Have Convoy Attacks by Subs Been Changed

[canuckgamer]

My friend and I both installed the latest patch and hot fix. Last turn in our PBEM game was September 27, 1940. A German sub fleet of 3 groups on a North Atlantic convoy hex destroyed 8 MM's and 2 escorts without any losses. The Allies had 10 escorts and a +1 modifier for destroyers on that route. This is the single largest loss we have seen in three games and am wondering if subs were tweaked in the last patch or hot fix? Or was this a very lucky "die roll"?

[stjeand]

No changes that I have heard of.

That is tied with the highest I have ever seen subs do...outside the German surface fleet where I once sunk 18 MM...

[generalfdog]

The starting German subs now have more experience thus they are more effective

[canuckgamer]

This last turn I lost another 4 MM's and 1 escort on the same convoy route even though I had 10 escorts and a +5 modifier, 2 destroyers and a CV. The Germans lost 2 subs. It is only October 40 and at this rate, I will run out of MM's and escorts before the end of 41. I am curious as to why the increase in experience for subs as I think the Battle of the Atlantic was ok as is. The Allies before the change already had to build hundreds of MM's.

[canuckgamer]

The best year for the wolf packs in the Battle of the Atlantic was 1942 but with the increase in their experience the B of A may be over by mid 1941!

[Nirosi]

This last turn I lost another 4 MM's and 1 escort on the same convoy route even though I had 10 escorts and a +5 modifier, 2 destroyers and a CV. The Germans lost 2 subs. It is only October 40 and at this rate, I will run out of MM's and escorts before the end of 41. I am curious as to why the increase in experience for subs as I think the Battle of the Atlantic was ok as is. The Allies before the change already had to build hundreds of MM's.

The 8 M and 2 escorts was very bad, but no unheard of. However 4 MM and 1 escort is more or less normal and in touch with previous games. I assume that you mean the Germans lost 2 steps this last turn (not two subs), which is actually not such a bad turn for late 1940 for the UK. Usually with the UK in 1940, if the Axis seems keen for the BoA, the UK should by merchant every second turns.

Personally, I doubt the increase in XP just for the 2 subs at start will make a huge difference. The Axis player was simply lucky I think on that turn with 2 escorts sunk. But in a 5 years game, it will happen again for sure.

[generalfdog]

The point of the experience increase of the starting German subs as I understand it is to weaken the Brits a bit and make a max bef in France all the more risky, I think its a good move the British do build a few too many land units, this should make them build more mm instead.

[Nirosi]

... this should make them build more mm instead.

+1

Building MMs is often neglected by UK players early on and can lead to problem if the Axis takes the BoA seriously.