I feel like I'm punishing myself playing the German tank destroyer line. But I really want to play a Jagdpanther. Any tips for tank destroyers? I understand that you have to play defensively. But even when hidden and with a good field of fire, the enemy sometimes seems to appear right under your nose.
Just played a couple of matches with the PanzerJager I and found it embarrassingly difficult and easy at the same time... but some of what you experience there rings true even to the upper tiers (from what I've seen of my own TD killing).
You need support. TD's (especially Russian ones) have next to no side or rear armour, turn like a very slow to turn thing and have next to no turret traverse so if you don't have a screen of tanks which keep your enemies in front of you, you're in trouble.
You can be defensive or aggressive but you are not a spearhead. Tank Destroyers are themselves a support vehicle and work well when sitting behind a coordinated defense or attack, picking off targets of opportunity or scaring the bejeebus out of a defensive line of tanks who are being pressed by your side. Leading an assault is a quick way to ending your round.
Camouflage is your friend. You are an extremely dangerous combatant on the field and thus can be the target for tanks and artillery alike. Your armour can't take too much damage so you need to play smart. Hide yourself until you are comfortable with your aim when attacking... Hide yourself until nearly the last moment when defending. If you are spotted, assess what was firing at you and move accordingly... ie. if it's a light tank, you're probably in a good position to kill it... if it's artillery, move away and sit somewhere for a few seconds when safe to do so.
That's about all of the advice I can think of really. I'd consider thinking of yourself as artillery but slightly less vulnerable and without the finger of God.
The JagdPanzer IV still makes my T-43 worried as I know it can put a hole in me.
Roll on my Marder!!!