Forrest Sherman Build & Strategy Guide

USA DD Forrest Sherman - Standard Captain Build & Strategy Guide

Forrest Sherman is a rapid-firing smoke gunboat with amazing Semi-Armor-Piercing (SAP) firepower, great long-range ballistics, and Hydroacoustic Search for defense. Her slow top speed makes her very squishy outside of smoke.
This build allows Sherman to support friendly destroyers in cap contests, gives her a reasonable chance of fighting stealthier enemy destroyers, and allows her to deal heavy damage.
If you find yourself lacking the third smoke charge very often, prioritize Superintendent (SI) over Adrenaline Rush (AR).
You may replace Superintendent (SI) with Basics of Fire Training (BFT) if you do not find yourself using the third smoke charge often.
If you really lack extra range, swap the main battery reload modification for the range modification until you get enough points for Advanced Firing Training (AFT).
Alexander Ovechkin is a great captain for all USN destroyers because of his improved Survivability Expert (SE) skill.
If you don’t have the Hydroacoustic Search modification, use Engine Room Protection (ERP).

The playstyle for Forrest Sherman can be broken down into the following key strategies:

Cruiser-Like Support: In the early game, you should play like a light cruiser, focusing on farming damage from range or providing fire support for friendly destroyers contesting capture zones.
Situational Contesting: You can contest a cap if you can use island cover to get within Hydroacoustic Search range of an enemy destroyer.
Radar Awareness: Before committing to a cap, ensure you are not under pressure from enemy radar and that you have a safe exit path.

Distance Management: Because of your excellent ballistics, you can engage enemies at virtually any range. When fighting other destroyers, it is ideal to create distance to give yourself a better chance of dodging incoming fire.
Avoid Being Overrun: It is critical to ensure you are not caught near an enemy push. Due to your slow speed, you can easily be run down by larger ships.
Open-Water Gunboating: You can farm damage in open water if you are far from the enemy and not under intense focus fire; otherwise, rely on island cover or your smoke screen.

SAP Primary: Use SAP shells most of the time for their high damage output.
HE for Armor and Fires: Swap to High Explosive (HE) when facing heavily angled or armored ships (specifically those with 38 mm or more of plating). A common tactic is to use HE to start a fire before switching back to SAP to maximize damage.
Smoke and Hydro: Use your smoke conservatively if you do not have the Superintendent skill. Use your Hydroacoustic Search for defense against torpedoes while in your smoke or when fighting enemy destroyers at point-blank range.

Ambush Tactics: In the late game, look to mop up surviving enemy destroyers by ambushing them around islands.
Dangerous Matchups: Be cautious when engaging Kléber, Vampire II, Ragnar, or Småland, as Forrest Sherman often struggles in direct duels against these specific ships.