Another Barbarossa question

[Illiniwek80]

For experienced players, what is your usual goal for 1941? My last game I threw everything I had into taking Moscow, which I did in January 42, and then tried to drive on Leningrad. I could not quite make it before the flanks collapsed. I really didn't make any mistakes, and don't think I could do any better. I think the Axis is handicapped too much compared to history, and starting to think the default intermediate setting is too difficult for someone trying to recreate history. Also, I'm think that taking Leningrad first, then driving south, might be a better way since you don't have two flanks to worry about. Another problem: The game doesn't give you enough HQs. I hate the hard caps. There is an event where it prompts you to send an HQ to Murmansk. Oh, right!

[nnason]

1. HQs is always a build before Barbarossa as you need two in Afrika for any hope there. I build another before the first winter.
2. 1941 drive on Moscow releases the Siberians which you can delay until May 1942 with careful play.
3. Linkup with the Fins is always a good idea.
4. New rule change with release .20 may change the need for HQs at Murmansk.
5. A vigorous Afrika offensive means it is hard for more than one main attack in Russia in 1941.

[Sugar]

You`re talking against the AI, right?

Leningrad is the preferred objective, the Finns are usually enough to defend Wolchow, you can use the freed german forces elsewhere. The Dak is enough and a well dug in italian army with 2 HQs, a fighter, bomber, tank and all the army units available from start. Just let the Brits attack and overstretch their supply lines, there`s not much resistance after eliminating the key units.

You can use all german units to attack, an invasion in France can be dealt with by strategic operating the needed forces.

You can improve the number of available HQs by developing Logistics, each lvl provides one more (unless you haven`t overstretched the limit, in this case you`ll have to wait until the next 2 lvls are developped).

Use the german minors (Romania and Hungary that is)! They already have HQs and just need additional units to be fully operational, this provides a better front width against the overwhelming russian numbers. Their commanders are mediocre at best, but every lvl of XP provides the equivalence of 2 HQ-Ratings.

[Dorky8]

Leningrad first

Logistics research gives u more HQs

Max out HQs before DAK that gives u an extra one

There are many minor country HQs

[The Land]

ORIGINAL: Illiniwek80

For experienced players, what is your usual goal for 1941? My last game I threw everything I had into taking Moscow, which I did in January 42, and then tried to drive on Leningrad. I could not quite make it before the flanks collapsed. I really didn't make any mistakes, and don't think I could do any better. I think the Axis is handicapped too much compared to history, and starting to think the default intermediate setting is too difficult for someone trying to recreate history. Also, I'm think that taking Leningrad first, then driving south, might be a better way since you don't have two flanks to worry about. Another problem: The game doesn't give you enough HQs. I hate the hard caps. There is an event where it prompts you to send an HQ to Murmansk. Oh, right!

Leningrad often makes sense as the first objective because it's a relatively short distance and means you can join up with the Finns, whose army is pretty useful.

That said if you're struggling against the AI on Intermediate, you have a lot to learn about the game. In particular look out for your units' supply levels and readiness, making sure your strikes are used to best effect to destroy enemy units wherever possible (preferably expensive ones like tanks), and making sure your units are supported by HQs. Enjoy learning it!

[Illiniwek80]

Well, I think the fact that I have taken Moscow in 1941 tells me that I have learned supply and HQ chaining pretty well. My number one problem is that you simply cannot spend money on everything, particularly deploying a military force vs. technology investments. Logistics seems like a number one priority; after that it falls apart. Production technology seems to be a low priority. But getting and armored force into the field at max by Barbarossa seems a high priority also. So, there are so many decisions to be made, yet winning seems to require following a narrow path. I'd like to invade Spain or Turkey and feel I still have a path to victory.

[Dorky8]

ORIGINAL: Illiniwek80

So, there are so many decisions to be made, yet winning seems to require following a narrow path.

Thats why its a great game. If your playing vs the AI and want to win easily play at a low level.

I wouldnt say logistics is a top research. Germans start with logistics at 1 and if you max out HQs before DAK its like 2.

Ind Tech, S&I, infantry, tanks, fighters, bombers, range and subs are top researches.

[Elessar2]

ORIGINAL: Dorky8

Logistics research gives u more HQs

More crucially, Logistics gives your HQs higher supply levels. [The in-game tech description does NOT tell you that]

[Taxman66]

Higher Logistics gives your HQs higher supply levels if they are effectively cut off.
It is somewhat useful in situations/areas where natural supply is low (Africa/Middle East Theatre and parts of Russia).

The only country where I would say Logistics is a middle to high priority would be for the Russians as they will need the extra HQs it adds to the construction pool.

[Dorky8]

ORIGINAL: Taxman66

Higher Logistics gives your HQs higher supply levels if they are effectively cut off.
It is somewhat useful in situations/areas where natural supply is low (Africa/Middle East Theatre and parts of Russia).

The only country where I would say Logistics is a middle to high priority would be for the Russians as they will need the extra HQs it adds to the construction pool.

Logistics an important Germany research just not a top priority. Useful as you blitz russia.

Like the Germans with the DAK if you max out Russia HQs before Siberians arrive it give you 8 like logistics 2 for HQs.

[Illiniwek80]

UPDATE: Its late 1943 and I've taken Leningrad, Moscow and Stalingrad, so I guess I'm doing OK. Wasn't prepared for Allies invading France early in 43, so that kind of threw me into a panic. Fortunately, my lowly Italian allies stemmed the tide at the West Wall. Thanks for your advice, everyone.

UPDATE 2: Started over again; achieved major victory in September 1942. Did it by conquering Spain right after France, took Gibraltar and Suez etc. MPPs allowed me to steamroller Russia in 42.