Hard/Soft Targets

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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> Decisive Campaigns: Ardennes Offensive >> Hard/Soft Targets

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Hard/Soft Targets - 12/17/2021 11:01:41 PM

John S

Posts: 101
Joined: 9/5/2004
Status: offline

I am familiar from a number of other games with the general definition of hard and soft targets. I notice here that this distinction is used in the game (e.g. if you click on an artillery piece you see it�s strengths respectively against hard and soft targets).

I haven�t found any firm definition of the distinction between hard and soft targets in the manual. If there is one, id be grateful if someone could point me to the page.

Specifically, my concern is with the parts of the definition that sometimes vary from game to game.
1). If infantry is entrenched, does it become a hard target at any point?
2). What about terrain - village - does infantry stay soft or become a hard target when in a village?
3). Fortifications - same question.
4.). Motorized infantry - is infantry in half track a hard or soft target? Does it matter whether they are in March mode vs combat mode?

Any help, much appreciated re the overall hard/soft target effect and determination.

Post #: 1

RE: Hard/Soft Targets - 12/18/2021 8:47:34 AM

JacquesDeLalaing

Posts: 88
Joined: 10/7/2016
Status: offline

1) No. It gains an entrenchment bonus (up to the maximum entrenchment bonus of the terrain in the hex). The entrenchment bonus is a bonus on the elements' "hitpoints", which makes your elements harder to hit for your opponent.

2) Defensible terrain usually provides higher "automatic entrenchment" and higher "maximum entrenchment". In addition, defenible terrain usually also provides a better "hide" value (so its more difficult for the opponent to spot your elements; he can only hit what he spots). Be aware that defensible terrain might also decrease your fire/combat power (depending on type of terrain and unit).

- automatic entrenchment can be read as base "cover". Elements instantly gain these entrenchment points when they are in the hex; EXCEPTION: you get no entrechment against interception fire, i.e. when the enemy fires on you while you're on the move
- maximum entrenchment is how well entrenched can the unit get over time when staying stationary in the hex for a couple of turns. Be aware, however, that enemy fire may counter-act/reduce your entrenchment (an element loses 25% of its current entrenchment when hit by a PINNED hit). E.g. excessive amounts of artillery fire can at some point neutralize entrenchments. It's a battle for entrenchment: it goes up every turn by your units fixed entrenchment-rate (pioneers are better) and it goes down by how much you lose from enemy fire (which, in turn is affected by how much entrenchment you already have!).

3) Not sure, need to look that up myself.

4) Afaik the infantry is a soft target, whereas the halftrack is a hard target. Halftracks are protective elements though. So everytime an infantry element is hit, a halftrack-element runs a test (50%?) to see whether they protect the infantry element and are targeted instead. So they do have a protective effect. You can look up these tests in the detailed combat report. (Not sure about the combat/march mode, need to look that up myself)

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The basic combat stats of elements are:

"Hitpoints" (very confusing term for defensibility/armor): against direct and indirect fire (i)
Hard Atk: combat power against hard targets in offensive ranged & close combat / defensive ranged & close combat
Soft Atk: combat power against soft targets in offensive ranged & close combat / defensive ranged & close combat

Note that defensive ranged combat is relatively rare. Afaik it only occurs if an opposing unit fires at you directly and you have elements to fire back. (Intercept fire uses offensive Atk values)

< Message edited by JacquesDeLalaing -- 12/20/2021 7:53:53 AM >

(in reply to John S)

Post #: 2