WoWS Submarine Guide: Tips, Tricks & Tactics For Victory

Hey guys! So you're ready to dive deep into the world of World of Warships submarines? Awesome! This guide is your one-stop-shop for mastering these stealthy hunters of the deep. We'll cover everything from basic controls to advanced tactics, so you can dominate the underwater battlefield.

Understanding Submarines in WoWS

Submarines in World of Warships (WoWS) are unique vessels that introduce a completely different playstyle compared to surface ships and aircraft carriers. Their primary strength lies in their stealth and ability to launch devastating surprise attacks with torpedoes. However, they are also very vulnerable if caught out of position or detected by the enemy. To truly excel with submarines, you need to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and how they interact with other ship types.

One of the crucial aspects to grasp is the diving mechanic. Submarines can submerge to different depths, each offering varying degrees of concealment and vulnerability. At periscope depth, you can spot enemy ships and launch torpedoes, but you're also relatively easy to detect. Diving deeper makes you harder to spot, but it also limits your vision and torpedo capabilities. Managing your depth effectively is key to staying alive and positioning yourself for attacks. Another critical component is the sonar ping mechanic. This allows you to highlight enemy ships, making them easier to target with torpedoes. However, using sonar also reveals your approximate location, so you need to use it judiciously. Overuse can lead to enemy destroyers homing in on your position and dropping depth charges.

Resource management is another essential skill for submarine commanders. Submarines rely on a limited oxygen supply while submerged, and you need to surface periodically to replenish it. Running out of oxygen can be fatal, so always keep an eye on your oxygen meter. Furthermore, submarines have unique consumables like the damage control party and hydrophone. The damage control party helps repair critical damage, while the hydrophone allows you to detect nearby ships, even when submerged. Knowing when and how to use these consumables can make the difference between sinking and surviving.

Finally, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different submarine types is vital. Some submarines are faster and more maneuverable, while others have heavier torpedo armament or better sonar capabilities. Choose a submarine that suits your playstyle and learn its unique characteristics. For example, some submarines excel at ambushing unsuspecting ships, while others are better suited for supporting the fleet with long-range torpedo strikes. Experiment with different submarines to find the ones that best fit your preferences and tactical approach. By mastering these fundamental concepts, you'll be well on your way to becoming a formidable submarine commander in WoWS.

Basic Submarine Controls and Mechanics

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of controlling these underwater predators. Mastering the controls is fundamental, guys, so pay close attention! The core movement controls are the same as surface ships: W to move forward, S to move backward, A and D to turn. However, submarines have the added dimension of depth, which is controlled by the C and F keys to dive and surface, respectively.

As mentioned earlier, submarines have different depth levels, each impacting gameplay. Surface level is where you replenish oxygen and travel quickly across the map, but you're also the most vulnerable to enemy fire. Periscope depth allows you to spot and attack enemy ships, balancing concealment and combat readiness. Deeper depths offer increased stealth but limit your vision and attack capabilities. Using X you can switch between main battery and torpedo armament. Select torpedoes and aim, taking lead into consideration. The Q and E keys allow you to control the torpedo aiming angles, which is crucial for landing hits on maneuvering targets.

One of the most important mechanics to understand is the sonar ping. By pressing the designated key (usually 1 or 2), you emit a sonar pulse that highlights enemy ships. A successful ping paints the target, making it easier to aim torpedoes. However, keep in mind that sonar pings also reveal your general location to the enemy, so use them strategically. Avoid spamming pings, especially when enemy destroyers are nearby, as they will quickly triangulate your position. Additionally, understand that the effectiveness of sonar pings can be affected by factors like water depth and terrain.

Beyond basic movement and sonar, submarines have unique consumables that can significantly impact their performance. The damage control party repairs damaged modules, such as the engine or torpedo tubes. The hydrophone detects nearby ships, even when submerged, providing valuable situational awareness. The surveillance radar (available on some submarines) can temporarily reveal enemy ships within a certain radius. Mastering the use of these consumables is essential for surviving encounters and maximizing your combat effectiveness. Remember to familiarize yourself with the specific consumables available on your submarine and use them wisely to gain an edge in battle. By mastering these controls and mechanics, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the underwater world and unleash devastating attacks on unsuspecting enemies.

Advanced Submarine Tactics and Strategies

Alright, you've got the basics down. Now let's talk about some advanced tactics to really give you an edge. Effective submarine gameplay revolves around stealth, positioning, and timing. You need to be able to sneak into advantageous positions, launch surprise attacks, and then disappear before the enemy can retaliate. Patience is key; don't rush into action, wait for the right opportunity to strike.

One of the most effective tactics is ambushing unsuspecting ships. Identify vulnerable targets, such as battleships or cruisers that are isolated from their fleet. Use your stealth to approach them undetected, get into a good firing position, and then unleash a devastating torpedo salvo. Focus fire on flooding to cripple the target and maximize your damage output. After the attack, immediately move away and submerge to avoid counterattacks. Another valuable tactic is using terrain to your advantage. Use islands and underwater ridges to break line of sight and conceal your movements. This allows you to reposition undetected and set up ambushes. Be aware of the map layout and identify areas where you can effectively use terrain to your advantage.

Coordinating with your team can significantly enhance your effectiveness. Communicate your position and intentions to your teammates, and let them know when you've spotted enemy ships. Work with destroyers to hunt down enemy submarines, and provide spotting information for surface ships. A well-coordinated team can effectively control the underwater battlefield and deny the enemy access to key areas. Furthermore, learn to anticipate enemy movements and tactics. Pay attention to the enemy team composition and identify potential threats, such as destroyers or aircraft carriers. Predict where enemy ships are likely to move and position yourself accordingly to intercept them. Adapting to the enemy's tactics is crucial for staying one step ahead and maximizing your impact on the battle.

Finally, remember that situational awareness is paramount. Constantly monitor the minimap, pay attention to enemy movements, and listen for sonar pings. Knowing where the enemy is and what they are doing is essential for making informed decisions and avoiding danger. Develop a habit of regularly checking your surroundings and updating your mental map of the battlefield. By mastering these advanced tactics and strategies, you'll be able to dominate the underwater world and become a formidable force in World of Warships.

Countering Submarines: How to Survive Against the Silent Threat

Okay, so you're on the other side of the equation. You're facing those pesky submarines, and you need to know how to survive. Don't worry, it's not impossible! The key is to be proactive and aware of your surroundings. The biggest mistake players make is ignoring the threat of submarines until it's too late.

Destroyers are your primary anti-submarine warfare (ASW) assets. They are equipped with depth charges and hydrophones, which allow them to detect and attack submarines. If you're piloting a destroyer, actively patrol areas where submarines are likely to be, such as near objectives or along common routes. Use your hydrophone to scan for submerged contacts, and drop depth charges when you detect a submarine. Coordinate with your teammates to focus fire on detected submarines and prevent them from escaping. Furthermore, understanding the limitations of destroyers is crucial. Destroyers are vulnerable to torpedoes and surface ship fire, so avoid getting too close to enemy formations. Use your speed and maneuverability to evade attacks and stay alive. Remember to prioritize your targets and focus on eliminating the most immediate threats.

Surface ships can also contribute to anti-submarine warfare. Battleships and cruisers can use their surveillance radar to detect submerged submarines, and some ships are equipped with ASW aircraft or depth charge launchers. If you suspect a submarine is nearby, use your radar to scan the area and alert your teammates. If you have ASW capabilities, use them to attack the submarine and force it to surface. Additionally, surface ships can use their guns to target submarines that are at periscope depth. Focus fire on the submarine and try to damage its modules, such as the engine or torpedo tubes. By working together, surface ships and destroyers can effectively suppress and eliminate enemy submarines.

Finally, proper positioning and awareness can significantly reduce your vulnerability to submarine attacks. Avoid sailing in straight lines or predictable patterns, as this makes you an easy target for torpedoes. Vary your course and speed frequently to make it harder for submarines to predict your movements. Stay close to your teammates to provide mutual support and deter submarine attacks. Be aware of the map layout and avoid sailing into areas where submarines are likely to be lurking. By adopting these proactive measures, you can significantly increase your chances of surviving against the silent threat of submarines.

Submarine Tier List & Recommendations

Alright, let's talk about specific submarines and which ones are worth your time. Keep in mind that the