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[SinStar87]

I like challenge but when I had 4/5 of my torpedoes detonate early time and again that was it for me with dud torpedoes, fuel was annoying, I don't mind co2, air, and battery and they add to the challenge since they can reach danger when surfacing is a horrible idea. I don't think I'll ever be hard core enough for manual aiming as my norm.

[Jimbuna]

Play it at the realism setting your most comfortable with.

All realism options checked except for Map contact updates and Weapon Officer assistance so it's 94%.
Additional mods:

• Grey Wolves Expansion 3.0
• SH3 Commander:

• Realistic career length and crew transfers
• Historic U-boat availability dates
• No fatigue
• Ship tonnage and U-boat crush depth randomized

• Realism- and gameplay-related hardcode fixes
• Just Follow Orders! V2.0

Private rules:

• No restarts from previous saves unless my PC freezes or the game crashes
• Immediate crash dive when sighting aircraft; manning AA-gun only if diving not possible due to e.g. external torpedo loading or damage)
• Sending status report to BdU in every other day
• Always patrolling the grid ordered by BdU except for engaging a convoy or any other radio combat not farther than a 10-hour run with full speed
• At least two 1-hour long hydrophone checks a day in patrol grid or on waters with high traffic (grey areas on SH3 Convoy Map)

39-40: 20,000 - 40,000 GRT in average but my best result was over 80,000 with a Type VIIB.
41-43: I have never went over 25,000 with a VII against a convoy, though a Type IX patrol to the U.S. East Coast or the South Atlantic is very likely to bring better results.
43-45: What's a GRT? Returning to port in one piece is already a great success, imho.

[desirableroasted]

Originally Posted by SinStar87

fuel was annoying,

Fuel should be the least of your worries, since GWX gives you enough for at least 75 days in the VIIC.... in real life, U-boats did not go tearing around the ocean at flank speed looking for stuff.

As for my gameplay:

I am only just getting the hang of manual targeting, so I tend to practice that in single missions, or throwaway careers, rather than my serious careers. Other than that, I check everything except the outside camera -- yes, I like the eye candy, and no I do not use it tactically.

I go directly to my assigned grid at economy speed, and while sailing out I engage only with ships of 5K tons and over (on the assumption BdU would prefer I arrive on station with my torpedoes, but would not want me to pass up a major merchant or capital ship). Once on station, anything goes.

I stay on station 14 days. At 14 days, if I have fewer than five torpedoes, I head home, again in economy speed. If I have more than five or more, I used coin tosses to decide a) stay on station another 7 days, b) head for
a replenishment ship (if within 7 days sail), or c) go back home.

Usually, therefore, I am out for at least 28 days, and often 45 or so. If I get sent to a replenishment ship, it might be 90 days before my crew gets back to home base.

39 through early 41, I count any patrol with under 30K a real disappointment, and over 60K with great joy.