What's the point of having "fast" tanks in this game?

[Monolith]

I'm playing through the allied campaigns, and everything besides the highest armored allied tanks seems useless. The descriptions of the lighter tanks and tank destroyers say to "take advantage of their speed", yet the mchanics of the game seem to make that impossible -- you can't inch around a corner and fire at an enemy without them getting a shot off first. You can't fire and then retreat, as retreating just a single tile gives the enemy a chance to shoot back. You can't sneak around the sides, because the moment you come around the corner, you get shot in the flank.

So, how the heck are you supposed to use these units effectively? Or are they just "*******tanks" in BA?

[pipfromslitherine]

First, keep it clean please.

Fast tanks are designed for hit and run. But you will still need to be smart with them. The large Axis tanks are bad at seeing behind and to the flanks - but good players will be screening them with infantry which will negate some of your sneakiness (and you won't be able to see them). And moving fast into the attack, rather than hunting, is a sure way to lose the element of surprise.

I am sure others have more specific tips, but I know that the Hellcat is one of my fave units.

Cheers

Pip

[jcb989]

I'll use three main tactics with the M18 and M10's:

1) attack from the flanks
2) counter-attack only
3) wolf pack mentality


And what I mean by (2) is, only reveal my M18 if the German armor has just fired last round - this seems to reduce the chance for reaction from them versus sitting there with all their shots available.

As for the M36, I usually surround it with supporting Shermans and just use it longer range to try to pick of inferior German armor, or retreat to the flanks if Panthers and/or K Tigers are rolling in.

[IainMcNeil]

They are never going to take on enemy medium and heavy tanks frontally and even in the flanks can be hard. They are support units. use them to take out enemy support vehicles and support your infantry. Their armour is much tougher than the German equivalent scouting units such as Pumas so you can go head to head and beat them. Don't get close though as at range your armour will stop the Pumas 50mm gun but close up it wont.

You can also use Chaffees and Hellcats to rush in close and get flank shots on enemy heavy tanks, but make sure they dont have reaction shots or you'll probably get blown to pieces before you get in range or use more than 1 so when the first one gets hit the second has a chance of getting in.

Try multiplayer and you'll quickly see how others use them effectively.

[gortwillsaveus]

Monolith: You're probably experiencing what all new players to this game have experienced. A learning curve.

I'd highly suggest that you play a ton of Multiplayer games. Play one scenario in particular and from both sides. Play at least 20 times from both sides.
What'll happen is you will start to see what tactics work,..and what doesn't.
Trust me,...seasoned players love those "Fast" tanks. Me,..I use the heavier tanks to draw fire,..and then rip up the road in a M10 and take a side or rear shot every time.
Don't ever think that you can just drive up to a Panther, Stug, even a Puma.....with an M10, and NOT get your fanny handed to you in a basket.

Most advanced players here have 1,000 plus games under their belt.
I know immediately when I'm playing an advanced player,..and also when I'm playing a newbie.
Play, Play Play,.....

Just remember,....no one playing chess is a Master after 20 games.

[k9mike]

Great comments John.

[collegeprof86]

in response to what good are fast tanks, using terrain and cover to attack the enemy from the rear or flanks is the way to go.... using trees or other cover allows you to not be seen by the enemy until you pop up behind or from the flank...
also, use your fast tanks to reconn ahead of the main force.. thats the beauty of the newly added "reverse" function a few updates ago - you can drive fast ahead, and when you spot something bad, if you survive the 1st shot, back up out of the sight of the enemy... just some quickees.. battlefield geography as taught indicates usage of terrain, cover, and weather to your advantage.. this is a class i have taken and would teach -military geography

[Brummbar44]

Great comments John.

Agreed!

[tmoj2000]

Speed is extremely important.......... Manoeuvre around your ennemy to hit from flank and rear,,,,, run away,,,, strike from afar where he does not expect you.......

I ve taken down countless tigers and panthers with the weaker but faster US tanks