Protecting transports...

Ok, So I'm new and trying to get a handle on different aspects, like how best to get a convoy across the Atlantic to attack from the USA (at level 2)? and can it be done without being a Naval Commander. My first attempt was a disaster.

After leisurely taking over all of north and central America I got tired of stomping the neutrals and so worked up an invasion force with about 6 transports full of tanks with escorts and sortied out of Boston. I figured I'd drop a load of tanks somewhere to run roughshoud over the interior as I gathered troops for more massive follow on invasion. I was trying to get across quickly because my recon indicated only one bomber watching the coast and Europe was in an active battle with Asia, so I sent them in two waves as the forces got built. I set out a picket line of 3 Destroyers keeping a running wall going to clear the way and I had about 25 bombers bringing up the rear, escorts stacked with the transports and several stacks of 3 Destroyers covering the N & S flanks.

but of course, Asia surrendered, Europe spotted my tiny fleet and then the sky over the north Atlantic came alive with bombers. doh

I retreated my pickets, brought up my rear guard, merged my transports and set out some walls with the escorts to protect the convoy and covered any gaps with bombers. Bombers just arriving went on the offensive to intercept incoming bogies. My first stack of bombers got flamed while other enemy bombers attempted to attack the convoy... astonishingly, they were repulsed, and I was awarded some sort of medal for destroying the main force of bombers, but I lost some escorts and my walls were breached. I reformed the line, re-stacked some units and tried to set up a screening wall as my transports made a break for the coast... but it was too far and he had stacks upon stacks of bombers inbound, there was no escape and my Destroyer reinforcements would be too late. [sigh] I lost more escorts, most of my bomber squadrons, and while my transports lived another round they were now defenseless.

So... I'm left to wonder, just what does a successful ocean crossing invasion look like? This was with 2 minute rounds so managing a larger force and bringing in reinforcements is huge time suck, so also what are the minimum conditions you would need?

Thanks,
Gen. Sherman

There's three methods that I use to cross oceans successfully.

1. Stack bombers and add one air transport with infantry. Create a few of these or if you plan to rush his cap just make one. (works best with sky menace strategy, but still works without)

2. Use marines and subs. (will not work as good at your rank because you won't have the stealth upgrades)

3. Wall sea transports like you would with cities, but with destroyers instead of ground troops. And have ships defending the transports.

Those are the only ways I've been successful in large invasions. Hope they work for you. Good luck.

What he said ^ But the marines + subs is best idea imo. Buy Master of Stealth and practice with it.

Stealth strats are superior late game, they will crush any other strat. Do not let it get that far, crush them before it's too late.

You have to keep in mind it will take about 6-8 weeks to reach europe from usa. By then, Europe has the chance to recruit 100+ units.

To have a successful invasion, you need to keep in mind its reinforcement, and when they are getting reinforcement.

If you are against Europe as usa, you want to be quick before he reach asia, once he has asia, its pratically over unless you have a few things up your sleeve. SM can go straight to europe with air tran and bombers. Just keep in mind you don't need a direct assualt on europe at first. You can colonize africa and south america while sending bombers to europe, etc. Keep him busy while you build up your forces to turn the tide.

Good luck Gen. Sherman

Most excellent, thank you all. Cthulhu, fantastic insight, much obliged.

~GS

You've been asking several questions on the forums lately. How about I teach you some things?

Blitzkrieg and masters of stealth are the best strats for these sort of attacks as theyve the speed. personally i usually opt for the stealth attack option, send marines over in subs, set them up around all major capitals and unit producers, wallfuck them 2 weeks before rein week then attack the following week.

make sure to use the stealth detection range toggle feature below the minimap. if the circle intersects any enemy units or city, your stealths will be detected and the attack may fail.

however its very staisfying to watch in one turn most of your enemies territory turn to your colour, and devastating for them. oh all the beautiful ragequits ive seen lol

Don't go blitz against good people, if you don't get lucky on turnblocks, you'll get raped.

Wr1tt3n by Guest, 16.11.2013 at 11:06

Don't go blitz against good people, if you don't get lucky on turnblocks, you'll get raped.

Hell you'll get raped by noobs who have no idea of priority with TBs, the thing is that good players know exactly how to take advantage every single time. Whereas the noobs luckiness will not save them.