Help Needed- Defeating Russia 1941

[MrPlow]

Im having a hard time defeating Russia on slight Allied Advantage in the 1941 Scenario. I usually get to march 1943: have captured all Russian Cities except for 3, my forces are right on the doorstep of Perm, Middle East is in my control, and have destroyed the majority of the Russian Convoys. However by then my forces are exhausted, my manpower level is nearly in the negative, and the Western allies are landing in France so i have to divert many forces there. The Russians just seem to pump out countless fresh troops at Perm and then gradually push me back. What am I doing wrong? How do i defeat them? I usually capture Moscow by early 1942, and then begin my Perm Offensive in the Summer of 1942. After I capture Moscow, should I just send all my forces towards Perm, even though my flanks could become exposed?

Thanks for the help!
Plow

[Diplomaticus]

In answer to your last question, pretty much yes.

Once you move a fex hexes east of Moscow, your supply lines are so long that you're down to '3' supply, so there's no inherent problem with being cut off, so long as you have one city to supply your Perm attack force. Remember this: Once Russia is conquered, the game is over for all intents and purposes. Throw everything you've got at Perm, take it, and then Operation Overlord is no threat at all.

Since you're playing with 'slight advantage' on, you should be aware that on this setting the computer 'cheats' and gets a definite edge in labs. At first, you may not notice it much, but by 42-43, you will probably be facing enemy units that are better than your own in quality.

[IainMcNeil]

The AI does get a production advantage but does not cheat in labs. It uses the same rules as you do but may have more spare resources to allocate to research.

[firepowerjohan]

USSR pay for the extra labs it is just that war effort % is tied to max labs. Difficulty level increases the war effort % and war effort affects max labs allowig the AI to have more investment in research. It is the same logic that for example mean that Italy, USA and USSR have a low amount max lab limit before they join the war due to their lower war effort %.

[Redpossum]

USSR pay for the extra labs it is just that war effort % is tied to max labs. Difficulty level increases the war effort % and war effort affects max labs allowig the AI to have more investment in research. It is the same logic that for example mean that Italy, USA and USSR have a low amount max lab limit before they join the war due to their lower war effort %.

All true, but worth adding that giving the AI an advantage not only increases the AI's war effort percentage (and thus max labs) it also decreases your own.

[MrPlow]

Thanks for the help and advice, I really apreciate it!

[Redpossum]

Thanks for the help and advice, I really apreciate it!

De nachos, compadre!

[joerock22]

Have you tried not doing what the Germans did historically? When I play this scenario, I focus the entire German army in the North, straight at Moscow and Perm. I find that if I can get a handful of tanks and Mainstein, the Russians just can't crank out units fast enough to stop me. By charging straight at the Capitals, you just don't give them that many turns to mass a substantial army. The German spearhead gets way out in front, but if you're the Germans, you've gotta go for broke in Russia. It's the only way you win and avoid a war of attrition that you will definately lose. And if the AI tries to flank you, well, that's what RR moves are for.
The job of the German Allies is to advance slowly, and force Russia to commit troops to the South. They usually don't get very far, not even to Crimea most of the time, but that's exactly what I want. They're just a diversion, and if the AI chooses to focus its reinforcements in the North, then I will gain more ground in the South.
So I've played this strategy several times, and usually I can conquer Perm before the end of 1942 or early 1943. Half of Russia is still in Russian hands, but it doesn't matter because they surrender automatically.
Another trick is to recruit Italian troops to defend France. I find they perform much better there than on the Russian front, especially with a general present. And Italy has a little manpower to spare.

[KingHunter3059]

I Think Joe said it all - Been Playing the AI on no advantage for either side, and I handily defeat the Allies each time.

Jay

[gerones]

yes, playing against AI and no advantadge, you can easily beat Russia an Western allies because of the stupid things AI do along the game...