Newbie needs some advice

[karmagettie]

I am god at easy mod on SHIII. I found SHIV , blew the dust off, and started to play it.

I must admit i am having a hard time against escorts. They always know where i am. I even go into silent mode, change course and try to escape, but they get me everytime.

My wife is getting upset at my cursewords, but i loved part 3 a lot and i dont want to fold to fast on IV

[Diopos]

Go deeper, silent, slower, under the thermal layer and keep them at a bearing around 0 or 180° (minimize your "aspect" towards the DDs).

If they still get you, you can comfort yourself that you did your job well, it's the "job" that sucks!

DD behavior is version and mod dependant.

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[karmagettie]

how can i tell the thermal layer?

I did some reading and what works half the time is wait for some depth charges, then nail silent running, decoy, and like shard to starboard or port while diving. 0_o

Do you launch torps by doing the *lock* function , or do you just do it by hand?

[subskipper53]

You'll hear one of your crewmembers say, "Passing thermal layer."

[WernherVonTrapp]

Originally Posted by karmagettie

how can i tell the thermal layer?

I did some reading and what works half the time is wait for some depth charges, then nail silent running, decoy, and like shard to starboard or port while diving. 0_o

Do you launch torps by doing the *lock* function , or do you just do it by hand?

Before you "rig for silent running" make sure you de-activate your "damage control crew". I know that, in the stock version, it made a big difference in keeping me undetected. Try to keep your sub bladed near the DDs. What I mean is, you want to present the smallest portion of your sub against any active sonar. If the seas are calm, it raises your chances of being detected. If the seas are rough, the DDs have a harder time picking up your sound. If the DDs are approaching, they're in a better position to hear you. If they're passing, it becomes harder to detect you as their angle of departure increases.
If you're approaching the convoy/TF from the front, try coming in at a 45 to 90° angle and turning in toward the convoy after the first DD passes if necessary. As far as the "thermal layer" is concerned, your crew will tell you when you've passed it. You launch torpedoes using either, the red fire button or, the "Enter" key. If a DD is making a DC run over the top of you, go to flank speed and change your direction, hopefully the opposite direction. SHIV is not the kind of sub sim that can be mastered overnight. It has a steep learning curve and takes some time to become proficient. I've been playing a couple of years and I'm still learning. Good luck with those DDs.

[I'm goin' down]

there is a link in the Skippers Bag of Tricks sticky that discusses enemy radar. Also, dds in TMO have a genius IQ re AI, and they can find you at long range. Consider the Constant Bearing Attack for firing at long range. That can keep you out of range and it is accurate. It is also discussed in the Skippers Bag of Tricks thread.

[Armistead]

I've often wondered if having your crew at SS, if repairs being done caused any noise in game. Even if you go off BS's, they're showing repair status for those on duty, pumps drain water, ect....I haven't seen any difference. I think silent running justs places a few more value points in your favor, but would be nice to know for sure. Regardless, even if you cut BS and remove your damage crew if you have hull damaged that gets fixed it will show pumping out water, that pump would be death in real life.

[karmagettie]

thank you for your help. Like i said, i am eager to learn. And even more eager to find a forum where i can actually talk to people

[WernherVonTrapp]

Originally Posted by Armistead

I've often wondered if having your crew at SS, if repairs being done caused any noise in game. Even if you go off BS's, they're showing repair status for those on duty, pumps drain water, ect....I haven't seen any difference. I think silent running justs places a few more value points in your favor, but would be nice to know for sure. Regardless, even if you cut BS and remove your damage crew if you have hull damaged that gets fixed it will show pumping out water, that pump would be death in real life.

When I was playing the stock version, I did a number of experiments using saved games/replays, constantly going over the same scenarios or attacks again and again. In almost every case, I was located when I failed to deactivate my DC crew. Once, I even watched a couple of DDs turn away within seconds of me deactivating that crew. That was enough of a coincidence for me to conclude, (What would it hurt?) to deactivate them, as long as I remember to activate them again when damage occurs.
This was all done, of course, with Silent Running rigged and I was still being located. I rarely get detected anymore. The only problem I have is that since I never get detected, I have trouble on the few occasions that I do, since my evasive skills aren't as sharp.

[MaddogK]

Aye, when you go silent you want to have DC disabled, and notice the auto-torp loading also stops , this is because loading torps makes noise. Also try going silent before you pass beneath the layer, and turn as soon as your under it to confuse tracking ships, and keep your speed low- the faster you're going the more noise you're making.

A neat trick I discovered it to go flank when you're in the DD's baffles (about 15 deg either side of his 180) which speeds you up, then go to 1/3 as you emerge from his baffles. A few times doing that will move you hundreds of yards away from where he thinks your at, and could buy you an escape.

[RodBorza]

MaddogK is right.

Also, when DD's start to throw depht charges over you, it's time to hit flank. After the explosions, go back to 1/3. Also, take the chance to change course after you run, because the residual speed will help you do that. Changing course at 1/3 take a loooong time.

When you know they are onto you or not is a different story. It has to do with sound. With time you will know when they attacking your position or not. A good way to find out is using the Event Camera. It helps a lot.