Company of Heroes 3 didn’t make the initial splash Relic Entertainment was hoping for. Its 2023 launch was met with a mixed response owing to limited map selection, underwhelming enemy AI leading to a lack of tactical nuance, and visuals that didn’t feel like a big step up from its beloved predecessor. The WW2 RTS game has just received a serious upgrade, however, and you can check out how far it’s come right now thanks to a free weekend on Steam. If you like what you see, there’s even a 50% discount up for grabs.
The Steam user rating for Company of Heroes 3 looks a lot better in recent weeks. Previously languishing with a ‘mixed’ score, reviews across the last month are now mostly positive – as are those for its new Fire and Steel DLC. The recent 2.0 overhaul is likely a big part of that shift. Relic has worked to make units more responsive, and has redesigned both the loyalty system and the lackluster Italian campaign. A wealth of balance changes have arrived to smooth out the multiplayer side of the RTS game, and four more maps join those that have rolled out since launch to improve the overall range of playable areas.
Of course, while the response might be positive, you might still be wondering if the time is right to put down your hard-earned cash. Fortunately, you don’t need to do that, as a Company of Heroes 3 free weekend has just begun. You can play the WW2 strategy game completely for free through Monday March 5, giving you free rein to try out all the changes for yourself. If you enjoy it enough that you want to keep playing beyond that, a Steam sale discount gives you a welcome chance to pick it up at a big saving.
Company of Heroes 3 is free to play on Steam until Monday March 5 at 9am PT / 12pm ET / 5pm GMT / 6pm CET. You can also buy it at a 50% discount through Thursday March 13, meaning you’ll pay just $29.99 / £23.99 for your copy. Download it now and see what you think.
Alternatively, take a look through our pick of the best WW2 games you can play in 2025, or find more great free Steam games that won’t cost you a thing to get started.
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