Best fleet?

[flieslikeabrick]

Hello, I'm wondering, as you can guess by the title, what fleet is best in SH4(TMO currently) on the American campaign.

I recently started one with the asiatic fleet and was sent to do a special supply mission on the first day! It was rather funny to do it on the 8th. I was then sent east of formosa where I sank some 2000 or 3000 tons of fishing ships and trawlers (not a single big ship ) with my deck gun before running out of ammo and calling it a day(also got one man killed by heavy machinegun fire from a trawler) and returning home.

Does the Pacific fleet get more "sit and watch" recon missions as said in the intro video or do they get "action" assignments early on too? Also, is the distance a problem? Even refuelling from midway it seems really far to the front lines.

BTW, the pacific ocean really is huge, my transit times are about twice as long as in SH3.

[TorpX]

Welcome aboard, flieslikeabrick!



Cool name, btw.


I wouldn't say either fleet is really better, but there are differences, of course. Both fleets took an active part in the war.

I'm not sure what you mean by 'sit and watch' recon missions. There are photo recon missions (which are not historically accurate, btw), and patrol missions. The patrol missions are not really recon oriented; you are expected to make attacks, as targets appear.

About the distances, they certainly were an issue, even more with the older S-class subs. The situation improved as forward bases were acquired. However, all the historical missions should be doable, if you go about it right. Mostly, this means watching your speed, and conserving fuel as much as possible.

I can't really give a lot of specific advice for playing TMO, as I have used RFB, but I'm sure you'll get some from TMO players.

[Hambone307]

I personally prefer starting in manila, then moving as the front lines change. Distances travelled are about the same as if I was out of Pearl, but there are more aircraft and warships to be encountered. There are also a couple of sweet spots where the islands form a beautiful funnel for merchant shipping. One thing about TMO is that speed is crucial for fuel consumption. S-Boats are fuel efficient around 7-9 kts, Porpoise, Salmon, Gar, and Narwhal seem to get the best around 10-12 kts. Weather is also a major factor as well as battery charging and sitting still, since the diesels are considered to be running. You will have to play around to find what works best for you.

Edit: Stay away from the Java sea unless you want a short career...

[flieslikeabrick]

Originally Posted by Hambone307

Edit: Stay away from the Java sea unless you want a short career...

I believe this is the greatest piece of advice ever for SH4

[Armistead]

The big action is starting out in Manila, TMO scripts much historical traffic. The Japs progress south from there to take Java, so you can see some good action. RSRD scripts all the traffic and you can stay very busy through 42.

[ReallyDedPoet]

Welcome to SUBSIM

[Hambone307]

Originally Posted by flieslikeabrick

I believe this is the greatest piece of advice ever for SH4

I thought I would save you the trouble of learning that one! I was taking a "shortcut" through there after I first started playing and came across a large convoy at night. I took my shots on the convoy and then got lit up by an escort I didn't see. Tried to dive, bottomed out, and then had a DC land right on top of me ending my career.

Truly a series of unfortunate events caused by lack of Subsim education!

[Rockin Robbins]

Originally Posted by Hambone307

Truly a series of unfortunate events caused by lack of Subsim education!

Yes, education is expensive but it sure beats the cost of ignorance!

[flieslikeabrick]

Originally Posted by Hambone307

I thought I would save you the trouble of learning that one! I was taking a "shortcut" through there after I first started playing and came across a large convoy at night. I took my shots on the convoy and then got lit up by an escort I didn't see. Tried to dive, bottomed out, and then had a DC land right on top of me ending my career.

Truly a series of unfortunate events caused by lack of Subsim education!

If you feel stupid after that, the first time I lost my boat was not by enemy action, but when I hit an island(which you could only see at 5 or 4 levels of zoom from the biggest one) at flank speed on my way back to Australia.

Now I don't navigate shallow waters anymore.