Cossacks 3 (2016)

The iconic strategy series returns with Cossacks 3, a modern remake of the legendary original game released in 2000. Set during the 17th and 18th centuries, the game delivers large-scale real-time strategy battles featuring up to 32,000 soldiers on the battlefield at once. The game faithfully retains the core elements that made the original series successful while incorporating modern 3D graphics and enhanced visual fidelity.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Cossacks 3 provides extensive tactical freedom for players. It combines city and base building, resource management, and army composition with environmental strategy. Players can choose from 20 different nations, each with unique units and capabilities, and have access to 120 distinct unit types. The game features 100 research options, allowing players to develop new technologies and strategies, as well as more than 220 historical buildings to construct and utilize.

The game emphasizes strategic depth not only on land but also at sea, enabling players to construct fleets and engage in naval battles. The landscape plays a critical role in tactical decisions, affecting unit movement and battle outcomes. Players can participate in five historically inspired single-player campaigns, or compete against up to eight players in multiplayer mode on one map, with opportunities to form alliances or face off against other human or AI opponents.

Maps and Variability

Randomly generated maps in Cossacks 3 ensure endless battle variations, adaptable to player preferences. Each map provides unique tactical challenges, from open fields to forests and rivers, offering a dynamic experience in both skirmishes and large-scale battles. Players can tailor their strategies depending on terrain and available resources, making each game session distinct.

Game Features

• Massive battles featuring up to 32,000 soldiers simultaneously
• 20 playable nations with unique units and strengths
• 100 research opportunities for strategic development
• Over 220 historically accurate buildings
• Land and naval combat with full tactical depth
• Five historical single-player campaigns
• Multiplayer mode supporting up to eight players
• Randomly generated maps providing infinite battle variations
• Free DLC adding 8 additional playable nations with unique music themes

Digital Deluxe Edition

The Digital Deluxe Edition, which is no longer available for purchase, included the base game and four DLC packs released sequentially within one year after launch: Days of Brilliance, Rise to Glory, Path to Grandeur, and The Golden Age. These expansions provided early access to new nations, additional campaigns, and single-player missions.

Additional Nations

• Days of Brilliance: Denmark, Netherlands
• Rise to Glory: Bavaria, Saxony
• Path to Grandeur: Hungary, Portugal
• The Golden Age: Switzerland, Piedmont

Campaigns and Missions

• Days of Brilliance: Pro Fide, Lege et Rege; Konotop; Clash at Nordlingen; Stuart Restoration; Peasants' War; Landing in Brittany
• Rise to Glory: Huge Gambles and Great Achievements; The Lion of the North; Second Northern War; Great Northern War; Franco-Dutch War
• Path to Grandeur: St. Jacob with us, Spain!; In the Service of the Grand Vizier!; Desert maps
• The Golden Age: Oranien bovem!; War for Brazil; War in the Caribbean; Portuguese War of Independence; Siege of Dunkirk; Historical battles including Nieuwpoort (1600), Pyliavtsi (1648), Prostki (1656), Saint Gotthard (1664), Villaviciosa (1710), Sheriffmuir (1715), Oran (1732), and Soor (1745)

Additional Features

Owners of the Digital Deluxe Edition also received the official soundtrack in lossless WAV format, complementing the game’s historic atmosphere. All promised DLCs were delivered free to Digital Deluxe Edition owners.

Cossacks 3 represents the complete return of a renowned strategy franchise, offering large-scale battles, extensive tactical options, historical authenticity, and flexible multiplayer engagement, preserving the legacy of the original series while modernizing it for contemporary players.

Cossacks 3 brings back the classic strategy battles with modern graphics and huge armies. The game offers endless tactical options, from building bases and managing resources to commanding thousands of soldiers on land and sea. Fans of historical strategy will find plenty to enjoy, including multiple campaigns, a variety of nations, and diverse units.

The game is challenging but rewarding, with random maps and multiplayer modes that keep each match fresh. While some may find the pace slow at times, the depth of strategy and scale of battles make it a must-play for anyone who loves grand RTS games. Overall, Cossacks 3 successfully updates a beloved classic without losing its original charm.

We recommend Cossacks 3 for strategy enthusiasts who enjoy historical settings and large-scale battles. It’s engaging, detailed, and offers hours of thoughtful gameplay.