Company of Heroes 3: Hammer & Shield Battlegroup DLC expanded the tactical possibilities of the real-time strategy game when it launched on PC on 14 April, 2026. Developed and published by Relic Entertainment, the DLC focuses on two highly specialised Battlegroups designed for multiplayer, co-op and skirmish battles against AI opponents. Unlike broader expansion packs that introduce multiple factions or campaign content, Hammer & Shield concentrates entirely on deepening battlefield strategy through infantry customisation, defensive fortifications and devastating artillery support. The two included Battlegroups approach warfare from very different angles, with the United States Forces focusing on elite assault infantry backed by overwhelming artillery fire, while Wehrmacht commanders gain access to a defensive doctrine built around bunkers, fortified positions and heavy siege weaponry. This contrast creates a tactical balance that rewards both aggressive assaults and carefully prepared defensive operations.

The Advanced Infantry Battlegroup for the United States Forces revolves around elite infantry flexibility and battlefield support coordination. Rangers form the centrepiece of the doctrine, offering heavily armed frontline troops capable of adapting to multiple combat situations. Existing Riflemen can be upgraded into Rangers, allowing players to transform core infantry units into highly dangerous assault forces as battles progress. One of the Battlegroup’s defining mechanics is the ability for Rangers to call down their own weapon drops, giving them access to a wide range of equipment including flamethrowers and Browning Automatic Rifles. Their ability to carry multiple upgraded weapons simultaneously makes them especially dangerous during close-quarters fighting and sustained infantry engagements. This creates a doctrine that rewards aggressive map pressure and flexible battlefield responses rather than static defensive play.

Artillery support also plays a major role within the Advanced Infantry Battlegroup. Scout units can be upgraded into Artillery Observers capable of constructing concealed Artillery Radio Beacons across the battlefield. These hidden positions allow players to coordinate light artillery strikes within surrounding areas, helping disrupt enemy movements and soften defensive positions before assaults begin. The mechanic encourages strategic placement and map awareness, particularly when attempting to pressure entrenched opponents or control contested objectives. Unlike more direct bombardment abilities, the beacon system creates ongoing artillery threats that can influence how opposing players position their forces. This additional layer of battlefield control fits naturally within Company of Heroes 3’s emphasis on tactical positioning and combined arms warfare.

The Battlegroup’s heavier support options continue through the inclusion of the 105mm M1 Howitzer and 155mm Rapid Artillery Strike. The M1 Howitzer provides reliable medium artillery support directly on the battlefield and can even be upgraded to automatically fire upon enemy targets, reducing the amount of direct micromanagement required during larger engagements. This allows players to focus more attention on infantry manoeuvres and frontline assaults while maintaining steady artillery pressure. For larger confrontations, the 155mm Rapid Artillery Strike offers concentrated heavy bombardment capable of destroying fortified positions and disrupting large enemy formations. These abilities reinforce the Battlegroup’s offensive identity by combining elite infantry pressure with sustained artillery dominance, creating a force designed to overwhelm defenders through coordinated firepower and aggressive battlefield momentum.

The Wehrmacht Italian Coastal Defense Battlegroup takes an entirely different approach by focusing heavily on fortifications, defensive endurance and layered battlefield control. Coastal Reserves Infantry form the foundation of the doctrine, acting as versatile defensive troops capable of constructing a wide range of field defences including tank traps and concrete bunkers. Their combat effectiveness increases significantly when operating from cover or near defensive structures, rewarding players who invest time into building strong defensive networks before engaging the enemy directly. Rather than relying on rapid advances or mobile assaults, the Coastal Defense Battlegroup is designed to exhaust enemy offensives through carefully prepared positions and overlapping support systems. This defensive focus creates a more methodical style of gameplay where territory control and preparation become central priorities.

Support Bunkers add another important strategic element to the Wehrmacht doctrine by turning defensive lines into multi-purpose strongholds. Anti-Tank Bunkers provide long-range protection against enemy armour, helping secure critical sectors and prevent breakthroughs, while Command Bunkers improve nearby defensive structures and serve as retreat points for infantry units. These interconnected systems encourage players to build layered defensive networks that become increasingly difficult to dismantle once fully established. The Artillery Officer further strengthens the Battlegroup by coordinating smoke barrages, artillery strikes and battlefield inspiration abilities that enhance nearby infantry performance. This combination of fortification support and battlefield coordination gives the doctrine a strong defensive identity while still allowing opportunities for calculated counterattacks once enemy momentum begins to falter.

The most intimidating weapon within the Italian Coastal Defense Battlegroup is the Obice da 210/22 heavy howitzer, a siege artillery piece designed to devastate infantry, vehicles and defensive structures alike. Its enormous shells deliver catastrophic damage across wide areas, making it particularly effective during prolonged defensive battles where enemy forces are forced into concentrated assaults against fortified lines. The Rapid Resupply ability adds further firepower by increasing the number of shells fired when the howitzer operates near friendly bunkers, reinforcing the Battlegroup’s emphasis on interconnected defensive systems. This synergy between artillery and fortifications creates a doctrine that becomes progressively more dangerous the longer it is allowed to establish itself across the battlefield.

Hammer & Shield works especially well because its two Battlegroups represent completely different approaches to battlefield strategy while still remaining faithful to the core mechanics of Company of Heroes 3. The Advanced Infantry Battlegroup encourages mobility, aggressive assaults and coordinated artillery support, while Italian Coastal Defense rewards patience, fortification building and defensive battlefield management. These contrasting tactical philosophies help multiplayer matches feel more dynamic and encourage players to experiment with new approaches depending on the map and opposing doctrine. By focusing entirely on tactical depth and specialised battlefield roles, Relic Entertainment delivers a focused expansion that strengthens the replayability of Company of Heroes 3 while preserving the intense combined arms combat and strategic positioning that continue to define the series.

BUY COMPANY OF HEROES 3: HAMMER & SHIELD BATTLEGROUP

THIS DLC REQUIRES THE BASE GAME – COMPANY OF HEROES 3