DAK Guide: Mastering the Deutsche Afrika Korps in COH3

Welcome to this guide! If you’re here, chances are you’re intrigued by one of the most unique factions in Company of Heroes 3: the Deutsche Afrika Korps (DAK). Whether you love them, hate them, or love to hate them, the DAK is a faction that challenges conventional strategies and rewards precision, patience, and tactical adaptability.

In this guide, we’ll reframe the concept of aggression and explore how to make the most of this unusual faction. Let’s dive in !

Understanding DAK: Early Game Aggression Redefined

The DAK is often labeled as an “early aggressive” faction. However, their early game units lack the durability and firepower to excel in close-quarters brawls. Attempting to match other factions head-on in the early game is a recipe for disaster. Instead, the DAK thrives at mid-to-long-range skirmishes, leveraging vehicles and positioning to wear down opponents.

Here’s the mindset shift: Aggression doesn’t mean reckless charges—it means controlled, strategic pressure.

Early Game Build Order and Strategy

Recommended Build Order

1. Kradschützen (Krad): Your initial scouting and harassment tool.
2. Panzergrenadiers (PG): Your core infantry for holding ground.
3. Sd.Kfz. 250 Half-Track (250): A versatile light vehicle for support and engagement.

Key Tactics

• Krad Management: The Krad is fragile but effective when micro-managed. Use it for debuff abilities and harassment, but retreat at 60% health for repairs. Think of it as a "micro-intensive sniper" that can disrupt but not sustain.
• 250 Half-Track Usage: Pair your 250 with infantry for engagements. Let the 250 take the brunt of attacks while using its mobility to kite and reposition.
• Avoid Casualties: DAK units are unforgivingly fragile. Losing even a single squad or vehicle in the first 5 minutes can set you back irreparably. Always prioritize survival over unnecessary risks.

Mid-Game: Gaining Momentum

By the mid-game, your focus should be on leveraging upgraded units to maintain map control. Key upgrades and units include:

1. 2x Armored 250 + Half-Track: Transition to an armored variant to increase survivability (smoke)
2. Autocannon Upgrade: Equip this as your second upgrade for your 250 for better anti-infantry performance.
3. Jäger Infantry: Deploy Jägers as your third infantry unit for versatile mid-game support.

Key Principles

• Maintain Distance: Always keep your units at mid-to-long range. Avoid open-field engagements and use cover effectively. ( NEVER FIGHT A FIGHT YOU CANNOT WIN !!! NEVER !!)
• Push and Pull: Use vehicles to pressure the enemy, then retreat to repair and re-engage. Smoke grenades are invaluable for disengaging from unfavorable fights (includes eating the first AT round or ambushed zooks) back away asap as you have taken a strong punch, repair and think of a way to turn around. 
• No Solo Operations: Always keep your infantry and vehicles together. DAK relies on synergy between units, and isolated units are easy prey.

Late Game: Holding the Line

The late game for DAK is a test of endurance and precision. Your army composition should focus on survivability and the ability to exploit your opponent’s mistakes.

Pz III Tanks

• Pros: When upgraded with armor-piercing rounds and auto-repair, Pz IIIs can effectively survive and eventually counter Allied vehicles and infantry.
• Cons: They are not frontline brawlers. Use them for hit-and-run tactics, and always pair them with infantry for support. your AT or stolen AT will make this army of tanks solid,
• Survival First: Never dive into enemy lines without an escape plan. Utilize the Pz III's speed and reverse accuracy to stay alive. It is better to let an army of broken allied tanks escape while you repair than attacking with half of your tanks being at 40 % of health, bazookas and AT can really blow you away rather quickly. My honest advice is to know where your opponent will be repairing and start using long range arty on the engineers  or repair station before diving in. with tanks (at 100% and not 1 % below that full health mark !)

Key Strategies

• Adaptability: The DAK excels in creating small windows of opportunity. Exploit these moments, but be cautious; overextending can lead to disaster. 
• Flanking and Surprise: Use mobility to flank and catch opponents off-guard. However, remember that experienced players won’t fall for the same tricks twice.
• Constant survival mode: your units are more expensive, your upgrades take a lot of time, your only hope to win, is to minimize infantry and prioritize vehicle for doing most of the job. your infantry needs all the time to be buffed to fight. Don't fight without it.
• DAK is not noob friendly nor it is pro friendly. it is for mid to solid players but all pros dont think it is a fun faction to play and I can understand them totally on that matter.

Game Modes: 1v1 and 2v2 Preferred 

if you like to play main 3s and 4s with random players no tutorial or any advice will save you ever, period !

Final Thoughts

The DAK is not a faction for everyone. It’s neither an entry-level faction nor one that thrives among top players. Instead, it rewards players who can master its nuances, adapt to its limitations, and execute precise strategies. It is a challenge based faction, not a top level one, consider it like that and you will be fine !

Key Takeaways

• Stay disciplined: No losses in the early game.
• Keep units together: Blob Synergy is essential.
• Play to your strengths: Mid-to-long-range engagements and vehicle micro.
• Backing away: Use and abuse the "R" with vehicles, stay away from the fight and dive when you are sure you won't be countered.
• Expect a challenge: DAK requires focus and attention to detail, but the payoff can be immensely satisfying.

Good luck, commander—keep your army together and your wits sharp!

PS : My only wish is that the Tiger tier enables to build Pz4 instead of Pz3 or to replace all your current Pz3 to Pz4 automatically, I think it's kinda hard to fight back shermans, not impossible but you are basically in survival mode in the tank stage and will have to be super focused in all major tank battles. That will be a huge game changer for DAK

GLHF

very well

ohh