Things you WISHED you knew in your first game...

[GeneralJackDRipper]

I only figured this out LATE in the game playing as the allies. As I looked longingly upon the Axis armor getting two strikes, I learned that I could double the Soviets' strikes by reaching level 1/1 of Armored Warfare -- a no-brainer, one-time investment of 100mpp, at least for the Soviets, probably also for the US.

A better general understanding of supply also is hugely important, but the only specific piece of advice here would be to use the overlay, which I discovered halfway through my first game.

What were your ah-HA moments, as you played your first few games?

[GeneralJackDRipper]

Armored Warfare also grants Mech Units two strikes...

[sPzAbt653]

With so much involved, I guess many of us tend to miss something. I missed the fact that to effectively attack naval targets, carriers had to be set to 'Naval Mode' [8|]

[Sugar]

Aerial Warfare grants a second intercept/escort. The escort range of fighters is huge compared to the intercept range.

Zones of Control can be reduced by diminishing strenpthpoints of a unit (I guess to 5 or less). If an own unit couldn`t reach enemy lines due to the ZoC, after attacking adjacent units it`s sometimes possible to reach the lines with the same unit.

Nearly every terrain like hills, mountains or wood provides defenseboni to the defender, but swamp/marsh provides a malus against air attacks. They also reduce the attack value from units within this terrain.

If one doesn`t want the artillery ammo to be wasted in countattacks/defense, use the silent mode (by rightclicking); now you can fire at own wish.
It also can be usefull to set fighters to ground attack, if you don`t want them to intercept.

Fighters are still able to launch one attack/recon mission after intercepting/escorting twice.

[Leadwieght]

I wished I had known how to reduce Port supply values by simply stationing naval units next to them.

Playing as Allies, I wish I had known how useful the RN's Motor Torpedo Boats can be. Effective against U-Boats, great for fouling up German attempts at Sealion, and if you lose them, you're only out 75 MPPs.

[vonik]

In my first game I totally underestimated the DAK and got wiped out in NA in a few turns because I was advancing after the retreating Italians and was "brainwashed" by history .
It took 1 game to understand that NA is a hopelessly lost cause for the Brits if the German decides to take it (and he always does to drive then to Baku what finishes to put the Soviets on their knees) .

[sapper32]

In my game as the Allies I threw everything the US/CW had into NA I managed to slow the Axis down but by late 42 he has captured Alexandria but the Allies have lost vast amounts of air units and ground units not to mention the huge amount of MMP spent reinforcing units so overall I may as well have spent that MMP on Torch or invading Spain

[GMartin]

Good thread.

I learned that HQ have a better supply range when placed on railroads.

Maritime bombers can attack and destroy weak ground units. Even fighters!

Subs can force enemy ships out of ports.

Swapping units is SO helpful!!

[Harun]

Swapping units allows the unit to move a bit and can still be upgraded or reinforced.

[Taxman66]

That being 2 levels down in weapons tech is a death sentence.

[bfcj]

I missed the "naval mode" thing also. I kept seeing my ships getting hammered by cvs and my csv doing no damage. I thought my opponent must be cheating!

And so many other things!

[LordOfPants]

On my first game, I didn't realize how expensive mobility upgrades are for Germany and tanked my early economy by fully upgrading all of my units. (Pun intended)

[bfcj]

How to get an aircraft off of the Isle of Man. Oh, wait, that's now...

[DerJager]

Good thread, guys. Most of these I have figured out from study and experience, but seeing them listed here would have given me a leg up sooner.

[demyansk]

How do you swap units and what overlay?

[DerJager]

6.3.4. Swapping Units

Select one unit, press Shift and select an adjacent unit you wish to swap it with. There is a Morale penalty of 15-20% for swapping, and both units will have a maximum of 1 Action Point after doing so. Unless the swapped units have already attacked they will still be free to attack, and providing they aren’t adjacent to any enemy units, to be reinforced or upgraded.

[DerJager]

5.13.2. Viewing Supply

Press S on your keyboard to view current supply levels. Press it again to view a prediction of supply in the next turn, including in currently enemy territory, should you seize that territory this turn.

[demyansk]

Thanks for the tip

[DerJager]

You are most welcome! [:)]

[bfcj]

ORIGINAL: LordOfPants
On my first game, I didn't realize how expensive mobility upgrades are for Germany and tanked my early economy by fully upgrading all of my units. (Pun intended)

I learned that same hard lesson (fortunately against the AI). Now I only upgrade armies, mech inf and tanks. Is that common practice? Or is even that an unwise investment of the limited funds the axis have early on?