Shimakaze Line (Torpedoboat DDs)
- The quintessential torpedo DD, combining deadly torps on a stealthy platform. Poor survivability and gun firepower hurts them in direct fights
- This is a torpedo focus build that allows IJN torpedoboat DDs to throw out more torps while using their superior concealment to contest caps
- Make sure you use the 12km Type 93 mod 3 torpedoes on Shimakaze and Yamagiri, as they are the best general-purpose torpedoes. If you’re feeling cocky, you may use the Type F3 torpedoes, but you will have to adopt a risky style of gameplay.
- Don’t use 20km Type 93 torpedoes, they miss too often due to their high detection
- Swap RPF for Swift in Silence if you find yourself repositioning often. You can also drop RPF and Liquidator and get BFT and Swift Fish for DD self-defense
- If you feel the turrets traverse is too slow, trade Consumable Specialist for GtG
- SE is a core skill for this build, more HP = more insurance against a bad fight or simple attrition, 17.9k HP is simply too low and you will get bullied away by other DDs
- A Suzuki captain is a good option for all IJN DDs due to his improved SE skill.
- The legendary upgrade for the Shimakaze is highly recommended, and does not change the build or the playstyle in any significant way.
- If you don’t have the Engine boost mod, use ERP.
- Applies to Umikaze, Wakatake, Tachibana, Isokaze, Mutsuki, Minekaze, Kamikaze, Fujin, Fubuki, Hatsuharu, Shinonome, Akatsuki, Shiratsuyu, Yuudachi, Kagero, Yukikaze, Asashio, Yugumo, Minegumo, Shimakaze and Yamagiri.
Strategy Guide
The Shimakaze is described as the quintessential torpedo destroyer, combining a stealthy platform with high-damage torpedoes. Categorised as a universal-type destroyer, its primary roles include contesting capture zones, scouting, and performing torpedo attacks on large ships.
Core Playstyle: The Stealth Assassin
The Shimakaze's playstyle revolves around leveraging its best-in-class concealment to outspot enemy destroyers and dictate engagements.
- Early Game: Your job is to contest caps and scout for the team. Because you have poor survivability and gun firepower, you rely on allied supporting fire to win these initial trades. It is best to enter caps diagonally and turn away, or reverse into small caps, to allow for a quick escape.
- Engagement Strategy: You should generally avoid fighting dedicated gunboat destroyers in direct duels. If forced to fight, the optimal engagement distance against enemy destroyers is 7–10 km, preferably against targets with worse ballistics.
- Gun Usage: While its guns are among the worst in its class for DPM, they feature high HE damage and a rear-heavy turret setup, allowing the ship to punch above its weight while kiting away. Use your guns defensively to facilitate a retreat behind island cover or into smoke.
- Mid-to-Late Game: Focus on keeping enemy destroyers in check or repositioning if the enemy is running away, as it is difficult to land torpedoes on ships kiting away. In the late game, look to mop up lone targets and out-cap the enemy team.
Torpedo Selection & Tactics
The Shimakaze is defined by its best-in-class torpedo damage, though this is balanced by long reload times.
- Recommended Choice: The 12 km Type 93 mod 3 torpedoes are considered the best general-purpose option.
- Risky Choice: The Type F3 torpedoes can be used for a very high-risk, high-reward playstyle.
- Options to Avoid: You should never use the 20 km Type 93 torpedoes; they have very high detection and are easily dodged, making them "hot garbage".
- Marksmanship: Success in the Shimakaze requires high gun trigger discipline and precise torpedo marksmanship.