What to play

[dechion]

So, here's the deal. I have the IJN destroyer line unlocked to tier 6, though I've only played to tier 5. 

I greatly enjoy the maneuver game of playing the stealth torpedo/scout role.

From what I am reading that really doesn't seem to exist beyond tier 5. 

 

What higher tier DD lines would you folks recommend for the playstyle I enjoy?

[StrykerNC]

USN.  

The RU line has poor detection values, so they are not so stealthy...  The US line is more gunboat than torp ships, but you will have fun running and capping.

[dechion]

I've thought of the US line, but those rainbow gun arcs make me want to flip tables

[alexf24]

From what I am reading that really doesn't seem to exist beyond tier 5. 

 

Who said that? Fubuki, Kagero, and Shimakaze work the same way as Minekaze. Hide and torp from stealth. With full concealment they can be fearsome. The issues are that their torpedoes have been nerfed, and playing at high tiers, life is tough for them. If they are found by a cruiser, or a Gearing, they are in a world of hurt.

 

How is that different than a Minekaze being found by an Omaha or a Nicholas? Among other things players in high tier cruisers and DDs are way more experienced, and cruisers tend to have radar and sonar. At lower tiers, a well-played Isokaze or Minekaze will be very powerful.

 

An Isokaze being found by a Langley driver is not in a lot of danger. A Shimakaze being found by a Midway is a dead DD. Life is tough at high tiers.

[paradat]

I've thought of the US line, but those rainbow gun arcs make me want to flip tables

 

When you are close and knife fighting they are fine. Very maneuverable, fast turrets = DD Hunter Killer.

[LemonadeWarrior]

I am having lots of fun in my Kagero with 8 kilometer torpedoes. I play her without smoke, which makes her even more fun and deadly. Matches versus decent CVs and many DDs are very tough, but hopefully this will change when they reward spotting.

 

Stealth is definetly the way to go

[Khafni]

So, here's the deal. I have the IJN destroyer line unlocked to tier 6, though I've only played to tier 5. 

I greatly enjoy the maneuver game of playing the stealth torpedo/scout role.

From what I am reading that really doesn't seem to exist beyond tier 5. 

 

What higher tier DD lines would you folks recommend for the playstyle I enjoy?

 

IJN DD can still stealth torp at higher tiers. Their torps got a detection nerf a patch ago but they still are able to carry off stealth torp attacks. What you need to look at in torp selection for all IJN DD is the detection range of the torp. The US DD Gearing has a 1.6km detection. So does the Hatsuharu Type 90, mod 1. The Fubuki Type 90, mod 2 has a 1.4km detection range although it is a slower torpedo. Stealth torping is all about positioning and the situation. Using chokepoints is a big plus.

 

USN DD from T8 and up are very capable stealth torpedo boats as well. Those rainbow arc guns don't show that arc in a knife fight.

 

I have heard the complaining about the torp nerf but it hasn't rocked the boat of the skilled IJN DD captain. High tier fighting is tough on all DD that are discovered especially if the opponent knows how to hunt DD's. The IJN DD are more fragile and defenseless when found and that has always been the case.

 

My preference has been the USN DD line for the versatility as I like to stealth torp and also hunt DD in knife fights but I never did terrible in any IJN DD from T6 to T9. If you want to stealth torp then stay with the IJN line. Upcoming changes/enhancements may make it even more appealing.