@Gargantua:
1. Which Turn do you prefer attack?
Very dependent on Germany’s moves and Allied responses.
J2 if US is going mostly Atlantic initially.
Smash whatever navies you can while operating out of Carolines, and take Phillipines and Borneo. This stages you to take the rest of the DEI on J3 quite well. A J2 attack keeps Australia poor - it doesn’t get Dgu for the bonus, and the naval supremacy you’ll have will let you convoy them into turtling.
An early attack also keeps India from getting large, as that’s 1-2 fewer turns they’d have with collect DEI/Hong Kong/Borneo income. Italy may be a bit ruffled at you, but that’s tough sh*t I guess.
This gives you a great foundation for a Pacific victory.
J3 if US went heavy Pacific at first.
Stage at Carolines on J1 to threaten a strong J2 attack, and then swing to SZ 36 on J2.
Spread out on J3 and take the 5 main islands at once, if possible. Australia will be a bit richer.
Typically you just want to hold on to the DEI and see how hard your land forces can press against Calcutta with what money you’ve got.
J4 if US is going 100% Pacific.
Japan is not going to win the game. A sad fact. The priority becomes helping Germany win. Once you’ve realized America’s intentions, stage for an attack on Russia as soon as possible. Weaken Russia as much as you can to make Moscow easier for Germany to crack.
You can take the DEI to give you more $ to stave off the Americans. Or, take only Borneo and ignore the other 3 islands so America can’t take them for themselves once they’ve pushed you out. Same thing with Fic.
In the Pacific, play the most stubborn defense you can. Utilize carriers filled with your 38572 planes to maximize your defense, and stage from Philippines for as long as you can. Retreat to SZ 6 once it becomes impossible to stay. Not fun, but it helps.
Important - If US is going 100% Pacific, do not do Sealion, unless you can do it outrageously cheaply. Pac-strat is a very strong counter to Sealion.
J1 is a fun alternative to standard strategies. Hold on tight, though.
2. How many transports do you try to keep in circulation?
Usually 6. 3 Initial, 3 purchased J1. Sometimes I’ll buy another on J2 but probably not. That’s usually enough to take what I need without risking too many transports being destroyed.
3. What are the top 3 locations you place Industrial Complexes or Bases, and WHY?
1 - French Indo-China.
Pump 3 infantry a turn into a strong-point Yunnan stack, and trade Burma with India every turn. Convoy the piss out of India and they’re making 3 a turn. You are killing 3-6 IPCs a turn and have a net gain of 6 IPCs every turn. India has a timer on its head if you played tight.
2 - Shantung
In the event of Russia attacking - for whatever reason - this is your line of defense to that red horde. 3 Inf a turn, with planes, ensure that Russia cannot advance past Jehol. Eventually they won’t even get past Manchuria. You are reinforcing with 9 IPCs every turn. Russia gets no reinforcements. This strong point also serves as a way to prevent the Chinese - who will be stronger than usual because Russia attacked - from getting to the coast. The two Chinese VCs and those rich coastal territories will stay in your hands.
3 - A third one is tougher to say. I’d say Korea.
If US is going 100% Pacific, build a minor - to be upgraded when possible - in Korea, and shove mechanized units down Russia’s throat. Because it takes so long to cross Siberia, you can stop after a few turns and focus on the naval battle you’re struggling to keep up. Those 18 Inf can’t stop you once 15 tanks show up with however much Inf and Mechs you could muster. Goodbye Moscow.
Other- Naval Base in Hainan + Airbase in Kwangsi makes SZ 36 a fortress from which you can threaten - and protect - half of the Pacific.
4. What are the 5 most important territories to capture/control (besides capitals) and why?
1 - Philippines
From here you can keep check on all of the DEI. It also prevents US from getting that NO. With scrambling and kamikazes, it’s pretty damn tough to pry Japan from it.
2 - DEI
These all pretty much fall under one category. Worth a collective 20 IPCs to Japan - no sh*t it’s important. I’d rate Borneo slightly above the other 3 because it’s India’s territory, and so taking it usually hurts India more than the other 3.
3 - Malaya
Takes an NO away from Anzac, is worth 3 IPCs, and is a good site for a substitute/compliment to a Fic IC.
4 - Yunnan
A stack here stops China from getting too out of hand and lets you simultaneously threaten Calcutta.
Right next door to a Fic IC which fuels it with infantry.
5 - Hong Kong
Harder to think of a 5th territory. Worth 3 IPCs and has a victory city. Pretty nice.
I’d say Fic as one but it’s pretty much a gimme once you declare war.
5. What are the best Sea Zones to stage your navy out of and why?
SZ 33 -
If you’re seeking a Pacific victory, this is the place to be. Threatens Sydney and Honolulu at the same time. Forces Anzac to turtle, especially if you’re convoying, which effectively takes that power out of the naval game. Can be immediately reinforced from Japan. Makes the Allies either defend hard/pull back or set up blockers, which is a total money sink.
SZ 35 -
For a more passive/defensive strategy, this sea zone lets you keep a grip on the DEI while threatening the an American fleet at the Caroline Islands. Very tough nut to crack.
SZ 36 -
Transports from the south can zip right back up to Japan from here. A great place to stage from before you hit the DEI. Also threatens Calcutta, which forces them to pull back and turtle.