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User:VanillaCupcake/Sandbox/Early Game Ships (view source)
Revision as of 07:48, 19 July 2023
, 9 months agoPatches moved page User:ShirokazeMomiji/Sandbox/Early Game Ships to User:VanillaCupcake/Sandbox/Early Game Ships without leaving a redirect
* '''[[Modernization|Shipgirl Modernization]] is extremely important'''
* '''[[Modernization|Shipgirl Modernization]] is extremely important'''
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The stats gained from modernization ({{Firepower}}Firepower, {{Torpedo}}Torpedo, {{Armor}}Armor, {{AA}}Anti-Air) have a huge effect on the performance of your shipgirls.<br/> There is a wide gulf between the performance of a modernized Kongou Kai and an unmodernized one.</div>
The stats gained from modernization ({{Firepower}} Firepower, {{Torpedo}}Torpedo, {{Armor}}Armor, {{AA}}Anti-Air) have a huge effect on the performance of your shipgirls.<br/> There is a wide gulf between the performance of a modernized Kongou Kai and an unmodernized one.</div>
* '''Duplicate Shipgirls are not recommended early'''
* '''Duplicate Shipgirls are not recommended early'''
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* Require limited resources ([[Blueprint]], [[Action Report]], etc) to perform but are not a priority target for Blueprints or Action Reports.
* Require limited resources ([[Blueprint]], [[Action Report]], etc) to perform but are not a priority target for Blueprints or Action Reports.
In the end, you should have a small but well rounded fleet of '''5DD, 2CL, 1~2 CA(V), 2 CV, 2 CVL, 1BBV, 1 (F)BB, 1 AV, 2 CLT.''' <br/>This combination of ships, if Kai and modernized, will allow you to tackle every main world map from 1-1 up to 5-2.
In the end, you should have a small but well rounded fleet of '''5 DD, 2 CL, 1~2 CA(V), 2 CV, 2 CVL, 1 BBV, 1 (F)BB, 1 AV, 2 CLT.''' <br/>This combination of ships, if Kai and modernized, will allow you to tackle every main world map from 1-1 up to 5-2.
</div>
</div>
<tabber>
<tabber>
|-|Destroyers=
|-|Destroyers (DD)=
<div style="max-width:1000px;">Destroyers (DD) are weak in daytime surface combat, but make up for it via their performance in anti-submarine combat, night battle, and other utility purposes. <br/>They are also frequently very helpful in achieving preferential routing on maps and are sometimes needed to even reach the boss at all. <br/>Early on, you should pick '''five''' of these to raise, as five serviceable and modernized Kai destroyers will be required to clear 3-2.</div>
<div style="max-width:1000px;">Destroyers (DD) are weak in daytime surface combat, but make up for it via their performance in anti-submarine combat, night battle, and other utility purposes. <br/>They are also frequently very helpful in achieving preferential routing on maps and are sometimes needed to even reach the boss at all. <br/>Early on, you should pick '''five''' of these to raise, as five serviceable and modernized Kai destroyers will be required to clear 3-2.</div>
Note that nearly all IJN destroyers are effectively identical at Kai, so the goal here is to pick up and begin leveling those who have stand-out Kai Nis that do not require Blueprints or Action Reports.
Note that nearly all IJN destroyers are effectively identical at Kai, so the goal here is to pick up and begin leveling those who have stand-out Kai Nis that do not require Blueprints or Action Reports.
| {{Ship/Banner|Shimakaze|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Yukikaze|small=true}} || These two are unique in that they come online and reach their full potential (or most of their full potential) at only level 20. Their all around stats are excellent and Yukikaze will likely be your first reliable Torpedo Cut-In Destroyer.
| {{Ship/Banner|Shimakaze|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Yukikaze|small=true}} || These two are unique in that they come online and reach their full potential (or most of their full potential) at only level 20. Their all around stats are excellent and Yukikaze will likely be your first reliable Torpedo Cut-In Destroyer.
However, they are both rare and difficult to acquire, so do not fret if they don't show up right or even at all. Both can be constructed through the rare DD/CL recipe, and also begin dropping in normal maps as early as 2-4.
However they are both rare and difficult to acquire, so do not fret if they don't show up right away or even at all. Both can be constructed through the rare DD/CL recipe, and also begin dropping in normal maps as early as 2-4.
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Yuudachi|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Shigure|small=true}}<br/>{{Ship/Banner|Kasumi|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Ayanami|small=true}} || Top-tier DDs who, when at their final remodel, perform well in multiple roles or exceptionally well in a single role. While their Kai Nis will be out of reach for now due to their level requirement, it's good to get an early start in leveling them.
| {{Ship/Banner|Yuudachi|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Shigure|small=true}}<br/>{{Ship/Banner|Kasumi|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Ayanami|small=true}} || Top-tier DDs who, when at their final remodel, perform well in multiple roles or exceptionally well in a single role. While their Kai Nis will be out of reach for now due to their level requirement, it's good to get an early start in leveling them.
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Asashio|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Michishio|small=true}}<br/>{{Ship/Banner|Hatsushimo|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Hibiki|small=true}}|| Other destroyers who, while strong, are not as good as the above ships.
| {{Ship/Banner|Michishio|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Hatsushimo|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Hibiki|small=true}}|| Other destroyers who, while strong, are not as good as the above ships.
|}
|}
|}
|}
|-|Light Cruisers=
|-|Light Cruisers (CL)=
<div style="max-width:1000px;">Heavier than destroyers, they perform better in daytime combat roles and can fill a wide variety of utility purposes. <br/>Many maps in the main game require one to get preferential routing, but there is rarely, if ever, room for more. </div>
<div style="max-width:1000px;">Heavier than destroyers, they perform better in daytime combat roles and can fill a wide variety of utility purposes. <br/>Many maps in the main game require one to get preferential routing, but there is rarely, if ever, room for more. </div>
|}
|}
|-|Torpedo Cruisers=
|-|Torpedo Cruisers (CLT)=
<div style="max-width:1000px;">Very similar to CL, and they start as CL, but they trade all utility and shelling firepower for devastating torpedoes and the ability to launch them pre-emptively. <br/>However, they are somewhat fragile and are sometimes penalized in map routing. </div>
<div style="max-width:1000px;">Very similar to CL, and they start as CL, but they trade all utility and shelling firepower for devastating torpedoes and the ability to launch them pre-emptively. <br/>However, they are somewhat fragile and are sometimes penalized in map routing. </div>
|}
|}
|-|Heavy Cruisers/Aviation Cruisers=
|-|Heavy Cruisers (CA) / Aviation Cruisers (CAV)=
<div style="max-width:1000px;">Similar to CL, but they trade some of the utility for more raw firepower and armor. Many very early game fleets will only have room for 2 at most.<br/>There are also '''Aviation Cruisers CA(V)''', which fit into the same slot in a fleet and trade some offensive power for the ability to carry Seaplane Bombers and Seaplane Fighters, an ability that will be important later.</div>
<div style="max-width:1000px;">Similar to CL, but they trade some of the utility for more raw firepower and armor. Many very early game fleets will only have room for 2 at most.<br/>There are also '''Aviation Cruisers CA(V)''', which fit into the same slot in a fleet and trade some offensive power for the ability to carry Seaplane Bombers and Seaplane Fighters, an ability that will be important later.</div>
! style="max-width:725px"|Explanation
! style="max-width:725px"|Explanation
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Tone|small=true}} || A relatively common CA that has exceptional stats at Kai. She later remodels into a CAV and continues to perform well at all stages of the game.
| {{Ship/Banner|Haguro|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Ashigara|small=true}} || Two sister CA with high Kai performance ''and'' great final remodels.
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Mogami|small=true}} || Remodels into a CAV at the very low level of 10. Likely to be your first CAV.
| {{Ship/Banner|Mogami|small=true}} || Remodels into a CAV at the very low level of 10. Likely to be your first CAV.
|}
|}
|-|Seaplane Tenders=
|-|Seaplane Tenders (AV)=
<div style="max-width:1000px;">They can carry seaplanes and equip minisubs, allowing them to perform an opening torpedo. However, their stats are generally poor. <br/>Their key use early on is routing, particularly allowing you to achieve optimal routing in World 2. </div>
<div style="max-width:1000px;">They can carry seaplanes and equip minisubs, allowing them to perform an opening torpedo. However, their stats are generally poor. <br/>Their key use early on is routing, particularly allowing you to achieve optimal routing in World 2. </div>
|}
|}
|-|Standard Carriers=
|-|Standard Carriers (CV/CVB)=
<div style="max-width:1000px;">Heavy ships whose primary roles are heavy pre-emptive strikes and securing air superiority.<br/>They're quite rare at first and you aren't allowed to bring many to one map, in most cases. Thankfully, the game gives you Akagi for free. </div>
<div style="max-width:1000px;">Heavy ships whose primary roles are heavy pre-emptive strikes and securing air superiority.<br/>They're quite rare at first and you aren't allowed to bring many to one map, in most cases. Thankfully, the game gives you Akagi for free. </div>
| {{Ship/Banner|Souryuu|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Hiryuu|small=true}} || At Kai, they're effectively identical. The weakest of the 6 Kai IJN CAs. Like Kaga, they start dropping in 2-3 and early world 3.
| {{Ship/Banner|Souryuu|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Hiryuu|small=true}} || At Kai, they're effectively identical. The weakest of the 6 Kai IJN CAs. Like Kaga, they start dropping in 2-3 and early world 3.
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Zuikaku|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Shoukaku|small=true}} || Better than Souryuu/Hiryuu, weaker than Akagi/Kaga. You will not see them outside of doing the CV recipe in Construction, as they only drop in 4-4 and beyond.
| {{Ship/Banner|Zuikaku|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Shoukaku|small=true}} || Better than Souryuu/Hiryuu, weaker than Akagi/Kaga. You're unlikely to see them outside of doing the CV recipe in Construction, as they only drop in 4-4 and beyond.
|}
|}
|-|Light Carriers=
|-|Light Carriers (CVL)=
<div style="max-width:1000px;">They're like Standard Carriers, but with less of everything (including deployment cost). Map routing is kinder to them and sometimes requires them.<br/>Note that this is the first point at which ship speed comes into account in this guide. Every ship mentioned prior to this point is Fast, but from here on out some will be Slow. <br/>Most standard maps don't penalize slow ships, but 2-5 does, and it's recommended for new admirals to start clearing 2-5 monthly as early as possible in order to begin acquiring medals (and by extension, remodel blueprints). </div>
<div style="max-width:1000px;">They're like Standard Carriers, but with less of everything (including deployment cost). Map routing is kinder to them and sometimes requires them.<br/>Note that this is the first point at which ship speed comes into account in this guide. Every ship mentioned prior to this point is Fast, but from here on out some will be Slow. <br/>Most standard maps don't penalize slow ships, but 2-5 does, and it's recommended for new admirals to start clearing 2-5 monthly as early as possible in order to begin acquiring medals (and by extension, remodel blueprints). </div>
You should level '''two''' of them - one fast, one slow.
You should level '''two''' of them, with at least one of them being '''fast'''.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|}
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|-|Battleships=
|-|Battleships (BB/FBB/BBV)=
<div style="max-width:1000px;">Heavily armoured and with high daytime firepower, they're also very expensive to sortie and repair. <br/>They come in three flavours: '''Battleship (BB), Aviation Battleship (BBV), and Fast Battleship (FBB)'''.
<div style="max-width:1000px;">Heavily armoured and with high daytime firepower, they're also very expensive to sortie and repair. <br/>They come in three flavours: '''Battleship (BB), Aviation Battleship (BBV), and Fast Battleship (FBB)'''.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Battleships, Fast Battleships
|+ Battleships (BB), Fast Battleships (FBB)
|-
|-
! style="width:325px"|Ships
! style="width:325px"|Ships
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Aviation Battleships
|+ Aviation Battleships (BBV)
|-
|-
! style="width:325px"|Ships
! style="width:325px"|Ships
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Fusou|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Yamashiro|small=true}} || The most common BB drops. Worse than the others in every way. Use them if they're your first battleship, but bench them once you get any other (F)BB(V).
| {{Ship/Banner|Fusou|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Yamashiro|small=true}} || The most common BB drops. Worse than the others in every way. Use them if they're your first battleship, but bench them once you get any other (F)BB(V).
|}
|-|Coastal Defense Ships (DE)=
Very small ships. They're ASW specialists - but they're slow, fragile, and horrible at surface combat. I recommend grabbing '''both''' and using them to help you level in 1-5.
These two are statistically the same, and only differ when it comes to where they are obtained.
{| class="wikitable" style="max-width:970px"
|+ DE
|-
|Ships
! style="max-width:725px"|Explanation
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Etorofu|small=true}} || The only way to obtain Etorofu outside of events is from [[Quests#F73|Quest F73]]. '''Take care to ensure that you choose Etorofu as your quest reward.'''
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Matsuwa|small=true}} || Drops in World [[2-3]]. Also obtainable from [[Quests#F73|Quest F73]], but she should not be chosen as F73's reward.
|}
|}
|+ Fleet Unlock Quests
|+ Fleet Unlock Quests
|-
|-
|Ships
! style="width:325px"|Ships
! style="width:325px"|Ships
! style="max-width:725px"|Explanation
! style="max-width:725px"|Explanation
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Sendai|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Jintsuu|small=true}}</br>{{Ship/Banner|Naka|small=true}} || Required to open up the 2nd fleet for expeditions. Naka and Jintsuu are extremely common, but Sendai is a little more difficult and should be target farmed in 1-3.
| {{Ship/Banner|Sendai|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Jintsuu|small=true}}</br>{{Ship/Banner|Naka|small=true}} || Required to open up the 3rd fleet for expeditions. Naka and Jintsuu are extremely common, but Sendai is a little more difficult and should be target farmed in 1-3.
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Myoukou|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Nachi|small=true}}</br>{{Ship/Banner|Ashigara|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Haguro|small=true}} || Required to open up the '''3rd''' fleet. Similar to the Sendai-class, Myoukou is rarer and the other 3 are much more common. She's best farmed in World 2: 2-1, 2-2 B, all over 2-3.
| {{Ship/Banner|Myoukou|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Nachi|small=true}}</br>{{Ship/Banner|Ashigara|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Haguro|small=true}} || Required to open up the '''4th''' fleet. Similar to the Sendai-class, Myoukou is rarer and the other 3 are much more common. She's best farmed in World 2: 2-1, 2-2 B, all over 2-3.
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Kongou|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Hiei|small=true}}</br>{{Ship/Banner|Haruna|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Kirishima|small=true}} || Required to open up the '''4th''' and final fleet. All are fairly rare but drop in boss nodes all over World 2, particularly 2-3.
| {{Ship/Banner|Kongou|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Hiei|small=true}}</br>{{Ship/Banner|Haruna|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Kirishima|small=true}} || Also required to open up the '''4th''' and final fleet. All are fairly rare but drop in boss nodes all over World 2.
|}
|}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{Ship/Banner|Akashi|small=true}} || Extremely important, and the sooner she's acquired the better. She grants the player access to Akashi's Improvement Arsenal which allows the improvement of equipment, and her ability to gradually repair lightly damaged ships greatly aids Instant Repair conservation efforts. She should be immediately placed in the player's PVP fleet when acquired to get her to Kai, where she gains the ability to repair an additional ship and a boost to her Improvement success rate.
|style="text-align:center;"|{{Ship/Banner|Akashi|small=true}} || Extremely important, and the sooner she's acquired the better. She grants the player access to Akashi's Improvement Arsenal which allows the improvement of equipment, and her ability to gradually repair lightly damaged ships greatly aids Instant Repair conservation efforts. She should be immediately placed in the player's PVP fleet when acquired to get her to Kai, where she gains the ability to repair an additional ship and a boost to her Improvement success rate.
She drops in the boss node of 1-5, 2-5 and 3-5. The easiest place to farm her is in 1-5, but it requires an HQ level of at least '''50'''. Since 1-5 is the best place to focus level DD/CL, she can hopefully be encountered while training your light ships.
She drops in the boss node of 1-5 and 2-5. The easiest place to farm her is in 1-5, but it requires an HQ level of at least '''50'''. Since 1-5 is the best place to focus level DD/CL, she can hopefully be encountered while training your light ships.
|}
|}
You should aim for a minimum of '''8 DD, 3 CL, 4 CA/V, 4 CV, 4 CVL, 4 FBB, 1 BBV, 1 AV, 2 CLT''', plus a few specialized ships that will be mentioned specifically farther down. With everything outlined in this part of the guide (and an equivalent set of equipment), a player should be able to clear the entirety of any event on at least Easy difficulty, and some early maps might be doable on Medium or even Hard.
You should aim for a minimum of '''8 DD, 3 CL, 4 CA/V, 4 CV, 4 CVL, 4 FBB, 1 BBV, 1 AV, 2 CLT''', plus a few specialized ships that will be mentioned specifically farther down. With everything outlined in this part of the guide (and an equivalent set of equipment), a player should be able to clear the entirety of any event on at least Easy difficulty, and some early maps might be doable on Medium or even Hard.
At this point directions for where to collect specific key ships, if they're hard to find, is also given out, as it is feasible to begin target farming them. Construction is 100% not recommended at this point as farming gets you a better chance at ships per resources spent and gets you additional experience, too.
At this point directions for where to collect specific key ships is also given out, as it is feasible to begin target farming them. Construction is not recommended anymore as farming gets you a better chance at ships per resources spent - and gets you much needed experience, too.
</div>
</div>
* 3 Surface Combat DDs
* 3 Surface Combat DDs
* 2 Anti-Installation DDs
* 2 Anti-Installation DDs
* 1 Anti-Submarine Warfare DD
* 2 Anti-Submarine Warfare DD
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="max-width:970px"
|+ {{Medal}} The Best
|+ {{Medal}} The Best
|-
|-
! style="max-width:800px"|Explanation
! style="max-width:800px"|Explanation
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Kasumi/Kai Ni|small=true}} || Superb. Excellent stats - high night battle attack power and good starting luck. She is also able to equip Tanks and all types of Landing Crafts, making her an effective anti-installation attacker as well. On top of her high stats and ability to take on multiple attacking roles, she's also has historical damage bonuses in maps more often than any other DD in the game, often making her a key boss killer. She can also equip all types of Command Facilities.
| {{Ship/Banner|Kasumi/Kai Ni|small=true}} || Superb. Excellent stats - high night battle attack power and good starting luck. She is also able to equip Tanks and all types of Landing Crafts, making her an effective anti-installation attacker as well. On top of her high stats and ability to take on multiple attacking roles she also has historical damage bonuses in maps more often than any other DD in the game, often making her a key boss killer. She can also equip all types of Command Facilities.
The only real downside is her high remodel level of 75, but it's worth it.
The only real downside is her high remodel level of 75, but it's worth it.
|}
|}
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="max-width:970px"
|+ {{Firepower}} Surface Combat DDs
|+ {{Firepower}} Surface Combat DDs
|-
|-
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="max-width:800px"|Explanation
! Explanation
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Shimakaze/Kai|small=true}}<br/>{{Ship/Banner|Yukikaze/Kai|small=true}}|| The difference between them and other destroyers becomes less pronounced or even disappears as other DDs reach their final remodels, but they're still strong and the fact that they require only a small amount of experience to do their job is valuable, allowing you to funnel more EXP into other ships.
| {{Ship/Banner|Shimakaze/Kai|small=true}}<br/>{{Ship/Banner|Yukikaze/Kai|small=true}}|| The difference between them and other destroyers becomes less pronounced or even disappears as other DDs reach their final remodels, but they're still strong and the fact that they require only a small amount of experience to do their job is valuable, allowing you to funnel more EXP into other ships.
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Hatsushimo/Kai Ni|small=true}}|| Frequently a historical ship and has and high starting luck, but otherwise worse than those above her due to her average stats. However she is able to equip Command Facilities and Landing Crafts, giving her some extra utility and allowing her to function as a second-string anti-installation ship.
| {{Ship/Banner|Hatsushimo/Kai Ni|small=true}}|| Frequently a historical ship and has and high starting luck, but otherwise worse than those above her due to her average stats. However she is able to equip Command Facilities and Landing Crafts, giving her some extra utility and allowing her to function as a second-string anti-installation ship.
|}
|}
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="max-width:970px"
|+ {{AntiGroundArtillery}} Anti-Installation DDs
|+ {{AntiGroundArtillery}} Anti-Installation DDs
|-
|-
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="max-width:800px"|Explanation
! Explanation
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Michishio/Kai Ni|small=true}}|| Excellent stats, able to equip all types of tanks and landing crafts. Her high stats also allow her to moonlight as a Surface Combat DD.
| {{Ship/Banner|Michishio/Kai Ni|small=true}}|| Excellent stats, able to equip all types of tanks and landing crafts. Her high stats also allow her to moonlight as a Surface Combat DD.
|}
|}
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="max-width:970px"
|+ {{ASW}} Anti-Submarine Warfare DDs
|+ {{ASW}} Anti-Submarine Warfare DDs
|-
|-
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="max-width:800px"|Explanation
! Explanation
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Johnston/Kai|small=true}}|| Can perform OASW attacks regardless of equipment at all times. However, she is a rare drop from 2-3 only and requires her Kai remodel to be effective, which is at level 55. Highly recommended regardless, as not needing certain gear or level to OASW makes her very flexible.
| {{Ship/Banner|Johnston/Kai|small=true}}|| Can perform OASW attacks regardless of equipment at all times. However, she is a rare drop from 2-3 only and requires her Kai remodel to be effective, which is at level 55. Highly recommended regardless, as not needing certain gear or level to OASW makes her very flexible.
| {{Ship/Banner|Shigure/Kai Ni|small=true}}|| If Johnston utterly refuses to appear, more levels can be fed into Shigure as a less versatile backup.
| {{Ship/Banner|Shigure/Kai Ni|small=true}}|| If Johnston utterly refuses to appear, more levels can be fed into Shigure as a less versatile backup.
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Urakaze/D Kai|small=true}} || For the terminally desperate. A dedicated ASW specialist with only average stats elsewhere. Uncommon drop and only appears in 2-4, 2-5, and 4-2. Only resort to her if you can't find Johnston and ''really'' don't like Shigure for some reason.
| {{Ship/Banner|Samuel B. Roberts/Kai|small=true}} || Low base stats and requires level 50 to Kai, but can perform OASW attacks regardless of equipment or level as long as she is at least '''Kai'''. However she is the only DD with slow speed, which may backfire on you when it comes to routing in maps. Drops in the boss node of 2-3.
|}
|}
The DD below are important to have not for combat, but for various utility outside of combat.
The DD below are important to have not for combat, but for various utility outside of combat.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="max-width:970px"
|+ Other DDs
|+ Other DDs
|-
|-
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="max-width:800px"|Explanation
! Explanation
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Mikazuki/Kai|small=true}} || A Mutsuki-class DD that is uniquely able to equip Landing Crafts at only Kai. Once you get access to Daihatsu Landing Crafts, she's a good boost to your expedition income without tying up your anti-installation attackers.
| {{Ship/Banner|Mikazuki/Kai|small=true}} || A Mutsuki-class DD that is uniquely able to equip Landing Crafts at only Kai. Once you get access to Daihatsu Landing Crafts, she's a good boost to your expedition income without tying up your anti-installation attackers.
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Uzuki/|small=true}} || A large chunk of the quest tree is locked behind [[Quests#A34|Quest A34]], a composition quest that requires Uzuki as a member of the fleet. Very rare early on, she cannot be constructed and drops only in the boss nodes of 2-5, 3-4, 4-4 and 5-1.
| {{Ship/Banner|Uzuki/|small=true}} || A couple important quests are locked behind [[Quests#A34|Quest A34]], a composition quest that requires Uzuki as a member of the fleet. Very rare early on, she cannot be constructed and drops only in the boss nodes of 2-5, 3-4, 4-4 and 5-1.
|}
|}
|-|Light Cruisers=
|-|Light Cruisers=
Following up on the CL mentioned in Part 1. Abukuma takes center stage here and will likely be your first blueprint target: Sendai and Isuzu are also K2'd for night battle gear and OASW/AACI, respectively. Kuma is likely to end up on the bench as her lead over other IJN ships disappears at this point.
Following up on the CL mentioned in Part 1. Abukuma takes center stage here and will likely be your first blueprint target: Sendai and Isuzu are also K2'd for night battle gear and OASW/AACI, respectively. Kuma is likely to end up on the bench as her lead over other IJN ships disappears.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="max-width:970px"
|+ Recommended CL
|+ Recommended CL
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="max-width:800px"|Explanation
! Explanation
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Abukuma/Kai Ni|small=true}} || Excellent CL who can fulfill a variety of roles, the most notable being the ability to perform pre-emptive torpedo attacks without needing to be a CLT or SS(V). She also has solid combat stats and the ability to equip all types of landing crafts and tanks. Stays relevant for a very long time due to her torpedo ability alone.
| {{Ship/Banner|Abukuma/Kai Ni|small=true}} || Excellent CL who can fulfill a variety of roles, the most notable being the ability to perform pre-emptive torpedo attacks without needing to be a CLT or SS(V). She also has solid combat stats and the ability to equip all types of landing crafts and tanks. Stays relevant for a very long time due to her torpedo ability alone.
Heavy Cruisers are often, but not ''always'' interchangeable with CAV in maps. Compared to CAV they often have superior base stats, but are unable to carry Seaplane Bombers and Seaplane Fighters. Sometimes they can be used where CAV cannot, and sometimes CAV can be used where CA cannot.
Heavy Cruisers are often, but not ''always'' interchangeable with CAV in maps. Compared to CAV they often have superior base stats, but are unable to carry Seaplane Bombers and Seaplane Fighters. Sometimes they can be used where CAV cannot, and sometimes CAV can be used where CA cannot.
For the most part, they're restricted to performing only as beatsticks - with the exception of Maya, who has formidable anti-air presence. '''I recommend training Maya and at least one surface combat CA.'''
For the most part, they're restricted to performing only as beatsticks - with the exception of Maya, who has formidable anti-air presence. '''I recommend training Maya and both surface combat CA.'''
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="max-width:970px"
|+ {{Firepower}} Surface Combat CA
|+ {{Firepower}} Surface Combat CA
|-
|-
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="max-width:800px"|Explanation
! Explanation
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Haguro/Kai|small=true}}<br/>{{Ship/Banner|Ashigara/Kai|small=true}}|| The two CA sisters from Part 1 - these two are to help you get through 7-3, but they're strong in their own right too, with great offensive stats at Kai Ni. However if EXP is in short supply it is not necessary that they be Kai Ni - just leveled and modernized.
| {{Ship/Banner|Haguro/Kai Ni|small=true}}<br/>{{Ship/Banner|Ashigara/Kai Ni|small=true}}<br/>{{Ship/Banner|Nachi/Kai Ni|small=true}} || Myoukou's three sisters. Very ''slightly'' weaker in exchange for reaching Kai Ni slightly earlier. Only level one if you did not opt to level Myoukou during Part 1 - otherwise they can be saved for later.
|}
|}
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="max-width:970px"
|+ {{AA}} Anti-Air CA
|+ {{AA}} Anti-Air CA
|-
|-
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="max-width:800px"|Explanation
! Explanation
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Maya/Kai Ni|small=true}} || Excellent CA. While her Kai is painfully average, she shines bright at Kai Ni with a substantial increase to attack power and access to two powerful AACI setups that are exclusive to her. These setups are also relatively light on equipment slots, allowing her to maintain night battle double attack while running AACI.
| {{Ship/Banner|Maya/Kai Ni|small=true}} || Excellent CA. While her Kai is painfully average, she shines bright at Kai Ni with a substantial increase to attack power and access to two powerful AACI setups that are exclusive to her. These setups are also relatively light on equipment slots, allowing her to maintain night battle double attack while running AACI.
Her performance increases even further with the use of a Reinforcement Expansion, which effectively acts as a full extra equipment slot. Consider giving your first Reinforcement Expansion to Maya.
Her performance increases even further with the use of a Reinforcement Expansion, which effectively acts as a full extra equipment slot. Consider giving your first Reinforcement Expansion to Maya.
|}
|}
|-|Aviation Cruisers=
|-|Aviation Cruisers=
As you gain access to more equipment, maps, and events, CAV in their usage begin to branch out from CA. While their stats are typically lower on average, they gain access to equipment that CA don't - anti-installation rockets, Seaplane Bombers and Seaplane Fighters.
As you gain access to more equipment, maps, and events, CAV in their usage begin to branch out from CA. While their stats are typically lower on average, they gain access to equipment that CA don't - anti-installation rockets, Seaplane Bombers and Seaplane Fighters.
All CAV start out as CA and must be remodeled to Kai (Mogami-class) or Kai Ni (Tone-class) before they become CAV. I recommend trying to get '''two'''. The Mogami-class at Kai are much weaker than Tone, but do not require a blueprint to function as a CAV.
All CAV start out as CA and must be remodeled to Kai (Mogami-class) before they become CAV. I recommend trying to get '''two''' - Mogami Kai Ni and one of her sisters.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="max-width:970px"
|+ Mogami-class
|+ {{Medal}} Give Praise, for She Has No Equal
|-
|-
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="max-width:800px"|Explanation
! Explanation
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Mogami/Kai|small=true}} || Mogami is the best of the Mogami-class Kai CAV - she's extremely available, has a very low remodel level of 10, and the highest plane capacity. There is little reason to not use her as one of your CAV.
| {{Ship/Banner|Mogami/Kai Ni Toku|small=true}} || Unsurpassed lord of CA(V). Unrivaled all-around stats, unparalleled flexibility. The only CA(V) able to use opening torpedoes, the only CA(V) able to equip landing crafts, and the only CA(V) able to equip tanks. She does basically everything, and she does it '''very''' well. She only gets better as you get access to more powerful equipment, as she has many and varied equipment bonuses granting additional firepower.
Her only scant downsides are a lower aircraft capacity, an astronomical level requirement (90) and the requirement of a Blueprint and Action Report for her Kai Ni remodel - but you'll get far, far more back from her than you put in.
|-
|-
|}
|}
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="max-width:970px"
|+ Tone-class
|+ The Other Mogami-class
|-
|-
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="max-width:800px"|Explanation
! Explanation
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Mikuma/Kai|small=true}} || Mikuma is the best of the remaining Mogami-class Kai CAV, and she comes with the rare and beloved {{EquipmentLink|20.3cm (No.3) Twin Gun Mount|text=20.3cm No.3 Twin Gun}} at only Kai - but she's the most difficult to get. She can ''not'' be constructed, and only drops from the boss nodes of some later maps.
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Tone/Kai Ni|small=true}} || CAV that retain a CA's higher combat stats. She also comes with a copy of the perpetually useful {{EquipmentLink|20.3cm (No.3) Twin Gun Mount|text=20.3cm No.3 Twin Gun}}.
| {{Ship/Banner|Suzuya/Kai|small=true}}</br>{{Ship/Banner|Kumano/Kai|small=true}} || They have the same stats as Mogami Kai, but need level 35 for Kai and have a lower aircraft capacity. Like Mikuma, their drop locations are tough to farm.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="max-width:970px"
|+ 🦃 Cranes
|+ 🐉 Dragons
|-
|-
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="max-width:800px"|Explanation
! Explanation
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Shoukaku/Kai Ni A|small=true}} || If Abukuma is a player's ideal first blueprint remodel, Shoukaku is second. Her Kai Ni has extremely high stats and plane capacity, and her Kai Ni A form turns her into an armoured carrier (CVB) which gains the ability to shell at moderate damage.
| {{Ship/Banner|Hiryuu/Kai Ni|small=true}} || The best CV that doesn't need a blueprint or a Prototype Catapult. Much higher firepower and capacity compared to her previous form, but somewhat awkwardly distributed aircraft slots. Grants access to the very powerful Tenzan Model 12 (Tomonaga Squadron), potentially the most powerful Torpedo Bomber in the game (providing Type 97 Torpedo Bomber (Tomonaga Squadron) is improved before conversion).
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Zuikaku/Kai Ni A|small=true}} || Extremely similar to Shoukaku - she trades away some firepower in return for a slightly more effective aircraft layout.
| {{Ship/Banner|Souryuu/Kai Ni|small=true}} || Very similar to Hiryuu Kai Ni, with slightly lower stats and slightly worse aircraft distribution. Grants access to Suisei (Egusa Squadron), the most powerful Dive Bomber in the game.
|}
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="max-width:970px"
|+ 🦃 Cranes
{| class="wikitable"
|+ 🐉 Dragons
|-
|-
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="max-width:800px"|Explanation
! Explanation
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Hiryuu/Kai Ni|small=true}} || The best CV that doesn't need a blueprint or a Prototype Catapult. Much higher firepower and capacity, compared to her previous form, but somewhat awkwardly distributed aircraft slots. Grants access to the very powerful Tenzan Model 12 (Tomonaga Squadron), potentially the most powerful Torpedo Bomber in the game (providing Type 97 Torpedo Bomber (Tomonaga Squadron) is improved before conversion).
| {{Ship/Banner|Shoukaku/Kai Ni A|small=true}} || Shoukaku Kai Ni has extremely high stats and plane capacity, and her Kai Ni A form turns her into an armoured carrier (CVB) which gains the ability to shell at moderate damage.
Her remodel level is extremely high (80, then 88), but the pain of reaching that high level is lessened by the general ease of leveling carriers over other types of ships.
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Souryuu/Kai Ni|small=true}} || Very similar to Hiryuu Kai Ni, with slightly lower stats and slightly worse aircraft distribution. Grants access to Suisei (Egusa Squadron), the most powerful Dive Bomber in the game.
| {{Ship/Banner|Zuikaku/Kai Ni A|small=true}} || Extremely similar to Shoukaku - she trades away some firepower in return for a slightly more effective aircraft layout.
|}
|}
'''WARNING:''' Both cranes additionally require Prototype Flight Deck Catapults to remodel. They are obtained by clearing a number of quests. The catapults you should chase after come from quests [[Quests#F21|Quest F21]] and [[Quests#F85|Quest F85]].
|-|Light Carriers=
|-|Light Carriers=
CVL fulfill the exact same role as in Part 1, but unlike CV here they have no quests that grant them access to powerful equipment. Furthermore, the distinction between Fast and Slow CVL becomes more important here, as events are typically rougher on routing based around speed. The recommended number of CVL to have at this stage in the game '''is at least three, with at least two being Fast.'''
CVL fulfill the exact same role as in Part 1, but unlike CV here they have no quests that grant them access to powerful equipment. Furthermore, the distinction between Fast and Slow CVL becomes more important here, as events are typically rougher on routing based around speed. The recommended number of CVL to have at this stage in the game '''is at least three, with at least two being Fast.'''
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="max-width:970px"
|+ Fast CVL
|+ Fast CVL
|-
|-
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="max-width:800px"|Explanation
! Explanation
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Zuihou/Kai Ni|small=true}} || Zuihou is highly recommended due to a variety of reasons: She's explicitly needed to get the 2nd of the first two available Prototype Catapults, and she has a very powerful K2 with solid stats and slots (but a high remodel level). She is difficult to get however, and some target farming will be needed to hunt her down.
| {{Ship/Banner|Zuihou/Kai Ni|small=true}} || Zuihou is highly recommended due to a variety of reasons: She's explicitly needed to get the 2nd of the first two available Prototype Catapults, and she has a very powerful K2 with solid stats and slots (but a high remodel level). She is difficult to get however, and some target farming will be needed to hunt her down.
|}
|}
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="max-width:970px"
|+ Slow CVL
|+ Slow CVL
|-
|-
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="max-width:800px"|Explanation
! Explanation
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Junyou/Kai Ni|small=true}} || Excellent capacity, stats, and aircraft distribution - she also comes with a valuable Prototype Reppuu Late Model and 12cm 30-tube rockets as stock equipment. Her only downside is her slow speed and high level requirement.
| {{Ship/Banner|Junyou/Kai Ni|small=true}} || Excellent capacity, stats, and aircraft distribution - she also comes with a valuable Prototype Reppuu Late Model and 12cm 30-tube rockets as stock equipment. Her only downside is her slow speed and high level requirement.
Since standard maps are very restrictive on how many battleships you can use in a fleet, I recommend leveling many of them in PVP.
Since standard maps are very restrictive on how many battleships you can use in a fleet, I recommend leveling many of them in PVP.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="max-width:970px"
|+ Fast Battleships
|+ Slow Battleships
|-
|-
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="max-width:800px"|Explanation
! Explanation
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Nagato/Kai Ni|small=true}} || Enormously powerful at Kai Ni due to her special ability to activate the Nagato-class Full Broadside special attack (often called "Nagato Touch"), granting the player the ability to punch through very powerful enemy boss fleets in maps where Slow Battleships are allowed. She also has the niche ability to equip all landing crafts and tanks.
As an extreme downside, she both requires a Blueprint and a '''very''' high level (88). Despite the requirement I highly recommend leveling her to Kai Ni and making her your second or third Blueprint. She's instrumental for many event maps and quests.
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Kongou/Kai Ni|small=true}}</br>{{Ship/Banner|Hiei/Kai Ni|small=true}}</br>{{Ship/Banner|Haruna/Kai Ni|small=true}}</br>{{Ship/Banner|Kirishima/Kai Ni|small=true}}</br> || The only FBB you can obtain outside of events. All are useful and with solid stats - and while they're perfectly serviceable at Kai if experience is short in supply, their Kai Ni gives a good boost in stats. All four should be leveled, as events sometimes need you to run 4 FBB at one time.
| {{Ship/Banner|Mutsu/Kai Ni|small=true}} || Very similar to Nagato, but slightly worse in that she has less Luck, is historical less often, and is unable to equip landing crafts. She's easier to find than Nagato, and can be leveled in place of Nagato if Nagato cannot be found.
|}
|}
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="max-width:970px"
|+ Aviation Battleships
|+ Fast Battleships
|-
|-
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="max-width:800px"|Explanation
! Explanation
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Ise/Kai|small=true}}</br>{{Ship/Banner|Hyuuga/Kai|small=true}} || Still great BBV. While they're slow and they're behind Kongou-class Kai Ni in raw stats, their class allows them to be used in Transport Combined Fleets and their ability to carry seaplane bombers and seaplane fighters comes in useful. They should both at least be acquired and Kai'd, not only for potential use in events but to allow access to a second Prototype Flight Deck Catapult via quests that require them.
| {{Ship/Banner|Kongou/Kai Ni|small=true}}</br>{{Ship/Banner|Hiei/Kai Ni|small=true}}</br>{{Ship/Banner|Haruna/Kai Ni|small=true}}</br>{{Ship/Banner|Kirishima/Kai Ni|small=true}}</br> || The only FBB you can obtain outside of events. All are useful and with solid stats - and while they're perfectly serviceable at Kai if experience is short in supply, their Kai Ni gives a good boost in stats. All four should be leveled, as events sometimes need you to run 4 FBB at one time.
|}
|}
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="max-width:970px"
|+ Slow Battleships
|+ Aviation Battleships
|-
|-
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="max-width:800px"|Explanation
! Explanation
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Nagato/Kai Ni|small=true}} || Extremely useful at Kai Ni due to her special ability to activate the Nagato-class Full Broadside special attack (often called "Nagato Touch), potentially granting the player the ability to punch through very powerful enemy boss fleets. She also has the niche ability to equip all landing crafts and tanks.
| {{Ship/Banner|Ise/Kai|small=true}}</br>{{Ship/Banner|Hyuuga/Kai|small=true}} || Still great BBV. While they're slow and they're behind Kongou-class Kai Ni in raw stats, their class allows them to be used in Transport Combined Fleets and their ability to carry seaplane bombers and seaplane fighters comes in useful. They should both at least be acquired and Kai'd, not only for potential use in events but to allow access to a second Prototype Flight Deck Catapult via quests that require them.
|}
|}
Difficult to utilize because of their fragility, but can sometimes be used for special "sub tank" setups or to freely do certain unlock steps in event maps. Getting any one to Kai and modernized is enough.
Difficult to utilize because of their fragility, but can sometimes be used for special "sub tank" setups or to freely do certain unlock steps in event maps. Getting any one to Kai and modernized is enough.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="max-width:970px"
|+ SS(V)
|+ SS(V)
|-
|-
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="max-width:800px"|Explanation
! Explanation
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|I-58/|small=true}}</br>{{Ship/Banner|I-168/|small=true}}</br>{{Ship/Banner|I-8/|small=true}}</br>{{Ship/Banner|I-19/|small=true}}</br> || Mostly quite similar in stats, but I-168 is weaker than the rest.
| {{Ship/Banner|I-58/|small=true}}</br>{{Ship/Banner|I-168/|small=true}}</br>{{Ship/Banner|I-8/|small=true}}</br>{{Ship/Banner|I-19/|small=true}}</br> || Mostly quite similar in stats, but I-168 is weaker than the rest.
|-|Coastal Defense Ships=
|-|Coastal Defense Ships=
Not much has changed since before, but it's good to have them leveled up to Kai by this point.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="max-width:970px"
|+ DE
|+ DE
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Matsuwa/Kai|small=true}} || The only real choice - other DE are either event exclusive or locked late in World 7, and also have much higher remodel levels. Kai with max armor modernization is enough for her.
| {{Ship/Banner|Matsuwa/Kai|small=true}}{{Ship/Banner|Etorofu/Kai|small=true}} ||
|-
|}
|-|Amphibious Assault Ship=
Used for naval landings, they are extremely fragile but can equip all types of tanks and landing crafts as well as seaplane fighters.
Sorties are not their primary use, though! More important is their ability to freely develop Type 2 Fighter Toryuu, Type 1 Fighter Hayabusa II, and Daihatsu Landing Crafts. The Daihatsu are vital - equipping them increases your resource income from expeditions, and they are the initial building blocks for all anti-installation tanks and landing crafts.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="max-width:970px"
|+ LHA
|+ LHA
|-
|-
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="width:170px"|Ships
! style="max-width:800px"|Explanation
! Explanation
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Shinshuu Maru/Kai|small=true}} || The only realistically obtainable LHA - the other, Akitsu Maru, is locked behind LSC and Events (and Shinshuu Maru is better, anyways). She can be Kai'd for potential use in landing operations and for an extra Daihatsu Landing Craft as stock equipment, but that's optional - her primary use is allowing you to develop the aforementioned land planes and DLC.
| {{Ship/Banner|Shinshuu Maru/Kai|small=true}} || The only realistically obtainable LHA - the other, Akitsu Maru, is locked behind LSC and Events (and Shinshuu Maru is better, anyways). She can be Kai'd for potential use in landing operations and for an extra Daihatsu Landing Craft as stock equipment, but that's optional - her main role is allowing you to develop the aforementioned land planes and DLC.
She drops in one location only - the boss node of 2-3.
She drops in one location only - the boss node of 2-3.
== Locations ==
== Locations ==
Quick reference for where to find uncommon or rare ships recommended in this guide. Most recommended is in '''bold'''.
Quick reference for where to find uncommon or rare ships recommended in this guide. Most recommended is in ''specially marked in some way idk yet''.
''under construction while I figure out how to colour letters''
''under construction while I figure out how to colour letters''
! style="max-width:800px"|Location
! style="max-width:800px"|Location
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Shimakaze/|small=true}} || '''[[2-4]]: E, F, L, M.'''<br/>[[4-1]]: J </br>
|rowspan="2"| {{Ship/Banner|Shimakaze/|small=true}}
|style="font-weight:bold;"|[[2-4]]:{{MapRoute|E|red|F|red|L|red|M|red}}<br/>[[4-1]]:{{MapRoute|J|red}}
Construction: 250{{fuel}} 30{{ammo}} 200{{steel}} 30{{bauxite}}
|-
|'''Construction:''' 250{{fuel}}/30{{ammo}}/200{{steel}}/30{{bauxite}}
|-
|rowspan="2"| {{Ship/Banner|Yukikaze/|small=true}}
|style="font-weight:bold;"| [[3-1]]: {{MapRoute|G|red}}</br> [[3-3]]: {{MapRoute|M|red}}</br> [[4-2]]: {{MapRoute|L|red}}</br> [[5-2]]: {{MapRoute|O|red}}
|-
|-
| {{Ship/Banner|Yukikaze/|small=true}} || [[3-1]]: G</br> [[3-3]]: M</br> [[4-2]]: L</br> [[5-2]]: O
|'''Construction:''' 250{{fuel}}/30{{ammo}}/200{{steel}}/30{{bauxite}}
|-
|-
| Example || Example
| Example || Example
|}
|}
TODO:</br>
Finish location references.</br>