USF Unit Strategy Discussion: 81mm Mortar versus M1 75mm Howitzer versus M8A1 Howitzer Carriage - when to get one over the others and why?

[76561198106038178]

Hi All,

I was wondering if experienced USF players help me with the following - after playing USF for a while and now with the new mortar, I'm still not clear as to the following:

1. When I should buy the 81mm mortar versus the M1 75mm Howitzer? How are these strategically different? 81mm mortar seems to make sense in the beginning of course, but now with it available, I find myself never using the M1 and wonder if I'm missing out on something here...

2. When should one consider getting a M8A1 Howitzer Carriage and apart from mobility does it offer any real strong advantages strategically versus the M1 75mm Howitzer? Doesn't seem worth the extra cost but I think I'm missing something here.

3. Any other strategic points to consider in using these anyone of these three units versus the othersr? Additional tips? For example what are the unique circumstances under which each of these performs better then the other two?

Thanks and appreciate any info even if brief!

Gabe

[xor511]

The Howitzer made it into the list of units not to build when the mortar came in.

You want indirect? Mortar.
You want stronger indirect? 2 mortar.
You want even stronger indirect? 3 mortar.

[C4R7M4N]

still prefer m1 when enemy is rushing you with blobs or when i want to destroy okw hq from great distance

use m1 when defending yourself, m8 scott when you want to force your attack and enemy defends himself using infantry

anyways, scott delays your jackson/sherman

[C4R7M4N]

Originally posted by xor511:

The Howitzer made it into the list of units not to build when the mortar came in.

You want indirect? Mortar.
You want stronger indirect? 2 mortar.
You want even stronger indirect? 3 mortar.

three mortars is a ticket to lose. One great push and you are fuc ked

[ShodaN]

Use 1 M1 if you face a lot of stationary units and weapon teams early on. Use the Howitzer if you didn't get a mortar and went for 3 Rifles instead.

The Howitzer is superior in barrage range and gains HEAT shells for free on vet 2 and WP shells on vet 1. It is not nearly as accurate though and is the only weapon team that needs a minimum of 3 men to operate (less survivable that way).

The M8A1 is mobile, decently accurate from vet 2 on in and has smoke abilities that can be used over a long range and on iteself. Take it as a support unit for mainly Jackons.

[76561198106038178]

Thanks guys, I think I'll need to experiment as the differences seem somewhat subtle. The fact I can get the mortar quickly gives it a big advantage in my opinion, From what I'm gathering seems the M1 is still worth it for longer range and is good against hiting an OKW base at a distance or a static defense.

C4R7M4N - I don't see how the M1 (or the mortar) are good when you're getting rushed by a blob, but maybe I just need to experiment with it....

Never tried using the Scott with Jacksons, will need to try that out.

By the way between these three which has the longest shot range?

[Maschinengewehr]

Originally posted by Gabe:

Thanks guys, I think I'll need to experiment as the differences seem somewhat subtle. The fact I can get the mortar quickly gives it a big advantage in my opinion, From what I'm gathering seems the M1 is still worth it for longer range and is good against hiting an OKW base at a distance or a static defense.

C4R7M4N - I don't see how the M1 (or the mortar) are good when you're getting rushed by a blob, but maybe I just need to experiment with it....

Never tried using the Scott with Jacksons, will need to try that out.

By the way between these three which has the longest shot range?

The Pack Howie with its barrage I believe. Its something like 160 range iirc.

[76561198106038178]

Sorry what do you mean by "pack" howie? Is that a doctrinal unit?

[Maschinengewehr]

Originally posted by Gabe:

Sorry what do you mean by "pack" howie? Is that a doctrinal unit?

M1 75mm Pack Howitzer. The support gun in Captain. "Pack Howie" is just a common term for it.

[CatMeowMeow]

1. Pack Howitzer have WP shells and HEAT Shells,More Range 6 man squad but can't retreat

2. M8A1 have the least minimum range and can do direct fire. It's very good for bleeding manpower late game. The Direct fire is very accurate even at moving target if there is no sight blocker. It can do smoke barrage at the same range as Pack Howitzer too

Use Pack Howtizer if you are encountering a long stalemate with IEFG on their side
(Only Use this if you have clearly defined battle line or else your Pack will just drop dead).

Use M8A1 if you're encountering Infantry blob rate game (USF have no non-doctrinal counter to infantry blob like Soviets) and your Infantry can't stop them.

[Donovar]

I prefer the howie if i have the mp to spare better utility do the okw like retreating to their fhq give them a wp present do the wher like using mortars give them a ♥♥♥ present followed by some complimetnary rifles

[ploppy]

Originally posted by Gabe:

Thanks guys, I think I'll need to experiment as the differences seem somewhat subtle. The fact I can get the mortar quickly gives it a big advantage in my opinion, From what I'm gathering seems the M1 is still worth it for longer range and is good against hiting an OKW base at a distance or a static defense.

C4R7M4N - I don't see how the M1 (or the mortar) are good when you're getting rushed by a blob, but maybe I just need to experiment with it....

Never tried using the Scott with Jacksons, will need to try that out.

By the way between these three which has the longest shot range?

What is a Scott?

[Donovar]

Originally posted by Lord Flasheart:

Originally posted by Gabe:

Thanks guys, I think I'll need to experiment as the differences seem somewhat subtle. The fact I can get the mortar quickly gives it a big advantage in my opinion, From what I'm gathering seems the M1 is still worth it for longer range and is good against hiting an OKW base at a distance or a static defense.

C4R7M4N - I don't see how the M1 (or the mortar) are good when you're getting rushed by a blob, but maybe I just need to experiment with it....

Never tried using the Scott with Jacksons, will need to try that out.

By the way between these three which has the longest shot range?

What is a Scott?

the M8 Scott its a m5 stuart with a low velocity 75mm howitzer