Why are destroyers so infuriating?

[bridder01]

Hello, Brian here.  I've been playing World of Warships for a couple of months now and I was wondering why destroyers are so intimidating?  I hate playing as a destroyer and I really hate playing against them.  I can never seem to get the hang of using a destroyer.  My first thought is to just hit and run, use smoke and extra speed when possible and try to stay out of range of enemy ships.  Yet, for some reason, I'm always the first one killed lol.  Can anyone out there give me some advice on how to play as a destroyer as well as how to defend against them?  I'm seriously thinking of selling all the ones I have because I can't stand them.  Thanks again to anyone who can help.

 

Cheers and happy hunting,

Brian

[StingRayOne]

Make friends with a cruiser

Play BBs and learn what it is like to suffer, then apply what you saw as they sunk you

do not cap for a bunch of games, instead concentrate and working with BBs as a defensive player

slow down look at the islands and familiarize yourself with the maps in Co-Op mode

[The_GoDDfather]

I recommend version 2.0.

[OgreMkV]

Depends on the type of destroyer. 

For the Japanese destroyers, play aggressive. I will use boost to cap the closest base (if it's that game type). Keep an eye on the whether you are detected or not. Try to stay at least 6km from enemies. Use the terrain to your advantage. 

I tend to lay a smoke screen in front of my team and spot for them (so they can shoot, but can't be seen to be shot at). 

Spam torps at anything that's within 7km. 

You should almost never fire your guns. The IJN guns are worse than merely terrible. Just stay in torp mode unless you have a shot at a severely wounded ship. 

My best game, I literally kept circling inside the base and spammed torps until the enemy ships gave up and went away, then I snuck in behind them and killed their carrier (and a pair of cruisers). 

 

For US destroyers, I use them as gun boats. Only rarely using torps. In general, I use them to hunt down enemy destroyers. They are fast enough to dodge IJN torps and IJN DDs can't shoot the broad side of a barn from inside the barn. 

Once the ships have spread out, then you MIGHT be able to play hunter on a distracted BB. Just keep an eye on where it's guns are pointed and if they start to turn toward you, pop smoke and run. 

I hated the low tier destroyers. But the tier 4 and 5 destroyers (even the US ones) are fun. I still die a lot, but I get way more kills with them. 

[meeshaboy]

How I play them depends on nation, and I only have experience in Japanese and Russian. With Russian I stick with the fleet, do some spotting for the bigger ships and rain HE down on the enemy, torps are rarely used and I don't worry much about being spotted. My favorite are the Japanese, they are best as lone wolf or with maybe 1 or 2 other ships close enough to shoot anything that might threaten you , the one thing with them is know your detection range (they are most effective if never seen in my opinion) stay outside of that and use your torps. People will tell you that Japanese guns are useless, they are not really unless fighting high tier Russian destroyers.

[desmo_2]

You are probably being too aggressive.  Resist the urge to rush in for caps and scouting until you learn how to play destroyers better.  The KEY to playing destroyers is staying undetected unless you are driving in for an attack.  Know your detection range and torpedo range.  If a target is near the edge of your torpedo range but moving away, your torps will run out before they get there.  Don't waste them.

 

If you are attacking other destroyers, fire a few rounds in an attempt to incapacitate their engine or steering.  Fire wide spread torps first on the recommended solution, then behind that to anticipate evasion maneuvers.  Know that they are probably firing torps back, so vary your course and/or speed.

 

Don't attack cruisers.  At least not yet.  A cruiser's specialty is killing destroyers, so don't play into their strengths.  IF you can use an island to launch a surprise torp attack, go with it.  Otherwise, just avoid cruisers if you can until you get better.

 

When attacking battleships, try to stay out of detection range but in torpedo range.  You can then fire torpedoes at your leisure without being seen.  If you decide to run in for a close range kill strike, keep your nose pointed at him and go in as fast as you can.  Don't turn broadside until after he has fired a salvo and is reloading.

 

STAY UNDETECTED.  Stick with it, destroyers are very fun and require a bit of tactical planning.

[alexf24]

Hello, Brian here.  I've been playing World of Warships for a couple of months now and I was wondering why destroyers are so intimidating?  

 

 

 

Thatś what we do! It's in the DD's DNA (esp. IJN Ninjas).

 

Know your concealment distance at keep it in mind at all times. Stay hidden. Always try to keep an exit avenue handy. Use smoke and boost when needed. Keep them till needed, and don't waste them early.

 

Stay in front of, but not far from your friendlies, so they can attract attention, and soak up the damage, while you can shoot torpedoes undetected.

 

 

[Nachoo31]

IJN DD guns can be used.  When you mastered the balance when to use them and when not to you will be a force.  Yes there are other lines that excel in guns.  Just fact most ignore guns bothers me.  One fire cause by a DD could turn the battle. 

[OgreMkV]

IJN DD guns can be used.  When you mastered the balance when to use them and when not to you will be a force.  Yes there are other lines that excel in guns.  Just fact most ignore guns bothers me.  One fire cause by a DD could turn the battle. 

 

I don't disagree. I used one shell from a Isokaze to kill a cruiser that I had hit with a spread of torps. Most of the time, though, guns reveal position for minimal return... at least IJN. 

[Nachoo31]

 

I don't disagree. I used one shell from a Isokaze to kill a cruiser that I had hit with a spread of torps. Most of the time, though, guns reveal position for minimal return... at least IJN. 

 

Its not hard to change direction and hide again.   Its a great way to bait a ship to chase you.  

[alexf24]

IJN guns do have their use. You have to balance it with their increase in detection (3.8km over your concealment for 20 seconds).

 

IJN guns are not even half-decent until Fubuki, but they still play a role when needed.

 

They can finish off an almost-dead adversary. They are needed when you find yourself in a knife battle with another DD (hopefully another IJN, else you are in big trouble). If you are inside smoke, shoot away. If you are in the open and have already been detected and are far from reaching concealment distance, esp. if you have friendlies nearby, why not take the shot anyway into that BB/CA and get some more damage?

[bridder01]

Thanks to all who responded.  I think my fave DD that I have (and this isn't saying much) is the Tier III Russian destroyer Derzki.  I like simply because she has 5 torp launchers that can face either way.  But I just can't think and react fast enough to utilize them to their maximum potential.  Cruisers are the same way for me.  I'm somewhat successful with them but not very.  Battleships and Aircraft Carriers are my favorites.  The highest tiered ship I have is the Tier VI USS New Mexico.  I should also mention that I'm a lousy shot. lol  Thanks again to all those who responded

Cheers,

Brian

[Guest allandegroot]

Lately I've had destroyers at <3kn remain invisible even as they are actively firing at me

(No smoke screen involved) someone please fix this?

 

 

Even a momentary disappearance from view spoils your tracking of them and forces you to re-establish bearing and lead

This is an unfair advantage close in and enables them to launch torps without retaliation

[Camo68]

Know your detection ranges and plan your attacks using the minimap (you don't need to think fast if you've already planned your attack and exit strategy prior to engaging).

 

Use the excellent video tutorials on youtube from people like Notser & Ichasegaming.