Destroyers | Warship types World of Warships Guide

Destroyers are the lightest, smallest and fasters ships that you will control. They have a very good power to weight ratio, thanks to that they reach their maximum speed of around 35 knots very quickly. They have a very good maneuverability as well. They are perfect as scouts and support for larger units. The main weapons of such units are torpedoes. They can deal massive damage with them, sinking even a powerful aircraft carrier or battleship with a single salvo. Sadly, they have many weaknesses as well. The most important ones are small amounts of hit points and the lack of armor. Because of that, a destroyer can be destroyed with one or two salvos from a cruiser or a battleship. Additionally, the destroyers lack any secondary artillery and the main artillery is very limited. It's rare for a destroyer to have more than 4-5 cannons.

Speed and torpedoes are destroyer's main weapons.

Destroyers are the only warship type that in addition to the standard Damage Control Party can use two other special consumables - Smoke Generator and Engine Boost. First one allows you to hide and make you less visible to enemy ships. Second temporary increases your maximum speed and acceleration.

The difference between American and Japanese destroyers is very large, especially on first few tiers. Americans have much worse torpedoes, their range isn't larger than 5-6 kilometers. Only the last of American destroyers - Gearing, has impressive range of more than 16 kilometers. Japanese have torpedoes with much better range. On tier V, with Minekaze ship, their reach is 10 kilometers, and the best destroyer, Shimakaze, has 20 kilometers of range. Situation is completely different with artillery. Americans has much better artillery, not only if it goes for quantity, but also caliber and fire range. In summary, the destroyers line that you should choose for destroyers depends on how you want to play. As Japan you will have to focus on using torpedoes while as American destroyers you will mostly perform quick attacks with your artillery slightly backed up with the torpedoes. The latter will probably be the better option for beginners, so American destroyers will be probably better to start with.

How to play?

• Use your acceleration and speed for a small reconnaissance and discover the location of enemy ships. Not only will you help your team, but will also have the opportunity to fire the torpedoes.
• Even if you don't see the enemy, you can fire the torpedoes blindly. In that case, you should aim at the narrow passage between the islands, preferably near an occupied base. When firing blindly, always use the wide shooting mode.
• After firing all torpedoes, get away from the battle zone. You shouldn't sail away in straight line, zigzag would be better. If you're under heavy fire, then you should use the smoke generator and engine boost.
• In 90% situations you should use high explosive ammunition. Your cannons have very small caliber and because of that armor piercing ammunition won't penetrate most cruisers and battleships.
• Observe the map and react to situation changes. Swim wherever your team will need you the most. Additionally, avoid remaining alone on one side, you will be quickly destroyed by the enemies.