I've been absent from the game for some time, trying to get back into it. Playing Soviets, I used to often go either T1 to T4 or T2 to T3 only. Basically I would only ever build either T1 or T2 but not both.
Are the mortars still a good option against MG42 if I go T2? They seem horribly inconsistent.
If you do get a Mortar, you can use the precision strike ability which will be effective to take out the MG42.
I personally prefer flanking the MG42 and molotov it, a suppressed conscript or shocktroop can still throw their molotov/grenade as long as they are not pinned. The MG42s are much easier to take out now compared to when COH2 was released that goes for any support unit actually. Also another valid strategy would be to use the shocktroop's smoke grenade to prevent them from getting suppressed/pinned. You can also use the ZIS barrage ability which is very effective as well to take out any stationary units.
Be aware though that the current META is callable units vs. going T3 or T4, meaning you will see a lot more TIGERS / TIGER ACE or KV-8, IS-2 if you are playing Ostheer. I don't see the SU-85s being used often and T-34s are now mostly used to ram a Tiger.
Soviet is a lot harder to play right now, some balance issues needs to be addressed since the new patch. That being said, the patch is steering the game in a better direction, so be patient
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