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[[File:NewGuide_ABKM_Demo.png|thumb|right|Equipment-wise, 2 guns and a minisub is generally better against lighter opposition (effectively giving her two lighter attacks against different targets), while a full torpedo loadout is superior against heavy opposition, even capable of crippling Flag-Ru]]

[[File:NewGuide_ABKM_Demo.png|thumb|right|Equipment-wise, 2 guns and a minisub is generally better against lighter opposition (effectively giving her two lighter attacks against different targets), while a full torpedo loadout is superior against heavy opposition, even capable of crippling Flag-Ru]]

Abukuma is one of the most important ships in the game to understand simply because she can be used in different ways, by designation, Abukuma is a CL, however, in practice, she is a CLT. This is because she possesses the unique ability to equip the Kou-Hyouteki, better known as the midget submarine, allowing her to perform opening torpedo attacks. This ability alone makes her probably ''the'' single strongest CL in the game.

By designation, Abukuma is a CL; however, in practice, she is a CLT. This is because she possesses the unique ability to equip the Kou-Hyouteki, better known as the midget submarine, allowing her to perform opening torpedo attacks. This ability alone makes her probably ''the'' single strongest CL in the game.

Her pure stats belie her amazing power, her FP/TP is just 56/94 (Jintsuu being 71/98), but firing a torpedo with a power of at least 111 (94+5+12) early means that she gains an attack phase. Her torpedo serves as her main damage in the day, while having the added benefit of preventing an enemy from shelling, while her short range prevents her from clashing with any ships with strong shelling power (e.g. Heavy Cruisers).

While her FP/TP is just 56/94 (Jintsuu being 71/98), firing an opening torpedo with a power of at least 111 (94+5+12) early means that she gains an attack phase. Her torpedo serves as her main damage in the day, having the additional benefit of preventing an enemy from shelling, and her short range prevents her from clashing with any ships with stronger shelling power (e.g. Heavy Cruisers).

It often becomes feasible for her to be equipped with dual torpedoes (see image), this boosts her daytime torpedo power directly, keeps her range at short to prevent her from clashing with stronger ships, and also enables her to perform a torpedo CI at night. No other surface ship in the game (save perhaps Maya) innately benefits from running a torpedo set (the CLTs are at daytime torpedo cap of 151 already), as a consequence of this, '''she is a natural candidate for luckmodding''', allowing her to keep her boosted day power while improving her at night.

It often becomes feasible for her to be equipped with dual torpedoes (refer to image). This boosts her daytime torpedo power directly, keeps her range at short to prevent her from clashing with stronger ships, and also enables her to perform a torpedo CI at night. No other surface ship in the game (save perhaps Maya) innately benefits from running a torpedo set (the CLTs are at daytime torpedo cap of 151 already); consequently, '''she is a natural candidate for luckmodding''', which allows her to keep her boosted day power while improving her at night.

Don't forget that she can also carry tanks and daihatsus, making her extremely versatile against hardened installations, while also allowing her to contribute on a strategic level as an expedition leader.

She can also carry tanks and daihatsus, making her extremely versatile against hardened installations, while also allowing her to contribute on a strategic level as an expedition leader.

Despite this, it is most important not to overestimate her, she is incredibly strong and possibly overpowered, but remember that other cruisers do possess their niches, Ooyodo with her four slots in particular is often better at anti-installation combat. She is also extremely expensive to obtain, not only being relatively rare, but only reaching her full combat potential at level 75 while also requiring a blueprint to do so.  

Despite this, it is most important not to overestimate her, she is incredibly strong and possibly overpowered, but remember that other cruisers do possess their niches, Ooyodo with her four slots in particular is often better at anti-installation combat. She is also extremely expensive to obtain, not only being relatively rare, but only reaching her full combat potential at level 75 while also requiring a blueprint to do so.