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My very first game, I ignored the cost of mobility upgrades, and upgraded the entire German force in mobility. It became the fastest, smallest army imaginable, at least in regard to how fast it became surrounded and obliterated by the USSR. That experience gave me PTSD . Nowadays I only upgrade Heavy Tanks and experienced panzer units; occasionally maybe an HQ. Curious what others' philosophy is.

I rarely upgrade any German units with mobility. Until maybe mid-war when I can afford to upgrade tanks / heavy tanks.

It is undeniably useful, but yeah the cost. And it's not just a one time thing as it also makes repairs a lot more expensive.
So I use it very sparingly, usually the first units I give it to are tanks lost in good supply. That way I at least get the 40% discount on the initial upgrade.

I start to upgrade German Inf Corps and Panzer units prior to, and after invading Russia due to the large distances. I upgrade very gradually. I never upgrade Japanese Inf.

If a unit dies in France, rebuild it, with Mobility, cheaper. (maybe)
When invading Russia, it helps to have a couple Corps with mobility.
It's not cheap, that's for sure.
Takes some attention to manage the fast units.

Each their own.

-Legend

Mobility upgrades are gradual after barbarossa, dependent on unit position, supply, weather, MPP constraints, and month. However, I like to start at least with mobility on manstein HQ as well as my experienced panzers. Sometimes I will put it on experienced armies, as the 4 movement really helps the slog through muddy terrain.

I upgrade my armor and select few infantry corps to form mobile Army Groups that can exploit gaps or respond to a breakthrough. Waste of mpp's to upgrade too many units who will only advance a couple hexes anyway. Better to spend on more HQ's and additional corps to fill the line as you go into Russia.

I am not replying because I am an expert. But I am interested in this upgrade "priority" and thoughts on how I have been using it - For Germany, I rationalised applying the mobility upgrade to armies as soon as Poland falls as part of the sunk cost of otherwise operating them. It is not as fast or cheap as operating obviously. But it is part of a faster movement investment that you keep for the game. And might even serve to recover your lost time with a speedier conquest - once it starts!

As for Japan, I find it essential to get more hits on entrenched Chinese units in the mountains. And if you get it before spring '41, all of the scripted units come fully upgraded! Useless mind you for island warfare. But the ones you send to SE Asia/India are quite useful.
Thoughts?

Researching Mobility, as the Japs, sounds good in theory, because you'll get all the Spawn'ed units with Mobility if done early enough. Reality, you really gonna use it? Nah.

Better off to slam AA, maybe get to +2 before the Spawn'ing.