Can anyone Share any wisdom

[Groove74]

Ok I am really getting into the game now and I finally have it setup to my Skill level. I gennerally do my Search/Patrol by going to required zone. I then use the put ship in search pattern command. the one where the ship goes back and forth in a zone. I generally get 1 or 2 ships every 30 to hour. anyone have any tips for a more productive way to search for ships on the NAv map. is the search pattern button the way to go or is more a case of random luck?

[Torplexed]

It really is kind of random. I've gotten results both by sailing about in a pattern and by just sitting motionless somewhere in my patrol area and waiting for something to show up. Steaming about at least makes you feel like you're doing something proactive though.

[SteamWake]

Originally Posted by Torplexed

It really is kind of random. I've gotten results both by sailing about in a pattern and by just sitting motionless somewhere in my patrol area and waiting for something to show up. Steaming about at least makes you feel like you're doing something proactive though.

Yea but the former saves fuel.

[coasterdigi]

Finding shipping is somewhat random, but you can improve your chances by thinking about where shipping ought to be and concentrating your searches in those areas. "Choke points," such as straights and bay entrances are good places to begin looking, and anywhere nearby a port city is generally somewhat productive. The patrol areas are usually near at least one of those two features.

Also, it helps to have an idea where the shipping lanes are. I know there is a great map in TMO that displays a lot of them, but even without a map figuring them out falls somewhat into the realm common sense. After all, ships, and their sailors go from port to port.

[Groove74]

Originally Posted by coasterdigi

Finding shipping is somewhat random, but you can improve your chances by thinking about where shipping ought to be and concentrating your searches in those areas. "Choke points," such as straights and bay entrances are good places to begin looking, and anywhere nearby a port city is generally somewhat productive. The patrol areas are usually near at least one of those two features.

Also, it helps to have an idea where the shipping lanes are. I know there is a great map in TMO that displays a lot of them, but even without a map figuring them out falls somewhat into the realm common sense. After all, ships, and their sailors go from port to port.

Ya' know that is so true Sure wish I had thought of that. I should have been searching near ports. I got in such a hurry to pick a fight I forgot to think it through.

[Armistead]

If you use RSRD it programs realistic historical battles and convoys. Just learn the dates and locations of large battles and you can see some good action. RSRD does a fairly good job of using the correct number and type of ships. You can really see some large action during Midway,Solomons Campaign numerous TF, Battle of Guam and the Battle of Leyte. If you don't want to load a supermod, you can just run RSRD seperate.

As someone said the shipping map works wells. Most of your patrol zones are in shipping lanes. If you really want ships, you can go into the harbor and rape stationary ships. I seldom do it, except when I know I need the points. Take time and go to Kure, being careful, between Kure and Osaka you can get 50-100 contacts.

I usually look for the large battles, then I'll complete my mission. I would rather go to the action than chase lone merchants in patrol zones.

A great shipping lane is the narrows east of Tawi Tawi. I found the 50 ship Java invasion force convoy there.

When you have radar, make sure you set it to detect as far as possible. Keep some skilled players on sensors and deckwatch...it makes a difference.

Also pay attention when your computer starts working. I'm sure you've noticed right before you run into a convoy your computer will slow a little as it starts finding targets. Usually you will run into them, but sometimes it will slow down and you will pass the convoy up. If it slows down and you don't get a contact, start some search patterns so you find it. If your computer speeds back up, you missed it and need to turn around and try another direction.

[Groove74]

Ahh ok Good stuff I will try that thank you

[ichso]

Can anyone Share any wisdom

Only who that swims against the stream is going to reach the source

[vanjast]

Use your 'noggin'..

Example:
I sailed out of Manila to my destination (that blue marker above the clip-board) with a 150Nm radius to play in. I decided that SE of CamranH Bay (at the limit of my range) looked like a good 'choke' point, so off I went on my merry way.

During the day I sailed at 200ft @ 1 knot, Night time on the surface I did STD speed and did sonar searches every 3 hours. Once arriving at my 'spot', I sat in one spot and waited... the results of being patient are in the pic.


This lot is with RFB+RSRD.. etc..
As mentioned RSRD tries to make historical stuff, so going by that.. Early war invasion fleets would be travelling down my way, hence my sit and wait for them tactic.. working so far. Not to mention the Axis oil supply routes down this way.

Note: I still have a full tank

[Groove74]

Well it is safe to say after reading the posts here my mistake is I jumpped in the game and instead of being taking it slow. I was jumping all over the map. So it would seem to me that with this game slower is better.

Thanks Guys

[Stealhead]

That is how they do it. I never just sit and wait for a ship to cross my path bad idea.If you want to think of finding a ship/convoy as random then by just sitting in one spot not moving you greatly reduce the odds that you will find something. I feel it is better to sail a patern in your assigned area you have a far better chance of finding something.

Once you have the SJ radar you will be able to pick up anything that comes within 20 miles(40,000yds) of your sub and the more area you sail in with your radar sweeping the more you are covering. On the other hand if you just simply sit in one place a target is going to have to do one of 2 things
1)sail into radar/visual range
2) sail into sonar range a mere 10,000 yds at best
by moving around inside your patrol you increase the odds that you will find a target.RSRD I am not so crazy for but if you like it fine as well but if you havent really figured the none RSRD finding ships system that suits you best Id not bother with RSRD.

[vanjast]

Originally Posted by Groove74

So it would seem to me that with this game slower is better.

There is no rush.. you must be looking at a patrol period of between 8 - 12 weeks, so fuel conservation is crucial.

First up is working out the best areas to patrol, and their associated dangers - ASW patrols.
Whatever method you use, if it's not working, switch tactics - be flexible in your approach.
Remember that if the enemy doesn't know you're there, he will most probably not put too much effort into finding you and/or he cannot attack you.
Always have a backup plan or two.

[Frame57]

I will operate around the shipping lanes and what I call choke points. For example if you get to patrol the area of the Bismark sea stay on the north end of Rabaul. I manage to get Task force's and all the merchants you could ask for. Also the Luzon straights are a great place to hunt.

[AVGWarhawk]

What I do is if I sink a vessel and know it's projected path (which I normally do after tracking) I stay in that shipping lane because eventually another one comes along.