THQ has officially announced Company of Heroes 2, the sequel to its critically-acclaimed RTS title. The game will hit stores “early 2013.”

Relic has revealed that its new Essence 3.0 Engine will be used to allow for state-of-the-art graphics and destruction. ”Company of Heroes 2 is a true successor, introducing a new front, new protagonists and new technology,” said Greg Wilson, producer at Relic. “While retaining the unique mix of strategic gameplay and competitive multiplayer that made the original Company of Heroessuch a success.”

Since THQ does not have a booth at E3 it will not be showing Company of Heroes 2 on the show floor, however it will be shown to the press behind closed doors.