The ships of this Tech Tree branch possess an unusual set of consumables,
are fast, and have very efficient artillery.
These are players’ impressions after playing with French destroyers.
One of the main trump cards of the new ships is how fast they are.
Destroyers from Tier II through Tier VII can reach their top speeds
with the special Engine Boost consumable activated,
which increases their maximum speed by 20%.
The fast-moving Le Fantasque, Mogador, and Kléber
are capable of speeding up to 50 knots and more when Engine Boost is activated!
Their strong speed characteristics might seem to lend these ships
to the fast capture of key areas at the very beginning of battle.
However, attempting this
will most likely have a bad outcome for the French destroyers!
This is because of their poor concealment
and lack of the Smoke Generator consumable.
Instead, it’s better to support your allies from afar
during the first minutes of battle. This tactic is also effective
because the main batteries of all French destroyers have long firing ranges.
This comes in useful during aviation attacks
because it allows French destroyers to stay close to and be protected
by their allies while still being able to attack distant enemies.
Moreover, starting from Tier VI, ships of this branch are equipped
with the Main Battery Reload Booster consumable,
which temporarily increases their firing rate.
This consumable is particularly important
when fighting against other ships in artillery duels.
Thanks to this feature, the new ships may receive reduced damage
compared to destroyers of other nations in case
the HP of their central hull part reaches zero.
Another advantage of the main batteries of French destroyers
is the armor-piercing shells they fire,
which are capable of penetrating even the armor of cruisers.
These shells are most efficient for Tier VIII destroyers and higher,
thanks to the flat trajectory of their ballistics and their 139 mm guns.
That's why, if you can see an enemy
exposing their side to you at a distance of less than 10 km
from the helm of your Le Fantasque, Mogador, or Kléber,
you would be wise to load AP shells.
In addition to the main battery guns,
their torpedoes will be effective when fighting armored enemies.
Despite their modest range, they travel at excellent speeds.
French destroyers of higher tiers can also boast of their fast reload times
and the fact that their torpedo launchers are placed on both sides of the hull.
French destroyers are in their element when a battle reaches its end.
These ships can capture key areas fast, quickly change flanks,
and support their allies where help is most needed.
French destroyers are also effective against lone battleships,
which can be effectively vanquished with torpedoes and artillery fire.
When selecting skills for Commanders of the new destroyers,
we recommend choosing in favor of survivability and firepower.
Skills such as Survivability Expert, Basic Firing Training, Superintendent,
Adrenaline Rush, and Preventive Maintenance are extremely important.
While selecting upgrades, you should keep to the standard set for destroyers.
One special upgrade that increases the operating time of Engine Boost
will be extremely helpful.
French destroyers are quite extraordinary thanks to their high speeds
and the absence of the Smoke Generator consumable.
Captains who like fast and dynamic battles will favor these ships!
Lightning-fast attacks, rapid-retreat options,
and the ability to quickly change flanks.
French destroyers are ships capable of striking
where the enemy least expects it!