Tutorial:Leveling

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This is a guide to leveling your ship girls effectively through sorties. Experience (XP) increases the level of ships, which leads to increases stats of Evasion, LOS, and ASW, as well as passive accuracy increases. Leveling ships can also unlock remodels at higher levels.

Suggested places to level:

1-5: [Base XP: 150, Node(s): 3] Lower level Admirals who haven't cleared 2-4 yet. Good place to level DD/CL early on.
2-4A: [Base XP: 300, Node(s): 1] Typically used for admirals that have not cleared 2-4 yet.

3-2A: [Base XP: 320, Node(s): 1] Often the default place to level. Features decent xp gain and very easy enemies. Is very versatile and can be used to level all types of ships. A good goal for newer admirals is to clear 2-4 to unlock the path to 3-2 for easy leveling and preparations for events and following maps.
4-1: [Base XP: 310, Node(s): 1~2]
4-3: [Base XP: 330, Node(s): 3] A more challenging place to level. The main focus is to level a specific ship with ASW capabilities (DD, CL) at a fast pace by placing as flagship and achieving MVP.
5-2: [Base XP: 380, Node(s): 3~4]
5-3: [Base XP: 400, Node(s): 1] For submarines. Will increase sortie losses.
5-4A: [Base XP: 420, Node(s): 1] A good way to level up the expensive Yamato class. 2 CV/L goes to easier node and SS can be used to tank most of enemy fire.
5-4: [Base XP: 420, Node(s): 3] A relatively easy map in comparison to base XP. Can be cleared for both HQ xp and Ship xp.

For editors: Place data in following collapsable form first and we can add to tabbed form later.

1-5: [Base XP: 150, Node(s): 3]

Overview:

World 1-5

A relatively easy map. Low xp gain so used early on or for DD/CL which are cheaper to sortie. Suggested Composition: 4+ DD/CL (Other classes can be included as well but you should include some ASW capable ships to improve ranking).

Equipment: Focus on ASW equipment such as sonars and depth charges as you will only face SS.

Guide:

The first three nodes are relatively easy and it is recommended that you end after 3 nodes. Use formation Line Abreast.
4 or less ships will head to C; more than that will head to D.
The boss node can be reached if you use a composition of 4 ships composing of: 1 CVL or AV, 2 or less CL, DD. A BBV can also be added for an additional shelling phase)

Tips:

All the non dead end nodes are composed of SS.
F and G are dead end nodes that have strong enemy ships.
Use the formation Line Abreast as this is the strongest ASW formation. (Requires a minimum of 4 ships)
Third node has the possibility to drop SS with S rank.
Going to boss node allows more chances to drop SS. However this also gives a lot of HQ xp, which can make it difficult later as events often increase in difficulty.

Pros: Easy, and simple to unlock

Cons: Low Base XP

Notes: Increases in difficulty at HQ levels 40 and 80 with higher chance to get SS as drop. First node switches to Elite SS after level 80 which makes the map more difficult after that point.

2-4A: [Base XP: 300, Node(s): 1]

Overview: A map that's not too difficult for low level admirals who have the right vessels. This map is generally for leveling ships that are armor and firepower heavy. Eg CA(V), BB(V), CV(L). The node offers a decent amount of exp at the cost of morale so be aware of that. Not as effective as 3-2 so use it as a leveling spot with the goal of clearing 2-4 to advance to 3-2.

Suggested Composition: Place the ship you want to level as flagship (CV or BB recommended). Try to include 1 BB to enter second shelling phase. Include CV/L with bombers to reduce the enemy numbers and allow artillery spotting.

Alternate Composition: Use a BB or CV (blue planes) as flagship. Fill the rest of the slots with spare CA drops.

Tips:

Try to utilize artillery spotting if possible. (e.g. 1 seaplane + 2 main guns). Refer to Combat guide for more details on equipment setups.
When using carriers and battleships, don't bother sticking them into the repair docks until they hit minor damage to moderate damage. Since minor damage could easily result in a 1hr timer, just bucket them after some damage. Take note that light damage does not put a disadvantage on ships. Only moderate damage does.
Enemy fleet does not have any air power, so there is no need for fighter (green) planes: Use torpedo (blue) and dive (red) bombers instead.
Never go past the 2nd node. 3rd node will have enemy carriers and battleships and is unsuitable for farming.

Notes: The nodes after the first are progressively more difficult. You can try them out to get a feeling for the difficulty. Take your time to let your ships recover from fatigue.

3-2A: [Base XP: 320, Node(s): 1]:

Overview:

An extremely safe and resource friendly node to farm on. Because all of the enemy ships for each pattern are either CL or DD, this is the perfect place to allow a sub to tank all of their attacks. This way, you only have to repair your sub once it hits red!

Suggested Compositions:

(Flagship) Whatever ship you want to level + 1~2CV(L) + 1~2Anything + 1BB(V) ＋1SS
ex: X/CV(L)/X/X/BB(V)/SS or X/CV(L)/CV(L)/X/BB(V)/SS

Note: If you're extremely low on bauxite, feel free not to use CV(L). However, make sure you take at least 1~2Strong ship(s) + 1BB(V) to secure a second shelling phase

Guide:

Always end the sortie once you finish node A.
CV(L) generally run 3 Torpedo Bombers + Saiun, but if you equip too many/strong bombers, your CV(L) will be the MVP.
MVP can infinitely continue to run the sortie and will not become fatigued as long as they remain MVP. (If someone else gets MVP for 1 sortie, they will become fatigued).
When ships become fatigued, rotate other ships in to continue grinding unless they are the SS. Feel free to use a fatigued SS as long as it's not heavily damaged (red).

Tips:

Note: Your other ships can still take damage for the torpedo phase if you don't lower all of the enemy fleet's ships to at least Moderately Damaged.

Pros:

Low repair cost.
Allows for a large freedom when choosing the composition.
High experience considering it's easy difficulty.

Cons:

Can and will get boring after a while.
Not optimal for DD or CL as the flagship MVP target, as they have difficulty gaining MVP. Both can be used in the grinding fleet, however.

4-1: [Base XP: 310, Node(s): 1~2]:

Overview:

This map is similar to 3-2 as it is a multi-purpose map that can train all types of ships. Exp is lower than 3-2 but it compensates by having 2 farmable nodes. This can increase the rate of leveling and also helps with fatigue.

Guide:

Setup for this map is similar to 3-2 however be sure to bring ASW due to the SS in nodes B and G. The optimal formation is Line ahead on first node, Line abreast on second node. There is a chance that you may be sent to I. Refresh the game if you do not intend to take damage or continue if you dislike using refresh.

The skeleton setup is

Ship you intend to level
At least 1 BB(V) for 2^nd shelling
At least 3 ASW capable ships

At least 1 SS for tanking

Examples:

DD, BB, CVL, CVL, CLT, SS

CA, BB, CVL, CVL, DD, SS

BB, CVL, CVL, DD, CLT, SS

Tips:

Enemy have no Air Power, no fighters needed (except for boss node)
Using CVL is recommended as it eliminates enemies that harm your SS and they can also clear enemy SS in the 2^nd node.
Do not use Seaplane Bombers as they will direct attacks from your BBV/CAV towards SS
CLT are recommended as they are guarantee to take out an enemy as well as participate in ASW
Node I (Southern path) has Strong enemy BB, so it can be advisable to end sortie after one node if you go SW to node E.
You may advance with a red SS if you have enough bombers to completely eliminate the enemy before shelling in the second node. There is still a chance for your SS to sink and the probability is determined by your bombers and luck. Advance at your own risk.
There is a low chance of 1 CA in the first node so keep in mind that you may take some damage.

Pros:

2 farmable nodes

SS can tank

Cons:

There may be 1 CA in the first node

Slightly lower Exp than 3-2
More difficult to control MVP.

4-3: [Base XP: 330, Node(s): 2~3]:

4-3 guide(To be added)

5-2: [Base XP: 380, Node(s): 3~4]:

Overview:

400x400px

A good place to level DD, CL, CV & CVL with higher base XP and possible some rare drops (Taigei, Mikuma). This map is similar to 4-1 or 4-2, having 2 or more farmable nodes with medium-level ships (i.e. 30 or above, suggested post-remodel including maximum firepower and armor stats) if you survived the first node.

Suggested Compositions:

(Flagship) Whatever ship you want to level with ASW capability + 2 CV + 1 CVL + 1~2 BB(V) + any other ships (ASW capability unnecessary for this) if you still have empty slot in your fleet.
X are DD or CL, Y are all ships types except CV(L).
Example: X/BB(V)/Y/CVL/CV/CV or X/BB(V)/CV/CV/CVL/Y

Note: The first node has at least a Ri flagship CA that can easily rekt your low-level ship in a shot, hence medium-level ships or above have better chance to survive. The 2^nd node not always give you all-submarine enemy pattern, fighter planes still necessary to increase survivability.

Guide:

You can end the sortie on 2^nd, 3^rd or boss node, depending on fleet composition.
Fleet setup is similar to 4-1, be sure to bring ASW equipments to farm submarines in B or F node.
If you intend to reach the boss after 2^nd node, ensure better fighter planes equipped (i.e. Reppuu/Shiden Kai 2) to handle air superiority and better guns for shelling.

Pros:

Easy for medium-level ships.
Higher base XP.
All submarine enemy fleet always ensures flagship MVP with sparkle.

Cons:

1~2 flagship CA on first node.
1 flagship CV/BB on third node.
Not bucket friendly (for boss node run).
Difficult to control MVP even in submarine nodes.

Tips:

Note: Keep in mind that 3^rd node selection is random, hence you may encounter flagship CV or flagship BB there. Using anti-air cut-in setup will slightly reduce enemy CV chance to rekt your weak ships (DD/CL/CA(V)).

5-3: [Base XP: 400, Node(s): 1]:

Overview:

Good place to level submarines, especially low level like Maruyu.

Suggested Composition: 1 SS

Guide:

retreat after first battle.
Slow fleet has 80% chance to go to submarine node

B. As submarines cannot other subs, your subs won't be damaged, this will result in Rank D Defeat. D Rank gives 840 XP to flagship and 280 to other ships. Night battle between two submarine fleets finishes very quickly.

If sent to node C, submarine will need to be repaired (low level submarines are very cheap and quick to repair)

Pros:

very fast leveling for submarines

Cons:

will increase sortie losses

5-4A: [Base XP: 420, Node(s): 1]:

File:Map5-4.jpg

400x400px

Overview:

Boasting one of the highest Base XP, the first node of 5-4 is still quite manageable. Out of 3 enemy compositions only 2 can not be tanked completely with an SS. This makes 5-4A one of the best spots to level up the expensive Yamato class. A few CA can be brought along for levels as well.

Suggested Composition: Yamato-class, 2 CA or CL, 2 CVL, 1 SS.

Alternate Compositions:

2 CV, BB, 2 CA/CL/CLT, SS

3 CV, 3SS

Guide:

2 CV/L are required for branching to easier A node.
At least one BB should be taken in order to gain a second shelling phase turn, unless you are using the 3 CV, 3 SS composition.
72 Air power will assure AS+, neutralizing the threath of the enemy CVL damaging your ships in the second enemy composition able to damage your ships. This will make it that only the enemy Heavy Cruiser Ri-Class flagship version in one of the enemy compositions will be able to damage your ships other than the SS.
It is recommended to use 1-2 torpedo bombers on each CV(L) to ensure the enemy fleet is wiped by the end of shelling phase. Ryuusei or slightly lower grade plane will suffice. Can use auxiliary equipment like torpedo bulges or turbines, secondary guns, radars, boilers, recon planes for other slots.
Utilize artillery spotting. Cut-in setup advised on supporting CA/BB to prevent them from stealing MVP.
Use 4 or 6 sets of CV/L and cycle ships to regenerate morale, less can be used if grinding on a slower pace.
Can also be done with alternate compositions similar to 3-2A.
Double Line increases accuracy, but Line Ahead can also be chosen for higher damage

Pros:

High XP rate makes it efficient to level higher cost ships and multiple ships at the same time. For those looking to Kai their Maruyu for luck modernization, this is especially notable and allows one to get maximum advantage of her tanking potential while leveling her to Kai fast.
Low repair cost such as in 3-2-A. While ships other than the SS can get heavily damaged, it is not very common.
Able to level SLOW ships, such as the Yamato-class, Nagato-class or BBV. Allows for more freedom when choosing composition when compared to traditional 5-4 A-E-H-M-O grinding.

Cons:

Cycling ships to regenerate morale is advisable. This is more important here than at the 3-2-A variant, as there is a chance for your other ships to get damaged and due to most enemy ships being of flagship or elite variant, thus having higher survivability.
Can get quite tedious.
Slightly more difficult to control MVP when compared to 3-2-A when it comes to grinding CA(V).

5-4: [Base XP: 420, Node(s): 3]:

Overview:

File:Map5-4.jpg

This map is primarily used for farming HQ Exp, however it is somewhat possible to level certain ships by modifying the standard setup. Due to branching rules, you may only level FAST ships in this map. There is another method that allow you to level SLOW ships on this map, which will be written in another section.

Guide:

The standard setup for farming HQ Exp is 2 BB, 1 CLT, 1 CAV/CL (with 4 slots), 2 CV. The CAV/CL must carry 4 drum canisters. We will modify this setup by removing the CLT and adding the ship you wish to level as the flagship. Remember, the ship you are trying to level must be FAST or else you will hit a maelstrom.

Equipment:

BB(V)/CA(V)/CL: Artillery Spotting Setup, consider AA Radar for auxiliary

CV: AS+ Setup (Suggested Air power: 305)

If your leveling ship is too weak to obtain MVP, use AA Cut-in setup so she won't be a complete deadweight.

Tips:

This map is good for leveling ships who have difficulty obtaining MVP, particularly CA. With high base Exp, this map is the best way for leveling those ships.
Considering using lower leveled CV/BB as the nodes are all pretty easy while very rewarding. This way those ships can be trained too.
The higher powered kai-2 CA/V are reasonably effective on this map.
Node H has the highest Air power of all nodes. AS+ requirements are of the following:
- Pattern 1: 348
- Pattern 2: 300 (suggested: 305)
- Pattern 3: 249 (alternative: 254)

For the best performance to cost ratio, configure your CV loadout to fulfill these AS+ requirements. Higher Air power means lower damage so do some experimenting on your own to find the optimal setup for you. It typically isn't worth bringing 3 CV/L to meet AS requirements, so Kaga can be helpful to bring with her high slots.

Pros:

High base Exp
Many rare drops
Many CV/CVL drops for those AA mods
Simultaneously farm HQ Exp

Cons:

Unless you leveling ships is a BB, she is very unlikely to get MVP
Not bucket friendly
Requires more bauxite as there is stronger opposition.

Place in table later after more complete:

Overview:

World 1-5

A relatively easy map.

Suggested Composition: 4+ DD/CL (Other classes can be included as well)

Equipment: Focus on ASW equipment such as sonars and depth charges as you will only face SS.

Guide:

The first three nodes are relatively easy and it is recommended that you end after 3 nodes. Use formation Line Abreast.
4 or less ships will head to C; more than that will head to D.
The boss node can be reached if you use a composition of 4 ships composing of: 1 CVL or AV, 2 or less CL, DD. A BBV can also be added for an additional shelling phase)

Tips:

All the non dead end nodes are composed of SS.
F and G are dead end nodes that have strong enemy ships.
Use the formation Line Abreast as this is the strongest ASW formation. (Requires a minimum of 4 ships)
Third node has the possibility to drop SS with S rank.
Going to boss node allows more chances to drop SS. However this also gives a lot of HQ xp, which can make it difficult later as events often increase in difficulty.

Pros: Easy, and simple to unlock Cons: Low Base XP

Notes: Increases in difficulty at HQ levels 40 and 80 with higher chance to get SS as drop. Map overview. First node switches to Elite SS after level 80 which makes the map more difficult after that point.

[3-2A]

Third tab content goes here.

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General Tips

Maps have a base XP, which is typically the same for all nodes. Higher base XP maps can be faster leveling and/or more resource efficient.
Leveling speed, cycling ships
Resource cost: Submarines, Destroyers and Light Cruisers have relatively low consumption.
Modernization: Improves the primary four stats of your ships. AA tends to be difficult to modernize but also the least effective for farming xp. Firepower and shields can help the most. Stats gained during modernization are lost upon remodel, so typically modernization is used after the first remodel.
For more experienced Admirals that do not need ships drops, leveling speed can also be increased by sortieing with maxed out ship slots so that you do not waste time getting new ships.
Using spare level 1 ship drops can help reduce the cost of sorties. This is usually used with the objective of focusing XP on a single ship as it takes other slots away from being able to gain XP. When the ship is heavily damaged or runs out of supplies (fuel/ammo), they can be used as modernization fodder or scrapped. Examples:

- Spare BB can be used (e.g Map 3-2A) to grant double shelling without having to resupply them.
- BB/CV + spare ships can be used in 2-4

Other notes and tricks

Submarines as tanks

Submarines draw fire from all ships that can target it (DD, CL) This helps to prevent damage to other ships and lowers your repair costs as submarines have very low repair costs. Early on, submarines can be obtained through construction or on the map 1-5. They have low sortie costs.

Sinking

Avoid sinking ships by ending sorties if a ship is heavily damaged. Do not deploy ships that are heavily damaged. Ships entering a new node at Medium damage will not sink, having flagship heavily damaged during sortie will force your fleet return to base and needs immediate repair/change to continue.

XP Mechanics

Flagship gives 50% extra XP.

MVP gives double XP. Can be combined with Flagship bonus for total of 3x bonus.

MVP is awarded to the ship that does the most total damage with ties going to ship in highest slot.
S rank gives 20% extra xp; C/D- ranks have XP penalty

Placing a ship at flagship and achieving MVP grants the most XP. This is useful for quickly leveling up a single ship or focusing XP on more resource expensive ships to reduce the resource costs of leveling it up.

Night battle can increase rank and resulting XP. This is recommended for losing ranks (C-) but not for winning ranks (B+). Night battles increase fatigue and cost 1 bar of ammo. An exception can be when you want to give your flagship another chance to get MVP.

Morale considerations

Morale affects ship performance like accuracy and evasion which can affect rank and help influence MVP -CVL premptive strike is not influenced by morale

Difference between HQ XP and Ship XP

HQ XP and ship XP are different things.

HQ XP increases the most when you achieve victory at a boss node.
Earlier on, It can help to try to reduce HQ XP gain as certain maps like event maps can get more difficult at certain HQ tiers.
More details on the topic can be found on the Experience and Rankings page.

Artillery Spotting

Artillery spotting helps increase the chances of doing damage and the amount of damage done.
Achieve air superiority an air phase to utilize it.
Double attack, Mixed and Cut-in will vary damage outputs.
Typically put Double attack (with Radar) or Mixed (AP) on the ship you want to MVP.
Cut-in setup can be good for supporting ships as it helps boost accuracy and damage slightly but does not have chance for high amounts of damage like the other modes.

Carrier Equipment Configuration

Torpedo bombers tend to do more damage on average. Dive bombers have more consistent damage.
Both contribute similar amounts to shelling damage (Dive bomb stat adds +2 firepower and Torpedo stat adds 1.5 firepower).
You can place torpedo bombers on a carrier you want to MVP, and weaker or less bombers on other carriers.
A Saiun on any carrier avoids getting T crossed (both sides do much less damage). It is often useful to help you achieve consistent results.

Formation

Formations can help you achieve the best results. Double line reduces firepower but can help if you are having issues with accuracy (Carriers tend to be less accurate in shelling).
Formations can also be used to help influence damage and be used to help certain ships be more likely to achieve MVP.

Range

Range determines which ships attack first. This can be influenced by the range of equipment such as SCAMP and secondary guns. Increasing the range can help influence which ships have a better chance of MVP.

Sortie for loss

For a non-critically damaged ship close to level, it is possible to solo a node at 5-5 for D rank of 945 XP and also unlocks damaged art if not already unlocked.
5-3 can be used for low level SS (80% to SS node for quick D rank XP)
This will reduce your sortie win ratio, which can effect your event participation eligibility. (Try to maintain ~85% win rate to be safe)

Links to other Guides

Other ways to level

PvP - can give high amounts of XP with no need to repair and low HQ xp gained.
- Only refreshes twice a day for a maximum of 10 opponents per day.
- Targeted admiral might change his fleet composition while you are initiating attack.
- Different ship types may appear with various base XP gain depending on battle rank achievement and total level of 2 first ships on your opponent fleet.
Expeditions - Can be a source of xp for lower level ships.
- Expeditions 22, 23 focus on xp instead of resources, but these specific expeditions are not recommended in general as they are very slow and resource inefficient as well as taking away the use of a fleet in gathering resources.
- Sparkling can help achieve Great Sucess, which doubles the XP gain
  - It can be useful to combine leveling with sparkling to help increase your resources.