How to defeat the SU-85

There seem to be many people posting on the forums that do not know how to defeat the SU-85. This guide is an attempt to rectify that problem by teaching you how to counter the dreaded SU-85 spam.

1: The SU-85; a short summary

The SU-85 is a russian tank destroyer that costs 115 fuel and can destroy Panzer 4's with ease. It is also able to kill panther's if used properly. Made in bulk, it is well nigh invincible to any form of armored attack, as the SU-85's can cover each others flanks.

Its shortcomings are a lack of anti-infantry ability due to not having MG's and a slow turning speed, leaving its rear armor vulnerable for a good amount of time while turning to face a threat

2: How to defeat the SU-85

NOTICE: Since the SU-85 was nerfed it has become rather easy to simply drive a panther up and destroy an SU-85. Forgoing the use of PZ4's in favor of the Panther will perhaps nullifty the usefulness of an SU-85. Just make sure you have a Panther for every SU-85 the enemy has when you attack.

You must remember that the SU-85 is a Tank-Destroyer, and therefore should only be attacked by a Tank in the rear. This is because it is designed to destroy your tanks, and that is exactly what it will do if you are not careful.

AT Guns are your friend. Making 1 or 2 AT Guns is common, but you are going to need between 3-5, depending on the map and number of enemy SU-85's. Put your AT Guns in positions where they have clear, overlapping lines of fire in the direction of the enemy.

Once the AT Guns are in place, lure the enemy in with a Panzer or Panther. make sure to have Panzergrenadiers with Panzershrecks upgrade standing by to move in for the kill once the SU-85(s) have come within range of your defensive line.

Now, this should deal with any SU-85's at first, but the enemy may wise up and start mortaring you! In this case you will want to make a PanzerWerfer, built in the same building as the panther. Once you start using that on the enemy mortars they will have to fall back, or attack you.

Either way you have the advantage, If they attack your Infantry and AT guns you will destroy them. If not, you can simply walk up and take their territory once the rockets finish them off. Just make sure to have MG's scattered throughout your lines, or a wall of conscripts may burn your AT guns up!

One thing to remember is that if you can attack it from the side or rear, an SU-85 will most likely die before it can turn or escape.

Note that this guide assumes that the opposition is supporting his SU-85's with infantry, MG's, Mortars, etc. And is therefore not able to be killed by Panzergrenadiers or flanking with Panzer 4.

As Kokan pointed out, Teller mines on chokepoints and roads are also a good idea if you can afford the munitions.

That's it for now! I will expand this guide in the future, but for now I will listen to feedback from the community before continuing.

Please leave feedback!

I will try to respond to all constructive/serious comments and would appreciate it if you could point out any flaws in the guide.

[Arcavidi]

I just bring My tigers in and destroy it.

[RalphRoberts]

@OrionHunter88 SU-85 may be easy for YOU to counter but some people are unable to counter it easily, and this guide is made for those individuals.

[OrionHunter88]

SU85 is overrated. Run a P4 up next to it and just strafe away (Circle strafe) from its gun while your turret tracks it guaranteed kill in 4-5 shots.

Late game. pfft everything german has late game destroys SU 85.
Elephant
Blitzed panthers
Panzerschrecks
Pak 40
Pak 43
LEFH 18

Numerous off map abilities... bombing run, railway etc.

[RalphRoberts]

@Soma Thanks!

[bashame]

I'm using SU-85 myself, as apparently my friend uses this guide and manages to destroy them. Good job, author. :D

[fellbjion]

elefants work well

[moNKLyF]

i like to see them trying to turn around to hit me!

[Chino!!]

Omg...

[Chino!!]

ManicMonkOnMac flank... not cross the front line...

[RalphRoberts]

@ManicMonkOnMac This guide wouldn't be much use if it only worked on people who didn't know what they were doing, we can already beat them. :)