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The long war grinds on as we approach the start of 1943.

Allied airpower is doing its work, unopposed, in support of the D-Day into the Netherlands. Everything is flung at the Tiger tank units threatening the invasion and, lacking air defence of any kind, the Allies are feeling more secure now. Italy teeters on the edge of collapse (16%). Indian sepoys fight their way into Catanzaro and the experienced British carrier aviation keeps up the pressure. The Allied navies rule supreme and more amphibious assaults are sure to come. Even in Greece things are looking a little better with the poor morale of the Italians and the sapped strength of Hungarians stalling their drive on Athens.

It is all very necessary, however, because Germany is building up its strength for a renewed assault on Kubyashev. The Nazis' unstoppable airpower is currently grounded but the 1939 era fighters of the VVS are no match for the brilliant Luftwaffe. Only weather keeps us safe there.

China is confident of clearing its countryside of Japanese invaders by the end of 43 and has already started to invest in new-fangled ships and places needed for the final assault into Japan which is planned for 1945.

My opponent has gambled everything on a decisive blow to Russia. I remain deeply pessimistic about the Soviet's chances, even as our scientists work feverishly on improved infantry weapons. There's no hope of better tanks, so everything is being done to boost our infantry numbers. Only the occasional destruction of overstretched and weakened Wehrmacht units brings any cheer. Part of me almost wants USSR to fall so I can see whether an Allied victory can be achieved when its Germany against the world!

My experience is that Germany needs to be ready to invade Russia in April if Lithuania is annexed. That's with sharing Poland, Russia invading Finland, and Germany invading Yugoslavia (in February). Russia hits 90%+ mobilization in April and Germany can't risk waiting another month regardless of weather.

ORIGINAL: HamburgerMeat

Here's a cookie cutter build I think may work well against many opponents:

NAZI GERMANY:

DO NOT SPEND MPPs on new units (except maybe a maritime bomber) before the fall of France.

Annex Lithuania

1. Drop rocket weapons and anti tank. Can keep or drop advanced subs, up to you.
2. x2 Advanced Tanks (always keep 2 chits at all times)
3. x2 Ground Attack Weapons
4. x2 Spying and Intelligence
5. x1 Infantry Weapons (should pop around the time you invade the USSR)
6. x2 Industrial Tech

After France falls, you have a few options:

1. Sealion (if England is relatively unguarded)
2. Malta, then move airforce to Africa
3. Move into position for invading USSR (don't have too many units around warsaw, try to pack them in in Romania and Lithuania.

I recommend option 3 in this game, since the USSR is much less powerful than it was in WiE. Your goal should be to take National Morale Objectives, sapping their will to fight. Keep your frontline well-supplied (don't be afraid to give your HQs mobility if they need it). Refer to the supply table somewhere on these forums.

IMPERIAL JAPAN:

Admittedly I haven't mapped out a good strategy as Japan yet, but definitely x2 Infantry Weapons immediately, then x2 Ground Attack Weapons, then start pumping out medium bombers and tactical bombers. I like to focus on wiping out China. Definitely take the Phillipines, Singapore, and the Dutch East Indies. I'd recommend taking all oil resources in the pacific.

Is this advice still valid?

-deleted by author-

Note that most of the most vital techs can only have a max of 1 chit invested in the latest version of the game.

ORIGINAL: Elessar2

Note that most of the most vital techs can only have a max of 1 chit invested in the latest version of the game.

What about not spending on units before France falls as Germany? That seems extreme?

ORIGINAL: Alcibiades73


What about not spending on units before France falls as Germany? That seems extreme?

It doesn't strike me as extreme. Germany has two bomber wings and an armor unit in the production queue for spring 1940. You have paratroopers coming as well. Combined with the existing army that should be enough to polish off France assuming competent play. However, the plunder gathered from France's defeat should definitely go to having some new units built for any future planned operations in the east.

ORIGINAL: Platoonist

It doesn't strike me as extreme. Germany has two bomber wings and an armor unit in the production queue for spring 1940. You have paratroopers coming as well. Combined with the existing army that should be enough to polish off France assuming competent play. However, the plunder gathered from France's defeat should definitely go to having some new units built for any future planned operations in the east.

You cannot assume "competent play" with newbies like me though!

Perhaps I ought to try - I'd still likely get an HQ though, to ensure every unit has an HQ coverage.

ORIGINAL: Alcibiades73



Perhaps I ought to try - I'd still likely get an HQ though, to ensure every unit has an HQ coverage.

There is a free German HQ that appears in September 1940, but having one earlier can't hurt. Get a real star like von Manstein on your team.

ORIGINAL: Alcibiades73

ORIGINAL: Elessar2

Note that most of the most vital techs can only have a max of 1 chit invested in the latest version of the game.

What about not spending on units before France falls as Germany? That seems extreme?

It probably is, since I can typically max out my tech by mid '40 at the latest-gotta spend on something. An extra tank, bomber, and HQ is usually what I spring for; note if they get sufficient experience they can get an extra strength point after France is toast.

ORIGINAL: Platoonist

ORIGINAL: Alcibiades73



Perhaps I ought to try - I'd still likely get an HQ though, to ensure every unit has an HQ coverage.

There is a free German HQ that appears in September 1940, but having one earlier can't hurt. Get a real star like von Manstein on your team.

Yeah, Von Leeb doesn't cut it; I usually replace him. In fact, I replace every HQ you get free for Germany except Von Rundstedt.

I also don't understand why Von Leeb shows up in September; he should show up early enough for Battle for France.