Alternative Direction to Addressing planes, without "Castrating"

Suggestions
1

Probably unpopular but, Alternative to Nerfing Payloads. (Now I’m only offering this as a compromise because I think planes are in a not too bad place, but the fact that a nerf patch was planned means something will eventually happen)

1: Add Airfields

2: Add custom Loadouts (ammo belts, ordnance options, effectively allowing player to choose his spawn)

3: Fighters, Strikers, and Bombers with small payloads (*250kg placeholder) have “Air spawn”.

3: Fighters, Strikers, and Bombers with larger payloads (*500kg plus placeholder) first spawn on airfield/carrier.

This gives interceptor type planes advantage over strikers, and gives a downside to the power of bringing larger payloads (but not at the cost of power) that you only have to pay upfront, once you are up, you can just rearm and continue as usual. Incidentally this also makes suicide bombing a huge waste of time.

Balance can be modified by changing airfield and resupply distances.

Pros

  • Interceptors/fighters become more available, desirable, counterplay (they will spawn into action faster)
  • still allows for spawning into the action with a minimal payload capable of removing a tank, just not a carpet bombing
  • Suicide bombing becomes a huge waste of time with large payloads
  • Allows heavy payloads to be maintain their power, but harder to bring to bear
  • players can tailor their loadout to what they want to acheive
  • Potentially can reduces the frequency of large ordnance drops on ground players. (Its in players hands)

Dynamics

Interceptor type planes with small payloads would probably become more common and desirable, as they can simply get into the action faster AND set on Heavy strikers easier (while they are climbing) and anyone dedicated to that, would probably shut them down. So that would inadvertently shutdown the heavier explosive spam without taking away from power. Heavy striker will still be hugely powerful, but high risk.

Is it great? No, I’m sure it will offend many. In my book planes aren’t required at all to play the objective but they are fun. I’d take it over nerfing payloads and effectiveness. And then Id ramp up bigger more exotic payloads for funsies.

2 Likes
2

You are acting like it’s some kind of debuff lol. I have never had problem with my Ki spawning or carrier. (Plus it’s even interceptor type plane lol.)
I think all planes should start from carrier/airfield if there’s option/possibility. It’s free immersion :v:

It’s problematic only for those who are not using flaps, lol.

1 Like
3

The debuff is if someone like me is in a fighter/interceptor with air spawn, fat chance you are going to get to target or altitude after having to lift off :stuck_out_tongue:

4

Try to spawn camp near carrier, lol. You’ll go instantly down. :joy:

5

Nah, smarter than that. Youd have to circle climb for ages around carrier to avoid getting jumped by a fighter with altitude advantage :stuck_out_tongue: lot of time climbing not much time bombing. Nerfed :stuck_out_tongue:

6

I think better option is to balance refill points. The bigger load you have, the further you have to fly.

3 Likes
7

Its an option. I will + 1

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8

It will only increase rate of kamikadze bombing.

2 Likes
9

While it is an interesting concept that I can get behind potentially, there are a few questions I deem important to ask:

  1. Will there be AI controlled AA to deal with spawn campers?
    As is already this seems to be a considerable issue (at least from my experiences). Players with a fighter will simply orbit around the enemy’s spawn and re-arm point. If airfields were introduced, could we get some kind of deterrent against this issue? Especially if planes are trying to take off from there?

  2. Landing for repairs/ option to switch squads?
    Personally, I try to land the plane I am in if it becomes heavily damaged, or if my time is better spent on the ground for a particular objective. Would players be able to land at the airfield to repair or possibly even switch away from the aircraft squad and receive some reinforcement tickets back for their trouble as well?
    Perhaps even incentivizing bringing back a heavily damaged plane and managing to land it. (The more damage, the more points.)

  3. Perhaps Paratroopers’ planes start just leaving the airfield, setting some extra space and time between them and their objective, giving fighters a chance to shoot them down. On the flip side though, players can take control of a gunner seat in order to defend the aircraft. This also utilizes suggestions players have had regarding being able to use gunner seats.

1 Like
10

Airfield would just be the Aircraft Carrier equivalent. Separation of Interceptor spawn, from Bomber spawns will be the mechanic that makes it work.

Yes, Airfield and carriers will have AI AA, so if necessary, you have a safe place to climb if you need to so you can at least challenge an Enemy pilot waiting for you. The very fact that you “might” have to spend time climbing in this manner is a direct nerf to bombing frequency.

yup, just like carrier, with the addition of swapping out without losing tickets (Can be done in Warthunder)

Havent really considered Para changes yet. Something to think on.

11

To be 100% transparent and fair, I myself and most of my buddies don’t even bother climbing altitude as bombers. Quite the opposite actually.
We fly low, toggle our engines, and use glide bomber techniques rather than dive bombers’. That said I really don’t know how common that is, but I’ve seen it fairly frequently.
What I can say is that for the most part in my experience, its FAR more effective than dive bombing in terms of survivability, time to target, and enemies trying to dodge as they see or hear an incoming aircraft.

You may want to take that into consideration.

12

And you can still do that, But if you do, and An interceptor is about who already spawn in the air at speed with altitude, He will easily jump you on route to targets, and you will be so slow and have no energy you wont be able to move (sitting duck).

I do it all the time in Pacific in my wild cat, Just pick planes off as they lift off outside of Carrier AA flying straight to target. The difference here is that currently, I have to spend precious time climbing myslef in my wildcat before I can do this. In my suggested system, I will already be up and about for example. So this makes the Interceptor incredibly dangerous to planes, While not been really effective vs ground targets.

NOTE: Ofcourse this is based on the assumption someone would choose an interceptor in the first place, But this gives you a pretty good reason to.

13

I’m legitimately interested why you seem to respond to every topic and to speak as if you have some level of aurthority. It’s truly vexing to check the forums and for nearly every topic see that the firt reply is from you. So bizarre.

1 Like
14

How about having a fighter escort as an attack craft, at least for the initial takeoff and time shortly after?
This could alleviate some pressure off them from spawn campers, while meanwhile offering potentially more points if they successfully bring down the fighter too.

15

Id say that’s what your teams other plane spot is for. 1 fighter, 1 attacker. Bit of team mates doing their job required.

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While normally I’m all for the teamwork in that regard, finding pilots that will cooperate is even harder than finding a ground unit that will cooperate. The reality is that the friendly fighter would be doing the same thing at their spawn. Hence why I suggest AI controlled ones.

17

After many years in Warthunder I can say more players flying fighter planes will be spending their time strafing ground targets they cant kill and achieving jack squat instead of doing their job of air supremacy.

Its unfortunate, just how it is. But on the chance that someone does do their job, it is a fantastic feeling and is great for the team.

18

I wouldn’t mind, at least they’ll not be blocking slots for me. Idk how’s that a problem, they’re wasting their plane. That’s not my problem lol.

19

As with anyone playing their proper roles. Engineers fortifying, MG squads utilizing a chokepoint or flank position, mortars shelling targets pointed out by teammates, or even an artillery squad making use of a smoke screen.

Sadly, these are all rare occurrences.

2 Likes
20

Don’t solve a problem.
Introduce a new one.
Profit.

1 Like