When researching Silent Hunter 3 all submarines, 80% of your game time will likely be in a Type VII. Over 700 were built historically. In SH3, it represents the perfect balance.
The player’s choice of submarine in SH3 directly affects their campaign path:
If the player selects the wrong boat for the era—e.g., taking a Type II into the Atlantic gap in 1941—the range limitation will strand them. Thus, SH3 teaches logistical realism.
Historical Context: The Type II was a coastal submarine built in violation of the Treaty of Versailles. Small, agile, and slow, it served primarily in the North Sea and Baltic during the early war. silent hunter 3 all submarines
In-Game Stats (Type IID):
Playstyle: The Type II is affectionately called the “duck” or “canoe” by the community. It is not a happy boat for the Atlantic. You have no stern tube, meaning you must point your nose at every target. Its shallow depth rating makes escape difficult. However, in 1939–1940, when British ASW is weak, you can sneak into shallow harbors like Scapa Flow or Loch Ewe.
Verdict: Use the Type II only for the first 3–4 patrols. Upgrade to a Type VII as soon as you have 1,500 renown. The Type IID (with saddle tanks) offers slightly better range than the IIA but remains a coastal boat. When researching Silent Hunter 3 all submarines ,
| Type | Year | Range | Torpedoes | Notes | |------|------|-------|------------|-------| | XVIII | 1944 | ~3,000 km surfaced | 12 | Walter turbine (HTP) – experimental, fast but dangerous fuel | | XXIII | 1944 | ~2,600 km surfaced | 2 (bow only) | Small coastal electroboat – cheap, agile, but very limited firepower |
Type XXIII is useful for 1944-45 British coastal raids. Type XVIII is rare, unstable (HTP fuel explosions), but very fast submerged (~25 knots in mods).
For nearly two decades, Silent Hunter 3 (SH3) has remained the gold standard of World War II submarine simulation. Developed by Ubisoft Romania and released in 2005, its blend of hardcore realism, dynamic campaign, and atmospheric tension is still unmatched—especially when modded with supermods like Grey Wolves Expansion (GWX) or Living Silent Hunter. If the player selects the wrong boat for the era—e
At the heart of the game is the U-boat itself. Your steel coffin. Your home. While many new players jump straight into the most powerful vessel, understanding Silent Hunter 3 all submarines is the difference between surviving 1943 or feeding the Atlantic fish.
This guide will cover every playable U-boat in vanilla SH3, their historical counterparts, tactical roles, upgrade paths, and best-use strategies for each year of the war.