[TorpX]

Originally Posted by rainChu

These are a few of the questions I'd really like answered:

• When do I dive/surface? Should I remain under for as long as possible and only surface when I must, or dive when I get a sighting?
• When do I fire a torpedo? I have the game manual, which covers manual operation of the TDC in SH I, which I would like to learn myself (My accuracy with it manually is pretty terrible, but I have the basics down), but what's a good range to fire from? And when do I resort to the deck guns?
• What's the best way to avoid enemy pursual? And enemy fire/depth charges? How should I avoid enemy sonar?
• How should my strategy change as technology advances?

It's been a long time since I played, but I'll try to answer your questions.

#1. You can either make a submerged patrol during the day, and recharge batteries at night, or stay surfaced all day. If you are in a dangerous area (meaning airplanes), I would make a submerged patrol. You should usually dive at first sight of enemy ships/planes.

#2. I think you should do ok from 500 to 1500 yds., which was what skippers historically preferred. I would take longer shots as I learned the art of plotting, but it would depend on circumstances. Sometimes a long shot is all you can get. Don't expect every attack to succeed. Also, you should use a spread. RL skippers did, so should you.

#2b. (Guns) Only use guns on things that can't shoot back. However, they are overpowered, so you can sink stuff with them.

#3. For heavily escorted ships, attack from longer range, dive after launch, or make night attacks on surface (this works better with radar). Going deep works better in SH1 than SH4, I think.

#4. I don't recall much about this; I mainly played early war.

Some of the things that helped me in the game:

Understanding the use of the Normal Approach Course.

Taking advantage of Radar, when I got it.

Plotting.... lots of plotting......

Don't use high TC. I was told there is a bug in the game, where you are always detected at high TC.

DO NOT patrol on surface during the day, where enemy aircraft are present (without SD Radar). They will come upon you very quickly. Even if you get under before they bomb you, or they miss, they can vector enemy destroyers to your location.

Don't expect to understand everything right off the bat. Part of the fun of the game is learning things as you go.