What do you guys think the 'meta' is in COW?

*Note: By meta I assume you mean playstyle.

Unlike other games, there isn't one set playstyle for CoW, especially considering the different doctrines and their best units. Of course, different units are useful in different scenarios, but it really depends on the current military situation you are dealing with. If you are playing as New Zealand, you are obviously going to focus on the naval branch, and since you are Allied doctrine, your units are slower but you can research more. Every player has a different way to tackle each problem. Some players might use Tank Destroyers and Armoured Cars, while other players use Heavy Tanks and Motorized Infantry. It all depends on which units you prefer and the strategic situation around you. If you want an in-depth look at which strategies are the best, you should try them for yourself. Experiment with each different type of unit, and choose which you like the best. For instance, I prefer Motorized Infantry, Medium Tanks, Attack Bombers (with Axis doctrine), but if I am facing another Axis player, I would change up the units I use.

Also, the high-ranking players should tell @Odevious1 how they play. After you hear, try it for yourself mate

Everybody has their own play styles that work, especially depending on doctrine. Personally, I normally use the communist doctrine, with a heavy emphasis on Rocket Artillery and Air Force.

My goal is to build many small armies of 10 troops all featuring SP 1 anti-air, and then a combination of medium tanks and motorized infantry. Mechanized is also very good. Most of my armies are accompanied by an artillery regiment featuring rocket artillery (SP or Normal) and SP Anti-Air.

Then I build 2 or 3 air forces consisting of ten units, mainly Tactical and Attack Bombers and 2-3 interceptors. I try and get everything to around level 3 or 4. The combination of Air Force and Artillery allows me to inflict casulties without engaging my ground troops until it's necessary. However recently I've found that Air Force's usefulness is decreased in late game scenarios when large army stacks have great air defense capabilities even without anti-air.

For Navy, I rarely invest heavily in my navies unless I'm a naval power. I even more rarely use battleships. Normally, I build 1 navy of 10 ships, 5 destroyers, and 5 cruisers, all highly researched. I find it's faster, cheaper and almost as good as a more battleship and aircraft carrier-based navy. To defend my land if I'm exposed to the ocean I use a combination of submarines and naval bombers, as well as rockets if I have some.

While I think meta's demand on your personal playstyle and doctrine, I think there are some constants across everything. First, I think it is necessary to invest somewhat in your economy. It's difficult to raise large or highly-advanced armies if you're running out of resources every day.

Second, I think you must always research based on your strengths and smartly. It's very important to research. While it might seem smart to build massive armies of cheap, easy to produce and disposable level 1 infantry and level 1 light tanks. But those armies, even in the communist doctrine, will not stand a chance against smaller, high researched armies. It's important to research, but research smartly. For example, if you're communist you don't need to research to crazy high-levels, but it's still important to research. Additionally, don't go crazy on stuff you don't use. For example, don't research paratroopers if you're not gonna use them. Use those resources somewhere else. Personally, I mainly research motorized infantry, rocket artillery, air force, and medium tanks. Then I do some work with cruisers, destroyers, infantry and light tanks and anti-air. Then I don't touch much else.

Just be smart and do what you want. I think what makes this game fun is the ability to do what you want and the flexibility it provides.

arty

Great strategies,

The economic part of the game is also super important keeping a good economy is key to success.

Don't spend all your resources on just exercises

Factories, Recruitment Station, Advertisement Station are always important

It very much depends on your time allocation, the geography, and which opponents you are fighting.

Some thoughts for land combat:

- When you are aggressive and mostly fighting noobs and inactives, go heavy on air and rush units.

- When you are in a serious war with a skilled opponent who knows how to deal with air forces, go "beefed" artillery (that means (rocket) artillery with a meat shield of infantry, AA, and/or AT).

- When you don't have enough time to constantly watch and play the game, you might consider armor+SPAA.

- Don't go mobile if there's a lot of rough terrain around; they hardly have an advantage there.