Looking for noobie info on Russia...

[jjarred]

Ok, first of all I am new to the wargame environment so forgive the noobie ignorance to my question...

I started to play the 1940 scenerio as Russia. I found that all the areas surrounding Moscow were politically frozen zones. I am wondering what exactly can a player of the Russian side do to prepare for the German assualt looming on the horizen. I couldn't see what I could move or utilize until these areas are politically unfrozen. I watched the Germans building and moving ever closer to the Russian border, and couldn't see what I could do as the Russian to prepare for it. I am sure I am missing some important things to do, but for the life of me, I am not seeing where or what I need to do. I even watched the AI for Russia and it seems that there is no movement persay until 1941 when Germany provokes war with them.

Yeah I know, the 1940 campaign is a little much to take on the first time out, but I just was trying to see how things work.

[DrewMatrix]

This is free advice and well worth the price [g]

Basically you are just sitting there waiting for Germany to take the first good shot at you, and then react, or waiting for 1943 (should Germany wait that long) at which time you can attack him.

For various reasons the Russians didn't attack early in Real Life (they were building up and planning on a war later, but not one in 1941).

What you can do is research, build units and build supply stock piles. Try not to stuff lots of supply too far forward (it will just be a gift to the Germans when they overrun the border).

Think about what you want to research. Probably not Antisubmarine warfare, right? Really good tanks would be useful (and historic). You might think about air units too. What kind of Air Units (fighters? Tactical?) will be of most use to you and what qualities in them will make them more effective against the Germans?

[jjarred]

Thanx for the advice, it is appreciated very much.

[Delphinium]

Jjared, the above advice holds. I tend to start research into upgrading three things, tanks (essential), artillery & fighters. Tanks and Arty to increase evasion & combat, fighters, evasion & combat strength. These can easily be close to completion before the invasion. (Taking a long view),
I build quite a lot of infantry in the forward areas, the odd AA to protect fleets/arty and a few supply.
I've only played the AI, but you should have enough troops to slow down the initial push a bit whilst preserving enough of a force to defend Leningrad, Moscow + Stalingrad/Rostov.
Once invaded, congregate most of your forces in 3/4 areas. Get your factories that are vulnerable shipped out east and fixed. Keep any supply east too.
You should have a few Arty on stream now (wait until research finished) and they are important in combat, esp. defending key zones. Fighters and tanks can be built sparingly to build up for the counter-attack in 1943+ beyond.
Tanks will eventually be the key to victory, those upgraded monsters are powerful, especially if you have 12+ in an army. You will not take Germany out unless you have a decent number of tanks & fighters (need to negate enemy airforce).

There is a lot to learn about supply and fine details of production, but they have been covered elsewhere. Russia are the side to play to learn ground combat, enjoy.

I now tend to scrap the heavy fleet build in Leningrad and get Infantry/AA in play to protect the rest of the fleet.

I also tend to try to save the Russian bomber(s) to use to clear Axis transports out of the Black Sea as if you ever cut of Axis forces in the Crimea, they die if you can keep the transports out of the way.

I suspect it will be tougher vs. Human, especially if Japan have a go at Vladivostok.

[Traveler]

Does anyone else think those "instant" MILLITIA units are a little over powered?

[Uncle_Joe]

Nope, I find Militia nearly useless for actual combat and relegate them to anti-partisan duty as the Axis. As the Russians, I use them to 'pad' my battles until I can get enough Armor to win most battles without loss. At that point, Militia is just a waste of a point that could have gone to research or supply. The free Militia just help you survive long enough for your other units to roll off the line.