First Grand Campaign '41 - '45

[NotOneStepBack]

Hey all,

I got WITE about a week ago and worked my way through the tutorial and through the operational boot camp. I think I have a basic understanding of the mechanics and I'm not new to wargames -- just wargames of this type and depth. I think I might be ready to tackle the grand campaign, so what do you all reccommend? Axis or Soviets? Anything I should be aware of before I tackle this behemoth? I feel like I have a better grasp of the Axis side of things as it is simpler in terms of economics and command structure, but just knowing my history, won't that be an uphill battle, and it better to start off as the Soviets?

Also, is there an in-depth discussion exactly on the battle mechanics on what influences CV? It seems like the game is a bit of a "black box" when I'm trying to follow how exactly to gauge whether or not I will win a battle or if it is reasonable to attack / defend. How do you all go about making these estimates or does this all come with time?

Any advice appreciated.

[Tarhunnas]

Welcome!

The AI is better at playing the Soviets in 1941, so I would suggest playing the Axis.

As for the CVs, dont worry too much, just play against the AI and you will get a feeling for what works and how strong the units are.

[hfarrish]

Honestly, I wouldn't feel any fear of taking on a PBEM as the Soviets, provided you vet your opponent to someone who isn't hyper-experienced. That's what I did and I don't feel like I missed much of anything by skipping playing the AI (maybe it would make sense to do one "road-to" scenario first as well). There is a lot of depth to Soviet play but you do have a fairly significant margin for error against an average German opponent, and even if you lose you will learn very fast.

Aside from that, if you want to do something against the AI I would recommend the Germans per Tarhunnas.

[HRL58]

ORIGINAL: NotOneStepBack

Anything I should be aware of before I tackle this behemoth? I feel like I have a better grasp of the Axis side of things as it is simpler in terms of economics and command structure, but just knowing my history, won't that be an uphill battle, and it better to start off as the Soviets?

I'm also in my first GC 41 against the AI, as axis. My advice: Lock all your HQ:s and distribute the support units manually to your corps/armies (the automatic distribute function sucks)
[/quote]

[NotOneStepBack]

How time consuming is this task? Do you do this on a divisional basis? I think the most daunting thing to me isn't the actual tactics of battle (encriclement, schwerpunkt doctrine, etc.) as I've used it in other wargames, but rather the logistical and administrative side is what seems to be my achille's heel in this game. What's the best use for admin points? I never seem to really use them or figure out why I need them, which i'm sure is a huge noob thing to say.

[Tarhunnas]

My advice is leave as much as possible on automatic when starting and concentrate on moving and fighting your units. The only thing except that you have to worry about except the fighting units is keeping ypur units in command range of the headquarters. Then when you are getting more experience, you can worry about micromanaging things.

[hfarrish]

On admin points, it probably varies on which side you are playing. I can speak more for the Soviet - you need them first and foremost to make sure your army is properly organized after the many messy retreats you will go through - since there are penalties for distance from HQ and especially for units from different HQs stacked, you want to avoid this as much as possible. After that, the rest of the APs should be used to create RR construction brigades (for their help in digging, not in repairing RRs, although that is helpful later) and putting leaders where you want them to go. Shouldn't have too many leftover after that.

My guess on the German side is that the APs are more valuable for moving your panzers and leaders to sectors/armies where you want to focus an offensive.

[Scook_99]

ORIGINAL: NotOneStepBack

Hey all,

I got WITE about a week ago and worked my way through the tutorial and through the operational boot camp. I think I have a basic understanding of the mechanics and I'm not new to wargames -- just wargames of this type and depth. I think I might be ready to tackle the grand campaign, so what do you all reccommend? Axis or Soviets? Anything I should be aware of before I tackle this behemoth? I feel like I have a better grasp of the Axis side of things as it is simpler in terms of economics and command structure, but just knowing my history, won't that be an uphill battle, and it better to start off as the Soviets?

Also, is there an in-depth discussion exactly on the battle mechanics on what influences CV? It seems like the game is a bit of a "black box" when I'm trying to follow how exactly to gauge whether or not I will win a battle or if it is reasonable to attack / defend. How do you all go about making these estimates or does this all come with time?

Any advice appreciated.

CV: I think it's based on the TOE of a unit, modified by experience, morale, and fatigue. Throw in supplies and ammunition, and movement affected by fuel (at least the motorized units), you have a vast array of modifiers for CV.

As Axis, you are looking for about a 2:1 advantage to get a retreat, the Soviets need 1:1. If you play with fog of war on, the CV values can be highly skewed from what it really is.

Play either side, it is almost like playing a different game from each side.

Think in terms of logistics and operations, and less on tactics. Don't think of individual units, think it terms at a minimum of a corps for Germany, and an Army for the Soviets. I also believe you have an easier time starting this game when applying basic military principles to your army.

Read a lot of AAR's! They contain useful information on what you can and cannot do with your forces.

There is a lot more, and expect a learning curve. I think I have at least tinkered with this game every day since release and only now feel comfortable operationally with both side. Your mileage may vary, I feel I am learning on the slow side.

[NotOneStepBack]

ORIGINAL: Scook_99

ORIGINAL: NotOneStepBack

Hey all,

I got WITE about a week ago and worked my way through the tutorial and through the operational boot camp. I think I have a basic understanding of the mechanics and I'm not new to wargames -- just wargames of this type and depth. I think I might be ready to tackle the grand campaign, so what do you all reccommend? Axis or Soviets? Anything I should be aware of before I tackle this behemoth? I feel like I have a better grasp of the Axis side of things as it is simpler in terms of economics and command structure, but just knowing my history, won't that be an uphill battle, and it better to start off as the Soviets?

Also, is there an in-depth discussion exactly on the battle mechanics on what influences CV? It seems like the game is a bit of a "black box" when I'm trying to follow how exactly to gauge whether or not I will win a battle or if it is reasonable to attack / defend. How do you all go about making these estimates or does this all come with time?

Any advice appreciated.

CV: I think it's based on the TOE of a unit, modified by experience, morale, and fatigue. Throw in supplies and ammunition, and movement affected by fuel (at least the motorized units), you have a vast array of modifiers for CV.

As Axis, you are looking for about a 2:1 advantage to get a retreat, the Soviets need 1:1. If you play with fog of war on, the CV values can be highly skewed from what it really is.

Play either side, it is almost like playing a different game from each side.

Think in terms of logistics and operations, and less on tactics. Don't think of individual units, think it terms at a minimum of a corps for Germany, and an Army for the Soviets. I also believe you have an easier time starting this game when applying basic military principles to your army.

Read a lot of AAR's! They contain useful information on what you can and cannot do with your forces.

There is a lot more, and expect a learning curve. I think I have at least tinkered with this game every day since release and only now feel comfortable operationally with both side. Your mileage may vary, I feel I am learning on the slow side.

Thanks, this has been very helpful, I'm on my way now as Axis and it's June 22 1941!

[HRL58]

ORIGINAL: Tarhunnas

My advice is leave as much as possible on automatic when starting and concentrate on moving and fighting your units. The only thing except that you have to worry about except the fighting units is keeping ypur units in command range of the headquarters. Then when you are getting more experience, you can worry about micromanaging things.

That is of course a question of taste (I my self like the micromanagement struggle) But if he is going for Leningrad I think he must learn the hard way of support unit management

[gradenko2k]

If you leave the support unit assingment completely automatic, what kind of logic does the game use in reshuffling them around?

Furthermore, if as the Soviets it's on automatic, is it possible to just build all of your SUs in STAVKA for later distribution by the AI, since an HQ can always pull SUs from there?

It's admin skill that determines chance of SU commitment, right?

And lastly, will the AI ever assign SUs to individual German divisions and/or Soviet Corps?

[jomni]

ORIGINAL: Scook_99
As Axis, you are looking for about a 2:1 advantage to get a retreat, the Soviets need 1:1. If you play with fog of war on, the CV values can be highly skewed from what it really is.

Not too simple to estimate as the retreat decision is after the battle. You may be 2:1 or 3:1 at the start but end up 0.9:1 because the battle went bad. So make sure to bring in more troops, support, etc.

[karonagames]

If you leave the support unit assingment completely automatic, what kind of logic does the game use in reshuffling them around?

Furthermore, if as the Soviets it's on automatic, is it possible to just build all of your SUs in STAVKA for later distribution by the AI, since an HQ can always pull SUs from there?

It's admin skill that determines chance of SU commitment, right?

And lastly, will the AI ever assign SUs to individual German divisions and/or Soviet Corps?

Haven't seen a lot of logic on the auto assignment, but I played my first 3 campaigns on auto with no real problems.

Yes.

Initiative is used for reserve commitment and SU commitment.

No. Assignment to Divisions/brigades can only be done manually.

[NotOneStepBack]

Well, I'm on turn 5 and have inflicted about a million casualties on the Soviets, and 5000 aircraft. I'm pushing towards Pskov, Leningrad, Smolensk and Kiev. Not to bad?

Also totally leaving the support units on automatic for my first game lol

[Scook_99]

Nope, that's very good for your 1st game. Don't do any restarts until say, March of 1942. You really need to experience the 1st winter so you won't be shocked by it. Keep at it!

[NotOneStepBack]

ORIGINAL: Scook_99

Nope, that's very good for your 1st game. Don't do any restarts until say, March of 1942. You really need to experience the 1st winter so you won't be shocked by it. Keep at it!

I'd like to see the whole campaign if possible, I'm gonna keep at it until Berlin falls!

[jomni]

ORIGINAL: NotOneStepBack
I'd like to see the whole campaign if possible, I'm gonna keep at it until Berlin falls!

That's the spirit!

[NotOneStepBack]

Well, it's the end of August and I'm about to take Smolensk, Kiev, Novgorod and am at the gates of Leningrad. My question to you all is, if the winter is so brutal, is it worth advancing to Moscow, or just holding out until '42?

[HRL58]

Try at lest to take Leningrad before the blizzard, then you free the finns and they are BIG help in the north in the winter.

On the other fronts continue east until end of october. You need a lot of space because you are forced to give ground during the blizzard. In the south try at least to reach east of Stalino before the mud.

When mud hits, dig in!

[NotOneStepBack]

ORIGINAL: HRL58

Try at lest to take Leningrad before the blizzard, then you free the finns and they are BIG help in the north in the winter.

On the other fronts continue east until end of october. You need a lot of space because you are forced to give ground during the blizzard. In the south try at least to reach east of Stalino before the mud.

When mud hits, dig in!

Is there any special way you dig in, such as building fortifications, or do you mean just hold the line?