As a complete newcomer to this sim where is the best place to start and which is the best sub to start with?

Hi, Welcome to the forums

First of all you should start going through the ingame training starting with the very basics. Familiarize yourself with the controls, navigation and all that stuff before going on a mission. That way you can avoid some serious frustration. Remember this is a sim. Not an arcade shooter. So it will be a while before you can really get into sinking ships.

Here is several useful links. From there you can find answers to just about any question that comes to mind.

It doesnt really matter which sub you choose in the beginning but the one that gets you the most torpedoes in early war is Tambor class.

oops...made a double post...sorry

Hey as some starting help that I have found since I am pretty new, one of the sticky posts up there called Useful Links & Information has some great information for you especially the one called Tips, Mods, Tools, 100K Club, Online Squadrons, 'Adopt A Boat' + other SH4 info....

I suggest reading a few of those guides especially the one about how to complete missions. Also I would learn to shoot torpedos with difficulties turned up, it makes the game much more enjoyable that way I think.

You can practice shooting torpedos on the third submarine school missions.

Good luck and have fun!

Oh, and as far as best place to start, I think pearl harbor 1941 is a good start, I went the purpoise class sub, its a good ship. Got the USS Permit and have stuck with it.

Well, it looks like your concerns have already been addressed but, if I may add, the best place to start and the best sub will all boil down to a matter of preference in the end.
As CaptainQuarry has already reminded you, this is a submarine simulation and not really meant to be an arcade shooter, though the easiest settings do come pretty darn close to that, if that's what you want.
Some of the guys here, and girls (hello Liddabit ), will occasionally prefer the S-Class boats due to the additional challenge they offer, experience levels aside. Some prefer Pearl, some FreeMantle, etc., etc..
Your biggest concern right now is getting some experience with what to expect from the game and, the best way to do that is just play it and learn.
If a concern should arise in the process, as you can already see, the guys here are more than eager to help you.
BTW, welcome to the war.

quote:

Originally posted by malcermie:
As a complete newcomer to this sim where is the best place to start and which is the best sub to start with?

Welcome to the PTO,

New Captains should all start with a Sugar boat (S class) out of Cavite Naval Base in the Phillipines. It will get you into the action quickly and give you a destinct appreciation for the newer boats you will be offered down the line. By then you will be an old salt and it won't be a great loss if you are sunk in WW I hardware.

When I first started SH4, I took that Sboat out of the phils 3 times and got wasted by the first TF I found (the same tf btw) every time. I moved to pearl lol. I should pop into carear mode one of these days and take said boat out, though I think I'd hafta go install 1.4 to get the same traffic again.

Starforce: Nope they are still there in 1.5 got me twice, there's two of them on the west side of Luzon.

malcermie: I liked starting in the Phillipines as well but you may want to consider playing one of the single patrols first, pick one in late '43+ or so, you will have radar than and this will help you get started.
Early war in a sugar boat is kind o' tough.

Magic

I would also look at your REALISM settings...


Make it less realistic so it is easier to learn... When you get the hang of it, move it up some....


I still cant play at 100% realism.

Oh and dont forget to check youtube there are vids on there giving you tutorials i.e. manual targeting.

welcome so new blood let's see one thing I did not know was that subs sually went around on top of the water this is important becaus it will hep you alot befor you sytart the real camagne. if you go around on to of under the water you can go faster and spot ships more easleydo not go around under the water as this will only show you reported shipping above the water you will get reported and ataule the convoys move withi real time so get within range the submerfg and destroy that nice big jucey targit that you see good luck