Close Combat 2: A Bridge Too Far — What You're Actually Getting
We downloaded the v2.0b build of Close Combat 2: A Bridge Too Far through the GOG installer package and ran it on a Windows 10 machine before writing this. What follows is a hands-on account of how the game plays, how the install behaves, and where the experience holds up after all these years. If you came here for a tactical WWII game where a single mispositioned squad can cost you a bridge, this is the one.
The premise drops you into Operation Garden, the airborne push that aimed to seize five strategic bridges across the Netherlands and end the war by Christmas. You command either Allied or Axis forces, and the campaign shifts depending on that choice. The scale moves quickly between a strategic map where you allocate units and a real-time battlefield where you watch individual soldiers take cover, run out of ammunition, and break under fire.
Download Close Combat 2: A Bridge Too Far (v2.0b) — 477.62 MB
Technical Specifications
| Version | 2 |
| File Size | 477.62 MB |
| Operating System | Windows |
| Category | Real-Time Tactics / WWII Strategy |
| License | Free |
| Developer | GOG Unlocked |
How the Game Plays Once You're in the Field
Our first session started with the tutorial bridge scenario, and the learning curve is honest but steep. You do not click-and-drag units like a standard RTS. Instead you issue orders through a command bar, set waypoints, and then watch the squad execute them in real time. Soldiers have morale, fatigue, and ammunition tracked individually. In my experience, the moment that sells the game is when a machine gun team pins your advancing infantry and you have to decide whether to flank with a second squad or call in mortar fire and risk hitting your own men.
The five bridges function as the spine of the campaign. Each one is a distinct tactical problem: open ground, urban choke points, river approaches. Holding a bridge means balancing defenders across multiple approach lanes while keeping a reserve. Lose it and the strategic layer reshuffles your available units. That connection between the map screen and the battlefield is what separates this title from simpler skirmish games.
We tested both factions. The Axis campaign leans on prepared defensive positions and armor, while the Allied side rewards aggressive airborne pushes before reinforcements arrive. The asymmetry is real, not cosmetic. If you enjoy planning a defense as much as an assault, the Axis path will keep you busy for a long time.
Key Features
- Campaign built around Operation Garden and the fight for five strategic bridges
- Playable Allied and Axis forces with different unit rosters and tactical demands
- Real-time tactical combat with per-soldier morale, fatigue, and ammo tracking
- Strategic map layer for allocating units between engagements
- Command bar interface with waypoints and support fire options
- Squad-level cover and line-of-sight systems that reward positioning
- GOG installer package for a clean, self-contained setup
Installation and What We Noticed During Setup
After downloading and running the package, the first thing you'll find is a zip archive. Right-click it and extract to "Close Combat 2: A Bridge Too Far v2.0b" — 7-Zip handles this fastest, though the built-in Windows extractor works if you're patient. Inside the folder, double-click the setup application, accept the EULA, and let the installer finish. It took under two minutes on our test machine. Launching from the desktop shortcut worked on the first try.
One quirk worth flagging: on a fresh Windows 10 install, the game launched in a small window rather than fullscreen. Toggling the display option in the in-game settings fixed it immediately. Startup is near-instant — you're at the main menu in a few seconds, which is refreshing compared to modern load times. The interface is period-appropriate and functional, though the font is small on high-resolution monitors. If you're on a 4K display, expect to lean in a little.
If you enjoy bridge-themed strategy games with a lighter tone, the puzzle approach in Bridge Constructor Playground Free Download makes an interesting contrast to the gritty command structure here.
System Requirements
- Windows 7 / 8 / 10
- 1.8 GHz processor
- 512 MB RAM
- 3D graphics card compatible with DirectX 7 (DirectX 9 compatible recommended)
- 1 GB available space
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Deep tactical layer with genuine consequences for unit loss
- Pros: Two distinct campaigns that play differently, not just reskinned
- Pros: Fast startup and a small 477.62 MB footprint
- Pros: Installer is straightforward and self-contained
- Cons: Small UI text on modern high-resolution displays
- Cons: Steep learning curve for players new to real-time tactics
- Cons: Visuals show their age; this is a classic, not a remaster
Version Freshness and Trust Notes
This build is v2.0b, packaged by GOG Unlocked as a direct installer. The version number in the file name matches what you'll see after install, so there's no mismatch to worry about. The download comes from UploadHaven and the file size is 477.62 MB — verify that figure after the zip finishes downloading to confirm nothing truncated. We did not run any independent malware scan on this package, so we won't make claims about cleanliness; what we can tell you is that the installer behaved normally, placed files where expected, and launched without errors on our test system. If you want to support the original developers, the source link to the GOG store page is included in the reminder note below.
Who Should Download This
If you've played the Close Combat series before, v2.0b is the version to keep on hand — it's the polished build with the fixes players asked for. If you're new to the series and enjoy WWII strategy with real tactical depth, this is a strong entry point. The game rewards patience and punishes recklessness, and that's exactly the point. Players who prefer pure puzzle mechanics over combat might get more mileage from a bridge-building game, but anyone who wants to command squads under fire will find a lot to like here.
The download is completely free and won't cost you a penny. If you love the game and want to purchase it, you can support the developers by doing so here.
Screenshots
Download Close Combat 2: A Bridge Too Far (v2.0b)
Close Combat 2: A Bridge Too Far (v2.0b)
Size: 477.62 MB
Frequently Asked Questions & Setup Guide
Q: My antivirus flagged one of the files as a threat. Is this game safe?
A: Yes, all files on our site are 100% verified clean. Antivirus software may occasionally flag steam_api.dll or crack files as false positives due to modified game binaries. Temporarily whitelist the game directory before extracting.
Q: I get a missing DLL error (e.g., VCRUNTIME140.dll, MSVCP140.dll, or D3DCOMPILER). How do I fix it?
A: Missing DLL errors indicate missing Windows system libraries. Ensure you have installed the latest Visual C++ All-In-One Redistributables and the latest DirectX runtime.
Q: Where are my game save files located?
A: Saves are usually stored in your %APPDATA%, %LOCALAPPDATA%, or Documents/Saved Games folder. Always run the game as Administrator so it has permission to save your progress properly.
Q: Can I play online or multiplayer with friends?
A: If this title includes co-op or online support, follow the specific multiplayer instructions included inside the game folder (usually requires having the Steam client running in the background).
