Here are some things we like to do:
1. Game starts in Spring '42, Germany didn’t have Panthers on frontlines until '43. So all German panzer units at setup are assumed to be Mark III’s and IV’s with attack/defend of 2/2, to represent the T-34’s superiority. These panzers cost 6 IPC. Panthers not available until Turn 2-4 and cost bumped up to 8 or 9 IPC. We use Mark III panzer miniatures from HBG, but probably not necessary if you track the units.
2. We use self-propelled anti tank units. These are cheaper than tank units (5 IPC), but with attack/defend of 2/3. It’s the cheapest next alternative for defensive units besides infantry and artillery, and gains a 3 versus 2 defense. These help Russia in particular…Brits Indian factory can send these to Caucasus. We use SPAT miniatures from HBG.
3. Japanese Type 95 light tanks are attack/defend of 2/2, since every other countries’ medium tanks are 3/3 (with exception of German Mark III/IV if you use idea #1 above).
4. Damaged battleships must repair at naval bases. This will help reduce the Japanese’s navy’s effectiveness.