How can I get better at ASW operations?

[fatgreta1066]

Are there any tutorials or advice out there? I really don't like the sub / ASW part of the game very much, so I skip scenarios that revolve heavily around that type of operation. I'm not criticizing it, that part of the game just isn't my cup of tea. But of course, many fun scenarios include them. So when I'm managing surface units agaist sub attacks, I set up ASW patrols with all available AC, modeled as I've seen other players do in play through videos. Still, it seems to me that once I do that I'm at the mercy of the simulation. They'll find the enemy subs or they won't. I'm wondering if there are tips or tricks to be better at that type of combat (or cheat codes to auto-kill enemy subs ?

Thanks,

Chris

[Sardaukar]

ASW is very much all about patience.

Submarines are very difficult to detect. Start with Tutorials -> Other tutorials -> Anti-submarine ASW Tutorial.

[thewood1]

One thing to keep in mind is there is no one answer. Tactics can depend on local weather, depth, number of ships in area, type of sensor, land proximity, etc. You have to have a plan A, plan B, and plan C. All the above parameters can change with one lost helicopter, travel, and other random events. I have always found a layered defense works best, but each layer is going to have to adjust to the above.

[maverick3320]

Well if you're trying to get better at something, I would think the first thing you would do is...start doing it?

I mean, it's like saying you want to learn to run but you actively avoid running.

[Rondor11]

My favorite tactic is to use Shift-Right Click to get the define area options and choose circle. Then you can set a range for your helio assets to work within. There are all kinds of ways to customize the circle to better concentrate your focus depending the the tactical situation.

You can have the ref points attached to your group was well so they move along with it as it gets into position.

Good Luck!

[cdnice]

ORIGINAL: Rondor11

My favorite tactic is to use Shift-Right Click to get the define area options and choose circle. Then you can set a range for your helo assets to work within. There are all kinds of ways to customize the circle to better concentrate your focus depending the the tactical situation.

You can have the ref points attached to your group was well so they move along with it as it gets into position.

Good Luck!

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This!! Game changer if you did not already know how to do this. Once I learned this scenarios became much more manageable and enjoyable. Doing one off's all the time time for larger ASW scenarios can get very confusing.

[kevinkins]

All good advice above. Another tip is to create a tiny (I mean tiny) one on one sub vs destroyer scenario and just find and kill the sub. It's a slow process even on a tiny scale. But rewarding. You can set up the enemy sub's patrol so you don't exactly know where it is and have to find it. But place the surface ship and sub close enough that scenario is done in an hour or two.

[BobTank63]

HLE Steam guide has a list of recommended scenarios that help one learn various game aspects. I'd try looking at the ASW section and playing a few of the scenarios there.

[HalfLifeExpert]

ORIGINAL: BobTank63

HLE Steam guide has a list of recommended scenarios that help one learn various game aspects. I'd try looking at the ASW section and playing a few of the scenarios there.

Thanks for the shoutout!

As for ASW in general, so much depends on the situation and what assets you have available. The best general way to go about it is to understand what capabilities your assets have, and try to maximize sonar coverage to the best of your ability.

[fatgreta1066]

Thanks to all of you who offered actual advice, I appreciate it.

Chris

[BeirutDude]

One thing I di, and we did in the Cold War is take control of the aircraft and fly real patterns.

For example (and an obvious on) a "Barrier Pattern" of alternating Deep/Shallow, string Sonobouys overlapping in a Chokepoint or in front of a sub's anticipated position.

When you've acquired a sub then drop a Hexagonal pattern near and around the sub, again overlapping shallow and deeps strings.

[fatgreta1066]

ORIGINAL: BobTank63

HLE Steam guide has a list of recommended scenarios that help one learn various game aspects. I'd try looking at the ASW section and playing a few of the scenarios there.

Wow, lots of great info in Steam, I'm glad I finally activated my Steam keys for games. Thanks for the mention.