Recommended downloads for beginner?

[Paragon]

Hello,

I was browsing another thread about some of the files and such that might be considered must-haves. I have to admit though that I'm pretty overwhelmed at the amount of mods available. There are so many to chose from, like new compases and uboat reflections and such...some of them say fix, but I don't know if they fix the mod or the game. I was looking at this site called U-Boot.RealSimulation and that is where I found the mods. The thing is, you can always see from the filename what they do and the there is no apparent way of seeing what they do, so I don't know if it's something I would like.

What would you recommend a new user to begin with?

Please help

[HW3]

The first one I would start with is JoneSoft Generic Mod Enabler or jsgme for short. It backs up your origional game files so you can go back if you install a mod you don't like.

[Yskonyn]

You have to be careful, though, as some mods are old and 'fix' something that has already been fixed in the patches over time.
To start I would just stick with a non-modded 1.4b version of the game. New rulers and nav instruments for example are included in the official patches.

If you want to mod, then I suggest to start with only mods which alter the appearance of the game, like hi-res textures (if you're pc is up to the task of course), hi-res flags, alternate smoke effects. Just play around and see what you like to enhance the game's graphics. Once you're comfortable playing the game, check out what mods there are which alter gameplay in one way or the other.

And yes, do get the mod enabler, before doing anything else.

[Paragon]

Thank you...this is what I had in mind. Just altering some of the textures and enviroment, any recommendations on these?

[Skubber]

Ditto on what HW3 said about the Generic Mod Enabler. Makes it SOOO much easier to uninstal mods that you try out and don't like.

Here are some I like:

- ail wake mod v2.rar

- ail sky mod v2.rar

- HI_REZ_MOON.zip

- PascalSmoke(1.4ready).7z

These are all just general atmosphere enhancers, all available at the site you mentioned. What they mod, is pretty self-explanatory, I think.

I also like this one:
FABC_Slideout_Mod_14(1.4ready).zip
It's a dials-enhancement slideout ... so you don't always have to ask the engineering station how much air/fuel/battery you have left.

I'd play for a while with some of these before you try out the mods that actually alter gameplay. (Just my opinion. )

You could also try looking in the "skins" section of Terrapin's site, so your sub doesn't look like a rusty bucket of bolts. Just pick the mod for the sub you use most often.

"FUBARS IXCcamo.rar" for instance, is a camoflage mod for the type IX u-boat. Pretty self-explanatory, for the most part, or you can just ask more questions here.

Have fun.

Did I mention the "Crew Vitamins mod?" Okay, I'll stop. Endless opportunites await.

[Paragon]

Excellent...thanks for the recommendations. How about some for the 2D dials, periscope and such?

That Crew Vitamins mod, is the the no_fatigue file? It sounds like a god send...I really dislike the fatigue "feature" of this game.

[Yskonyn]

yes indeed the no_fatigue file is what you're looking for.

I am using the Military MOD and Merchant Mod series by Juju, the Atmosphere mod (which included the visibility mod, skymod and reflections mod), the lighthouse mod, the improved smoke mod, the swastika mod, the hi-res flags mod, the AA searchlight mod, the navigation map mod, the added emblems and flotilla emblems by Evil Jester, to name the most significant ones.

Especially the Atmosphere mod is something I'd advise. If you have a powerful vidcard you can choose the 16km one, otherwise I'd go for the 8km one.

[gdogghenrikson]

1. Improved convoys
2. SH3 commander

[Marcus]

Hi Paragon,

Agreed with all above but if you want a complete sim I'd suggest that you install the Improved U-boat (IUb) 1.02 and some hi-res textures that are not included. The included mods are documented in the IUb docs.
Then use SH3 commander to tweak some more and play the game. This I regard the basics of SH3 and guarantees for hours of fun (and despair...LOL).

[P_Funk]

I'd start with whats been said above but as you get better you'll start to get more into the "simulation" aspect of the game and then maybe some more of the less cosmetic shortfallings of the game start to nag at you. Then I'd suggest either Real U-boat Mod or Improved U-boat Mod. THey are mods which attempt to fix all the flaws of the game in one package. RUB is more of a hardcore realism mod while IUB incorporates much of RUB while still being leniant to us less obcessed Kaleuns.

Its also alot to do with testing stuff out and seeing what you like. I change alot of things. The IUB I use isnt really IUB considering how much stuff I've either added or removed.

Also SH3 Commander is definately a must have regardless of what you're using. Also the Hollywood Advanced mod add a few interesting Fatigue mods which you can use through SH3 Commander which I feel better represent real fatigue than any other available fatigue mod. But again my opinion. Its all about finding your preference.

[Paragon]

I found a couple of mods I'm not sure if I need them. The files are called dx9res10 and SH3_SP2_Res_fix. Is this anything that is needed?