User Guide

Dud Torpedoes
From the beginning of the war until late in 1943, a series of problems with
the torpedoes caused a significant number of them to fail. With this setting
off, torpedoes are always reliable, but realism drops by 15%. For more
details of the torpedo problems, see the “Torpedoes” section on page 50.
Realistic Reloads
The Realistic Reloads setting toggles the torpedo tube reload time between
two minutes and a more realistic time that is also affected by crew quality.
Turning this setting off reduces the realism factor by 10%.
Limited Depth Data
With Limited Depth Data toggled on, the Depth Gauge indicates only how
deep the submarine has gone. There is no information available other than
the chart about how deep the waters are in that particular part of the ocean.
When toggled off, an additional gauge appears at the Gauges station entitled
“Depth Under Keel.” This indicates how deep the local waters are. Turning
this setting off reduces the realism factor by 5%.
Vulnerable Boat
Toggling Vulnerable Boat off eliminates the chance of the submarine tak-
ing damage, and correspondingly, reduces the Realism level by 80%.
Realistic Charts
The Realistic Charts setting controls the information that can be viewed at
the Charts station. With this setting toggled on, the chart shows only the
position of ships relative to the submarine, further modified by the Limited
Visibility setting. With this setting off, the Charts station shows torpedo
wakes and shell splashes as well. Turning this setting off reduces the real-
ism factor by 10%.
Run Aground
With this setting turned off, the submarine can run aground without sus-
taining damage. This setting alters the Difficulty Rating by 5%.
Combat Level
Changing the Combat Level setting affects the accuracy and lethality of
both side’s weapons. The amount of information displayed on the map at
the Charts station, such as torpedoes, sonar pings, and gun hits, also
decreases at the advanced levels. The Realism rating is reduced 15% for
each level below Expert; from Expert to Advanced, to Intermediate and
finally Novice.
SILENT
HUNTER
8 STARTING THE GAME: Realism
Intermediate level lowers the combat level and sailing models to “Intermediate,”
and turns off the Dud Torpedo, Realistic Reloads, Limited Depth Data, and
Realistic Charts settings.
Expert level implements every possible realism setting, duplicating live con-
ditions during WWII as closely as possible. The combat level is set to
“Advanced” and the submarine maneuvers realistically.
Other Realism Settings
There are options other than the three preset levels. Ten settings can be
toggled on or off and each of these settings has the effect of reducing the
realism by a certain percentage when turned off. The Combat Level and
Sailing Model settings have more than two levels and each of these levels
also change the overall Difficulty Rating.
Limited Fuel
The Limited Fuel setting has a small effect on Single Mission games, but is
a serious consideration for the Campaign Game. Refueling can only be per-
formed by a submarine tender or at a base. Turning this setting off reduces
the realism factor by 10%.
Limited Battery
With Limited Battery turned off, the submarine never needs to surface to re-
charge the batteries. Turning this setting off reduces the realism factor by 30%.
Limited Ammo
The submarines simulated by S ILENT H UNTER normally carried one hundred
rounds for the deck gun and twelve to twenty-eight torpedoes. When
turned off, there is an unlimited supply of both types of munitions. Turning
this setting off reduces the realism factor by 50%.
Limited Visibility
With this option on, only ships actually visible to the crew will appear on
the map screen at the Charts station. If the submarine is submerged with
the periscope lowered, only the most recent observed contact will be shown
on the map. With this setting off, all ships will be shown on the map.
Turning this setting off reduces the realism factor by 30%.
SILENT
HUNTER
7 STARTING THE GAME: Realism