Combat Mission: Final Blitzkrieg

Combat Mission: Final Blitzkrieg is a tactical warfare game covering the Western Allies’ advance from Germany’s borders toward the Reich between October 1944 and January 1945. It focuses on the American sector of the Battle of the Bulge, where American forces face a still capable Wehrmacht in rugged terrain and harsh winter weather.

Campaigns and battles

Two campaigns present different operations: one follows American forces pushing into Aachen, the first major German city to fall into Allied hands; the other follows Kampfgruppe Peiper’s drive deep into American lines. The game also includes a training campaign, 25 standalone scenarios and numerous Quick Battle maps. Quick Battles can be deliberate or randomized according to player specifications, drawing on the period’s forces, terrain and weather.

Command and combat

You command at battalion level and below in a 3D environment, controlling individual vehicles, teams and squads. The simulation models morale, experience and leadership, alongside Fog of War, spotting, line of sight, command and control, and objectives. Realistic physics, ballistics and battlefield effects shape combat, while weather, lighting and ground conditions affect fighting ability, visibility and mobility.

The game calculates Line of Sight and Line of Fire separately, so you may see something you cannot shoot at, or shoot at something you cannot see. A soldier’s prone, kneeling or standing posture affects spotting, cover and the ability to engage enemies. Formations reflect how each nation organizes its forces at this point in time, with organizational changes on both sides creating new tactical challenges and opportunities.

Play and scenarios

You can play in RealTime or WeGo, a turn-based system. Play is available in single-player or head-to-head, including Play By Email (PBEM). A full-featured editor lets you create maps, scenarios and campaigns.

Forces and terrain

The German heavy armor introduced in this period makes its first appearance in Combat Mission, while American forces include improved armor such as the M36 tank destroyer. Winter weather and forested terrain shape the battles. The game includes three regions with Dutch, French and German accents, and expansive maps built at 1m x 1m resolution for short- and long-range action across complex terrain. Buildings have simulated doors, windows and floors.

Weather and ground conditions range from dry, sunny days to muddy, stormy nights. Conditions dynamically affect visibility and mobility, while lighting reflects the time of day, time of year and weather.