Newbie needing some advice on the game/sub mechanics.

[xSmithyx]

Ahoy there!

Relatively new Captain asking for some advice/tips on the Silent Hunter series (Namely SH5 as that is what I am playing at the moment). Just as a bit of background to me, I have played SH3/4/5 on an off for about 4 years but only on easy and just as a fool around (Like ramming escorts or trying to lift them out of the water my surfacing under them) however recently I have gotten into the realism side of things, including playing in Realtime and only using TC to catch up to realtime (Such as going to work or bed). This is where I have hit some snags.

I have scoured google and these forums for answers and have found some that I require (Like my U-Boats most economic speed is just over 7knts). However what I have not found is the answer to the following question(s).

Is there any reason for me to submerge the U-Boat other then when I have possible contact? For example I have just exited the Kiel canal and am in the Deutche Bucht and have to patrol 55°03'00"N, 001°03'00"W (Just east off Tyne). Should I at any time be travelling when submerged or should I just keep on the surface until I reach the patrol sector?

This leads to my second question, if I do submerge at any time to travel, is there a sweet speed setting where I can maximize battery life but also travel at a decent speed? As I said above, I have found the surface speed to be around 7knts.

Thanks in advance to anyone who answers my question(s)

TLDR; Should I travel submerged at any time or just submerge when I have contact(s), and if I do have to travel submerged is there a sweet speed setting where I can maximize battery life but maintain a decent speed.

[Coenraad]

Hey i am not a pro but i generaly travel at the surface as much as i can.
Remember this is a U-boat and not a submarine. U-boats normaly travel at the surface and only submerge to sneak in for an unseen attack or to evade detection /Escape.

In the game i only og submerged if i have contact of enemy warships, and when planes arrive.

SO for example if you cross the Dover chanel, you might want to submerge at daytime so planes don't spot you, and then surface at night.

I personaly use deadslow and slow (1 and 2 on the speed dail) as battery drains very fast otherwhise.


I hope this helped.

[GT182]

If the sky and sea are clear of the enemy, travel surfaced. The fresh air is good for the crew.

Submerged speed of 2 knots is the most economical for your batteries. It will take you longer to get in close if you submerge too far away, so plan ahead for your attack. 1kt, silent running, and going deep is good for escaping.

Welcome aboard! :salute:

[xSmithyx]

Many thanks gentlemen for the fast responses. Will make my life a lot easier :)

[THEBERBSTER]

Hello Captain
Use the SHIFT + V key instead of using the mouse on the CRASH DIVE icon as it will buy you a few more seconds and will help you out of trouble. There is no point submerging unless you have to as it wastes your battery. Also your surface speed seems to reduce while your batteries are recharging. Also use your Z key if you are evading warships
Happy hunting Peter