In a shocking development...

[nutworld]

I'm a newbie here on SH3. I've spent some time playing modern sub warfare and wanted to give the old subs a try.

I've just started playing a career using GWX2.1. Started a patrol in '39 based from Wilhelmshaven.

I guess that I didn't understand (or pay attention) to my mission orders.

Seeing this thread http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=108361

got me wondering if I am not playing by the "rules", I went out on patrol and started sinknig anything without a german flag on it......did I start WWII?

Will I get orders to sink enemy shipping, after the war truly starts?

This is obviously a newbie question.........thanks in advance.

[Puster Bill]

Yes, wait until you get a radio message stating that hostilities have commenced before you start shooting.

After it has started, be sure to check the flags (if possible) of the ships you are targeting to make sure they are enemy ships. Sinking neutrals and friendly ships gives you negative renown points, and renown is what you use to later upgrade your boat, get a new boat, better crew, awards, etc. There will be times when you can't really check them (night in bad weather, for example), but you should check them as much as possible. The GWX manual has a listing of the flags and whether they are friendly or not for any given time period.

Oh, and don't sink a hospital ship. They will give you negative renown like you wouldn't believe. Something like -10k points. Just for perspective, I'm in late 1941 in my current career and I only have 9.5K renown (i've upgraded a couple times). They are lit and marked well, so it shouldn't be a problem to avoid them, unless you make a habit of shooting on sonar/radar information only (which isn't historical from a German perspective).


If I might make one humble suggestion, since you are coming from the modern World into the past: Once you are comfortable with how the game works, go ahead and do manual targeting. Make yourself a Kriegsmarine Whiz-wheel out of cardstock, or download the Flash version, and get the instructions on how to use it. All of those can be found in this thread:
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=126824

My personal preference is for the actual physical version (they aren't hard to make), but the Flash version works just as well.

[Sailor Steve]

I always recommend using SH3 Commander. It works with any mod or supermod; it allows you greater control of your crew, including awarding medals and promotions at your discretion; it lets you change game parameters with a single click; it gives names to the ships you sink; and it lets you feel like you're experiencing an actual career, just as GWX lets you feel like you're experiencing an actual combat patrol.

Take your time, enjoy the sights and sounds, and ask all the questions you want.

And WELCOME ABOARD!