World Of Warships Legends: Submarine Guide

Hey there, captains! Today, we're diving deep – literally – into one of the most exciting and, let's be honest, sometimes frustrating additions to World of Warships Legends: submarines. These silent hunters of the deep have completely changed the meta, and if you're not ready for them, you might find yourself on the receiving end of a torpedo barrage before you even know what hit you. But don't worry, guys, this guide is here to equip you with all the knowledge you need to either command these underwater beasts or, at the very least, survive facing them. We'll cover everything from their unique mechanics and playstyles to the best strategies for both using and countering them. So, buckle up, because we're about to explore the shadowy, submerged world of submarines in Legends!

The Dawn of Submarines: A New Era in Naval Warfare

The introduction of submarines into World of Warships Legends marked a significant shift in gameplay. These vessels aren't your typical surface ships; they operate on an entirely different plane, offering a unique stealth-based playstyle that emphasizes patience, positioning, and precise strikes. Unlike destroyers that can cloak themselves in smoke, submarines rely on their ability to submerge, making them incredibly difficult to detect. This stealth advantage is their primary weapon, allowing them to creep up on unsuspecting prey and deliver devastating blows. However, this power comes with its own set of challenges. Submarines have limited maneuverability and are vulnerable when detected, often facing a concentrated effort from enemy ships once their position is compromised. Understanding this delicate balance between stealth and vulnerability is crucial for any captain looking to excel with or against these aquatic adversaries. The development of submarine mechanics in Legends was a careful balancing act by the developers, aiming to introduce a new layer of tactical depth without completely dominating the battlefield. They had to consider how these ships would interact with existing classes, how detection would work, and what counter-play options would be available. The result is a class that requires a different mindset to play effectively. Forget rushing into the fray; with submarines, it's all about calculated approaches and exploiting the enemy's blind spots. The visual cues for submarine activity, like the pinging sonar and the wake when they surface, are essential tells that experienced players will learn to recognize. Mastering these subtle indicators can be the difference between sinking an enemy and being sunk yourself. We'll delve into the specific mechanics of sonar, depth control, and torpedo systems, all of which contribute to the unique combat experience submarines offer.

Understanding Submarine Mechanics: The Depths of Gameplay

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty of how these underwater marvels actually work in World of Warships Legends. First off, the most defining characteristic is their ability to submerge. You can dive to different depths, each offering varying levels of concealment and detection ranges. The deeper you go, the harder you are to spot, but also the slower you become and the more limited your offensive options. Surface or periscope depth is where you'll do most of your hunting, but it also exposes you to enemy detection. Speaking of detection, this is where things get spicy. Submarines have a base detection range, but this can be significantly reduced through skills, modules, and captain perks. However, other ships have ways to counter this. Sonar Pings are the signature detection method for submarines. When you fire a torpedo, you can choose to equip it with a sonar ping. If this ping hits an enemy ship, it highlights them for a short duration, making them easier to target with subsequent torpedoes. This is incredibly powerful, but it also alerts the enemy to your presence and general direction. Furthermore, surface ships equipped with sonar or hydroacoustic search can detect submarines within a certain radius, even when they're submerged. This is your biggest threat! Your survival often depends on your ability to anticipate these detection methods and reposition before you're spotted. Another key aspect is Engage and Evade. Submarines are not brawlers. Their strength lies in their surprise attacks and ability to disengage. Once detected, especially by multiple ships, your best bet is usually to dive deep and try to escape. Their torpedoes are their main armament, and they typically have a good reload time and high damage potential. However, aiming them effectively requires practice, especially against moving targets. You need to account for target speed, course, and your own vessel's movement. Some submarines also have unique consumables or abilities, like enhanced speed boosts or special torpedo types, which add another layer of tactical choice. Mastering these mechanics means understanding when to go deep, when to stay at periscope depth, how to use your sonar effectively without giving yourself away too easily, and most importantly, when to fight and when to flee. It's a dance of shadows and detection, and only the most patient and cunning captains will truly master it.

Playing as a Submarine Captain: The Art of the Silent Strike

So, you've decided to take the plunge and command one of these elusive predators. Awesome! Playing a submarine in World of Warships Legends requires a completely different mindset than playing any other class. Forget rushing the cap or engaging in direct gunfights. Your game is all about patience, positioning, and precision. Stealth is your best friend. Always try to remain submerged and use the terrain, like islands and underwater features, for cover. Your goal is to get within optimal torpedo range without being detected. This often means taking the longer, safer routes around the edges of the map or using the cover of your own team's smoke screens or carrier aircraft. Positioning is key. Scout out enemy positions early on, identify high-priority targets (like carriers, cruisers, and isolated battleships), and plan your approach. Don't be afraid to let the battle unfold a bit before committing. Sometimes, the best move is to let your teammates draw the enemy's attention while you flank or set up an ambush. Master the ping. The sonar ping is your signature ability. Use it wisely! A well-placed ping can reveal a juicy target for your torpedoes, but a poorly timed or overused ping can give away your position to the entire enemy team. Learn to gauge the risk versus reward. Are you close enough for a guaranteed hit? Is the target distracted? Know when to strike and when to run. Once you launch your torpedoes, your primary objective shifts to survival. If you're detected, don't try to slug it out. Dive deep, use your consumables (if you have them), and break line of sight. Your reload time is significant, so getting a kill often means sacrificing your own ship if you're caught. Conversely, if you have a clear shot and a high chance of success, go for it! But always have an escape route planned. Target prioritization is also crucial. Carriers are often high-value targets due to their limited AA and vulnerability. Battleships, especially slower ones, can be devastating targets if you can get close enough. Cruisers are generally more agile and have better anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, so be cautious. Finally, communication with your team can be invaluable. Letting them know if you've spotted a carrier or a dangerous enemy pushing your flank can help coordinate defenses or attacks. Remember, guys, playing submarines is about calculated risks and exploiting opportunities. It's a thrilling cat-and-mouse game where the hunter can quickly become the hunted if you're not careful.

Countering Submarines: How to Survive the Underwater Threat

Facing submarines can be a real headache, but don't despair! With the right knowledge and tactics, you can turn the tide against these sneaky subsurface threats. The first and most crucial step is Awareness and Detection. Always be mindful of potential submarine threats, especially in areas where they are likely to lurk, like near islands or choke points. Keep an eye on your minimap for any unusual activity or sonar pings. Hydroacoustic Search and Depth Charges are your primary tools. Most destroyers and cruisers are equipped with Hydroacoustic Search, which provides a short-range detection bubble. Use it proactively in areas where you suspect submarines might be hiding. Once a submarine is detected (either by hydro, passive sonar, or visual cues), launch your depth charges! These are highly effective against submerged targets. Learn the arc and range of your depth charges; accurate drops can cripple or destroy a submarine quickly. Maneuvering and Speed are your allies. Submarines rely on predictable movement patterns to launch their torpedoes effectively. Vary your speed and course, especially when you suspect you're being targeted. Avoid sailing in straight lines for extended periods. If you hear the distinctive sound of incoming torpedoes, immediately change course and speed. Sometimes, a sharp turn can cause torpedoes to miss entirely. Teamwork is essential. If you're playing a surface ship and detect a submarine, communicate its position to your teammates. Battleships and carriers with strong AA can provide escort for vulnerable ships. Destroyers with hydro can actively hunt submarines, while cruisers can assist with depth charge attacks. Targeting Priority when a submarine is detected should be high. If a submarine is actively sinking your team, it needs to be dealt with swiftly. However, always balance this with the immediate threat of enemy surface ships. Sonar Pings from submarines indicate their torpedoes are incoming. While they are powerful, they also reveal the submarine's general direction and sometimes even its location if the ping is close enough. Use this information to your advantage. If you know a submarine is in a certain area, deploy your hydroacoustic search or have your escorts ready with depth charges. Don't get tunnel visioned; remember that the submarine is often trying to lure you into a trap or distract you while their teammates do the heavy lifting. By combining proactive detection, effective use of ASW capabilities, smart maneuvering, and team coordination, you can effectively neutralize the submarine threat and ensure your survival in the treacherous waters of World of Warships Legends. Stay vigilant, captains!

Top Submarines and Commanders: Your Fleet's Elite

Alright guys, let's talk about some of the heavy hitters in the submarine world of Warships Legends. Choosing the right submarine and the right commander can make a world of difference in your performance. Remember, the meta is always shifting, but some subs consistently stand out due to their strengths and unique capabilities.

German Submarines:

The German submarine line, often characterized by their potent torpedoes and decent concealment, is a popular choice. Ships like the U-47 and the U-190 offer a good balance of offensive power and survivability, making them excellent choices for beginners and seasoned players alike. Their torpedoes pack a punch, and with the right commander skills, you can make them incredibly difficult to detect. The playstyle here is classic ambush predator – get close, unleash hell, and vanish.

Soviet Submarines:

Soviet submarines, like the Luitjen and S-33, often boast faster torpedo reload times and impressive submerged speed, allowing for quicker follow-up attacks and more agile repositioning. This makes them ideal for players who prefer a more aggressive, hit-and-run style. The challenge here is often managing their slightly higher detection ranges or less impactful torpedo damage per hit compared to some other nations. They reward daring plays and quick thinking.

American Submarines:

While perhaps less prominent than their German or Soviet counterparts in Legends specifically for submarines, American submarines often focus on different strengths, sometimes featuring unique torpedo types or capabilities that reward specific tactical approaches. Keep an eye on these as they can offer surprising advantages in the right hands.

Commander Recommendations:

When it comes to commanders, you'll want to focus on skills that enhance concealment, torpedo performance, and survivability. For German submarines, commanders like Von Müller are often favored for their bonuses to torpedo speed and reload. For Soviet lines, a commander who boosts submerged speed and torpedo effectiveness can be invaluable. Look for skills that reduce your detection range while submerged, increase your torpedo damage or reload speed, and improve your submerged propulsion or dive capacity. Perks like Will to Rebuild can be surprisingly useful for subs, helping you recover from those inevitable close calls. Experiment with different commanders and skill combinations to find what best suits your playstyle and the specific submarine you're commanding. Remember, the best submarine and commander combo is the one that allows you to dominate the depths. Don't be afraid to respec your commander if a new strategy or a particularly powerful submarine emerges. The underwater battlefield is dynamic, and so should your approach be!

Advanced Tactics and Tips: Becoming a Submarine Ace

Now that you've got a grasp on the basics, let's elevate your submarine game to the next level with some advanced tactics and tips. These are the little secrets that separate the good submarine players from the truly great ones.

Mastering Torpedo Angles:

This is perhaps the most crucial skill. Simply launching torpedoes isn't enough; you need to launch them effectively. Learn the optimal firing angles for each submarine and torpedo type. Torpedo angles matter because they influence the spread and the travel time. For example, launching torpedoes directly at the side of a slow-moving battleship is usually a recipe for success. However, against a faster cruiser or destroyer, you might need to lead them significantly or try to