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About Close Combat: The Bloody First
Close Combat: The Bloody First moves the classic tactical series into a fully three‑dimensional world using the new Archon engine. Battles take place on craggy ridgelines, narrow valleys and dense villages, with movement and projectile physics modelled more realistically than before.
The game follows the US 1st Infantry Division through the Tunisia, Sicily and Normandy theatres from November 1942 to August 1944. Players command a company, call in artillery or air support, and coordinate infantry, armour and anti‑tank weapons to win each linked operation.
01 / THE GUIDE
3D Archon Engine
The Archon engine upgrades the series to three‑dimensional battlefields, delivering a new visual style and an increased level of detail such as specific ammunition types for each weapon. The description notes that movement and projectile physics are now modelled more realistically.
New terrain types appear, ranging from jagged ridges in Tunisia to broken battlefields in Sicily. These terrain variations give battles a distinct look and feel, giving players varied settings to consider when planning attacks or defenses.
- Observe how elevation changes projectile arcs in the 3D environment.
- Compare the listed ammunition types to see which offers higher penetration against armour.
02 / THE GUIDE
Theatre Campaigns
Close Combat: The Bloody First includes three distinct theatre campaigns—Tunisia, Sicily and Normandy—containing a total of 11 operations and 36 battles. The settings cover historic engagements such as Longstop Hill, Gela, Omaha Beach and Operation Cobra.
Each theatre presents its own terrain challenges, from the rugged ridgelines of Tunisia to the bocage of Normandy. The campaign progresses chronologically from November 1942 to August 1944, linking operations into a continuous narrative.
- Review the order of battles within each theatre to anticipate terrain changes.
- Note which operations introduce new unit types and plan reinforcements accordingly.
03 / THE GUIDE
Units, Vehicles and Weapons
The game lists over 50 different vehicles, more than 300 infantry and heavy‑weapon teams, and upwards of 100 weapons, including US equipment from 1942‑43. Italian forces appear for the first time in an official release.
Players can combine small arms, mortars, machine guns, armoured cars, tanks and anti‑tank guns. The description emphasizes the need to work out the best combination of fire and movement for each engagement.
- Experiment with mixed squads of infantry and armour to counter veteran panzers.
- Test different weapon pairings to discover effective anti‑tank solutions.
04 / THE GUIDE
Multiplayer Lobby & Match‑Making
An integrated multiplayer lobby with match‑making forums is provided, supporting PvP and online PvP play. Players can create or join matches that use the same tactical depth as the single‑player campaign.
The multiplayer mode lets commanders apply combined-arms tactics against human opponents in PvP matches.
- Join a match and observe opponent unit choices before committing your own composition.
- Use the lobby to coordinate with teammates on combined‑arms strategies.
05 / THE GUIDE
Historical Organizations
The game models the US 1st Infantry Division—known as “The Big Red One”—alongside its German and Italian opponents. These organizations are represented with period‑accurate units and equipment as described.
Including the Italian armed forces for the first time adds authenticity to battles such as Troina and the Normandy engagements, reflecting the real‑world composition of forces during the campaigns.
- Study the order of battle for each side to anticipate enemy strengths.
- Compare US and Axis unit capabilities to refine your tactical approach.
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