[Krupp]

Making single torpedo attacks in the game against targets that would definetily require multiple shots for real is one of the things in the game that takes away realism a player can give instead of using weaknesses of the game where you can rely on certain patterns.

Your goal is to destroy the enemy without warning. I don't think that a real commander would take the risk of failing in this by shooting only one torpedo on a target that could be sinked by one but propably will need more hits. What if that one torpedo misses, or is a dud. Or hit's but won't sink the target? You have failed in you mission. To destroy the enemy without warning and in that first attack. Things could get ugly for a real U-Boat and crew after that.

The rediculous tonnages gained in the sim is the major weakness IMO. In my latest career, it's May 40, (IUB 100%), I have been in four patrols (144days) and sinked "Only" 14 ships (about 55 000 tons). I find that it is somewhat "realistic" amount. And this is the first time in my 7-8 month's of playing SH3. The tonnage has always been way high. (The realistic career lenght in SHcommander is a must.)

These are few things to make your career more "realistic" (I hate this word but don't know what else to use)

-If you know the enemy won't be able to see you until you are within the 12 km radius (clear day). It is wrong to take any advantage from it. Keep the target's mast tops or funnel tops at sight. That is enough and then he wont be able to see you. Overhaul and meet the enemy. Don't just dive waiting on the plotted course of the target.

-Stay in your Patrol area (Area of operations). I have 250 km radius circle from the patrol grid. I have a patrol pattern that covers the whole area and it lasts about 4 weeks to finish. Then I have 2 + 2 weeks for the inbound and outbound cruise ( for type VII). I leave this area only if there is a convoy or task force near enough to pursuit and attack. This is propably the most important thing to to do. U-Boats are sent to cover certain areas by BdU. It is not your job to be bored about it and move to high traffic areas.

-The attack methods I use are (or try to be as close) from the "book". Visual lookout is the method of U-Boat to find it's prey. Listening devices are only auxiliary instrument for this (i.e., when the visibility forces the boat to be submerged, or in search pattern for expected target). From sighting, overhauling and plotting to surfaced and submerged approach to final attack run, I try to use the lightning (moon/sun), weather (windward(leeward) methods a real captain would have to think. Periscope technicues etc.

-In the attack. Appropriate use of torpedoes per target(s). Using "fan" patterns to make sure the target will be destroyed. If I see a T 3 class tanker, Im going to shoot it 3 times, even if I know that It could be done by only one hit. How could a real captain know that?

-U-Boat is not a gunship. If you use it, use the appropriate ranges and techniques.

-Every merchant could be a uboat trap. Don't just cruise in and shoot that poor ship to peaces. You need to observe the target for any possible weapons (from submerged) and then make the decision to attack from surfaced or submerged.

-Etc.......

THere are so many small things that make the game better, if YOU allow it. And yes, there sure is some things you can and should make easier.

And last, every one should play the game like one want's. But when the word "realism" comes out, one should think what it means from different point of views. It is easy to get tonnage in the game. That is not a thing I would brag about.

Now you can start kicking :rotfl: