I recently picked up the Company of Heroes 2nd Edition: British Player Set from Meeples and Beyond, and I couldn't be happier with both the product and the service. If you are looking to expand your CoH board game sessions to a 3rd or 4th player, or if you simply want to swap out the core factions for something with a completely different tactical "flavor," this expansion is an absolute must-have.
The Store: Meeples and Beyond
First off, a huge shout-out to the team at Meeples and Beyond. It’s always a pleasure finding a shop that clearly cares about the tabletop community. My order was handled with great care; communication was proactive and the packaging was robust (which is vital when you’re dealing with a box full of high-quality miniatures). It’s clear they understand that for gamers, the condition of the box and components matters as much as the gameplay itself.
The Product: British Player Set (2nd Ed)
For those coming from the 1st Edition or just the 2nd Edition Core Set, the British faction brings a unique, "stiff upper lip" defensive playstyle to the table.
What’s Inside:
The set is comprehensive. You get a full faction board (acrylic, which feels premium), command cubes, dice, and infantry trays. But the stars of the show are the miniatures. The detail on the Churchill tanks, Cromwell tanks, and the Staghounds is incredible for a board game. They’ve even included Centaur AA guns and PIAT teams, which really round out the historical feel.
Gameplay Impressions:
The "Turtle" Strategy: The British are masters of holding ground. Their defensive buildings and elite infantry allow you to dig in and force your opponent to make costly mistakes.
Artillery Superiority:
If you like raining fire from across the map, the British commanders offer some of the most satisfying artillery options in the game.
Flexibility:
While they excel at defense, the 2nd Edition rules for the British feel much more streamlined. The inclusion of 6 different Commander cards allows you to pivot your strategy if you need to go on the offensive with heavy armor.
Final Thoughts:
This isn't just a "more of the same" expansion. It adds a layer of Commonwealth history and a distinct mechanical shift that keeps the game fresh. Whether you want to field a Canadian-led armored division or a New Zealand-themed infantry line, the flavor is all there.
If you’re on the fence about where to buy your next expansion, I highly recommend Meeples and Beyond.
