IJN Torpedoboat DDs (Shimakaze Line)

• The quintessential torpedo DD, combining deadly torps on a stealthy platform. Poor survivability and gun firepower hurts them in direct fights
  • Fun fact: Shimakaze line is one of the few lines that uses all real ships that were built and served irl with the exception of Yamagiri.
• This is a torpedo focus build that allows IJN torpedoboat DDs to throw out more torps while using their superior concealment to contest caps and spot the enemy
  • Swap RPF for Swift in Silence if you find yourself repositioning often and/or don’t need RPF’s info.
  • If you feel the turrets traverse are good enough, trade GtG for Consumable Specialist
  • SE is a core skill for this build, more HP = more insurance against a bad fight or simple attrition. Less HP = loss of initiative, allowing enemy DDs to dictate your battle. Being forced to play the enemy’s gameplan is never good
  • ASM1 is a decent alternative to TTM1 if you want better anti-DD capabilities. Be aware that your torp tubes will be knocked out much more often
  • If you don’t have the Engine boost mod, use ERP.
  • A Suzuki captain is a good option for all IJN DDs due to his improved SE skill.
  • The legendary upgrade for the Shimakaze is highly recommended, and does not change the build or the playstyle in any significant way.
• Shimakaze line wants to spot the enemy with her superior concealment while throwing torps against larger ships. Enemy DDs are the bane of your existence; use your superior concealment to spot them for your allies. If you are confident in your gunfighting skills and start an advantage, you can also fight him yourself. While you farm damage off of BBs and large cruisers, don’t forget to take undefended caps.
• Gameplay tips:
  • Make sure you use the 12km Type 93 mod 3 torpedoes on Shimakaze and Yamagiri, as they are the best general-purpose torpedoes. If you’re feeling cocky, you may use the Type F3 torpedoes, but you will have to adopt a risky style of gameplay.
  • Avoid 20km Type 93 torpedoes, they often miss due to their high detection
  • IJN DDs are surprisingly good in a DD gunfight as they can use their low detection to get into a kiting position before opening fire.
    • This applies vs. other stealthy DDs like Gearing, Daring and Z-52 line. You will still get blown up by long range gunboats like Delny and Kleber
  • Akatsuki has unusually high surface detect for a IJN DD, but has deceptively good main guns to compensate. Use this against unsuspecting enemy DDs if they try to pick a fight
• Applies to Umikaze, Wakatake, Tachibana, Isokaze, Mutsuki, Minekaze, Kamikaze, Fujin, Fubuki, Hatsuharu, Shinonome, Akatsuki, Shiratsuyu, Yuudachi, Kagero, Yukikaze, Asashio, Yugumo, Minegumo, Shimakaze and Yamagiri.