| Parameter | Type VIIC (Real) | SH3 VIIC | Deviation | Impact | |-----------|----------------|----------|-----------|--------| | Surface speed | 17.7 kts | 17.2 kts | -3% | Minor | | Diving time (crash) | 30 sec | 27 sec | -10% | Easier escapes | | Torpedo reliability (1940) | 60% magnetic pistol | 95% (default) | +35% | Game favors player | | Crush depth | 250m (test) | 220m (actual) | -12% | More forgiving |
These are "freakishly slow cows" underwater but carry significantly more ordinance than other types. They are ideal for high-tonnage hunters who enjoy long patrols to America or Africa. However, by 1943, their large size makes them "death traps" for sonar and aircraft.
: Excellent diving speed and a sturdy hull that can withstand depths of approximately 150–250 meters.
To survive the turning tides of the Battle of the Atlantic, you must understand your tools. This comprehensive guide covers every playable submarine class in Silent Hunter 3 , analyzing their historical roles, in-game stats, and strategic utility. The Coastal Sentinels: Type II silent hunter 3 all submarines
: Tiny physical profile makes it incredibly difficult for enemy visual lookouts and early ASDIC (sonar) systems to detect. It boasts a rapid crash-dive time to escape surprise air attacks.
The game spans the entirety of the war, from the "Happy Time" of 1939 to the technological parity of 1943 and the desperate defense of 1944–45. To survive, you must understand the tools of your trade. Below is a detailed breakdown of every playable submarine class in Silent Hunter III , organized by type and historical progression.
Silent Hunter III offers a range of gameplay features, including: | Parameter | Type VIIC (Real) | SH3
Upgraded late-war variants utilizing a stronger pressure hull. This design allows players to dive significantly deeper—frequently past 250 meters—to escape the lethal depth-charge patterns of advanced Allied destroyers.
The Type VII is the quintessential "Wolf." This medium-range attack submarine forms the backbone of Silent Hunter III 's mid-war experience. It's a versatile balance between the small Type II and the large Type IX, offering a combination of firepower, maneuverability, and endurance that makes it the most common and beloved U-boat in the game.
Sluggish handling and a much larger silhouette, making it an easier target for destroyers if caught on the surface. 8. Type IXC & IXC/40 : Excellent diving speed and a sturdy hull
Ultimately, the best U-boat is the one that gets you home safely, patrol after patrol. Good hunting, Kaleun .
: An improved version with additional fuel bunkers for extended range, allowing for short-duration patrols in the North Sea. The Atlantic Mainstay: Type VII
Available late in the war, this boat is a radical shift. It focuses on underwater speed and battery life, allowing you to stay submerged for nearly an entire patrol. It completely lacks a deck gun because, by its introduction, surfacing near enemies is essentially fatal. Upgrades & Customization You can improve your boat using earned from sinking enemy tonnage.
Severe limitations in range and weapon storage. With only 3 to 5 torpedoes (and no reloads for some variants) and poor diving depths, they are obsolete by 1941. 2. Type VIIA
The Type XXI "Elektroboot" was a revolutionary design that influenced nearly every post-war submarine. It was the world's first true submarine, optimized for continuous submerged operations. In Silent Hunter 3 , it is an absolute technological marvel available from mid-1944 onward. It can travel submerged at high speeds (over 17 knots) and can stay underwater for days, resupplying its huge battery capacity via a Schnorchel. It features a hydraulically-reloading torpedo system in six bow tubes, allowing for very rapid follow-up shots.
