AI will not build modern ships

[cursorhiker]

I don’t think it can handle all the new research in MtG. For that matter, I know I can’t. I’m continually falling behind everywhere with the changes - especially in doctrines. The 15% reduction hasn’t really helped. You used to be able to pour a decent amount of research into all 3 branches. Now you’re lucky to be able to do the same with 2.

I agree with this, I think there needs to be a serious re-evaluation of some times and designs.
For example, carrier aircraft should be their own branch entirely - the R&D of the Mustang had nothing to do with the Hellcat. The first Special Forces research time shouldn’t be 200 days for a tiny acclimatization buff. Support company upgrades take a bit too long.
Also, a behind bonus like there’s an ahead penalty would be nice.

 

[Råttan]

A behind-bonus would be VERY nice...

 

[xsmilingbanditx]

It's been like that as long as I can remember. I suppose the recently added additional Research didn't help in that regard.
Most of the combat (and thus, your success) still happens on solid ground. In my first and second game as Japan I really struggled with research. I had to focus in land and industrial/electronics Research. I started my naval research in the forties (no need for ships in russia...). And when you finally get there, ships like CV take two years to build so...It's quite understandable, for me at least, that the AI focuses on other stuff. I did it too
There's so much stuff to do that I can only think of two nations (GB and USA) that can focus on naval tech. With the US you can just spam XP and get research done fast. With GB it's what keeps you alive. It's nice to be ahead in naval tech, but you gotta get boots on the ground. And it doesn't help when your 1936 Land Army gets slaughtered by 1940+ stuff with appropriate Air Tech.
Not saying I don't like that. But maybe, they should expand on the "XP for research". HoI3 had it. Actually, the "practical and theoretical" knowledge stuff and leadership System for research and espionage/officers where the two things I liked. In comparison to HoI4. Despite that HoI4 is was better.

Edit: What I do think of is the Axis gaining ArmyXP and thus, being able to research Army stuff faster with the Allies doing the same with naval tech. This way, there is research time "left" so both do not totally fall behind in the other field of research.

 

[Orkmann]

I believe it contributes to the problem that the 4 year gap is too much btw the level 2 and 3 designs. I would like to see level three available in 38 or 39, and make level 2 researched for all majors by the start of the game, at least for DD, Cruiser and Heavy hulls. Level four might come in 42, and for classes where it makes sense like DD or CV I would add level 5 as a late tech. Also, I would switch all starting production to level2 for heavy ships.

 

[Monkbel]

I noticed this too.

In my USA playthrough, in 1941, I had plenty of 1940s models in production on my 80 dockyards. The moment I type in "observe", AI kills my half-made ships and sets up production of early hulls of battleships, cruisers and destroyers. Extremely stupid.