How to prevent the Soviet dow?

[grievous5226]

Hey guys, wanted to ask another question. Whenever I play as Germany if I don't invade the USSR they'll normally DOW me in 42. Is there any way to prevent them from declaring war on me? Thanks.

If not, what's the best strategy for a defensive war with the soviets?

 

[Vorondil]

Having a bigger army should discouraging them.

If you realy wants to be in the defensive, wich isn't the purpose of the german doctrine, try elastic defense with some countrer attack to cut sowjet divisions and melt their MP.
But, the best way to del with the bolcheviks is the kick them hard with all your might in 41.

 

[Stuka Ju87 D3]

Defensive in 1942 - Same as Offensive in 1941 - encircle, starve, and capture.

Barbarossa Soviet Losses:
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Barbarossa)

Captured: 3m-4m
Medical: 1m-1.5m
Dead: ~1m

If they're massing their troops to the extent that you can't break through, either give them some room in Poland, bottle them in the Carpathian mountains, or tie them up in a battle in a good casualty rate province until they contribute massive reserves there.

Then encircle + starve.

P.S.: Prevent - build 400 GAR/MIL pre-1942 in addition to your regular army (this may work, idk)

 

[TK3600]

Don't annex Poland? No molotov pact?

 

[Epaminondas]

If you build fortresses along the entire frontier and sit 9+ divisions in each the Soviet AI shows a marked disinclination to attack. Of course getting that done in the timeframe available means you need to handle your industry builds and your campaigns in the west very carefully.

 

[Black Ader]

I usually wait 1942 to launch Barbarossa because :

1) after fall of France I have more IC than USSR, so time is on my side

2) Great patriotic war event fire when you start Barbarossa against the AI, so you better have to be prepared

3) I can stock more oil

4) Speer is coming 1st january of 1942, waiting may of 1942 give me time for some upgrades with the +20% IC Speer bonus

So I mass a lot of divisions along the border, to prevent a soviet dow. Don't have a second line of units, or USSR will dow you. Assume military controll on allies and mass thier divisions too. It should be enough, if you have built a lot of infantery (and you need it for Barbarossa).