Ruthless questions

[Korvessa]

I have been basically playing "Klepto Kreig" (as one person smarter than me put it). I am in my first run through of 1942, having fun. The only German equipment I have is basically air units - though I use captured ones first.

However, because I am retired and have more time than I know what to do with. I thought I might try something different.
I want to play with just standard German equipment (no captures, no gifts, etc.). So that brought me to "Ruthless"

How does it work in combat?
If a unit would normally surrender, what happens?
Is it eliminated, or does nothing happen and it survives?

I normally play on generalissimo level, but think that would be too high for Ruthless.
What is suggested?
I don't mind being a bit short on prestige, so you have to set priorities (I usually play with a self imposed collector with tanks especially, and aircraft as much as I can - but not for infantry or artillery)
but I don't want to be so scrapped that I can't buy elite replacements at end of scenario.

[VirgilInTheSKY]

I don't think you can do generalismos without getting prestige from capturing...Ruthless should just work as if all your enemies has NoSurrender.

[Tassadar]

I don't think you can do generalismos without getting prestige from capturing...Ruthless should just work as if all your enemies has NoSurrender.

I think its going to be doable with a few important points to consider. I already have a run like that on General, so Generalissimus would essentially need a few important extra points to make it work but is not unreasonable. In that General run with Ruthless, the biggest issue was chip damage from enemy air forces in SCW. So this on higher difficulty would probably need:

• Good heroes - especially an early Legendary will be a life savior. I got mine in Antequera in that run and never really had to worry. Generalissimus could probably use two for the same results, but even one such hero can help stabilize until a experienced core with more heroes is built.

• Liberator trait won't hurt as a counterbalance. Won't be as efficient as surrenders, but covers a decent amount of needs early due to low unit cost.

• Strong investment in artillery. In SCW this might not be universal due to lack of the 15 cm sFH, but once it comes up in 1939 it will be the ultimate deterrent, while an OS 21 cm gun with Karla as a hero will essentially shut down most enemy artillery, making Karla arguably the most OP hero of all the special ones.

• Stukas (especially with "Ignores Entrenchment") over tactical bombers, since suppression stops being as useful. They will make short work of any enemy super-units.