Matrix Games Forums

I'd be interested in knowing what the forums' experiences might be regarding these options:

1) having two subs in a single TF:

a) effectiveness (sightings, attacks, hits)

b) detection by the enemy

2) having two single sub TFs in the same hex:

a) effectiveness

b) detection by the enemy

There was some kind of discussion of this in the Vanilla WitP Forums some time back but a) can't find it and b) maybe the new game changed things.

I've not heard anyone say that there is an advantage to having two subs in one TF. I have heard someone say (either Bullwinkle58 or he would know, perhaps) that there seemed to be a problem with having two subs in the same hex. In any case you have a lot of territory to cover (whichever side you're playing). I tried both (2+ subs in TF, and 2+ sub TFs in one hex) and didn't get any good results. I say avoid such.

Don Bowen said:

"There are several general issues with single/multiple sub TFs.

Chance to find the enemy - each TF has a chance, without regard to number of subs in the TF. So 3 TFs with one sub are more likely to encounter the enemy than one TF with three subs.

Which sub attacks - Only one sub from each TF will attack. In a single sub TF there is no option. In a multiple sub TF the "best" sub will be selected. This is based on damage, ammo, (and fuel?) Basically the least damaged with the most ammo. I think fuel is also considered in the spirit of "one more attack before I have to run home to refuel". Once that single sub attacks, the engagement is over. There is no code to support multiple attacks.

Multiple attacks - There is, however, a chance that the same sub TF will re-contact the same enemy TF. If that happens a different sub from a "wolf pack" might be chosen to attack. This could look like coordinated attacks in the combat report but it is really just a series of attacks.

Detection - I do not know is multiple subs increases the chance of detection of the "wolfpack", but I suspect so. I don't think there is special-circumstance code either way, so whatever the general detection code does... In most circumstances, more ships in the the TF means higher chances of detection.

For the record - I never run wolfpacks. I prefer "line" patrol zones - two points fairly close together so the sub bounces back and forth in the targeted area. Multiple sub TFs can be placed in the same area, with patrol lines crossing. "

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I've been using that advice and also from Alfred on the next page Alfreds sub ops for 4 years successfully.


Divepac88 posted in there. Miss that ol' Emu. RIP brother Des.

Yep, no benefit at all to multiple subs in a TF.