AI Ignoring Naval Supremacy to Invade?

[FireZealot]

Sorry for the many questions these days folks.

My understanding is that you need above 50% naval supremacy in order to do a naval invasion. Despite this, I'm finding the US AI is able to rush naval landings in the Middle East even though I have multiple fleets on patrol and convoy escort? Per the game ticker I currently have 75% naval supremacy in the region, but the US is still able to find a way through. (youll see in the bottom right that they're about to land near Palestine)

 

[GrounchoVilla]

The US seems to be able to get away with naval invasions anywhere, any time. I saw them conquer 3/4 of Japan in '42 once before getting driven out. I didn't even notice until I got a "Tokyo has fallen!" news in the alert since I was playing Spain.

 

[Mousetick]

AI Ignoring Naval Supremacy to Invade?

Edit: Ignore. This is wrong. Read bitmode's response below, it's right.

Yes. It's a bit lame, but I guess it's better than the AI not naval invading at all. It's already hard enough for human players to fulfill all the conditions for launching a naval invasion (with naval supremacy depending on naval intelligence efficiency depending on other stuff...), imagine what it would be like for the AI.

This is an example of game rules that are so convoluted that the AI cannot play by them.

 

[bitmode]

Despite this, I'm finding the US AI is able to rush naval landings in the Middle East even though I have multiple fleets on patrol and convoy escort?

Naval supremacy (un)naturally fluctuates, e.g. while a battle is happening. It only takes an instant of gaining supremacy to launch an invasion and the AI does not get special treatment in that. It just has multiple invasions ready to go at all times waiting for the conditions to be met.

The best mission against invasions imho is convoy raiding because it is the only one actually looking for troop convoys once they get under way.

 

[DicRoNero]

The best mission against invasions imho is convoy raiding because it is the only one actually looking for troop convoys once they get under way.

Spoiler: So true.

 

[Secret Master]

The best mission against invasions imho is convoy raiding because it is the only one actually looking for troop convoys once they get under way.

I will add that against the AI, it's particularly devastating, since the AI is not really good about escorting convoys in general and invasion convoys specifically.

But if you think it's just an AI strategy, go ahead and ask my colleagues in MP how they feel about convoy raiding against invasion convoys in our current game.

 

[FireZealot]

Very good to know, thanks!

I was generally using convoy escort + patrol + strike force, so maybe they slipped through.

Two related questions:

1) Does convoy escort also do spotting / add to naval supremacy? Ex if I have a bunch of fleets on convoy escort, will they also be scanning for enemy fleets that my battle fleet can engage?

2) What fleet builds are good for convoy raiding or patrol? I know subs are good, been making 8-12 sub wolf packs. But could I also be using destroyer or light cruiser flotillas? Similar for patrol.

 

[SophieX]

In my opinion subs are the best convoy raiders, low costs and quickly build.
For sure, you can use DD and CL for convoy raiding too, but the are not as effective as subs and could do other tasks much better -> screening your capital ships or protect your convoy routes as escorts or doing patrol-tasks.

At the beginning of a new game, consider what "role" your navy should play and then pick the right naval-doctrine. This choice is the base-guideline for you, to decide what kind of naval-units you should focus on.

And never forget your naval bombers; they are very useful in any sea-region they can cover!

 

[FireZealot]

Right, I started with a traditional Pacific navy build. Base Strike with a carrier focus. I haven’t even be researching heavy ships (do I need them?).

I’m using the old BBs in amphibious support set ups.

I included the battle cruisers as escorts for my CVs, otherwise I just use heavy cruisers.

1) Is there a point for BBs or BCs in a carrier oriented fleet? Do I need to research that tree?

2) How do you use escort carriers? All I’ve done is full deck CVs in groups of 4

3) I originally didn’t plan on doing convoy raiding as Japan, just had a small submarine force.
Ive been more successful than expected plus have been recommended to do convoy raiding to protect my shores which is why I’m asking if I can use destroyers or light cruisers, or switch production to subs.

 

[SophieX]

Right, I started with a traditional Pacific navy build. Base Strike with a carrier focus. I haven’t even be researching heavy ships (do I need them?).

Depends, as always, on the playing-style. For me, I use the doctrines trade interdiction or base strike ( depens on the country ) I never build new battleships.

I’m using the old BBs in amphibious support set ups.

Why not; it's ok I think

I included the battle cruisers as escorts for my CVs, otherwise I just use heavy cruisers.

No prob, but ensure, that those old ships do not slow down your taskforce speed ( 1kn or 2kn is not a big malus, but all values greater 2kn should be avoided )

1) Is there a point for BBs or BCs in a carrier oriented fleet? Do I need to research that tree?

2) How do you use escort carriers? All I’ve done is full deck CVs in groups of 4

3) I originally didn’t plan on doing convoy raiding as Japan, just had a small submarine force.
Ive been more successful than expected plus have been recommended to do convoy raiding to protect my shores which is why I’m asking if I can use destroyers or light cruisers, or switch production to subs.

1.) No really need; but make sure you have the same amount of capitals in your force as the amount of carriers.
Example: 4 Carrier ( not more, or you get a debuff ) need 4 capitals. Those 8 "capitals" ( 4+4) need 24 screenships as a minimum ( CL and/or DD ). 3 screenships for 1 capital

2. Don't know, cause I never build them.

3. see Post #8

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This is just my point of view; other players will have different ones.

I'm sure, you will "develop" your own playing-style, which is always a "compromise" of performing an "optimum" and having the most fun