Vampire II - Standard Build
- Great short range gunboat with a unique creeping smoke and 5km hydro
- Her crawling smoke is a double-edge sword. Great for crawling to avoid blind fire, but the inability to turn off will back fire if used carelessly.
- The smoke cooldown does not start until the last puff. Further emphasizing the need for intelligent smoke use, lest you are crippled by its long cooldown
- This build puts emphasis on Vampire’s consumables and guns, allowing her great objective control.
- You can drop the 2 pt skills for RPF if you want to focus on hunting enemy DDs. In which case you can share the build with Haida.
- Slot 3 Smoke Generator is not used since it provides more smoke than you need. Same reason why SI is not recommended
- If you don’t need the slightly extra smoke duration, trade Consumable Expert for PT or DE
- If you don’t have the Engine boost mod, use ERP.
Strategy Guide
The Vampire II is a Tier X universal-type destroyer that excels as a short-range gunboat and a specialist in objective control.
Its playstyle is defined by the following core elements:
Objective Control and Destroyer Hunting
As a universal destroyer, the Vampire II's primary role in the early game is to contest capture zones and keep enemy destroyers in check. Its combination of 5km Hydroacoustic Search and high concealment allows it to get close and ambush enemy DDs, leveraging its guns to win short-range duels.
Mastering the Crawling Smoke
A defining feature of the ship is its creeping (crawling) smoke. Unlike standard smoke screens, this allows the ship to move at 1/4 speed (approximately 12.5 knots) while remaining concealed.
- Benefits: It is excellent for "crawling" to avoid blind fire while continuously firing your guns at targets.
- Risks: It is a double-edged sword because it cannot be turned off once activated. If used carelessly, it can backfire by leaving you committed to a slow-moving position.
- Cooldown Management: The smoke cooldown does not start until the very last puff is emitted. Because of this, intelligent smoke usage is mandatory to avoid being caught without protection during its long cooldown periods.
Tactical Utility
- Hydroacoustic Search: The 5km hydro is a vital tool for both offense (detecting enemy DDs in smoke) and defense (avoiding torpedoes while you are in your own crawling smoke).
- Detection and Stealth: The ship relies on its low concealment (comparable to the Haida at 5.7 km) to dictate engagements.
- Hunting Focus: If you prefer a more aggressive playstyle, the build can be modified with the Radio Location (RPF) skill to focus specifically on hunting and neutralizing enemy destroyers.
Summary of Combat Flow
- Early Game: Approach capture zones diagonally or in a kiting stance. Use your concealment to get within range of an enemy DD, then use your guns and hydro to win the trade.
- Mid-to-Late Game: Use your crawling smoke to farm damage on larger ships or clear out any remaining enemy destroyers. Avoid using smoke in front of submarines, as they can blind-ping you and force you out with torpedoes.