Hello from a Newb
 

Hey everybody!

So, I'm a history buff, but a complete virgin when it comes to sub sims. I've always had an interest in the Battle of the Atlantic, so when I saw the writeups of SH3 being done at Quarter to Three, I figured I'd give it a go.

I got SH3 off Steam, and the Grey Wolves mod, and I'm going to get Commander once I have a vague idea of what I'm doing. That could take a while, seeing as the manual just for the mod is 644 pages long!

I was just wondering if anyone had any advice on how to get to grips with this game. I see the SH3 Newbie Guide post, which helps (though the "community manual" appears to be down, which is unfortunate) but I think I need something even more basic. Any tips?

First of all welcome! :salute:

My advice to you would be to get the lastest patch and install GWX 3.0. and get to know the game, learn the keys, do the tutorials and you are on your way.

Play a little and then get commander.

Have fun.

Welcome aboard! :DL

There was a recent thread regarding the community manual, (might be helpful - web archive link)...

More info here:

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=182023

Welcome aboard!

Don't get sunk. :O:

Other than that - RTFM (which is fine for me to say, I still haven't read the GWX manual all the way through :doh: ) and ask questions here.

Best advice I can think of for total n00b - don't make savegames when you are submerged, or within contact range (visual or on hydrophones) of other other ships, planes, land, etc. Corrupted savegames are a known unresolved issue with SH3. Some people never have any problems no matter when and where they make a save, but you never know... following the advice above seems to be the best way to avoid the problem insofar as it's possible to avoid it at all.

Welcome!

I guarantee you'll enjoy it. There are a lot of other mods out there that make the game a lot more fun. If you're new and you're using GWX, I do recommend installing the GWX_ContactColors mod. Otherwise all contacts will just be grey icons, and when you're just starting, that makes it a lot more difficult.
The manual is a very good read, and it looks like a lot to take in, but large parts of the manual are just descriptions of all the new ships/aircraft.
The most useful for you now (imo) are the appendices at the end of the manual. They give a very good explanation on how to play the game, and there's a ton of good tips in those.
Happy hunting!

Oh yeah, one more thing:
*Warning; Silent Hunter III may have adverse effects on your social life and / or your sanity*

Welcome aboard :salute:

Don't hold back in getting Commander installed! :yep:

SH3 from Steam should already be patched so you've no worries there. Have fun, sink 'em all, as some would say. Ask questions and let us know how you're getting on.

Thanks everybody! Quite friendly here, it seems.

This is just the sort of thing I needed. I might never have noticed those appendices had you not mentioned it, since, realistically, I probably wouldn't have gotten through the whole manual before starting a campaign.

Unfortunately that archive of the community manual just has the front page. I'll just have to make due with what's available. Any advice on which '39 flotilla to start with? Does it matter?

Edit: Oh, and I just want to say, whoever is responsible for the GWX manual is my new favorite person. It's full of a ridiculous amount of information that they really didn't need to put in. They could have just given an outline of what the mod does. Instead, there's instructions on how to play, as well as all this awesome historical background info. It's the sort of stuff that increases one's appreciation for what's happening in game. I really think he/they went above and beyond.

To start with I'd go for Wilhelmshaven, as you want to be out into the depths (?) of the North Sea as soon as you can. Going either through the Kattegat or the Kiel Canal, as scenic as they may be, seemingly take forever.

After there I'd recommend jumping to any of the French Ports as soon as you can. Although somebody will probably come along now with a great reason why not to...

Nope. I always do the exact same thing :up:
Plus, if you start out in Wilhelmshaven, you're in the 2nd flotilla, and the 2nd flotilla gets the Type VII and IX earliest in the game I think.

2 Flotilla, Wilhelmshaven, Type VII... FTW! :yeah:

WELCOME ABOARD! :sunny:

That would be Pablo, with help from a bunch of other folks.

There was a time when official game manuals were like this, and the came in print form in the game box. Things have changed since then, and not for the better.

Is you birthday getting to you Steve? ;) :D

Yes, i can remember games that were so 'weak', or limited in some way (graphics, CPU power, etc), that they required that amount of historical context to make it playable. The large amount of information those manuals provided ended up immersing you way more than you would have other wise been able. As mentioned todays games just dont have that immersion.

I can't find the GWX_ContactColors mod. Anyone have a link?

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/down...?do=file&id=33

:salute: