a grating mess of a man witnessing a relentless brutalization of his countrymen by their commanders.”
- “The campaign story is probably written by a left-wing extremist who worked as anti-soviet propaganda, it was so intensively overridden by ideology and prejudice, it ignored basic facts and humanity to express its soviet-hating logic throughout the campaign story, making it an unbelievable story to begin with.”
- “The main campaign's story is garbage anti-soviet propaganda that needlessly demonizes the soviets despite the fact that previous Company of Heroes games showed respect to the Americans, British, and Germans.”
graphics
2,126 mentions
50 % positive mentions
46 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The graphics of Company of Heroes 2 have received widespread praise for their detailed visuals and immersive environments, effectively bringing the WWII setting to life. Many players note that the graphics are a significant improvement over the original game, showcasing advanced effects like dynamic weather and destructible terrain. However, some critiques highlight performance issues and the need for high-end hardware to fully enjoy the graphical fidelity, with a few users expressing disappointment in the overall optimization and clarity compared to the first installment.
- “Graphics and sound design: detailed visuals and an immersive audio landscape bring battles to life.”
- “The game's graphics are better than some of the older RTS titles, which is its biggest attraction.”
- “Company of Heroes 2 boasts impressive visuals that bring the war-torn eastern front to life.”
- “The graphics are terrible for a 2013 game and even set on ultra, nothing seemed 'real'.”
- “The graphics on this game look worse and less realistic than on Company of Heroes 1 and on top of that it lags much more.”
- “The graphics are really poor playing on my Mac.”
monetization
582 mentions
5 % positive mentions
62 % neutral mentions
33 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many players feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of DLC packs and microtransactions that are perceived as necessary to access the full experience. Reviews describe the system as a cash grab, with essential gameplay elements locked behind paywalls, leading to frustration among players who feel that the game prioritizes profit over player experience. While some acknowledge that the game itself is enjoyable, the pervasive monetization practices detract from its overall value and enjoyment.
- “Overall, the only negative is that many things are hidden behind additional microtransactions - like tow, commanders, US campaign and worst of all: the whole of USF, UKF and OKW factions need to be purchased separately.”
- “One thing that I really despise about this game is the insane amount of costly DLCs (and also a DLC in a DLC, Ardennes Assault...) and the whole monetization system, but that can't ruin a great product for me.”
- “The microtransactions in-game are nothing but cosmetics and small boosts, which some you can get by a little bit of grind.”
- “The majority of this game is locked behind the $60 of DLC, and the game will constantly remind you of this by shoving the DLC and microtransactions at you.”
- “The microtransactions and DLC practices aren't great, yeah, but it's 2020 now, coronavirus is a thing, and you can buy the GOTY (or whatever) version of this game for cheap.”
- “This game is a cash grab taking advantage of how good number one is.”
optimization
437 mentions
16 % positive mentions
51 % neutral mentions
34 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has been widely criticized, with many players reporting severe performance issues, including stuttering, crashes, and memory leaks, even on high-end systems. While some users have noted improvements over time, the overall consensus is that the game remains poorly optimized, requiring significant hardware to run smoothly and often leading to frustrating gameplay experiences. Despite its engaging mechanics and visuals, the lack of effective optimization continues to hinder its potential.
- “The game is currently in its best balanced state when all units are properly balanced with one another and the historical usefulness of these units seems to scale with their performance in-game.”
- “The game also runs smoothly, even on lower-end systems.”
- “The gameplay is fun, graphics are a huge step up for the original (to be expected), and the game is very well optimized.”
- “The performance is still not the greatest; the game's visuals are clearly dated, and after a full hour-long mission, you should restart the game because of memory leaks.”
- “Bordering on unplayable nowadays; feels like they're intentionally killing performance and amping AI damage to push players to buy COH3.”
- “This game is so unoptimized that Cyberpunk feels like the game of the century; the difficulties standard and hard or expert difficulty feel like the PC is on steroids, it doesn't improve on tactics, it just feels that the computer has more resources to begin with and millions more soldiers, making the game unplayable.”
music
291 mentions
48 % positive mentions
49 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The music in "Company of Heroes 2" is widely praised for its immersive and atmospheric qualities, with many reviewers highlighting the orchestral soundtrack that enhances the WWII experience. While some find the music to be repetitive over long play sessions, the overall consensus is that it effectively complements the game's intense battles and adds emotional depth. Additionally, the voice acting and sound effects are noted as strong elements that contribute to the game's engaging audio design.
- “The sound design is equally impressive, with a powerful and immersive soundtrack that complements the intense battles.”
- “The music is intense and it truly gives you that WWII experience.”
- “The soundtrack is excellent, the gameplay is smooth and fast-paced.”
- “Music - uninspiring”
- “Just dramatic music and literally nothing happens.”
- “The music is ok, but COH also has better music.”
replayability
287 mentions
49 % positive mentions
48 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is highly praised, with many players highlighting the diverse factions, unique units, and a vibrant modding community that significantly enhance the experience. While some reviews note limitations in single-player content and the impact of microtransactions, the multiplayer aspect and community-created content provide endless opportunities for varied gameplay. Overall, the consensus is that the game offers substantial replay value, making it a favorite among RTS enthusiasts.
- “With intense, fast-paced battles and a thriving online community, the multiplayer component offers endless replay value.”
- “The modding community has also created a wealth of content for the game, which adds to the replayability.”
- “Great game with tons of fun and replayability due to the amount of maps and community maps and the five nations and their differences to make every game feel like a new experience.”
- “Singleplayer is okay, skirmishes are okay, but with a lack of positive online interactions, this game doesn't have a lot of replayability for me.”
- “Campaign missions felt short and offer little to no replay value, with the exception of tiger hunting which I found to be the highlight of the campaign.”
- “The last thing is that this game really does not have much replay value, which in my opinion is abnormal for an RTS.”
stability
241 mentions
5 % positive mentions
1 % neutral mentions
94 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with numerous users reporting significant bugs, crashes, and performance issues across various hardware setups. Many players express frustration over the game's frequent freezing, unresponsive units, and game-breaking glitches, indicating that these problems detract from the overall experience. While some acknowledge that the core gameplay is enjoyable, the persistent instability and lack of timely fixes from the developers have left many feeling disappointed and frustrated.
- “For a game that came out in 2013, the game looks and runs great.”
- “It runs well and isn't buggy and it supports Steam Workshop.”
- “Coh2 stands proudly by its forefather COH as one of the best strategy games in history... deep and historically accurate campaign full of beautiful effects, almost no glitches or bugs and moments of glorious and gory battle!”
- “Currently, COH3 is about a 6 out of 10 - needs a lot of improvement and it's very buggy.”
- “Even after all these years, the game is so buggy it's near unplayable.”
- “This game is a buggy mess.”
humor
219 mentions
96 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is frequently highlighted as a major draw, with players enjoying the funny voice lines, humorous unit interactions, and absurd scenarios that arise during gameplay. Many reviews note that the comedic elements are particularly enhanced when playing with friends, leading to memorable and entertaining experiences, despite some criticisms regarding the game's balance and technical issues. Overall, the humor adds a lighthearted touch to the otherwise serious setting of a WWII strategy game, making it enjoyable for both casual and competitive play.
- “Definitely worth it, and if you have some friends to play with, multiplayer matches will have you laughing and screaming.”
- “Funny conversation goes brrr.”
- “The game has a lot of fun and interesting facets that make every game unique, from the funny voice lines that soldiers give off to the RNG (which can be both a blessing and a curse for you).”
- “You're not funny!”
- “Vanilla is so boring it's not funny.”
- “The UI, the not funny voices, the details of the vehicles are cartoonish; too much nonsense with those tech tree cards. I miss the COH feeling.”
grinding
202 mentions
1 % positive mentions
17 % neutral mentions
82 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is overwhelmingly criticized, with many players stating that it requires an excessive amount of time—often likened to needing "a second life"—to unlock commanders and other content. Reviewers express frustration over the tedious nature of grinding, which can involve hundreds of hours of gameplay or significant monetary investment through microtransactions, leading to a perception that the game prioritizes profit over player experience. Overall, the grinding is seen as a major drawback, detracting from the enjoyment of the game.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “A lot of grinding.”
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “Achievement grinding simulator 2013”
- “Even unlocking the meta doctrines for these factions requires hours of grinding or, if you're willing to shell out the cash, resorting to pay-to-win schemes.”
- “Without grinding for hundreds if not thousands of hours, you will not unlock most of the doctrines/commanders, intelligence bulletins, skins, etc. and of course there's an assortment of items you can only unlock by paying.”
atmosphere
128 mentions
57 % positive mentions
41 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive and gritty portrayal of World War II, enhanced by exceptional sound design, voice acting, and visual effects. Players appreciate the chaotic intensity of battle, the authenticity of the environments, and the atmospheric elements like weather effects, which collectively create a compelling wartime experience. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's enjoyment and replayability.
- “The atmosphere is great mostly thanks to the sound design.”
- “The voice acting and sound effects add to the overall atmosphere, creating a sense of urgency and tension on the battlefield.”
- “The production value utilized to immerse the player in the game’s atmosphere is astonishing.”
- “The atmosphere is gritty and brutal.”
- “Gone are the days of immersion and atmosphere in relic multiplayer RTS, and we are left with these strange cash-hungry and vapid DLC-athons with inconsequential microtransactions plaguing almost every facet of gameplay.”
- “We are hit with a simple cinematic and bang we are in, no real atmosphere or scene was set in contrast to the quasi story personalized as in the original Company of Heroes.”
emotional
61 mentions
95 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its ability to evoke deep feelings and reflections on the human cost of war, particularly through its narrative and character development. Players report a strong emotional investment in the storyline, with moments that can be both heartbreaking and rewarding, leading to a visceral experience that resonates long after gameplay. However, some critiques mention a disconnect between the emotional storytelling and gameplay mechanics, which can detract from the overall experience.
- “This game has made me question the deepest thoughts I've ever had, made me feel in ways I've never felt before.”
- “The narrative takes you through key moments of the war, offering an emotional and sometimes grim look at the human cost of the battle.”
- “The campaign's storyline is well-written and emotionally engaging, providing players with a truly memorable experience.”
- “If I continue to list problems with this game, the next thing on the list would be a biased and boring story.”
- “The first few missions are both boring story-wise and quite long.”
- “I was a great fan of the original game, but this sequel replaced it with annoying troops, a worse engine, and a campaign made up of a boring story and poorly scripted gameplay.”
character development
3 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is noted to be impactful, particularly in how characters grapple with the consequences of their actions by the campaign's end. While the story is generally well-received, some players feel that the character development lacks depth compared to story-driven RPGs, with a shift from engaging cutscenes to less compelling narrative elements featuring characters who are not present in gameplay.
- “It is clear that by the end of the campaign, everyone is not happy or okay with what has occurred within the regime, and I think that is good character development for the plot.”
- “The story is good with decent character development and overall explanations, but don't expect story-driven RPG quality.”
- “The character development is engaging, providing depth to the narrative and making the player's choices feel impactful.”