War Thunder Naval Battles: A Comprehensive Guide.

In the vast and often turbulent waters of War Thunder’s digital seas, aspiring admirals find themselves at the helm of some of history’s most formidable naval vessels. From the churning wake of a patrol boat to the towering silhouette of a battleship, War Thunder’s Naval Battles mode offers a rich montage of maritime warfare. This guide will escort you through the depths and breadths of mastering the naval combat segment of this multifaceted game, from understanding the types of ships at your command to employing advanced strategies and tactics that will see your fleet victorious.

Types of Naval Vessels#

To become a savvy naval commander, it’s paramount to first understand the various classes of ships and boats that populate War Thunder’s oceans. Each class not only has its unique role but also its specific gameplay style, strengths, and weaknesses.

Patrol Boats#

Small yet agile, patrol boats are the skirmishers of the War Thunder seas. These vessels excel in fast-paced, close-range combat, utilizing their speed and maneuverability to outflank larger ships. Armed with a combination of machine guns, cannons, and sometimes torpedoes, patrol boats are perfect for hit-and-run tactics and capturing strategic points.

Destroyers#

Considered by many as the workhorses of naval combat, destroyers balance firepower, speed, and durability. Equipped with larger caliber guns than patrol boats, torpedoes, and anti-aircraft weapons, destroyers can engage threats in the air, on the surface, and below the waves. Their versatility makes them invaluable for a variety of mission types.

Cruisers#

Cruisers bring formidable firepower to the battle. Larger and more durable than destroyers, but still relatively fast, they are capable of taking on a wide range of targets with their heavy cannons, torpedoes, and anti-aircraft guns. Cruisers excel in medium to long-range engagements, where they can use their superior firepower to dominate smaller vessels and contest even the largest of opponents.

Battleships and Battlecruisers#

The giants of the sea, battleships, and battlecruisers boast the thickest armor and the most powerful guns in the game. These leviathans can decimate enemies with their main battery salvos while withstanding significant punishment. However, their size makes them slower and less maneuverable, and they require skilled positioning and support from other vessel classes to thrive in combat.

Aircraft Carriers#

While not directly controllable in the current state of War Thunder’s Naval Battles, aircraft carriers play a pivotal role in providing air support. By launching fighter, bomber, and torpedo bomber squadrons, they can strike at surface ships, defend the fleet from air attacks, and scout enemy positions.

Each type of vessel requires a distinct approach to be effectively commanded. Mastery over one class opens up the tactics and strategies that can be applied across the expansive naval engagements War Thunder offers.

Mastering Naval Combat#

Victory at sea is not just a matter of firepower; it’s about tactical prowess, situational awareness, and the ability to predict the enemy’s moves.

Positioning and Movement#

Understanding the strategic layout of the battle arena and the capabilities of your vessel is key. Use islands and the terrain to your advantage, concealing your movements or setting up ambushes. Always keep an eye on the minimap to maintain awareness of your surroundings and predict potential threats.

Aim and Firepower Control#

Effective gunnery is a skill honed with practice. Learning how to lead your shots, taking into account the distance, speed, and direction of your target, is crucial for landing hits. Switching between different ammunition types (HE, AP, and SAP) based on the target’s armor and distance will maximize damage output.

Coordination with Teammates#

In the dance of naval warfare, teamwork is often the difference between triumph and defeat. Coordinating attacks, focusing fire on priority targets, and sharing reconnaissance can overwhelm the enemy’s defenses and turn the tide of battle. Using the game’s voice or text chat functions to communicate with your fleet can significantly amplify your strategic execution.

Understanding Ship Armor#

The varied classes of ships come with differing armor profiles, impacting their vulnerability and the strategies you should employ against them.

Armor Thickness and Placement#

Battleships and cruisers feature extensive armor protection, making them resilient against small calibers and requiring precise aiming at their weak spots to effectively damage them. Conversely, patrol boats and destroyers have minimal armor, making them susceptible to even small caliber guns if hit accurately.

Angling and Armor Penetration#

Mastering the art of angling your ship to maximize the effectiveness of your armor while exposing as little of your vulnerable sections to the enemy is a critical skill. Knowing when and where to aim at the enemy, considering both the angle of their vessel and the type of ammunition you’re using, will increase your penetration chances and damage potential.

Torpedo Tactics#

Torpedoes are a game-changer in naval battles, capable of sinking even the largest ships with a well-placed strike.

Launching Torpedoes#

Timing and prediction are crucial for successful torpedo deployment. Account for the speed and direction of your target and the torpedo’s travel time. Ambush points around islands or narrow passages can be particularly effective spots for unleashing these deadly weapons.

Avoiding Incoming Torpedoes#

Staying mobile, changing speed and direction, and keeping a vigilant watch on the waters can help you dodge enemy torpedoes. Deploying your own or your allies’ smoke screens can also obscure your movements and complicate the enemy’s targeting calculations.

Anti-Aircraft Defense#

With the increasing threat from the skies, optimizing your vessel’s anti-aircraft defenses is more important than ever.

Utilizing AA Guns#

Manually controlling your AA guns or setting them to automatically engage air threats can significantly reduce the risk posed by enemy aircraft. Prioritize high-threat targets like torpedo bombers and keep an eye out for low-flying aircraft attempting to sneak under your radar.

Maneuvering to Avoid Air Attacks#

A moving target is harder to hit. Changing your course and speed erratically can make it difficult for enemy bombers to accurately drop their payloads or for torpedo planes to line up their runs.

War Thunder’s Naval Battles is a complex and rewarding arena of virtual warfare, offering a depth of technique and tactical gameplay that can enthrall both beginners and experts. By understanding the intricacies of the various vessel types, mastering the art of naval combat, and employing cunning strategies, you can rule the waves and lead your fleet to victory. Remember, the sea is unforgiving, but to the cunning goes the spoils. Set sail, captain, and etch your name into the annals of nautical legends.