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The Strategy Guides speak of game-start USA torpedoes being of lesser effectiveness than Japanese torpedoes. That is historically accurate, certainly, but how is that reflected in game terms? The scenario submarine stats, for instance, are identical for American and Japanese subs, presumably for every other country as well. Comparing the Advanced Sub research has 5 research levels for the Americans and the Japanese, and the same +1 increments for both.

In other words, it would seem that there are no differences between American subs & torps and Japanese subs & torps. This can be easily modified by the player, but I’m wondering if this somehow remained in the Strategy Guides but perhaps was never actually implemented in the game?

Japan starts with level 2 in Advanced Subs whereas the USA starts at zero, meaning that the former's submarines are far deadlier than the latter's right from the start, though with the latter having via research the ability to catch up at a later date. Conversely, the US subs have better potential as raiders.

Ever since WWII: War in Europe I have shied away from having base stats that differ as a) that caused lots of confusion and b) differing base stats are so easy to lose in the settings, as has happened more than once in War in Europe.

Ah, I see! I didn't think to look at research levels. Of course, that makes sense! Changing base stats can be confusing, not to mention forgetting to port them over. Good solution! Thanks!

BillRunacre wrote: Sat Jul 12, 2025 5:29 pm Japan starts with level 2 in Advanced Subs whereas the USA starts at zero, meaning that the former's submarines are far deadlier than the latter's right from the start, though with the latter having via research the ability to catch up at a later date. Conversely, the US subs have better potential as raiders.

Ever since WWII: War in Europe I have shied away from having base stats that differ as a) that caused lots of confusion and b) differing base stats are so easy to lose in the settings, as has happened more than once in War in Europe.

Ok, the previous question was answered. But now I’m trying to find how American subs are more potentially effective at convoy raiding than Japanese subs. The base raiding stats are understandably identical for both (as explained in your previous answer) but this time I cannot see any research bonuses for American subs that Japanese subs don’t get, i.e., the 5 automatic research and raiding bonuses are identical for both.

Submarine Warfare tech.

Yes, I’ve checked Submarine Warfare doctrine… ah, but I overlooked that Americans start with 1 level already researched to 0 level researched for the Japanese.

Levels already researched at game start! Been playing around with the editor for so long, I missed the game-start levels! Thanks!