Profile of Corp.Shephard

Maxims are quite powerful right now. I don't know about over powered. I've been switching over to a Maxim based strategy simply because it's fairly effective and it gets around that goddamn overpowered Stuka Strafing Run that the Level 45 general gets. Maxims can still do their job while pinned. They can't reposition so they're easier to flank under the Strafe but it's better than having a Conscript based army that just bleeds manpower when sent out.

That being said I've been able to deal with Maxim spam with my German fast T2 strategy. When any opponent goes a fast T1 or T2 start with no Conscripts they give up:

1) Initial map control and resources to pioneers
2) Are often banking on an opening that does not include fast vehicles.

With the first minute it takes to build the Support Weapons Kampyenyea (T2 Russians), three pioneer squads out capping will get you an impressive amount of resources and your T2 up in no time.

Panzer Grenadiers are one of the few infantry that are actually effective flankers against Maxims. Their close combat damage is enough that if you get to a flank and on-top of the gun it can easily be a squad wipe. Building a Halftrack after your first squad lets you load up and unload your PGs on top of the Maxim. If there's a Maxim behind that then you can load back up before you get pinned.

If your Flamehalftrack hits before the enemy AT gun you immediately seize map control even against the utterly broken building armor. Even if the enemy foresees your actions and gets an AT gun after the second Maxim or whatnot their lack of AT grenades give you an excellent window. You only need to be aware of mines. The Maxims can't go and capture points without their AT gun so it will seriously cramp his capping power.

Tier 2 start with Ostheer is very viable. If you're having trouble with some of the more "tech" oriented Soviet builds give it a shot. I have a thread that outlines my general strategy in the Ostheer strategy forum.

An example of the Fast Tier 2 strategy for the Germans>

Mostly uploading this for my strategy thread. I played several games last night but this is the only one that was decent enough to upload. Most of them end in less than ten minutes.

Oh wow.

I thought this discussion had died!

My strategy has evolved a little here and there since writing this guide but I do use this strategy still.

@relayer That game Tycho casted was not actually with me! He referenced this guide quite a bit however that game starred CcArt as the German player.
It was cool to watch for me because he prioritized his early Pioneers very differently than mine.

@GeneralHell You're absolutely right that players who apply incredible pressure will make things hard. The strategy might not be advisable on easy cutoff maps. Keep in mind though that your fire superiority after ~4 minutes can turn the situation completely on it's head. If your forces are unstoppable then having an easy cutoff point means you can deny the enemy the entire map and let your pioneers slowly mop the map back to your color while you punish the enemy. That is almost the entire basis of the strategy.



As for the other person who was talking about Vet 3 Conscripts wrecking house this is something I have encountered too. One of the few games I've lost with this strategy was against someone who really used "Hit the Dirt!" to it's fullest ability. I'm really suspecting that doctrine is too strong, perhaps just that ability.

Munitions discipline is very crucial to this strategy. I lost that game because I spent too many munitions on bundled grenades. When it comes down to it against "Hit the Dirt!" your only chance of beating the enemy cost effectively is with the Flamethrower Halftrack. Don't let yourself waste too many munitions one way or another. If you see a clown car you should minimize damage and prepare an up-gunned 222 Scout Car of your own. Do not up-gun it preemptively though, those munitions will be better spent elsewhere!

As such maybe securing a point as a munitions point is ideal! I'm not sure. Honestly I'd prefer the fuel in most cases as having extra armor in the mid-game can really help you out...

Well. Considering that there is increased interest in this strategy I will endeavor to provide more replays and support for it.

A 2v2 game where we enacted our usual fast tier 2 strategy.

Not many teams put as much pressure on as these guys; it was dangerous for a while there. Slipped up with some of my micro in multiple spots. Could this game be an example of Tier 2 being viable? We'll see.

This didn't upload properly the first time?