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Tank and Assult Gun Tactics
by Pz_J_Dietrich
German Units Overall
The German Army in CC3 is more of a fighting force than its Russian counter-part. Its has a much greater choice in armour, men and support weapons which gives the German Army equipment suited for fighting in all terrains, from snow to open fields. From the beginning of the war with Russia, Germany's fighting equipment in CC3 has always been of a higher caliber than the Russian counter-part, from AT guns to HMG teams. The Russians have always been behind and when they bring out much improved weapons like the T34/41's and KV's the Germans have always gone one better, like the Tiger VIE. The German Army only really struggles in about mid 1943 when Russian forces deploy the new SU-122's and massive SU-152's. These tanks then became the monster of the battlefield and should be treated with great repsect. But by late 1943 the German Wehrmacht goes one better again by bringing out massive heavy fighting tanks like the Panthers and Elefants followed by the JagdPanthers, King Tigers and massive JagdTigers in mid 1944. By this time for German Army is at its peak in armoured weapons, and AT guns. Also by mid 1944 the German infantry units are all supplied with panzerfaust and panzerschrecks which can kill every Russian tank available to them with some-what ease and should put fear into the Russian tank crews. Saying all this doesn't mean to say that the Germans will always win. It's you behind the driving force, it's you who will command them and it's your tactics that will win the day.
King Tiger:
Using a King Tiger:
The Germans couldn't have named this tank any better, the Konigstiger or Royal Tiger as it was known to the Allies is virtually impervious to most Russian tanks and AT guns. If properly handled it is capable of dominating the battlefield no matter what terrain it fights on. Capable of penetrating almost 200mm of armour at a distance of 2000m. It can deal with the Russian JSII's and JSU's even at the full distance of the map. Excellent thick sloped armour makes the King Tiger the best Main Battle Tank in the game (thats not including the JSIII). Able to defend with the same ferocity as when on the attack the Tiger II even if crippled is still a highly dangerous obstacle for Russian forces. The Tiger II should not fear Russian heavy armour when at long distance but should be cautious in mid to close rangers, but even then it can still sometimes take a mass beating and still roll on. The Tiger II is best used as a support tank for other German armour, but keep it close, and when not moving put the Tiger II on ambush mode so that it doesnt waste a powerfull AP/SP round on some poor Russian units like infantry. Let other German units find the targets and if needed the Tiger II will be there to lay down whatever challenges you for good. In open terrain the King Tiger is at its peak in performance while on the flanks with or without other heavy German armour by its side the Russians will always struggle unless properly deployed for such an attack. In built up terrain the Tiger II is a one shot killer because of the short rangers and its pure armour penetrating firepower, but the Tiger II will struggle cus of its 68 ton weight giving it a disadvantage over the lighter Russian armour. The Tiger II should be deployed covering long open fields or roads when in built up areas and should try to be places away from buildings as Russian 152mm's can cripple and even score a kill from hitting a near-by building. The King Tiger should target all Russian armoured units as its gun will kill with ease even on its 1st shot. When given the right commander and support the King Tiger has a ferocious appetite for Russian armour and infantry no matter what it is.
Beating a King Tiger:
Beating a Tiger II is never easy, its well sloped thick armour makes it an impressive fighting machine aswell as having a turret. The best way, as with all armour is to attack the sides and rear but this is easier said than done, and with Russian med tanks like the T34/85 being of little use in the way of firepower only the heavy SU's and JSII's can deliver such a blow. When attacking the Tiger II from the front you need a heavy tank that really fires AP rounds rather than HE shells. The Russian 152mm's even when firing at close range struggle to kill a Tiger II whole. They may cripple it and even have a good chance of knocking of the Tigers main gun off, but if you dont put the Tiger down for good with your 1st shot it maybe the last shot you'll ever get with that tank. The best way to attack a Tiger II with a 152mm is to fire at buildings or terrain as close as you can get to the tank without have a green firing line on the tank its self, never engage a Tiger II head-on with a 152mm as its just too risky. The best weapons to put a Tiger II down for good from the front is a SU-100 and JSII at mid to close range. The SU-100 has a fast reloading time aswell as well sloped armour and a excellent 100mm main gun. The SU-100 can sometimes take even the most hardest of hits from German armour and fire on, an excellent tank destroyer which most players forget about. The JSII has got to be the 1 ture tank that is capable of beating the Tiger II on its own ground. An excellent 122mm main gun at mid and close ranges the JSII is the shotgun tank of the game being alittle poor at long range but having hugh armour penetrating power at close range. This is the only real tank that the Russian have against the Tiger II for front assults and even then the JSII has long reloading times which maybe its downfall. All Russian AT guns just haven't a chance of beating a Tiger II from the front, nevertheless a 76/85mm AP round from a Russian AT gun firing on the Tigers side is capable of doing some serious damage and may even score a kill. The best way with AT guns is to play it cool, wait till the last minute and dont waste shots and give your position away and try and make the German commander feel safe, maybe moving his armour freely around unkowning what is about to happen. Use this same tactic with bazooka teams and other AT infantry weapons. Overall the King Tigers has got to be one of, if not the hardest German tank to beat and most players will struggle against one of these impressive machines.
JagdTiger:
Using the JagdTiger:
The JagdTiger is the best tank destroyer in the game. Its 128mm Pak 80 L55 main gun is capable of penetrating even the heavy JS2's front armour at the full distance of the map, sometimes killing them with a single round. The JagdTiger has 250mm of frontal armour ( 70mm more than a King Tiger ) making it the best protected and toughest German tank to beat when firing at its front. Only the JS2 has the firepower to knock a JagdTiger out from the front and this must be at very close range to damage and even score a kill. Watch out for indirect fire from Russian 152's as these tanks can destroy the JagdTiger from firing at buildings without a target cross on your JagdTiger, so be-careful when positioning your armour near buildings. The Russian 152's are poor when put face-to-face with German heavy armour so your JagdTiger doesn't have a problem when contact is made. The best way to use your JagdTiger is to position it with good lines of sight like in open fields and along roads. Also use the JagdTigers excellent tank busting capability to cover other German units when advancing across all types of terrain. The JagdTiger doesn't need to be close to its target for best performance as its main gun is deadly at even the longest of ranges. Don't move your JagdTiger close to the enemy if possible, as this gives the Russians a little more power behind their punch. Also try and give your JagdTiger the best position possible to cover its flanks. The JagdTigers may have great frontal armour but like all tanks its sides and rear are still weak and open for even light AT weapons. In open terrain the JagdTiger is a monster that'll kill just about everything that moves, but in built up terrain the JagdTiger is at a disadvantage due to its massive 70ton weight making it slow and un-maneuverable. Somewhat easy to damage, cripple and even destroy, don't risk sending it into close quarter fights. The JagdTiger is not just armed with AP rounds, it has limited amounts of HE rounds for infantry and AT targets. These HE rounds are excellent when fired at soft targets and can score massive casualtes for the Russians just like the SU 122 against the Germans. But be-careful as the JagdTiger has a 19/20 second reloading time ( like the JS2 ) and may find its-self being attacked with armour when a HE round is being reloaded. This is sometimes, depending on the unit attacking it, not a problem for the 70ton tank and can just take what is thrown at it and reply with a HE shell that is capable of killing some Russian armour and if not it may just kill half the crew inside. The JagdTigers HE rounds are also effective at crippling and killing armour and other Russian units that are hidden in woods and behind buildings etc. Never send your JagdTiger on the offensive without knowing what is waiting, not doing this could cost you your most expensive tank on the battlefield so be careful, these tanks have excellent protection but aren't indestructible.
Beating the JagdTiger:
The JagdTiger is the hardest tank to beat when attacking it from the front, no matter what tank you use. Its front armour is so thick that only a JS2 at very close range can do the job, and if a kill isnt scroced you should look away as the JagdTiger at close range would drive its AP round though your tank. Don't engage the JagdTiger at long range as theres not really a chance of beating it. Only until mid/close range does the JS2 have the power behind the punch to try and deal with the JagdTiger, but this doesnt work all the time. The second best tank to do the job and not really getting your hands dirty is indirect fire from the massive gun of the Russian 152's. Try aiming for buildings and other terrain as close as you can get to the JagdTiger but without going as far as getting a direct shot. If, with a Russian 152, you come under direct fire from a JagdTiger you should kiss your ass good bye ;), no not really but i probably would. If that does happen the Russian 152 will get a black cross over the target meaning that it has little chance of destroying it. So instead of fire at its front, try firing at its weaker sides and rear. Remember that the JagdTiger has a slow reloading time giving you time to pull back. But if theres no chance of pulling back then just shot the terrain near its sides and hope that you can cripple it or damage it before your tank turns to scrap metal. The SU-100 is a tank that has the capability to take on the JagdTiger but only from a lucky shot and you shouldn't would waste your armour trying. All these tanks have the power to kill the JagdTiger from its side and rear. The 152's and JS2 being the best tanks for the job and the SU-100 not being that far behind. Most Russian AT guns and infantry AT weapons like the bazooka and flamethrower also can deal with the JagdTiger but only from a well aimed side shot at short range. Overall the JagdTiger is one hard tank to beat and if located on open terrain things will just get worse for you. The JagdTiger isn't suited for built up terrain and maps like these the Russian 152's can do an excellent job. Play it cool and let the German Commander move his tanks towards you unknowing what is about to happen, wait till their close then open up with a wall of 152 and JS2 fire.
Panther:
Using the Panther:
The Panther tank is the best all-round tank in the game. Its combination of armour, firepower and mobility makes this tank excellent for all terrains. Armed with a long barrelled 75mm L70 it can deal with even the heavy Russian armour at a respectable distance and having 110mm of sloped frontal armour ( 10mm more than a Tiger VIE ) the Panther can repell even the hardest of shots. The Panther is classed as a medium tank but is better protected, armed and more deadly then its heavyer brother the Tiger VIE. Use the Panther as you would any-other German main battle tank as you can be surprised at what the Panther is capable of in terms of anti-tank and anti-infantry rolls. Note that the Panthers turret rotation speed is excellent compared with other panzers. When attacking enemy armour try and make sure that your Panther has an 'SP' round loaded into its main gun, this will make sure that when engaged your Panther will be at its peak in penetrating performance. Be careful when attacking Russian heavy armour like the 152's and JS2's as the Panther does tend to be out-gunned and will struggle to take such powerful shots, but it will sometimes take them and take them good. Use the Panthers excellent speed and mobility to surprise the enemys armour from the sides and then back away if needs be. The Panthers HE rounds are excellent for attacking infantry on open terrain and built up areas, these rounds are also capable of damaging and destroying Russian mid tanks like the T34/85's from certain angles. Like all German armour watch out where you deploy your Panthers as indirect fire from Russian 122's and 152's can cripple and even destroy them. Overall use your Panther in any combat roll.
Beating the Panther :
The Panther maybe the best all-round German tank but it will still struggle when engaged by Russian heavy guns like the JS2's, 152's and when not armed with 'SP' rounds, the SU-100's and SU-122's. The Panther is deadly when attacking your armour at close range armed with 'SP' rounds, even the JS2's should be careful when engaged by these German tanks but without the aid of 'SP' rounds the Panthers punch isnt great sometimes struggling with even the thin sloped armour of the T34 model's. The best way inwhich to deal with these tanks is the powerful JS2's and indirect/direct fire from the Russian 152's. Aslo the SU-100's AP round and HE shells from the SU-122 can deal with the Panther at a respectable range. Most Russian AT guns can also deal with the Panther, maybe not from the front but can be a sure kill from the sides depending on range. Russian infantry weapons like the bazooka and flamethrower are also a deadly weapons against this German medium tank so engineers can take the fight too this tank if it comes within range. Overall the Russians can deal with the Panther no matter what terrain its on but should watch out for its heavyer brothers who maybe near by. Treat the Panther with respect but also take the fight to it as most Russian armour can deal with it...
Tiger:
Using the Tiger VIE:
The Tiger VI is the most famous German battle tank though not the best. In late 1942 the Tigers appear along the Russian front and make a great impression over the so called heavy Russian KV's. The Tigers 100mm frontal armour and long barrelled 88mm main gun makes the Tiger in 1942 a dangerous opponents for all the Russian armour and all Russian units for that matter. When using your Tigers in 1942 you can use them in an offensive way as they can deal with all Russian armour with some-what ease, even the heavy KV's dont stand a good chance against the Tigers impressive frontal armour and its deadly 88mm main gun. But as with all armour no matter what side you are on you should always give your tanks the proper support with infantry and covering fire from other armoured units. By mid 1943 the Russian Army starts to deploy new SU-122's and the deadly SU-152's. The SU-122 isnt really a match for the Tigers powerfull combination of armour and firepower when firing at its front, but have a good chance of knocking your Tiger out with some well aimed shots from close range and side locations. Most SU-122's when aiming at your Tigers front will normally get a yellow target cross over the Tiger giving it a low chance of a kill but this may sometimes knock your Tigers main gun off making it nothing more but a mobile MG platform. At mid and close rangers your Tiger will really have no problem dealing with SU-122's and with a well aimed shot the massive SU-152's as like most German main battle tanks your Tiger is given small amounts of 'SP' rounds. Against targets like the SU-152's, SU-100's and newly made JS2's you should try and aviod such contacts as your Tigers 100mm frontal armour isnt good enough for head-on engagements and should never really try to engage such heavy Russian tanks. Against such targets as T34's the Tiger is in a class of its own and will score mass kills if used correctly. By 1944 your Tiger is out class as more SU-152's are more common aswell as the SU-100's ( a tank that is under rated by most CC3 players ) and new JS2's start to appear. Only a well aimed side shot can really deal with these new impressive Russian armour and sometimes your Tiger is unable to score a kill when firing at the heavy JS2's sides. Always make your Tiger face front in combat as its sides can be penetrated by even the early model T34's, and Russian AT guns have no problem with the Tigers sides but struggle when firing at its front. If unsure what is hidden in buildings infront of your Tigers path just clear the way with your main gun but be carefull as the Tiger has a slow reloading time of 16 seconds which for some reason is longer than the reloading time of its heavyier brother the King Tiger II. The Tiger is a slow and lumbering beast so watch out for the more manouverable Russian armour and try not to give your enemy the chance of a side shot as it maybe the end of your Tiger.
Beating the Tiger VIE:
The Tiger in 1942 is a difficult machine to destroy as its armour is very thick for its time. T34's, KV's and AT guns as well as flamethrowers all have the capability inwhich to destroy the Tiger but not always from the front. In 1942 it is best to let the Tigers run freely so to speak, and wait for it to walk into an ambush giving you clear lines of sight for side shots or close range frontal shots. Even the early model T34's have the firepower to do some serious damage against the mightly Tiger from the sides and rear. Russian 76mm AT guns also have the firepower to do some damage even from the front at respectable rangers. By mid 1943 the Russian's get new SU-122's, a tank that has the firepower to deal with the Tiger even when engaged head-on. You have to be careful tho as the Tigers main gun has better armour penetrating power at all rangers than the SU-122 , but at mid to close range the SU-122 has a fairly good chance of beating the Tiger, not really with a single knock-out punch but by killing crew members of the Tiger and even knocking out its main gun. From the sides the SU-122 can deliver a single knock-out shot. By mid 1944 the Russians have new SU-100 and massively powerful JS2's and SU-152's, all of which can kill the Tiger with a single clean shot from any angle of attack. When engaging the Tiger with these types of Russian armour you should never back down as the Tigers main gun is poor when firing against well sloped and thick armour like on the heavy Russian tanks. Finding Tiger VIE's on the battlefield by mid to late 1944 is a mistake by the German player and you can afford to just target other targets if needs-be as they with struggle to do serious damage against your heavy armour from the front.
Elefant and Ferdinand:
Using the Elefant:
The Elefant unlike in real life is an excellent weapon that should be used mainly in a defensive/support roll. Armed with the same hard hitting 88mm as in the King Tiger and JagdPanther the Elefant makes a formidable obstacle for Russian units wether it is cripple or not. Armed also with a AA MG-34 which can fire 360 degree's around the tank it has no problem dealing with infantry units which may attack from any angle if the Elefant becomes crippled. Having 200mm of frontal armour, thats 20mm more than the King Tiger, its makes an excellent defensive weapon platform but its under powered 2x Pz IV engines and massive 65 ton weight it cannot move fast enough for a offensive roll. The Elefant has the powerful to take on all Russian armour from most rangers but remember that the Elefant doesnt carry 'SP' rounds like most other German Panzers, so it needs to be that little bit closer to gain the penetrating power of the 'SP' round. Also watch where you place the Elefant as indirect fire from Russian heavy 152's have kill them but also watch out for your Elefants sides as it is very slow to manoeuvre and if surpised from the sides or rear with enemy armour you can be sure that the Elefant is about to retire from the game. Overall mainly use the Elefant in a defensive and support roll and never go on the offensive with one unless you are sure about what is out there waiting.
Beating the Elefant:
The Elefant even if cripple is a formidable obstacle for Russian forces depending on the angle it is cripple in. Even if cripple the Elefant is excellent for cutting down infantry if they are stupid enough to get close to it. The best way inwhich to kill the Elefants is the massive indirect fire from 152's, which are available at the same time as the Elefants, and also the JS2 at mid to close range. Side shots on the Elefant can make it an easy kill as even the 76mm AT gun and bazooka all can deliver the final blow. The Elefant is protected by excellent thick armour and carrys the powerful 88mm Pak43 and should be avioded if possible with Russian main battle tanks at most rangers. Use indirect fire from the 152's if the Elefant is dug in as its to rusky for head-on engagements with your MBT's. At close range Russian flamethrowers have the firepower to kill if not cripple or seriously damage the Elefant from all angles. Overall not many Russian tanks or AT guns can beat the impressive Elefant from the front so Russian 152's and JS2's should all be called in to deal with them. Try to make the Elefant manouver as much as possible as it is slow and will open a chance of a side or rear shot and could make the Elefant nothing more than scrape metal.
German SP ammunition:
At the beginning of any game, no matter what year it is, German armoured fighting tanks all get limited amounts of 'SP' rounds for their main gun. 'SP' rounds are tungsten core and have much better armour penetration than the standard AP round. At the beginning of the game the German armour like most Russian armour start with an AP round in the barrel. When you are German in the game and have armour in a safe place you can fire ( waste ) the AP round you started with and a HE round will reload straight after. When the loader has loaded the HE round and theres no target he will remove the HE round and, but not always but most of the time reload a 'SP' round into his main gun. So when your tank comes into contact with an enermy tank your tank now with a SP round being aimed and fired instead of a AP round giving you the much better advantage. So after all this, in brief you tank will fire its 1st round, a SP round not a AP round. Your tanks 2nd shot will also be a SP round so instead of firing an AP round followed by a SP round you really fire SP round after SP round and if its a King Tiger you'll nail anything that moves......... Thank god I finished that, hard to explain but if you understand it, it really helps.
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