Sailing | Game mechanics World of Warships Guide

One of the most important things that require discussing is the sailing and ship controlling process. It might seem to be the simplest part of the game, but the reality is quite different. Learning to sail on expert level is the hardest thing in the game. You must consider dozens of various factors such as speed, maneuverability, armor or map shape.

First thing you must consider is the speed and maneuverability of your ship. If you control a slow and not agile battleship, you must carefully plan your route. You won't be able to correct your course during the half of the battle. Decide to sail in one side of the map, preferably the one where there is more free space and there are no islands from behind which destroyers might attack you. You should act oppositely when controlling the destroyers. Select the places with large amounts of small isles behind which you can hide after firing the torpedoes. You're in the best situation when controlling a cruiser which is fast and agile enough to change its route in the key moment of the battle. However, similarly to the battleship, you must avoid being attacked between the islands. When controlling the aircraft carrier, you must remember that your warship has very little maneuverability. Sail towards the part of the map that is most distant from the enemies. Select one of the corners of the map, preferably the one with an island behind which you will be able to hide.

Only fast and agile destroyers and cruisers are able to avoid torpedoes in the last moment.

When sailing on long distance, sometimes it is better to use the autopilot. It is especially helpful in case of battleships, and in case of aircraft carriers it is practically mandatory. When pressing the "M" key, a map screen will open, you can mark the place to which you intend to swim on it. If you intend to prepare more advanced maneuver, you can set few checkpoints by holding the "shift" key. However, remember for the created lines to have as small angles as possible. This will allow you to avoid stopping your ship before each turn and losing speed. When controlling the cruiser or a destroyer, you shouldn't use the autopilot as it would make it harder for you to aim and avoid enemy fire.

Some words should be said about ship speed as well. Not always setting the turbines on maximum power is the best option. The aircraft carrier, for example, should remain safely hidden behind an island for the most of the time and move only in order to change its position or run away from the enemy. The maximum speed will be useful when you intend to reach a shooting position you're interested in, but during the shooting itself you can lower the speed to 1/2 or 3/4. This will give you more time to aim and shoot more salvos. It's important especially in case of battleships fighting weaker armored ships. Sometimes it is even more profitable to stop than not be able to shoot few salvos due to an island blocking access to enemy. The only ship type that should maintain the maximum speed constantly is destroyers. In this case you will lose the speed by sudden maneuvers anyway. In their case the speed is also the only defense from enemy attacks.

Both positions allow you to shoot using all cannons, but in second case enemy bullets must penetrate thicker armor. Thanks to such position you receive less damage.

Now, let's get to sailing while shooting with enemy. It's a very important aspect of the game, which is often completely ignored in the fever of the battle. Most of all, you should avoid enemy bullets. It can be done in few ways, depending on what warship type you control. When controlling a battleship, you can't perform quick maneuvers, so you should try to do one thing - position yourself in as large angle towards enemy as possible. However, it must be such angle that will still allow you to attack using all the cannons. You must absolutely avoid positioning yourself parallel to enemy. It would end with massive damage received.

Other tactic should be used when controlling a destroyer. You should maximally utilize your warships' agility. When sailing towards the enemy, position yourself frontally towards him, so that your ship's silhouette will be the smallest and the enemy will have hard time trying to hit you. Once you get close enough, quickly turn one of your sides towards the enemy, shoot the cannons and torpedoes, and then turn back towards the enemy. It would be best if you could hide behind some obstacle during the torpedoes reload. If it's not possible, try to observe the enemy and, after he shoots the salvo, immediately turn in one of the sides.