Although few people in War Thunder prefer battles on the water, the game’s fleet is represented by many ships. Naval battles are among the most exciting. However, the result of each fight directly depends on the ship’s capabilities, defense, and installed arsenal.
Also, We advise you to read a helpful article: Best Italian Planes By Tier in War Thunder
The presented top is the best ships for battles in War Thunder, according to the players themselves.
IJN Kongo
The top is an entry-level Japanese battleship. Its armor protection is average, but its firepower is above average. Up to 12 turrets can be installed, and up to 24 are used to cover and attack mobile enemies. Its cost is just over 1 million silver lions.
On the plus side, it’s moderately mobile. This is an excellent ship for those trying out the fleet for the first time. It is worth noting that the prices and upgrades are enormous. But even at a base level, the ship threatens the best battleships in the American, British, and Russian fleets.
Minus: the overall defense leaves much to be desired. So, it is better not to use it in close combat.
USS Somers
An American mobile destroyer that quickly sinks almost all enemy ships in close combat. This was achieved through armament from 127-millimeter turrets and torpedoes. Firepower is increased, defense is weak, but the cost is only 115 thousand lions. Repairs are also cheap compared to battleships.
One of the best ways to use Somers is to form assault groups. If you manage to get close to enemy positions, then in just a couple of minutes there will be nothing left of them.
IJN Settsu
According to the players, this is one of the best Japanese battleships, although not the most expensive. Its emphasis is on firepower, supported by 305 mm turrets, auxiliary caliber 152 mm. However, there are only four automatic machine guns, so close attacks should be avoided on such a ship, and strikes should be mostly at long range.
Cost – 790 thousand lions. Research – 290 thousand lions, but the ship already at the initial levels demonstrates almost all of its advantages in firepower—those who do not emphasize the upgrades – one of the best choices.
Novorossiysk
In 7th place is the Novorossiysk. Among its class of battleships, it has one of the best air defense systems and a crew capacity 1500. The ship is versatile and suitable for medium and long-range attacks. The main gun’s firepower is low, even with maximum upgrades. The defense is average. Maneuverability is also balanced; speed up to 60 kilometers per hour allows you to evade remote attacks.
Auxiliary caliber is represented by 4 artillery installations. They are complemented by 6 turrets and 6 automatic universal guns. The price is quite high, but fully justified.
HMAS Tobruk
The sixth place at our top is occupied by the British battle destroyer HMAS Tobruk. Its peculiarity is the presence of twin main guns on the front. Therefore, it is best suited for offensive operations. The defense also allows for such “frontal attacks.” It can actively participate in air attacks.
The anti-aircraft attack is the most potent destroyer of the British fleet. The disadvantages can be distinguished only by dimensions, from which follows vulnerability to torpedoes. The hull is divided into only seven compartments. It cost 76,000 lions, and improvements cost 13,000 points. Ideally, it should be used under the cover of a small fleet of destroyers, which will take on the defense against torpedoes.
USS Arizona
This battleship is often compared to the Japanese Kongo. In general, they are similar in both firepower and defense. Still, Arizona has a more significant number of auxiliary caliber guns, which makes it more protected from direct collisions in the water.
Good air defense. The main guns, though powerful, have a low rate of fire. This ship, best of all, shows itself in attacks on other battleships. It has nine compartments, so destroying it will take quite a long time. If you turn on the main guns during this time, you’ll be able to survive most PvP battles purely due to the battleship’s greater “endurance.” It can easily withstand even against premium destroyers.
From the minuses – long capture of the target, so it is recommended for experienced players. But summarizing all its characteristics, the 5th place in the top is well deserved.
HMS Marlborough
In fourth place at the top is a British battleship, considered one of the most protected in its class. This was achieved due to the segmented placement of the armor belt. This layout protects the ship from the deck and the waterline. The presence of 11 crew compartments complements this. By the way, initially, when added to the game, they were only 9. In the future, the developers will strengthen its protection. However, the armor remained not solid, so there were vulnerable places for shells and torpedoes.
The main gun is divided into five turrets evenly placed on the deck. The rate of fire is low, and the ammunition is limited to 200 shells. Twelve turrets and four defense turrets represent auxiliary weapons. Most importantly, the ship is vulnerable to air attacks, compensated for by inexpensive and fast upgrades.
USS North Dakota
The second American dreadnought presented in the game opens the top three winners in our top. It is not maneuverable, but the armament is enough to fight with any ship: 5 main guns at 305 mm, 14 auxiliary turrets, and two defense turrets. With an additional set, I realized still the possibility of launching torpedoes. In direct combat, the Dakota quickly destroys battleships from any fleet represented in the game. And the main advantage is the affordable price of the ship itself and its upgrades.
The only disadvantage is the weak defense on the board line. The main armor here is aimed at covering the guns, but the crew is placed in 9 compartments. Maneuverability is low. It is equally well suited for combat both at long and close ranges.
Parizhskaya Kommuna
The Russian dreadnought class battleship occupies second place. It features 25 mm side armor5 and robust protection for all guns. Although firepower is average, the linear arrangement and turrets provide a powerful salvo. It is divided into nine compartments. The only disadvantage is the unfortunate location of the crew. In this case, a direct hit in the area of the turrets causes significant damage; when pumping, these areas should be given the most attention.
And here in what the Paris Commune really wins over all ships, it is in firepower at long distances. It doesn’t take very long to reload. And if the ship is covered by smaller class dreadnoughts, it will be able to win any battle.
USS Brooklyn
Top 1 in 2024 is deservedly occupied by the American light cruiser Brooklyn. Due to its 70 km/h speed, it can easily evade any long-range attack, even without using defensive turrets. Weapons are powerful and fast-firing; survivability is average. The defense is one-piece, covering the side, guns, and stern. The compartment is divided into eight parts, but it is almost impossible to sink the ship due to its maneuverability, even in heavy fights,
The main disadvantage is the high price and cost of a light cruiser upgrade. Naturally, battleships are much more expensive, but given the firepower, Brooklyn can go even in a frontal attack, relying on the main guns of five turrets in 152 mm placed across the deck. For air defense, they are responsible for eight turrets with a rate of fire of up to 577 rounds per minute. The ship is close to imbalance. It would become a real imba if you add 305mm guns. It’s good that the developers did not do this: playing with such an opponent would not be attractive.
All the ships presented in the TOP are the choice of the players themselves, based on their own experience of playing War Thunder. When choosing a technique, it is also important to take into account their shortcomings, because it is because of them that the right balance in battles is maintained.
