BATTLEFIELD EUROPE v1.94:MP - Strategy Guide [AXIS] [Turn 95] - Allies Victory!

[McGuba]

After all, the next turn will begin the landing in Sicily.

It would be nice if there was some delay. Historically, it was two months.
Perhaps this would be enough to organize the defense.
Now I have no units for the defense of Sicily or for the defense of Italy.

For now I added a one turn delay. Which is two weaks. So after one turn the invasion fleet appears and the ships can be moved to Sicily. Which is second turn (1 month). Then in the next turn the units can be landed, but still cannot attack. So currently it is like 3 turns/1.5 month. I was thinking to add a 2-3 turn initial delay and I may do so later. But the problem is it always happens much later than it actually happened. In this game Torch happened in spring 1944, almost together with Normandy, which is much, much later. And in single player it is also possible to delay it significantly even if the player is not very good or do not deploy too many units for the defense of Tunisia.

I think when the Axis player sees that he is unable to hold Tunisia he can start to build up the defenses in Sicily, if he wants to. I think in this game we both saw that it would fall several turns earlier and in single player it can also be seen a few turns earlier. And nevertheless, a few extra Axis units appear for the defense of Sicily right after the fall of Tunis so it is not completely defenseless. On the other hand, now of course it is harder to strengthen it as new units cannot be purchased directly in Sicily, which is good, I think. Otherwise the Axis player would just purchase new units in each turn and block the beaches.

[JimmyC]

PS. By the way, I have never played in the BE mod this D-Day scenario branch.
and at that time I did not know about the scripting Allied artillery fire )))
I thought it would be enough artillery support from the existing ships.

Oh wow, you are going to get quite a surprise there. I am surprised you never experienced the D-Day landings before. Is this because you always invade the UK in your single player playthroughs? Your tactic can actually work with the single player mode (albeit its a costly option), but i wonder that even without the coastal hex penalty it would be very difficult to do this in MP version? Anyway, good luck!

[Intenso82]

Turn 70. D-Day-2
April 22, 1944
Weather: Rain and Dry

Strategic map
No prestige!

_Intenso_t_70_Strat.jpg (430.06 KiB) Viewed 4305 times

France
Partisans block our transportation.
The enemy cleared the waters off the coast of northern France and eliminated the threat from submarines.
Although D-Day has not started yet ...

_Intenso_t_70_France.jpg (326.19 KiB) Viewed 4305 times

Italy
Allies easily land in Sicily.
Our infantry is trying to block the ferry.
Our aircraft can do nothing with the superior forces of the Allies.

Evacuation from Africa
The 1st transport off the coast of Greece is sunk.
Probably the partisans from the coast gave the coordinates to the Allies and they sent the ships there.
Our infantry is sent in search of the partisans...

The 2nd transport was sunk - intelligence information that the enemy ships were not in that zone turned out to be inaccurate.

The 3rd transport headed east, it is covered by a battleship from the west.

_Intenso_t_70_Italy.jpg (256.99 KiB) Viewed 4305 times

[Intenso82]

Balkans
These partisans are a pain in the ass.
They have a whole army here!
Yes and aviation.

_Intenso_t_70_Balkans.jpg (240.56 KiB) Viewed 4303 times

North
We are waiting for the tank.
Dragons are somewhere close.

_Intenso_t_70_Nord.jpg (234.41 KiB) Viewed 4303 times

Centre
Some units are sent to the west, others will continue to pursue the enemy.

_Intenso_t_70_Center.jpg (334.77 KiB) Viewed 4303 times

Loss analysis
Will be on the next turn, before the start of D-Day.


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Table of contents

[Intenso82]

I was thinking to add a 2-3 turn initial delay and I may do so later

Yes, maybe then after other games it’s worth making 2 turn.
Historically, after the loss of Tunisia, Hitler during the Kursk battle moved the tank corps to Italy. What took about this time.

In this game Torch happened in spring 1944, almost together with Normandy, which is much, much later. And in single player it is also possible to delay it significantly even if the player is not very good or do not deploy too many units for the defense of Tunisia.

Yes, of course the battle in Africa is delayed.
It seems difficult to do something about it.
By the way, how many units could you return from Africa to France / Germany?

[Intenso82]

PS. By the way, I have never played in the BE mod this D-Day scenario branch.
and at that time I did not know about the scripting Allied artillery fire )))
I thought it would be enough artillery support from the existing ships.

Oh wow, you are going to get quite a surprise there. I am surprised you never experienced the D-Day landings before. Is this because you always invade the UK in your single player playthroughs? Your tactic can actually work with the single player mode (albeit its a costly option), but i wonder that even without the coastal hex penalty it would be very difficult to do this in MP version? Anyway, good luck!

Yes,
in Version 1.9 - we played the first multiplayer test and did not get to turn 72.
in 1.7-1.8 - as I remember, I captured London up to 72 turns, through the English Channel.
in 1.6 - After one unsuccessful attempt, it seems I made prestige boost (150 or 200%) and ended the game also earlier.

This is a very detailed AAR(maybe even too much ), for the reason to show the different tactical possibilities of the mod, which you may not meet in a single game.
And often the situation on the next turn takes place 180 degrees.
And also the fact that the multiplayer game on a large map is different from tactical multiplayer maps. I suppose

The other part is the Strategic Guide, since the game takes a lot of time, perhaps it can help players see what this or that strategy can lead to.
Because the game takes time and it can be unpleasant to make a mistake
And also so that future players can change and improve these strategies, so that they bring success or choose a completely different path in the game.
Therefore, I certainly wanted to test different strategies.

I think that McGuba had a more conservative and defensive game style, without unnecessary risks.
In my opinion, I had more risky strategies and tactical actions

Fortunately, both games had a completely different path, so it turned out to show different strategies.

[McGuba]

In this game Torch happened in spring 1944, almost together with Normandy, which is much, much later. And in single player it is also possible to delay it significantly even if the player is not very good or do not deploy too many units for the defense of Tunisia.

Yes, of course the battle in Africa is delayed.
It seems difficult to do something about it.

Yes, it is. It is interesting that while the actions in Tunisia took longer, the later actions in Western Europe were faster. However, I think it is easier to do something about the latter. In single player the Western Allies can advance more or less with the historical speed, when I allow them to land. But in this multiplayer I think now you also agree that the Western Allies are a bit too strong after Normandy in v1.94. So far I have reduced the experience of their air units so that they would only have one star at best, instead of two. Possibly I will do the same with their ground units as well, only a few should have two stars like the Polish and French troops who are very angry to liberate their homeland and maybe a few more units like towed artillery. I read that US artillery was very effective in WW2. And maybe some of their units should arrive a few turns later. So that they are not too strong in summer 1944. But the fact is that in 1945 the Western Allies had actually more tanks and aircraft in Europe than the Red Army and about the same number of infantry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Unthinkable
So I do not want to weaken them too much. They have to be strong by 1945. It is just the thing that currently maybe they get too many units too early and they have too high experience. And of course normally the Axis side should get double amount of prestige and then everything would be different in 44-45. But sorry, I think I got ahead of myself. The very interesting Normandy landings are just about to start in this AAR.

By the way, how many units could you return from Africa to France / Germany?

Unfortunately only a very few. Most got stuck in Italy after you successfully closed down the exit routes from the Balkans and Italy. Some of the most important units like veteran tanks of the African campaign were late just by 2-3 turns. Obviously I was hoping to take these back to Germany and upgrade them to Panthers, but they were just a bit too late. However, even if they could make it, I could not have really upgraded them due to the lack of prestige. I only get 2-300 prestige at the beginning of my Axis turn. Which is far too few to create any meaningful defense at this stage. I could hardly even upgrade one Pz.III to a Panther for this prestige and then I would not have any left for the unit replacements.

With normal amount of prestige allocated I might have been able to delay your advance more and then these could have arrived just in time and then I might have had enough prestige to upgrade them. Then the "Clash of Titans" in the very end would be more interesting and fun.

[Intenso82]

Turn 71. D-Day-1
May 7, 1944
Weather: Clear and Dry

Strategic map

_Intenso_t_71_Strat.jpg (432.83 KiB) Viewed 4234 times

Strategic map - Air
Urgent News!
The Allies received such a number of reinforcements that they were able to immediately encircle our 3 air unit on Sicily !!!
Also, 7 units of Soviet aviation continue to operate in the Arkhangelsk area!

_Intenso_t_71_Strat_Air.jpg (346.72 KiB) Viewed 4234 times

Norway
The enemy has lost all interest in Norway.
Apparently he is concentrating all his forces to invade France.

_Intenso_t_71_Norway.jpg (195.92 KiB) Viewed 4234 times

[Intenso82]

France
Allied fleet in position.
They were able to clear the passages for the landing.
Our troops are also in positions, but deployment is still ongoing.
We could not ensure the complete closure of all hexes. Lack of units.

Stop!!! Where are the naval mines from the west coast of France???
They all disappeared!!! The whole plan of defense of France collapsed?!

An investigation revealed that Italian mines were used there.
They refused to serve under our Сommand )))) Or sabotage?! Because of the situation in Italy!
It only remains to hope that the Allies will not notice it ...

_Intenso_t_71_France.jpg (361.99 KiB) Viewed 4233 times

Germany
Allies focused on the bombing of the north of Germany.
All our aviation is right there.
Air defense in the Ruhr area removed and transferred to the defense of France.

_Intenso_t_71_Germany.jpg (200.16 KiB) Viewed 4233 times

[Intenso82]

Sicily
2 fighters and a Bomber fell into the air trap.
The analysis showed that we can not break through the corridor

Evacuation from Africa
3rd transport destroyed. And the battleship, too...
The mission failed!
Infantry unit in Greece also destroyed by partisans!
Aviation strikes enemy ships in retaliation.

Americans entered in Tripoli.
Sicily captured. The next turn appear troop ships for landing in Italy.

_McGuba_t_71_Sicily.jpg (268.82 KiB) Viewed 4231 times

Italy
Preparations are under way to repel the Allied invasion of Italy.
It's funny that this will happen at the same time with D-Day.
We are preparing a defense, but the mood in the troops is pessimistic.
They saw the power of Allied aviation and fleet.
And US infantry in the hills in Africa.

_Intenso_t_71_Italy.jpg (368.38 KiB) Viewed 4231 times

[Intenso82]

North
Started assault!

_Intenso_t_71_Nord.jpg (303.64 KiB) Viewed 4226 times

Centre
KV is encircled in the mountains.
We strike from the rear on the last defense of the Soviets.

_Intenso_t_71_Center.jpg (325.88 KiB) Viewed 4226 times

[Intenso82]

Extended Loss analysis

_Intenso_t_71_Stat.jpg (62.78 KiB) Viewed 4222 times

Loss Ratio:

_Intenso_t_71_Stat_Loss.jpg (49.52 KiB) Viewed 4222 times

For comparison:
Previous Loss analysis data (t=65)
Previous Extended Loss analysis data (t=50)

Loss statistics are compared with this pair game.
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The loss ratio as a whole either has not changed or has changed insignificantly. This is probably due to the fact that large operations were not conducted.
These were local wars in Africa, in the Middle East, partisan war in Russia.
The ratio of bombers has only improved, this is the merit of the German air defense.

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Compare the losses for Axis in this game and this one.

The ratio of losses in tanks and fighters decreases in favor of Intenso.
By fleet unchanged.
And in the infantry was replaced by the opposite. Now McGuba is losing more infantry.
Apparently affects the offensive of the Red Army.
In bombers, the ratio decreased slightly in favor of McGuba.
But still Intenso lost almost 2 times less bombers per Axis than McGuba.

Compare the losses per Allies in this game and this one.

The ratio of the losses of the Allies among themselves in both games either has not changed significantly or more smoothed to 1 to 1.
This means that the loss of Intenso does not outgrow the loss of McGuba for the Allies. Except fleet.

General analysis.
It is interesting that, in terms of the loss ratio of bombers, Intenso is better and in terms of the loss ratio of fighters, McGuba is better.
With the exception of aircraft and fleet, in the case of infantry and tanks (and, in general, fighters too) the statistics tend to converge in one figure in both games.

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Table of contents

[Intenso82]

It is interesting that while the actions in Tunisia took longer, the later actions in Western Europe were faster.

It turns out this decision of the player to hold Tunis or to have more units in France.
So, my strategy for delaying Axis units in Africa worked
It seems you in Tunisia had about 20 or even more ground units.

It is just the thing that currently maybe they get too many units too early and they have too high experience.

But in this multiplayer I think now you also agree that the Western Allies are a bit too strong after Normandy in v1.94. So far I have reduced the experience of their air units so that they would only have one star at best, instead of two. Possibly I will do the same with their ground units as well,

I think that the number of units is normal.
Otherwise, a strong Axis can throw them into the sea.
But I agree that the experience is too high.
This is good for single player. But for multiplayer is not very good.

I think that air units should not do more than 100 experience. Especially bomber. Especially strategic.
I think bombers can be given a minimum experience of 25-50.
And use the method that we already discussed earlier.
To experience was given for the action. Similar I used in my mod.
When for placing a strategic bomber over the city of Germany, he is given a certain amount of experience.
Then there will be more involvement in these activities

Moreover, you can use a gradient scheme.
When in the year 42 it is given for example +30 Exp, in year 43 the bombardment grows and it gives +20 Exp, at 44 +10 and at 45 only +5 Experience.
A similar scheme of direct or reverse can be used for submarines.
For example, in 41, the submarine gets more experience for actions on convoys routes hex.
Since the submarines are not many and the protection is not yet developed and it turns out more to drown ships. And then every year experience decreases.
Or vice versa, every year it is becoming more and more difficult to operate in the Atlantic and experience increases.

I also think that bombers, especially strategic, have too good ground attack stats. As well as anti-aircraft guns with them can not fight.

In general, I am in favor of Western Allied units gaining experience in battle and not by default.
So as the Allies by the time there will be enough prestige, they can be replenished with elite replacements.

Unfortunately only a very few. Most got stuck in Italy after you successfully closed down the exit routes from the Balkans and Italy. Some of the most important units like veteran tanks of the African campaign were late just by 2-3 turns.

How many combat units did you have in Europe at the beginning of D-day?
If it is difficult to separate combat units from radar, coastal batteries and simular (V1...), but then the total number of units in Europe.

[McGuba]

So, my strategy for delaying Axis units in Africa worked

Yes, but at least I could avoid further Allied invasions in the Mediterranean. And I did start to move a few units out of Africa as soon as it became clear that I can hold it. But I think the battle for Tunis was quite open in both cases for a long time. If I started to evacuate earlier I might had too few units left and then the Allies may have renewed the offensive and defeat my weakened forces. I might have evacuated a few more units a few turns earlier though, but in the end it would not have made any significant difference in France given the overwhelming strength of the Western Allies.

It seems you in Tunisia had about 20 or even more ground units.

Yes, something like that, but I think you had about the same or even more at the peak in your Axis game. I think about this size is minimally necessary for holding Tunis.

I think that air units should not do more than 100 experience. Especially bomber. Especially strategic.
I think bombers can be given a minimum experience of 25-50.

Yes, I was thinking the same. But fighters need to be strong as historically the Luftwaffe was largely defeated in the west in spring 1944.

I already gave the experience + ammo loss model to the Axis naval units on the convoy routes as you suggested. It works nice in single player so far. Will be the same in
multi. Possibly I will do the strategic bomber exp gain over German cities in multiplayer as well.

I may reduce the attack stats of the Allied strat bombers a bit, but not too much as otherwise the AI would not use them effectively in single player version. Therefore I think it is better to reduce the exp there mainly.

In multiplayer I also extended the convoy routes so that the Allied player has to patrol a larger area. I may also reduce the number of merchant ships a bit. In general I believe our U-boats were not very effective in either of these games. They were usually detected and destroyed within 2-3 turns at best. And in many cases did not even reach the convoy routes. So currently they are not cost effective to be used on the convoy routes, it is better to save them for the Allied landings. Which is not ideal.

How many combat units did you have in Europe at the beginning of D-day?
If it is difficult to separate combat units from radar, coastal batteries and simular (V1...), but then the total number of units in Europe.

I do not remember, I did not count and did not make screenshots. But I think less then you. I had to keep many units in the east. And I had no prestige to purchase lots new. I could only purchase 1-2 cheapest new units at best in each turn. But not in every turn.

[Intenso82]

Turn 72. D-Day!
May 24, 1944
Weather: Clear and Dry

Strategic map
Formally, this is D-day, but in reality it is pre-D-Day.
The landing will begin at the Allies turn.
In the meantime, we have time for the final preparations.

_Intenso_t_72_Strat.jpg (434.4 KiB) Viewed 4147 times

Strategic map - Air
In Arkhangelsk, there are 8 Soviet aircraft!

_Intenso_t_72_Strat_Air.jpg (345.21 KiB) Viewed 4147 times

France
The troops move to their positions.
Well soon we will test this tactic.

_Intenso_t_72_France.jpg (345.46 KiB) Viewed 4147 times

[Intenso82]

Germany
Luftwaffe is not going to take part in the reflection of the landing.
Allies surpass us many times.
And have the opportunity to receive almost unlimited replenishment.

_Intenso_t_72_Germany.jpg (340.29 KiB) Viewed 4145 times

Italy
Appeared the first Allies landing ships.

_Intenso_t_72_Italy.jpg (329.03 KiB) Viewed 4145 times

Balkans
We are starting a de-blocking operation.

_Intenso_t_72_Balkans.jpg (317.76 KiB) Viewed 4145 times

[Intenso82]

North
Finally arrived anti-aircraft unit.
The assault is going well. A little more and Arkhangelsk will fall.

_Intenso_t_72_Nord.jpg (203.27 KiB) Viewed 4144 times

Centre
Destroy the last Soviet units.
Our troops continue to move to the railway stations to be sent to the West.

_Intenso_t_72_Center.jpg (387.99 KiB) Viewed 4144 times

Partisans
The partisans greatly inhibit our transportation.
They now prefer to block trains instead of capturing Victory Points.

_Intenso_t_72_Partyzans.jpg (227.5 KiB) Viewed 4144 times

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Table of contents

[Intenso82]

Turn 73. D-Day+1
June 8, 1944
Weather: Clear and Dry

Strategic map

_Intenso_t_73_Strat.jpg (434.93 KiB) Viewed 4109 times

Strategic map - Air
A large number of Allied aviation in France and Italy.
Our aviation is not going to fight in France.

_Intenso_t_73_Strat_Air.jpg (334.57 KiB) Viewed 4109 times

[Intenso82]

France
The Allies began a heavy bombardment from the sea and the air.
And landed an airborne infantry in the rear.
But so far not one unit is landed from the sea.

_Intenso_t_73_France.jpg (383.5 KiB) Viewed 4108 times

France - Air

_Intenso_t_73_France_Air.jpg (323.64 KiB) Viewed 4108 times

Germany
Aviation is concentrated on the airfields.
And wait.

_Intenso_t_73_Germany.jpg (333.97 KiB) Viewed 4108 times

[Intenso82]

Italy
Several light infantry units took up defenses on the Gustav line.
Heavier troops form a defensive line on the Green Line.

Our troops are still trying to break through the passage in Italy and are fighting with the army of partisans.

_Intenso_t_73_Italy.jpg (320.58 KiB) Viewed 4107 times

North
Arkhangelsk captured.
Soviet aviation will soon be left without an airfield and will be lost.

_Intenso_t_73_Nord.jpg (206.12 KiB) Viewed 4107 times

Centre
Soviet troops are moving away.

_Intenso_t_73_Center.jpg (246.59 KiB) Viewed 4107 times

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Table of contents