submarines - how are they useful?

[apost8]

I've noticed in the games I've played so far -- both single and multiplayer --that I am never really finding it useful to build submarines, because battleships are available at the same level in the tech tree and are superior in every respect. Battleships move much faster, have good defensive strength, and the same offensive strength as a sub. Yes, the subs are much cheaper in terms of production, but usually by the time I'm ready to unlock battleships and subs, production isn't and issue and I can pop out a fleet of battleships in a few turns.

Is anyone finding a situation where it is correct to build subs over battleships? I feel like the sub could use a boost, certainly a faster speed, but possibly a bump to offensive strength as well, to make them worth building.

 

[vanatteveldt]

I am not an expert on late-game warfare, but I think people here use subs succesfully for two roles: scouting and missile carrying (the latter also to shuttle missiles to your missile cruisers to prevent having to move them back to harbor).

Edit: sorry I thought I was in the Civ4 forum, I don't have a console and know nothing whatsoever about civrev. please ignore me!

 

[shadowplay]

Only this is the Civilization Revolution strategy forum and not Civilization IV.

 

[someguy486]

They definately move too slow to be effective. The only real things they can sink are cruisers, but cruisers have such a mobility advantage you the submarine often won't get a chance and could actually sink the submarine since it can come in for an attack from much farther away.

 

[Mcswifty]

The only Advantage i can think of offhand is that they are far cheaper then battleships, as such a wolfpack or two can pose a threat to a lone battleship.

Which could be useful if lack of production is an issue and you need something to counter them.

 

[Killer Moogle]

I park my submarines directly outside my main cities. If someone wants to come in and land troops close to a main city, they better have enough to take out all my subs. Otherwise my subs will crush the marauding forces. Assuming you have flight/advanced flight at this point, it is easy to protect your subs when ships start getting close.

 

[kingoftroy33]

While they are neither quick or effective attacking naval units, submarines are far cheaper than battleships and cruisers. I usually try to keep some submarines around my major cities so if another country tries to land units on my shores, I can attempt to take them out before they reach. If you are attempting anything but a domination victory, this could be a good tactic as in higher levels pretty much every country will crash down on you once you get close to a victory.

 

[dexters]

Sumbarine also appear to have a blitz abiloty. I was able to take out 2 ships without losing movement points (this was with a wolfpack of 3 subs)

That would make it very useful as a in-border sea power unit while the cruisers ferry troops and provide a more mobile power projection otuside your cultural borders.