Feral Interactive and Relic Entertainment have released the long-awaited Opal Scorpion (2.1.0) update for Company of Heroes 3, marking one of the most ambitious upgrades since the title arrived on Android. Rolled out globally on June 24, 2025, the patch adds five new maps, major balance adjustments, and refinements to mechanics like grenades and towing.
For fans of tactical strategy, this update redefines how the battlefield feels. It makes Company of Heroes 3 faster, fairer, and far more tactical on both PC and mobile versions. You can read the official patch announcement on Relic Entertainment’s news hub for confirmation of the key features and developer commentary.
Five New Maps to Master
The biggest highlight is content. Opal Scorpion brings five new multiplayer maps, expanding the tactical diversity of every match.
- Tuscan Vineyards (1v1): tight corridors and flanking hedgerows suited for infantry control.
- El Alamein (2v2): wide, open desert with long-range sight lines that favor artillery.
- Lorraine (2v2): dense urban combat and building control reward aggressive players.
- Gabès Gap (3v3): a large transitional map that blends coastal and desert environments.
- Red Ball Express (4v4): a remastered classic built around supply-line warfare.
In addition, Relic retuned several older maps, improving pathing, adjusting capture points, and rebalancing fuel and munitions zones. These changes make every battle flow more evenly and reduce the one-sided matchups that frustrated some players after launch.
Gameplay Overhauls and Quality-of-Life Fixes
A Smarter Breach System
The breach ability, a recurring pain point since release, has been rebuilt from the ground up. Squads now enter buildings faster, players can cancel the action before it completes, and defenders take calculated damage instead of random instant losses. The result is a more tactical and forgiving mechanic that rewards timing and coordination.
Better Handling for Towed Weapons
Artillery and team weapons are far more responsive now. Crews attach and detach faster, aiming feels smoother, and towing delays have been significantly reduced. This is particularly important for mobile players, where input precision and quick reactions matter most.
Capture Points Reinvented
Capture zones no longer grant unrealistic map vision. The reduced sight radius forces players to rely on reconnaissance units instead of using territory as a radar system. It is a subtle tweak that restores the tension and uncertainty of mid-game scouting.
Improved Defenses and Explosives
Defensive emplacements are tougher, taking less damage from mobile artillery, while explosive damage has been standardized. Grenades, satchels, and other area-of-effect tools now deal more predictable damage but can also hurt friendly units. This adds weight to every tactical decision and prevents careless grenade spam.
Polish in Every Corner
Smaller updates also improve the experience. You will notice smoother zoom transitions, faster animations, sharper minimaps, and fewer AI freezes during large skirmishes. Each of these quality-of-life updates brings the game closer to the polished RTS experience fans expect.
Balance Changes Across Factions
The 2.1.0 patch also rebalances several core units and abilities across all factions.
Grenades:
Explosive weapons have been normalized, with stronger inner damage but sharper drop-offs at the edge of their radius. Rifle grenades now hit harder but in a smaller area, while German stick grenades were tuned for more consistent mid-range impact.
Stealth and Camouflage:
Detection ranges have been shortened, giving ambush units a greater advantage. Anti-tank guns now receive instant first-strike bonuses when entering camouflage, rewarding patience and careful positioning.
Vehicles:
- The M24 Chaffee moves faster and flanks more effectively.
- The Greyhound has longer barrage cooldowns but higher precision.
- The M4 Sherman’s 76 mm upgrade is now accessible earlier from the Tank Depot.
- A new Heavy Barrels upgrade enhances vehicle machine-gun power.
Veterancy rewards were also refined, allowing seasoned units to deal slightly more damage and absorb more punishment. These changes promote mid-game diversity and tone down repetitive unit spamming.
Cosmetics and Localization
Beyond combat, players can unlock four Legendary cosmetic sets: Amphibious Assault for the U.S. Forces, War Torn for the Wehrmacht, Desert Rose for the British, and Desert Cats for the Afrikakorps. Previously Prime-exclusive Nightfighter packs are now purchasable through the in-game store or earned via gameplay rewards.
Localization has also expanded, with full Ukrainian and Russian language support, extending the game’s global reach. Android Authority praised these inclusions as a “welcome quality-of-life improvement that brings inclusivity and modernization to a veteran franchise.”
Community Reactions
Early player feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. On Reddit and Steam forums, many praised the new map diversity and fairer grenade mechanics. Some competitive players expressed concern that the U.S. Forces might now be slightly overtuned, though most agree that balance is closer than ever before.
There are still minor hiccups, such as unit stacking and pathfinding errors, but Relic has acknowledged them publicly and promised a small follow-up hotfix.
Tips for Returning Commanders
- Try Tuscan Vineyards or Lorraine first, as both reward adaptive playstyles.
- Experiment with stealth units now that detection is tighter.
- Use towing mechanics actively, since they are smoother and faster.
- Be careful with explosives, as friendly fire can now turn the tide against you.
- Explore U.S. Forces builds; their upgraded flexibility makes them competitive again.
These strategies will help new and returning players adjust faster to the new tactical landscape.
A Confident Step Forward
The Opal Scorpion 2.1.0 update feels like more than a patch; it is a rejuvenation. By balancing mechanics, modernizing visuals, and expanding accessibility, Relic and Feral have breathed new life into Company of Heroes 3.
If future updates maintain this pace, 2025 could be remembered as the year the series truly adapted to mobile and cross-platform play. Strategy fans, prepare your battalions, because Company of Heroes 3 is once again commanding attention.