Greetings, fellow Captains!
Our testing of submarines continues!
They have come a long way already
and changed a great deal since the first tests,
but there is still much work to be done—
so we’re inviting all willing players to help us!
You can check the concept of the new ship type as a separate battle type
in the main game client.
Your opinion is very important to us,
so do share your impressions after playing.
We're awaiting your feedback!
Even if you've already played submarines, make sure to watch this video.
We've changed a lot in terms of controlling them, new mechanics,
and counteracting underwater hunters.
So, let’s look at how you can get your hands on them for testing—
you'll get a Submarine Token the first time you enter the game
each day during the event.
Each Token can be exchanged for a random bundle in the Armory.
Six of those contain useful Coal,
and one contains three free-rental Tier VI submarines for three weeks of use.
You can play them in the special battle type mentioned earlier.
Now, to the helm!
Submarines are controlled like any other ship in our game
with the W, A, S, and D keys.
They have two positions: surfaced and submerged,
the latter of which starts from a depth of 6 meters.
A submarine in her surfaced position has high speed,
but is more detectable by enemies and can be hit with shells,
aerial bombs, missiles, and even torpedoes.
Note that you can only capture Key Areas while in the surfaced position.
To submerge, hold the C key until you reach the desired depth.
To avoid holding the submerge key, you can press Ctrl+C.
To surface, hold F, or alternatively press Ctrl+F.
Your speed is substantially limited while in the submerged position,
but the visibility of your submarine decreases twofold
while she is at the detection depth— 6 to 30 meters.
You won’t be able to spot any aircraft while in this position.
For a submarine to become invisible to ships,
she should submerge to a depth of 30 to 50 meters.
This is what’s known as her “operating depth.”
At the operating depth, a submarine can still spot other ships,
but she can also be detected by the use of Hydrophone.
To evade detection completely, you can submerge to the maximum depth
below 50 meters by using special consumables.
However, you won't be able to stay there for long.
You can be spotted by other submarines even at the maximum depth,
as well as ships equipped with Hydroacoustic Search,
which can detect submarines at any depth.
Submarines are armed with acoustic homing torpedoes.
If you attack an enemy from the submerged position,
your torpedoes will pass under their keel
at the exact depth they have been launched.
In order for a torpedo to ascend and hit the enemy’s most vulnerable parts,
a new mechanic has been introduced— sonar pings.
You can switch to sonar pings by pressing 1, or to torpedoes by pressing 2.
You can choose between two ping variants:
a wide-and-slow one, or a narrow-and-fast one.
After choosing, you'll see two markers—
one at the target's bow and one at the stern.
Aim at them, take a lead, and shoot.
After hitting one of the markers,
your torpedoes will be guided to the target.
After a second marker has been hit, your torpedoes will travel to the depth
at which the most damage will be inflicted.
It's important to remember
that a submarine’s detectability significantly increases
upon emitting a sonar ping,
but less so when in the submerged position than on the surface.
It's more convenient to maneuver
and locate targets while in the surfaced position,
and better to attack using the sonar pings while submerged.
The effect of a sonar ping works only for a limited time after hitting a ship.
So, while attacking a target from afar, don't forget to repeatedly emit them
to prolong their effect
while your torpedoes are still rushing towards their target.
A further ping hit will reset the effect timer.
Remember that pings affect all launched torpedoes.
A torpedo being guided by sonar pings doesn't guarantee a hit.
Torpedoes have poor maneuverability and slow down when turning.
They also lose their guidance and start moving straight ahead
a kilometer away from their target.
If the enemy changes speed or course during this time,
your torpedo might well miss it.
That's why your primary targets should be sluggish ships.
Battery charge is required for submarines to shoot sonar pings.
It’s spent on pings and also movement underwater at speeds above ¼.
To restore your sub’s battery charge, switch to the surfaced position
or slow down to ¼ or less.
Once the batteries are fully discharged, you won’t be able to fire sonar pings,
but the submarine will still be able to move at any speed.
If you press H while in battle,
you'll see a lot of useful parameters for your submarine.
Understanding and checking these can aid you in battle.
Submarines are stealthy-but-fragile hunters.
Pay special attention to any enemy destroyers
and cruisers armed with depth charges— these can hit submarines underwater.
Don't stay in one place too long, and either stay close to your allies
or submerge to the maximum depth when in danger.
Employ maneuvers, keep from being spotted while submerged,
and greet your foes with surprise attacks.
Make sure to watch your battery charge and use sonar pings wisely.
If the first bundle didn't drop submarines for you,
you have a useful opportunity to experience fighting against them.
Choose any Tier VI ship and head into the special battle type.
We'll say a few words on how to fight against the new ship type.
If possible, you should attack submarines with high-explosive shells.
Submarines are the only ships in our game
that can be damaged within the fragment damage area.
This means that you can hit submarines until they dive below a depth of 6 meters.
With respect to armor-piercing shells,
you need to score a precise and direct hit on submarines—not an easy task.
Secondary armament is also very effective against submarines.
However, it’s depth charges launched by destroyers and light cruisers
that are the most dangerous armament against submerged submarines—
these are capable of dealing major damage.
Destroyers are equipped with Hydrophones.
Pay close attention to the battle interface—
if a submarine moves within a 4–5 km radius from your ship,
you’ll be notified by a special indicator
and the submarine's approximate location
will be displayed with a special marker.
The Hydrophone can detect submarines at depths of up to 50 meters.
Below that, submarines can only be detected by Hydroacoustic Search,
which is effective at any depth.
Approach the submarine's location
and release depth charges by pressing the G key.
You'll be able to launch several charges at a time,
with a cooldown period between uses.
To avoid getting hit by a torpedo on your broadside,
constantly change course
and try to keep your bow or aft pointed towards the submarine.
This will make it more difficult for them
to hit the second point on your ship's hull with a sonar ping.
Freshly armed with knowledge, go try out the new ship type
and share your impressions with us!
We're awaiting your feedback!