KM gunboat DDs (Elbing Line)

KM gunboat DDs (Elbing Line)

Standard build

• Elbing line DDs are long range AP gunboats, preying on broadside cruisers and BBs who don’t respect her superb accuracy and lightning fast shells
• This build allows KM gunboat DDs to both support friendly DDs contesting objectives, as well as farm damage off large ships.
  • Considering the vast majority of German gunboat DDs’ damage comes from AP, HAP provides more benefits for cheaper cost
  • If you’re making a dedicated captain for Z-31 or Maerker, BFT is an option instead of AFT.
  • If you don’t have the Engine boost mod, use ERP.
• Elbing are powerful gunboats who reliably citadel cruisers who don’t respect their AP shells. While their concealment isn’t bad, they are not suited for early game cap contesting or spotting other DDs. Instead, they provide gun support for early DD fights or go out the flanks to establish a strong position before attacking. Stay past ~8km and use your superior ballistics and accuracy to safely farm damage. Only get close if you want to farm citadel hits, and can kill or disengage before the cruiser retaliates
  • AP has improved penetration angles of 60-67.5
  • Your AP will reliably citadel CLs and 203mm CAs, go for upper belt vs. larger cruisers and BBs.
• Applies to Z-31, Maerker, Schultz and Elbing.

KM DPS DDs

Farming build

• This build gives up any semblance of concealment in order to gain maximum damage output. Elbing works well with this build thanks to her amazing shell ballistics and extra dodging ability though her legendary upgrade
  • Trade GtG or PM for IFA if you have trouble timing your dodges
  • For Schultz, and Elbing if you don’t have the legendary upgrade, use MBM3 in slot 6.
  • Legendary upgrade is still highly recommended even after the nerf
  • If you don’t have the Engine boost mod, use ERP.
• This version of Elbing is optimized for long range farming, dodging shells from a distance while your accurate AP chunks enemies down. Smoke lets you safely farm enemies if engine boost is on cooldown, or fighting secondary ships. Be aware you will struggle vs. spotting DDs as they can permaspot you for free and pressure you away.
• Applies to F. Schultz and Elbing.