Zao or Iowa

[Zhoyzu]

So, im pretty much almost done with the ibuki and NC. Im not sure which ship i should go for next. The ibuki has thus far been largely underwhelming ( feels like mogami is better even though its the same ship) and i hated the hell out of the NC when i first got it. Now that ive put a lot of time into the both of them i regret having initially rage sold the NC  (lol) as its one of my more preferred ships to play and im now uncertain the grass is greener on the other side of the ibuki.

 

A couple of the issues im having with making a sound decision is that everyone i talk to says the Zao is hella better than the ibuki. Other than slightly more AP dmg and slightly more armor i dont see much of a difference. What is it that makes the Zao so much better than the Ibuki?

 

And in regards to the Iowa it looks to just be a longer slightly more armored NC. Ive never heard anyone being upset for having to play the iowa. Is there a significant difference or something that makes the ship "shine"?

 

I only have the ingame stats given in the menus to go off of so i know i dont have the whole story.

 

Any insight is appreciated!

 

Ill end up getitng both most likely, im just trying to figure out which one would lead to more fun.

[The_GoDDfather]

Iowa stock sucks, and Zao is a nice tier 10. It's really up to if you're able to upgrade the Iowa right off the bat.

[Sinboto]

Love my zao, if you can get a T10 get it, you can always grind for the T9 later.

[Wo_9]

=[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[

[Hellgrunt]

Iowa will cost you a small fortune in XP and credits to upgrade her. I would go Zao.   

 

[BlazerSparta]

Zao is:

 

- Stealthy as hell - 9.5km surface detect with module + t5 captain + camo, 15.5 while firing

- More guns (4x3 vs 5x2) with the usual excellent IJN HE damage and fire chance, and the 2x3 forward turets gives you more firepower when chasing or running 

- 2x5 76 kt 21k damage torps on each side if you're ever in close combat, with firing arcs angled slightly forwards so they're usable

- The thickest armour of any cruiser in the game, period.

 

Iowa is nice, but as you say, just an up armoured NC. With better rear turret arcs, I think.

 

On the other hand, Zao is the best ship, tier for tier, in the game. (Carriers not eligible).

[Harkonen_siegetank]

Zao is too good that you can be sure a nerf is incoming.

[HALLO_1997]

T10 first, always first.