Part 3: BATTLESHIPS
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Renown
Speedwhore/Armorwhore: Speedwhore only
FCS: BB FCS (Aiming)
Engine setup: BC Engine I or BB CV Engine IV
R-slot setup:
X 2 15"/42 cal Mark II L (Recommended)
X 2 15"/42 cal Mark III D
Congratulations on getting your Renown, the first BB (technically BC, but I digress) of
the York line. Unlike the Revenge, it only has 3 R slots, while the Revenge boasts 4. The
Renown also has a very large hit box, and the only advantages it possesses over the
Revenge are its speed and T slots.
Compared to the x2 15"/42 cal Mark III D, the Mark IIL provides consistent shell damage,
slightly faster reload time, and consistent spread. The Mark IIID has slightly more range
and weighs less than the Mark IIL, but the spread and the sometimes inconsistent shell
damage affects its use. As a result, this is why I recommend the x2 15"/42 cal Mark IIL.
BC Engine I gives more HP, albeit it is heavier and has less OH time. CV Engine IV gives
less HP, at the advantage of being lighter, and having more OH time. For people with
lower-level engineers, it is better to use the BC Engine I first. Once your engineers get
higher in level, you can use the CV Engine IV.
The Renown, in comparison with other BB1s, does very well. The Mark IILs give you a range
advantage over the US BB1s, and it fares well against the IJN Kongo, as it lacks the punch
of your UK shells. KM BB1 shell power may not be as powerful as UK, but KM BBs do have the
range advantage, as well as better AA.
In Great Battle, be aware of your position and situation. Make sure your ship is not ahead
of the battle-line. Use your Renown to support the main battle-line of BB4s and BB5s. Take
out targets that rush towards you, such as the CAs, CLs, and possibly other BB1/2s as
well. If the enemy is blind, use that opportunity to rush, deal some damage on the enemy
BBs, and return to your battle line.
T slots are large enough so they can be used for the RP10s. Although they will add a lot
of weight on the Renown, UK AA can be a great asset if used properly. You can use AA in
Blitz if against those pesky bombers. In GB, shooting down those scouts means you have
more chances of rushing and doing more damage.
Renown can be remodeled into the Repulse, a BB2, at level 66.
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Revenge
Speedwhore/Armorwhore: Speedwhore only
FCS: BB FCS (Aiming)
Engine setup: BB1 Engine (Heavy)
R-slot setup:
X 2 15"/42 cal Mark II L (Recommended)
X 2 15"/42 cal Mark III D
Revenge is the first BB you뭠l get from the County line of ships, and it comes at level
56. Compared to the Renown, it has one more R-slot (more firepower) and has higher
survivability since it has a smaller hitbox. However, the Revenge loses out on speed in
comparison.
Best R-slot setup is the dual 15" Mark II Ls. As said before in the Renown/Furious
sections, they are more consistent in damage and spread. While the Mark III Ds weigh less
and ranges the Mark II Ls by a very small difference, the guns are inconsistent in damage
and spread. The Mark III D set also reloads a bit longer than the 15" Mark II Ls.
In Blitz, use your guns to easily kill anything that comes into range. Very well played KM
BB1s will range you, but good ones are to hard come by these days, especially in Blitz. In
GBs, your only real way of getting attack is to take advantage when the enemy is blind,
slowly ninja your way until your target is in range, and blast away. Aim carefully,
because one carefully placed salvo of 15" shells will hurt a lot for the poor BB that
happens to be in your way. Otherwise, if the enemy does not seem to be blind, use your
range and two-shot any CL, CA, or ship that dares to rush to your battle line.
Nothing on the T slots, since no effective AA guns can be placed on the Revenge T-slots.
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Queen Elizabeth
Speedwhore/Armorwhore: Speedwhore only
FCS: BB FCS (Aiming)
Engine: BB III Engine (Heavy)
R-slot setup:
X 2 15"/42 cal Mark III N
QE is one of the BB2 available to the County line, and comes at level 65. Compared to the
Repulse and KGV, it has one more R-slot and a small hitbox. As usual, it loses out on speed.
Only viable R-slot setup is the x 2 15"/42 cal Mark III N. These guns give you BB2 range,
though the reload, spread, and consistent damage suffers.
QE playstyle is identical to that of the Revenge, except that you have a little more speed
and range to accomplish this task. Even though the speed of the QE is slightly faster than
that of the Revenge, running away from a fight is not a feasible option since its fastest
speed is 22/37 (23/39 at lower levels and good engineers). As a result, you had better
think twice about whether to rush or not when the opportunity comes. If the enemy is
blind, rush, fire, retreat, repeat. Otherwise, support your battle-line, use your range
to fire at smaller, rushing targets.
Against other BB2s, the QE ranges the US and IJN BBs, but their larger-caliber guns means
they can dish out more damage. The QE should only rush KM BB2 if they are blind, since
they have good range, speed, damage, and AA. Facing the KGV and Repulse should be not much
of a problem due to your extra R-slot, but beware of Repulse/KGV sling-shotting their
shots, which may end up going farther than the average shot.
Put nothing on the T slots, since the AA guns will slow you down, and the QE is not an
extremely fast ship to begin with.
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Repulse
Speedwhore/Armorwhore: Speedwhore only
FCS: BB FCS I (Aiming)
Engine setup: BC Engine I or BB CV Engine IV
R-slot setup:
X 2 15"/42 Mark III N (Recommended)
Repulse is the BB2 of the York Line. Compared to the other BB2 (BC2) of the UK spectrum,
the Queen Elizabeth, it has 3 R slots while the Queen Elizabeth (dubbed "QE"from now),
has 4 slots. KGV and Repulse are comparable in speed, yet KGV does not have a large
hitbox, unlike the Repulse.
Only viable R-slot gun setup is the 15"/42 Mark III N. Support the main battleline by
taking care of small targets such as rushing BB1, CA, CL, etc. when the higher-tier BBs of
your team are busy on more important targets. When the enemy is blind, your tactics remain
the same: rush, fire, retreat, repeat.
Faring against other BB2s, you have more range than the US BBs and IJN BBs, though not
necessarily the hitting power. KM BB2s have farther range when using the 14.96" as well
as having a nice spread at level and good damage. The Repulse has low structural
strength, so it is imperative you are aware of the battle situation and where the enemies
are to prevent yourself from being one-shotted.
The grind from the Repulse to Hood was definitely painful and slow for me at level, and it
was probably a pain in the arse for other players as well. You may opt to buy a Dunk and
help level faster that way, but the grind from Repulse to BB3 will definitely teach
beginners how to become better players.
Put nothing on the T slots. You may put the 5.25"QF Mark IIs, but in my opinion one
should not put AA on it, since you will need every knot of speed you can get from your
Repulse.
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King George V
Speedwhore/Armorwhore: Both
FCS: BB FCS (Aiming)
Engine setup: BB Engine IV (Heavy)
R-slot setup:
3 Gun SW:
X 2 15"/42 cal Mark III N (Recommended)
X 4 14"/45 Mark III N, X 2 14"/45 Mark II N, X 4 14"/45 Mark III N
3 Gun AW:
X 2 15"/42 cal Mark III N
2 Gun SW:
X 4 14"/45 Mark III N, X 2 14" 45 Mark II N
King George V (or simply KGV) is the second BB2 available to users in the County line. In
comparison with other UK BB2, KGV is similar to the Repulse in terms of speed, but has a
smaller hitbox and more DP. KGV is a lot faster than the QE and boasts more DP at the same
time.
The R-slot setups are interesting and diverse, to say the least. Unfortunately, because of
the load of possible setups, you뭠l have to try them one by one to see which one you
prefer. Personally, my favourite setup is the 3 Gun SW, using the dual 15" The 15" duals
give more range than the 14" but the setup suffers on hitting power. Because you only get
3 guns, aiming accurately is imperative. With the 15" you can also go AW, but it will be
slow and if spotted, its armour will not hold against BB45 shells.
The quad 14"N guns are another possible set of guns available to the KGV. These guns are
infamous for being the only BB guns to block, but they only provide BB1 range. As a
result, when rushing, you have to make sure they are blind, or else you will be killed
while trying to get into their range. Either run all 3 gun setup SW, or 2 gun setup SW. AW
setup with the 14" does not work, because you will have BB1 range and very little speed to
get into range of other BBs.
With any R-slot setup, you still have to rush, fire, retreat, repeat. Because the KGV is a
bigger target than the previous QE, dodging is essential. Do not sail in a straight line
while rushing.
Nothing on the T-slots, since if you put 5.25" on the T-slots, your speed slows down, and
you don뭪 get a lot of binds.
The KGV can be remodelled to the POW at level 82.
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Nelson
Speedwhore/Armorwhore: Speedwhore Only
FCS: BB FCS (Aiming)
Engine setup: BB Engine II (Heavy)
R-slot setup:
X 3 16"/45 Mark I L (Recommended)
X 4 14"/45 Mark III N
X 2 15"/42 cal Mark III N
The Nelson, known affectionately (perhaps notoriously) as the Nelly, is the first BB3
available to the York line, and it comes available at level 79. One special note about the
Nelly, which separates it from other BBs of all nations, is that it carries NO scouts.
The recommended R-slot setup is the triple 16" Mark I Ls. These guns provide massive
damage, decent BB3 range, and decent reload. However, with at-level gunners, the spread of
the trip 16" will be nothing short of bad. You will need high level-gunners to get good
spread out of it, but IMO the damage output of three triple 16" is enough reason to use it.
With the 16" you have good firepower. Seize the opportunity when the chance arises,
especially when they are blind. If you aim carefully and fire your shells at the right
angles, your opponents will never see the nine 16"shells coming. If you are spotted,
weave to and fro while engaging your target; make sure you press "B" before engaging the
target, it does help the spread if you are not moving your ship left and right.
The reliable quad 14" is not a bad choice at all. Twelve, blockshotting 14" shells raining
down on a target is pretty scary for any BB, and the damage output is good at the same
time. However, the reload is long, and the guns have BB1 range.
With the 14" N, rushing at the right time is key. Use clouds to your advantage of hiding
if necessary, and sometimes if you are lucky, your opponents may have left the middle
unscouted, allowing you to rush in and do some harsh damage. Make sure you know your
angles well, because the reload time for the 14" is long if you have gunners that have not
reached the reload cap.
The last viable setup is the 15" Mark III N duals. Because of the weight reduction of the
guns, you can AW the Nelson effectively with the 15" duals. The AW setup can bounce BB4
shells (with the exception of Yamato), and the 15" duals give good BB2 range.
You may use 5.25" RP10s set or the QF set for the T-slots, allowing 3 guns on each side.
Obviously the AA will slow you down, but the AA is still useable for UK AA enthusiasts.
Note:
Thanks to Josephlittle for the 15" setup for Nelly.
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Hood
Speedwhore/Armorwhore: Speedwhore only
FCS: BB FCS (Aiming)
Engine setup: BC Engine II (Heavy)
R-slot setup:
X 2 15"/42 Mark III L (Recommended)
X 3 16"/45 Mark II L
X 3 16"/45 Mark I L
The Hood is the second BB3 available and it comes two levels after Nelson in the York
line. It becomes available at level 81.
The R-slot setup I recommend is the x2 15"/42 Mark III L, which gives it the most range
out of the three possible R-slot setups. Using these guns, the Hood is able to OH at the
maximum of 42 knots, while with the 16" Mark I Ls, the Hood loses its speed and range at
the cost of firepower. The 16" Mark II Ls, guns designed for use for the Hood, have even
less range the Mark I Ls, although they are far lighter, and allow the Hood to OH 42
knots. The general NF maxim is "Range is life, speed is life" and the 15" dual setup
fulfills the requirement for both range and speed.
With the recommended gun setup, spread at level will be inconsistent, as expected of the
Mark III series. The damage is relatively consistent, though nothing to brag about; it
usually hits a decent 10k-15k per salvo, 20k if you are lucky. The Hood has a very large
hitbox and a not-so-excellent turning rate, which makes dodging shells an uneasy task at
best, and dodging DBs next to impossible. Standard strategy for being successful in Hood
means you have to fine-tune your rushing. You also have to get used how to dodge shells in
the Hood; however hard it is, with practice, you will survive longer in GBs by honing the
fine art of dodging BB shells.
In comparison with other BB3s, it is more than a match for US BB3s and IJN BB3, since the
Hood has the range advantage and relatively better spread. However, against KM BB3, the
Hood, like its historical counterpart, does not stand a chance unless if they are blind.
Nothing on the T slots, since they can only carry 4" duals, which are pretty much useless
AA guns.
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Prince of Wales
Speedwhore/Armorwhore: Both
FCS: BB FCS (Aiming)
Engine setup: BB Engine IV (Heavy)
R-slot setup:
3 Gun SW:
X 2 15"/42 cal Mark III N (Recommended)
X 4 14"/45 Mark III L, X 2 14"/45 Mark III L, X 4 14"/45 Mark III L
3 Gun AW:
X 2 15"/42 cal Mark III N
2 Gun SW:
X 4 14"/45 Mark III N
The PoW is the remodel of the KGV, and it comes at level 82. It is the last BB3 available
of all UK BB3s, and is the only UK BB3 in the Edinburgh/County line. I have only played a
few battles with the PoW myself, so I will only summarize my very brief, and limited
experiences with it.
The R-slot setups for the PoW are just as interesting and diverse as the KGV.
Unfortunately, the guns designed for the PoW were the 14"L. These guns have decent punch,
but they suffer in terms of range (through rough estimations, it is just slightly better
than Sodak range)
and most importantly, in spread. Even with level 120 gunners, the spread is barely decent.
I would not recommend this gun setup until ONF comes up with a possible fix.
The standard setup of the 3 Gun SW with 15" duals are good. The guns may give you BB2
range and relatively poor damage, but hell, I뭗 rather use them than the 14"Ls. You can AW
the POW while driving with the 15" duals, but as said before, you will need speed, not
armour, to do hit and run effectively.
The quad 14"N guns are still possible for use on the POW. As explained earlier, the 14"N
provides blockshot and BB1 range. You can put two quads on the front slots, and you will
get 6 binds of ammo at the most, which is a good deal already. Only SW the PoW if you use
the quad 14"N, since you need speed to quickly rush the blind target and pummel him with
eight 14"shells.
You can put the 5.25" RP10s on the T-slots, since there뭩 enough binds and the arcs are
very good for sniping away at scouts.
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Vanguard
Speedwhore/Armorwhore: Speedwhore only
FCS: BB FCS II (Aiming)
Engine setup: RN BB Engine V (Heavy)
R-slot setup:
X 2 15"/42 Mark IV L (Recommended)
X 3 16"/45 Mark I L
The Vangod (I mean, Vanguard) is the one of the two UK BB4 available, besides the L1, and
it comes at level 89 as well.
The recommended R-slot setup would be the 15" duals Mark IV L that come at level 91. With
these guns, spread at-level will be a bit iffy at first, but becomes refined with level
100+ gunners. Using the triple 16"(Nelson guns) can be considered a semi-serious option
for GBs only, as they lack the necessary range to become competitive in BB1-4 rooms.
Triple 16" has better damage and faster reload than the dual 15" at the price of range
and speed.
If you are stuck between choosing L1 or Vanny, answer the following questions:
a) Do you have a high level-crew (for some reason or another)?
b) Do you prefer using the duals (more range, less damage) over the triples (less range,
more damage)
c) Do you prefer a KM-style of staying back and utilizing that small range advantage you
have over a UK-style of rushing and brawling?
d) Is this your 2nd UK BB4 BO?
e) Do you already have a L1 BO?
If you answered yes to all of them, then consider the Vanny as your next BB4. If you
answered yes to 3 out of 5, then you may want to consider the L1 as a slightly better
option. If you answered yes to 2 out of 5 (or less),
then L1 is the way to go. It뭩 mostly a matter of preference of playstyle, but having good
engineers and gunners does make the Vanguard grind a better experience.
Compared with other BB4s, the Vanguard does not have any particular advantages, and at
times, it is disadvantaged. Vanguard has no particular speed advantage, except that it is
faster than the Yamato. Other BB4, with the exception of H39 (with AA) and L1, go at 25/42
as well. Vanguard has the same range as Iowa and Yamato, though their 45 degree angles
mean that they will range you while you are chasing them. Vanguard does have a little bit
more range than the L1; even then, the
small range advantage Vanny has over the L1 is negated by the fact that SW L1 can easily
OH 44 knots, and before you will notice, the L1 will have you in his range and will be
pounding away. Therefore, always be vigilant against the L1, particularly if the driver
tends to rush all the time. If you can see their rush coming early, be ready to react and
be ready to use your range advantage when the time comes. The L1 that rushes the Vanguard
at the wrong time can pay a high price for their mistakes. In terms of damage output, the
Vanny is similar to H39.
When facing BBs of higher tier, seize the opportunity. Rush in when they뭨e blind or
distracted, deal some damage while weaving to and fro, and get out as soon as the enemy
BBs starts targeting you. You should have a very good idea of how to rush by this stage.
You may put the RP10s on the T-slots of the Vanguard at the cost of running 24/40. As said
before, UK AA is a great asset in the right hands, but my preference while driving Vanny
is no AA.
Note: Thanks to DJDeath for the correct info on Vanguard range and Vanguard vs. L1
specific points.
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Lion 1
Speedwhore/Armorwhore: Both
FCS: BB FCS II (Aiming)
Engine setup: RN BB Engine V (Heavy)
R-slot setup:
X 3 16"/45 cal Mark IV L
The Lion 1 is another BB4 available, besides the Vanguard, for UK players. As expected, it
comes at level 89.
The only viable R-slot setup is the triple 16" Mark IV L. These guns have decent range,
decent reload, and good firepower. At level, the spread of the 16" trip, as with most
guns, will be bad. But, as your gunners go into the 90s-100s, the spread will become good.
SW setup of L1 is using the trips on all the R-slots. Going 2-gun SW is not within my
preference, because you lose a third of your potential damage for extra speed, and the L1
is fast enough with 3 guns already.
You can also AW your L1, with two front guns only. Put all deck armor, and watch those KM
HE shells bounce no like other. Unfortunately, the 45 degree guns of Yamato will
cut through the deck armor of L1. As a result, you need to be generally proficient in
dodging, and make sure you rush at the right time.
If you are debating whether to go L1 or Vanny, my general advice is to go with L1. The L1
is the easier ship to drive, and it is generally a fun ship to drive for most people with
at level-crew. However, if you enjoy the KM tactics of using range, a more challenging
style of gameplay, then you may enjoy Vanguard more than L1.
Comparing with other BB4s, the L1 is the only BB able of AWing effectively. If you are AW,
make sure you are not rushing a Yammy that can see you, since their shells will
cut through your armor like a knife through butter. The L1 may have less range, but it is
able to speed-cap at an impressive 26/44 since the new patch with high level engineers; it
is the fastest of all BB4s if you are running SW. L1 shell damage is scary, but the reload
may be long with ACC gunners, so remember to aim carefully. Against other BB4, remember to
choose the right time to rush. If your enemy is rushing too fast, it is sometimes better
to counter-rush and punish him for making that mistake. Make yourself as unpredictable as
you can in your dodging, and you will be successful in surviving a fight with any BB4 in
most situations.
Because of the speed buff given to the L1 by the recent patch, RP10s on the T-slots are a
viable choice, and it still allows you to run SW 26/42.
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Lion 2
Speedwhore/Armorwhore: Both
FCS: BB FCS II (Aiming)
Engine setup: RN BB Engine V (Heavy)
R-slot setup:
X 3 18"/45 Mark II (Recommended)
X 3 18"/45 Mark I
The Lion 2 is the UK BB5 available at level 103. You have made it all the way from UK DD1
to UK BB5. The L2 is arguably one of the best BB5s (if not overpowered) with good
firepower, good range, and good speed.
The recommended R-slot gun the L2 should use is the Mark II 18" trips, which come at level
100. The Mark I 18" trip, at level 110, offers slightly more damage per shell, at the cost
of slower reload, heavier turrets, and sometimes inconsistent spread. On the other hand,
the Mark II 18" trips are lighter, faster reload compared to the 110 guns, and more
consistent spread. With the level 100 guns, a SW three gun L2 can travel at a barreling
23/39 knots, while with the 110 guns, a SW three gun L2 can only travel at 22/37 knots.
I would not recommend a SW two gun setup with L2. Basically, you gain an extra two knots
of OH while having a third of your firepower gone.
The AW two gun setup with L2 is a viable setup in most situations. Using deck armor and
limited bulge, the AW L2 can still go at 21/35 knots. The deck armor is not enough to
bounce IJN and US 45 degree shells, but it can bounce KM shells pretty effectively. If
your gunners are 110+, then you can use the 2 gun AW setup because the spread with the 18"
trips get very close and tight, allowing most shells to hit home if one aims carefully.
I don뭪 think I need to give you any specific tips for playing L2, but one can either play
defensive or aggressive. I don뭪 really encourage the defensive strategy at higher levels,
since L2 has great offensive capability. However, if you are struggling with the ship in
the beginning, it뭩 not a bad idea to stay defensive and let the enemy make the first
mistake when rushing. Once you get more confident in your angles and dodging, become more
aggressive in your rushes and counter-rushes. The L2 reigns supreme in most 1 vs 1
situations with BB5s, since the angle 40 guns have less hang-time. The L2 has a good
turning radius, allowing it to easily dodge most shots made by the 45 degree guns of IJN
and US BB5 as long as you stay well inside their 45 degree range.
You may use AA on your T-slots, but your maximum speed with any AA setup is 22/37 knots. I
prefer a no AA setup, although feel free to use AA at your own discretion.
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Queen Victoria
Speedwhore/Armorwhore: Both
FCS: BB FCS II (Aiming)
Engine setup: RN BB Engine V (Heavy)
R-slot setup:
X 3 18"/50 Mark II
The Queen Victoria is the last ship of the UK BB line, and it is a UK BB6 available at
level 120. In order to use the Victoria, your BO and main gunners (on the R slots) must be
level 120, and you need at least nine supports at level 115.
The R-slot setup is the triple 18"/50 Mark II guns that come at level 120. They can only
be used by the QV, and you cannot change the R-slots of BB6 (not that anyone would want a
change in the gun setup).
The triple 18" have good range, very good damage per shell, and a very tight spread as
well. Reload is slightly longer compared to the 18" trips of L2, but its damage, spread,
and range compensates for the relatively long reload. Also worth noting is that the 18"
guns of QV are angle 30 guns, and that means the shells have a low hang time, making it
almost impossible for most enemies to dodge the shells in time.
Running at 40 knots, the QV can be an awesome ship if used right. Against BB5s, they do
not stand much of a chance. Compared to other BB6s, QV has the least range, but the QV
remains very competitive against the other nations' BB6s. Major weakness of QV, like any
other BB6, is against subs. I뭭e been literally one shotted by SS4 a few times. Watch out
for them, and if you can, use HHs on your T slots if you have Reload gunners.
On the T slots, you may use UK AA now as well, since with the RP10s, the QV can still
travel at a decent speed of 39 knots. Also, the QV has 5 T slots nice spaced out along the
ship on each side, allowing it to disintegrate aircraft within range.
Not much to say about the QV since I haven뭪 played it a lot, and by now you should have a
very good idea of how to drive such a fine ship. You can AW it, though it will not bounce
BB6/BB5 shells at max angle except for KM. You뭠l need every ounce of speed to get into
the range of BB6, such as the Kaiser, so I prefer SW than AW.