Smaland - Standard Build
- Close range radar gunboat DD. Can bully around other DDs with radar while speed boost and heal lets her survive multiple engagements
- This is a balanced build that allows Småland both good objective control, as well as some damage farming capabilities.
- Småland has lots of build options which I will cover here instead of making a dedicated build for each and bloating this document:
- If you want to maximise your damage output, you can drop CE for BFT+CS and still keep your stealth radar (6.8 km conceal vs 7,5 km radar).
- If you want to max out on objective control, drop AFT for RPF and engine boost mod for radar mod.
- If you want to max out on survivability, drop AFT for SI+CS.
- If you want to max out on close range fighting potential while sacrificing range, drop AFT for BFT+CS
- Swirski is a good captain because of the improved AR and the torpedo talent.
- If you don’t have the Radar mod, use ERP. But tbh, if you bought/whaled for Smaland, you can afford to spend 17k coal for radar mod
- Engine boost mod is also fine for damage focus builds
Strategy Guide
The Småland is widely considered the strongest Tier X destroyer in the game, categorized as both a universal-type and a DPS-type destroyer. Its playstyle is defined by its role as a close-range radar gunboat that excels at bullying other destroyers while retaining significant damage-farming capabilities.
Core Playstyle: The Destroyer Bully
The Småland’s primary win condition is leveraging its radar and high gun power to neutralize enemy destroyers early in the match.
- Ambush Tactics: In the early game, you can head to capture zones to ambush enemy destroyers at surface detection range.
- Stealth Radar: With a full concealment build, the ship has a 6.8 km detection range and a 7.5 km radar, allowing for "stealth radar" where you can detect and shoot an enemy destroyer before they can escape your vision.
- Radar Discipline: You should only use your radar when an enemy destroyer uses smoke or is about to leave your surface detection range.
- Engagement Distances:
- Against Destroyers: The optimal range is up to 9 km due to its shell ballistics.
- Against Larger Ships: When engaging cruisers or battleships in open water, maintain a distance of 11+ km to allow for effective dodging.
Weaponry and Consumables
- Firepower: The ship features high DPM guns, but success requires high gun trigger discipline and careful pathing because it lacks a smoke generator to disengage from unfavorable fights.
- Torpedoes: Unlike some other gunboats, the Småland has torpedoes with good range and speed; these should be launched at larger enemy ships at every opportunity.
- Sustainability: Its access to Repair Party (heal) and a powerful Engine Boost allows it to survive multiple engagements and reposition quickly across the map.
Tactical Considerations & Threats
- Early Game Caution: Despite your strength, you must scout for common enemy radar positions before committing to a cap, as getting caught under heavy fire can deplete your HP quickly.
- Mid-to-Late Game: Transition into farming damage on battleships and cruisers or mopping up surviving enemy destroyers to secure the win.
- Dangerous Matchups: You should be cautious when engaging cruisers with exceptional ballistics or specific destroyers like Marceau, Ragnar, Elbing, Kleber, and Khabarovsk. Småland is not a particularly difficult ship to hit, so you are especially vulnerable when your engine boost is on cooldown.