New to Wolfpack, have a few questions

ttb · 12-27-20, 04:58 AM

o7 Captains!

Long time subsimmer, first time poster. I've been playing subsims since the days of the original Wolfpack, Seawolf and Silent Hunter (the first). First of all, may I say this game is the business. For years I've been waiting for a subsim like this, and I'm bloody loving it! I'm keen to see the planned features added when they are ready, but even in the current state the sim is an absolute pleasure to play. I find it very immersive, especially with having to know how to manipulate the actual controls, and having basic understanding of bouyancy etc to keep the u-boat stable.

I've been mostly playing in solo mode (both with and without bots) to try and learn approaches, attacks and the inevitable evasion. I have also tried my hand on multiplayer, and I feel it adds a great amount towards immersion having other crew to communicate with. Also the sound is absolutely outstanding, from the boat noises to having to speak into speaking tubes, bravo!!

Anywho, I have a few questions. If anyone here could provide advice, I'd be grateful!

I've noticed my sub tends to become sluggish (with regards to changing depth) at low engine speeds. This is at depth, rather than a fresh dive. I can understand in real life how this could be normal (less water over diving surfaces reducing action), in this sim is that expected? Increasing speed seems to increase depth changes, basically I am wondering if I should take (to me the drastic) step of flooding/blowing negative to increase the rate of descent/ascent?
Related question: when I'm diving, what is the historical configuration of dive planes? I.E. I can make the nose dive down and push her down with fast engines(eg foward and aft planes like / \, or is it more realistic to dive on an even keel (eg foward and aft planes like / /). Same question for decreasing depth.
Any tips for evading destroyers?
Are the escorts able to hear me blowing my tanks?

Many thanks, and perhaps I'll see you on the seas!

ttb

Aktungbby · 12-27-20, 05:16 AM

ttb!

ChrisPhoenix · 12-27-20, 06:02 AM

Welcome ttb!

First of all, after reading so much whining and complaining about this game, it is really nice to see some kind words for a change. Maybe i'm too much of a fanboy but i can only agree that the immersion this game creates is unrivaled so far.

I am by far no expert in this game but i'm trying to help as best as i can.

1. I think it is not recommended to use the negative tank for anything else than emergency dive. Due to the fact that it is really hard to stabilize the boat once you reached the desired depth plus you have to use a lot of precious compressed air to blow it out again.
However: It has proven to be a very good tactic to stay hidden during an attack once the torpedos hit, to not start the engines but instead use a little bit of the negative to get down to safety depth on the spot. Destroyers hate this trick

2. I think it is more historically correct to dive very slowly and carefully because of the foam that faster speeds create on the surface. Although not visible in the game (yet) due to the game not having the best graphics i think it is still modeled to some point. Example: Going fast and sticking your periscope out makes you very detectable compared to slower speeds so even if you don't see the splash and foam effects, pretend they are there and act accordingly. Emergency diving of course does not count. Then you should go down as fast as possible.

3. Struggling with destroyers myself alot. This game is hard. However once the pings hit your boat it is almost certain that they know where you are. Forget all the stealth and dodge as fast as you can. Chance depth frequently, course slightly enough and most importantly pick up speed as fast as you can. Once you have made some ground, go for silent running of even full stop and try to turn towards or even better away from the destroyer so that your silhouette is as small as possible. Good luck!
(fyi this is coming from a guy that in his last game got hunted for 2,5 hours and still got sunk in the end

)

4. From what i know, they can hear you if you turn the valves too excessively and blowing ballast will be heard too. But don't quote me on that. Just touch her very gently, your boat may not be a virgin after a good couple of patrols anymore but she still likes to be treated as one

CommissarStarfish · 12-30-20, 04:40 AM

In terms of evasion

When they ping off your hull, there are a few things you must d.
Set full speed ahead both electrics, check depth under keel with the depth sounder (if playing in shallow water), initiate a 90 degree turn, and PREPARE make a dramatic depth change on the planes.
Go like this until the pings cease. Once they stop, cut your speed to dead slow, make that depth change, initiate a turn the other direction 180 degrees, and execute that dramatic depth change, then cross your fingers.
At least, that's what I do. Watch your battery level.

12-27-20, 04:58 AM	#1
ttb Bilge Rat Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 1 Downloads: 43 Uploads: 0	New to Wolfpack, have a few questions o7 Captains! Long time subsimmer, first time poster. I've been playing subsims since the days of the original Wolfpack, Seawolf and Silent Hunter (the first). First of all, may I say this game is the business. For years I've been waiting for a subsim like this, and I'm bloody loving it! I'm keen to see the planned features added when they are ready, but even in the current state the sim is an absolute pleasure to play. I find it very immersive, especially with having to know how to manipulate the actual controls, and having basic understanding of bouyancy etc to keep the u-boat stable. I've been mostly playing in solo mode (both with and without bots) to try and learn approaches, attacks and the inevitable evasion. I have also tried my hand on multiplayer, and I feel it adds a great amount towards immersion having other crew to communicate with. Also the sound is absolutely outstanding, from the boat noises to having to speak into speaking tubes, bravo!! Anywho, I have a few questions. If anyone here could provide advice, I'd be grateful! I've noticed my sub tends to become sluggish (with regards to changing depth) at low engine speeds. This is at depth, rather than a fresh dive. I can understand in real life how this could be normal (less water over diving surfaces reducing action), in this sim is that expected? Increasing speed seems to increase depth changes, basically I am wondering if I should take (to me the drastic) step of flooding/blowing negative to increase the rate of descent/ascent? Related question: when I'm diving, what is the historical configuration of dive planes? I.E. I can make the nose dive down and push her down with fast engines(eg foward and aft planes like / \, or is it more realistic to dive on an even keel (eg foward and aft planes like / /). Same question for decreasing depth. Any tips for evading destroyers? Are the escorts able to hear me blowing my tanks? Many thanks, and perhaps I'll see you on the seas! ttb

12-27-20, 05:16 AM	#2
Aktungbby Gefallen Engel U-666 Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: On a tilted, overheated, overpopulated spinning mudball on Collision course with Andromeda Galaxy Posts: 29,979 Downloads: 24 Uploads: 0	welcome aboard! ttb! __________________ "Only two things are infinite; The Universe and human squirrelyness?!!

12-27-20, 06:02 AM	#3
ChrisPhoenix Bosun Join Date: Feb 2019 Posts: 62 Downloads: 7 Uploads: 0	Welcome ttb! First of all, after reading so much whining and complaining about this game, it is really nice to see some kind words for a change. Maybe i'm too much of a fanboy but i can only agree that the immersion this game creates is unrivaled so far. I am by far no expert in this game but i'm trying to help as best as i can. 1. I think it is not recommended to use the negative tank for anything else than emergency dive. Due to the fact that it is really hard to stabilize the boat once you reached the desired depth plus you have to use a lot of precious compressed air to blow it out again. However: It has proven to be a very good tactic to stay hidden during an attack once the torpedos hit, to not start the engines but instead use a little bit of the negative to get down to safety depth on the spot. Destroyers hate this trick 2. I think it is more historically correct to dive very slowly and carefully because of the foam that faster speeds create on the surface. Although not visible in the game (yet) due to the game not having the best graphics i think it is still modeled to some point. Example: Going fast and sticking your periscope out makes you very detectable compared to slower speeds so even if you don't see the splash and foam effects, pretend they are there and act accordingly. Emergency diving of course does not count. Then you should go down as fast as possible. 3. Struggling with destroyers myself alot. This game is hard. However once the pings hit your boat it is almost certain that they know where you are. Forget all the stealth and dodge as fast as you can. Chance depth frequently, course slightly enough and most importantly pick up speed as fast as you can. Once you have made some ground, go for silent running of even full stop and try to turn towards or even better away from the destroyer so that your silhouette is as small as possible. Good luck! (fyi this is coming from a guy that in his last game got hunted for 2,5 hours and still got sunk in the end ) 4. From what i know, they can hear you if you turn the valves too excessively and blowing ballast will be heard too. But don't quote me on that. Just touch her very gently, your boat may not be a virgin after a good couple of patrols anymore but she still likes to be treated as one

12-30-20, 04:40 AM	#4
CommissarStarfish Swabbie Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: canada Posts: 7 Downloads: 2 Uploads: 0	In terms of evasion When they ping off your hull, there are a few things you must d. Set full speed ahead both electrics, check depth under keel with the depth sounder (if playing in shallow water), initiate a 90 degree turn, and PREPARE make a dramatic depth change on the planes. Go like this until the pings cease. Once they stop, cut your speed to dead slow, make that depth change, initiate a turn the other direction 180 degrees, and execute that dramatic depth change, then cross your fingers. At least, that's what I do. Watch your battery level.