Starting again

[MBerry]

I have played SH4 off and on for years, but never finished the game. So I am on my first patrol after re-installing on Windows 10. I am playing the stock game. I have a photo recon mission, but I ran into a heavily escorted convoy (actually it's right on top of me). I didn't report the convoy before diving.

My questions are:

Should I have reported the before diving?
Should I evade the convoy and do the photo recon and then search for targets.
Should I take on the convoy and then do the photo recon?

Ordinarily I would be tempted to take on the convoy, but I am concerned about the 5-6 DDs as the escort. I am in a Salmon class sub and I don't think that class of sub can dive deep enough to evade the depth charging I think I am going to get.

Any advice?

[Crannogman]

Sounds like you're playing stock. Reporting a convoy only makes sense if it's within range of a friendly airbase. It's always better to get some tonnage than take a picture. I'd recommend firing a spread into the convoy than sneaking away. In my experience, the escorts are only so-so at finding you after the first volley; usually it's the second volley that draws fatal attention

[MBerry]

I'll try that. I have TM Overhauled and sort of tried it with a training mission to get back into the game. It was the gunnery mission and the target ship pounded me to pieces while I was re-learning how to fire the gun. Too aggressive while I am re-learning the basics.

I will probably re-install it once I re-learn the game.

Thanks.

[Harmsway!]

Always keep in mind the BIG PICTURE. The whole reason for submarines. To cut off enemy supplies by taking out shipping.When the opportunity present itself you take it and later get back to patrol orders. With the one exception. When on a rescue mission. Even then you may weigh out the balance of lives to be rescued with the taking down of a big battle cruiser or flattop. Which in the long run could cost many more lives if left alone. Some decisions are not easy.

[aanker]

SH4 only cares about completing objectives and tonnage.

When I played Stock, if the 'mission Objective' was not realistic, I'd enter my boat at Pearl for a minute and click 'Return To Base'. SH4 didn't seem to mind and I would be assigned a new Objective and depart.

Some of those unrealistic Objectives are fun to do, but no US boat ever conducted them.

Happy Hunting!

[ColonelSandersLite]

Should I have reported the before diving?
Should I evade the convoy and do the photo recon and then search for targets.
Should I take on the convoy and then do the photo recon?

Yes
No
Yes

[MBerry]

I went back into the mission and got clobbered.

The second time I went deep and let the convoy pass over me until the escorts were moving away. I surfaced and was able to pick off a 1700 ton passenger liner loaded with invasion troops. I did miss the Mogami which was heavily escorted.

I am now dealing with a second convoy and will see if the same tactic works.

[Ludwig van Hursh]

I usually hit convoys early when I have full torpedo compliments. I usually don't radio my contact since I might not be able to complete the objective assigned, unless there is another reason I should, like air support or something. But sometimes I just avoid convoys because I'm not in the mood, but don't let the Admiral know. :arrgh!:

[Rockin Robbins]

You do get renown for sending reports.