Early soviet strategy vs AI

[latosusi]

Any tips on that? How to avoid being encircled in mass? Factory evacuation advice? Latest beta patch.

[Klydon]

Not sure what level you have the AI on as that will make a difference. This is my current game (Russia vs German AI).

The Germans are not nearly as dangerous when it comes to trapping units after the first turn or two, so you can afford to be a bit more aggressive as far as forward defence. This also means you can be a bit more risky with industry as well. Minsk will likely be gone, but you can typically get most of the rest out in time.

Basically, I look to get specialty units out of the line I want to save (Mountain units for sure) and be careful with some other units (cav and tank/motorized so I can save the trucks, etc). You can also look to evacuate industry as well that is closer to the front as the AI doesn't usually "raid" deeper spots, especially if you have a garrison.

I would also set support level to 0 for my HQ units and transfer all the support units up to Stavka. No need to expose artillery, etc in the first part of the campaign as you will needlessly take losses. Save them for later. After you get everything out, set to lock and start building rail repair units for extra help in digging.

The AI will take a crack at Leningrad, so make sure you give the appearance of making it tough up there if you want to keep it. The other area it likes to push on is in the middle to the south in all that nice open area.

Start disbanding motorcycle regiments and also look at disbanding corps HQ. Getting some good leaders in place will be helpful as well. I would likely start my command changes with the more northern armies/fronts in order to protect Leningrad, but you need to look at getting some of the worst offenders out of command if they don't get executed first.

Good luck!

[latosusi]

how many units do you normally loose within 3 rounds or so?

[carlkay58]

You typically lose about 1m men in the first three or four turns. At least that has been my experience.

[56ajax]

and the AI typically leaves HQs and Airbases unguarded so send them packing...if the settings are Normal you should be able to stop the AI well short of the historical lines....and hammer the Allies as the AI does not protect them very well...

[latosusi]

Thank you. I thought i was doing bad heheh