Really depends on what Germany's starting tech level is with them, if I have to build a lot to have a decent one, then I won't build any.
-
We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
I'm a bit nervous about naval doctrine techs at the game start. If they are fixed, I'm going to look to mod so I can get to some effective doctrines that will allow sea control and CV performance. My Germany doesn't give a lick about subs (*bluck!)
My major plan, playing as Germany, is to invade Iceland in the early spring of 1940 before invading Denmark. Iceland is key to the Atlantic war, sooner or later.
Initially, I had planned on building one or two BB's to tank damage, and rely on BC's to do most of the leg-work of facing off against the Royal Navy. As mentioned above, early CV's won't be a big issue now, and the close confines of the North Sea should make surface groups very important.
I'm a bit disconcerted by the comment in the manual where they said that BC's didn't live up to expectations. Maybe I'll just go with a few BB's supported by many CA's. I really don't know at this point.
I also got the feeling from the manual that any coastal battle that takes place next to sea zone where CL's+ are stationed will automatically provide support. If that's the case, I will have many active fleets eventually, just not too many BB's early on. I'd like to build a few SHBB's, if they are worth it later in the game.
My major plan, playing as Germany, is to invade Iceland in the early spring of 1940 before invading Denmark. Iceland is key to the Atlantic war, sooner or later.
Initially, I had planned on building one or two BB's to tank damage, and rely on BC's to do most of the leg-work of facing off against the Royal Navy. As mentioned above, early CV's won't be a big issue now, and the close confines of the North Sea should make surface groups very important.
I'm a bit disconcerted by the comment in the manual where they said that BC's didn't live up to expectations. Maybe I'll just go with a few BB's supported by many CA's. I really don't know at this point.
I also got the feeling from the manual that any coastal battle that takes place next to sea zone where CL's+ are stationed will automatically provide support. If that's the case, I will have many active fleets eventually, just not too many BB's early on. I'd like to build a few SHBB's, if they are worth it later in the game.
AFAIK, all doctrine technologies are researchable and they don't lock each other out.
As CAGs are no longer treated like 'LR Artillery', it will mean that Battleships will come into their own again as long as you can provide Air Cover for the fleet. Without air cover the HOI 3 Battleship fleet will have the same problem against Carrier fleets like in real life.
Also, this time having battleships in your carrier fleets so that they can respond to any enemy battleship movement sounds like good idea, IMO.
From the sounds of things then a lot of thought is being put into weather this time. Carriers are all very well but in the North Sea and Atlantic then if the weather closes in then CAGs are pretty much worthless. BBs still have there uses and a balanced force is always important I reckon
Hmm, thats an interesting idea... sending in fighters to keep the CAG occupied and then send in the BB's to finish te job, a bit unorthodox but might just do the trick.
Back on the topic, I'll probably (If I really require a combat navy) a few BB's usually in the roll as carrier escorts)
I usually build CV/BB in a 6/1 relation.
Sometimes I allso build a whole batch of 'em (~6-12) to serve as a shore bombardment fleet.
But in general, my battlefleets will mostly consist of CV's/CVL's and escorts.
Back on the topic, I'll probably (If I really require a combat navy) a few BB's usually in the roll as carrier escorts)
I usually build CV/BB in a 6/1 relation.
Sometimes I allso build a whole batch of 'em (~6-12) to serve as a shore bombardment fleet.
But in general, my battlefleets will mostly consist of CV's/CVL's and escorts.
As long as you are operating close to your own Air cover i.e. English Channel the fighter cover will be more than capable of taking on CAGs allowing the Battleships to do what they want.
One of my major gripes with HOI2 was that despite having total Air superiority and INT patrols it was impossible to stop a carrier attack on a port.
Battleship fleet with support from a combined Fighter/CAS squadron would probably be the most brutal combo available, clear out the enemy CAG and perform naval strikes all at the same time.
When I look at the new naval system on paper, you better have some bigger guns (at least CAs) to cover your CVs - or else a surprise party, esp. during the early years with low radar - will wreck havoc...
I usually go for a mixed fleet divided into specialized battlegroups. A CV battlegroup will be carrier heavy usually 4-6 CV's with a couple of BB/BC's for escort, CA's and CL's and at least 10 DD, a BB battlegroup will be the same except with 4-6 BB's and a couple of CV/CVL for escort duty. I usually don't bring them out until my subs have worn down the enemy fleets some.
This. The main idea that it's tough makes it even more cooler and satisfying, a challenge and coolness in one package!
I always build BBS but their only use is for shore bombardment purposes. I intend to continue to use them in this role.
BB's have a much higher awesome rating than CV's 
. And SHBB's are just the God of navy :rofl:
. And SHBB's are just the God of navy :rofl:
It seems to me the value of BB's in HOI3 will have to be completely reassessed from HOI2.
In HOI2 a CV with good positioning could keep an enemy BB at distance at night or in bad weather, even though the CV would be unable to do much damage. In HOI3 I expect that won't work anymore.
In HOI2 BB's were useless to defend CV's against air attack, because only the ship actually under attack would shoot at the enemy planes. I hope that issue is solved too.
Anyone who bases his naval build decisions in HOI3 on what worked ahistorically in HOI2, is probably in for a rough suprise.
In HOI2 a CV with good positioning could keep an enemy BB at distance at night or in bad weather, even though the CV would be unable to do much damage. In HOI3 I expect that won't work anymore.
In HOI2 BB's were useless to defend CV's against air attack, because only the ship actually under attack would shoot at the enemy planes. I hope that issue is solved too.
Anyone who bases his naval build decisions in HOI3 on what worked ahistorically in HOI2, is probably in for a rough suprise.
In HoI3? Everyone since now CAGs can intercept and shoot down the NAV before they can do any harm?
As I understand CV's you can counter them with land based fighters. So it might actually be worthwhile as, for example, Germany or Italy to build BB's and give them cover with interceptors. That way your BB's can't be touched by the CAG's and still attack the enemy.
But those CAG will fall to interceptors and escort fighters. NAV is made of win.