Akizuki
Revision as of 05:03, 10 February 2017 | Revision as of 10:23, 19 February 2019 AA Guns Modification 1 | |||
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|Anno=<!-- you can write below short description for the ship. it will replace default once. --> | |Anno=<!-- you can write below short description for the ship. it will replace default once. --> | |||
+ | One of the most sophisticated destroyers in the Japanese Navy. This ship was specifically designed to provide anti-aircraft defense. Due to her significantly increased dimensions, she was equipped with new dual-purpose main gun mounts that had a very high rate of fire. Among the drawbacks of the ship were the relatively weak torpedo armament and an insufficiently high speed.<br><br>{{Model3DViewer|05749db72d36433bbb424de07bd1a534}} | |||
|Performance=<!-- write text about performance in battles below --> | |Performance=<!-- write text about performance in battles below --> | |||
? | Tier VIII's ''Akizuki'' is a major departure from the rest of the Japanese destroyer line. She packs both more guns and fewer torpedoes than any of her cousins that surround her on the tech tree, giving her a very different playstyle than any ship before or after. She is a unique ship that requires a completely different approach to the typical ninja-like playstyle of other Japanese destroyers that attempt to overwhelm their enemies with torpedoes fired from stealth. She | + | Tier VIII's ''Akizuki'' is a major departure from the rest of the Japanese destroyer line. She packs both more guns and fewer torpedoes than any of her cousins that surround her on the tech tree, giving her a very different playstyle than any ship before or after. She is a unique ship that requires a completely different approach to the typical ninja-like playstyle of other Japanese destroyers that attempt to overwhelm their enemies with torpedoes fired from stealth. She is a gunboat which can output punishing salvos to enemy ships like USN or Russian DDs while retaining the excellent stealth from the other IJN DDs. Pretty much no other destroyers can match her firepower at the same tier, lower tier destroyers will get shredded, and higher tier destroyers will have problems dealing with her. | |
? | ''Akizuki''’s main battery is comprised of four (4) double 100mm turrets. Unlike most Japanese destroyer gun turrets, these turn quickly, roughly on par with those found in the middle tiers of the American destroyer line aboard ''[[Nicholas]], [[Farragut]]'', and ''[[Mahan]]''. She can get all of her guns on target even while maneuvering, and their rate of fire rivals that of Tier X American destroyer ''[[Gearing]]'' (although ''Akizuki''’s shells do far less damage than ''Gearing''’s). Also notable is the initial velocity of those shells: 1000 meters per second. This gives ''Akizuki''’s guns a relatively flat arc at close range; they are comfortable to fire and fairly easy to guide on to target. However, her shells lose velocity quickly, and beginning around 10 km they will have a very high ballistic arc similar to those of ''[[Atlanta]]''. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as it enables her to fire over islands when needed. Her main battery is equally capable of chewing up battleship and cruiser superstructure with armor-piercing rounds or dueling enemy destroyers with high explosive ones. | + | ''Akizuki''’s main battery is comprised of four (4) double 100mm turrets. Unlike most Japanese destroyer gun turrets, these turn quickly, roughly on par with those found in the middle tiers of the American destroyer line aboard ''[[Nicholas]], [[Farragut]]'', and ''[[Mahan]]''. She can get all of her guns on target even while maneuvering, and their rate of fire rivals that of Tier X American destroyer ''[[Gearing]]'' (although ''Akizuki''’s shells do far less damage than ''Gearing''’s). Also notable is the initial velocity of those shells: 1000 meters per second. This gives ''Akizuki''’s guns a relatively flat arc at close range; they are comfortable to fire and fairly easy to guide on to target. However, her shells lose velocity quickly, and beginning around 10 km they will have a very high ballistic arc similar to those of ''[[Atlanta]]''. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as it enables her to fire over islands when needed. Her main battery is equally capable of chewing up battleship and cruiser superstructure with armor-piercing rounds or dueling enemy destroyers with high explosive ones. ''Akizuki''’s armor-piercing shells are deceptive; individually, they do very little damage, but her rate and volume of fire will ensure AP damage racks up quickly against un-angled targets. Using her AP shells against the flat, broadside hulls of enemy destroyers is likewise a valid option, as the 100mm shells will not over-penetrate them. | |
? | While her guns are excellent, her torpedo armament is lacking. She mounts only a single quadruple launcher — compared to the double quadruple launchers of ''[[Kagero]]'', ''[[Shiratsuyu]]'', and ''[[Yūgumo]]'' — on a relatively long reload of 112 seconds. ''Akizuki'' | + | While her guns are excellent, her torpedo armament is lacking. She mounts only a single quadruple launcher — compared to the double quadruple launchers of ''[[Kagero]]'', ''[[Shiratsuyu]]'', and ''[[Yūgumo]]'' — on a relatively long reload of 112 seconds. ''Akizuki'' has access to an improved version of the {{Torpedo Reload Booster}} consumable without having to give up access to {{Smoke Generator}}, so she is capable of doing significant damage with her torpedo armament against unsuspecting captains by virtue of mounting the same Type 93 mod. 2 torpedoes that ''Kagero'' carries. She is the only regular tech tree destroyer able to mount {{Smoke Generator}} and {{Torpedo Reload Booster}} simultaneously. Like ''[[Shiratsuyu]]'', her {{Torpedo Reload Booster}} consumable reloads faster than the one found on other ships. | |
? | Her handling takes some getting used to | + | Her handling takes some getting used to. She is far slower to respond to helm commands than Japanese destroyer captains will be accustomed to, and her slow top speed is a notable handicap. She will also eat lots of damage due to her large size, although her oversized health pool will help mitigate this problem to some extent. Her anti-aircraft suite surpasses every other Japanese destroyer in the game, beating most destroyers in raw anti-air capabilities. ''Akizuki'' requires some adaptation in play, but she's more than capable of dishing out copious amounts of punishment in the hands of a captain who has taken the time to decipher how to play her well. | |
? | {{block|!|content=When facing | + | {{block|!!|content=When facing destroyers her tier or higher, captains lacking the Inertial Fuse for HE commander skill are advised to use armor-piercing rounds as ''Akizuki''’s 100mm HE shells lack sufficient penetration to deal consistent damage.}} | |
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|Pros=<!-- write list of positive points below. use * as in ordinary wiki-list. --> | |Pros=<!-- write list of positive points below. use * as in ordinary wiki-list. --> | |||
* Quick-turning, fast-firing main battery guns. | * Quick-turning, fast-firing main battery guns. | |||
* Armor-piercing rounds are punishing against broadside ships thanks to her rate of fire. | * Armor-piercing rounds are punishing against broadside ships thanks to her rate of fire. | |||
? | * | + | * Flat shell arcs in close combat means she will land consistent hits on enemy ships. | |
? | * Can equip | + | * Outstanding anti-aircraft suite, even without {{Defensive AA Fire}}. | |
+ | * Can equip {{Torpedo Reload Booster}} consumable that reduces torpedo reload time to 5 seconds, and doesn't have to give up {{Smoke Generator}} to do so. | |||
|Cons=<!-- write list of negative points below. use * as in ordinary wiki-list. --> | |Cons=<!-- write list of negative points below. use * as in ordinary wiki-list. --> | |||
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* High explosive shells have very low damage and fire chance. | * High explosive shells have very low damage and fire chance. | |||
* Only one torpedo launcher (on a long reload) means she is almost totally reliant on her guns for damage. | * Only one torpedo launcher (on a long reload) means she is almost totally reliant on her guns for damage. | |||
? | * Her 100mm shells are hard pressed to damage certain targets; | + | * Her 100mm HE shells are hard pressed to damage certain targets; shatters for zero damage against cruisers and battleships are not uncommon. | |
|Research=<!-- write text about priority sequence of research below --> | |Research=<!-- write text about priority sequence of research below --> | |||
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|Upgrades=<!-- write text about best upgrades below --> | |Upgrades=<!-- write text about best upgrades below --> | |||
? | ''Akizuki''’s gunboat playstyle means that her upgrade modules will look very similar to that of similarly-tiered cruisers and Russian destroyers. | + | The recommended upgrades for ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' are as follows: | |
+ | * '''Slot 1''': {{Main Armaments Modification 1}} | |||
+ | * '''Slot 2''': {{Propulsion Modification 1}} | |||
+ | * '''Slot 3''': {{Aiming Systems Modification 1}}<nowiki>*</nowiki> | |||
+ | * '''Slot 4''': {{Propulsion Modification 2}}<nowiki>*</nowiki> | |||
+ | * '''Slot 5''': {{Concealment System Modification 1}} | |||
+ | ||||
+ | ''Akizuki''’s gunboat playstyle means that her upgrade modules will look very similar to that of similarly-tiered cruisers and Russian destroyers. '''Aiming Systems Modification 1''' in '''Slot 3''' is one of the best options, though a case can be made for {{AA Guns Modification 1}}. Either {{Steering Gears Modification 2}} or '''Propulsion Modification 2''' should be slotted into '''Slot 4''' either for faster acceleration or better rudder shift. | |||
|CommanderSkills=<!-- write text about best set of Commander Skills below --> | |CommanderSkills=<!-- write text about best set of Commander Skills below --> | |||
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{{Commander Skills | {{Commander Skills | |||
| Priority Target = 2 | | Priority Target = 2 | |||
? | | Preventative Maintenance = | + | | Preventative Maintenance = 3 | |
| Expert Loader = | | Expert Loader = | |||
| Aircraft Servicing Expert = | | Aircraft Servicing Expert = | |||
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| High Alert = 1 | | High Alert = 1 | |||
? | | Jack of All Trades = | + | | Jack of All Trades = 2 | |
? | | Expert Marksman = | + | | Expert Marksman = | |
? | | Torpedo Acceleration = | + | | Torpedo Acceleration = 1 | |
? | | Smoke Screen Expert = | + | | Smoke Screen Expert = | |
| Expert Rear Gunner = | | Expert Rear Gunner = | |||
| Adrenaline Rush = 2 | | Adrenaline Rush = 2 | |||
| Last Stand = 3 | | Last Stand = 3 | |||
? | | Survivability Expert = | + | | Survivability Expert = 3 | |
| Basics of Survivability = 1 | | Basics of Survivability = 1 | |||
? | | Torpedo Armament Expertise = | + | | Torpedo Armament Expertise = 2 | |
| Emergency Takeoff = | | Emergency Takeoff = | |||
? | | Basic Firing Training = | + | | Basic Firing Training = 2 | |
| Superintendent = 3 | | Superintendent = 3 | |||
| Demolition Expert = 2 | | Demolition Expert = 2 | |||
? | | Vigilance = | + | | Vigilance = | |
| Manual Fire Control for Secondary Armament = | | Manual Fire Control for Secondary Armament = | |||
| Fire Prevention = | | Fire Prevention = | |||
? | | Inertia Fuse for HE Shells = | + | | Inertia Fuse for HE Shells = 3 | |
| Air Supremacy = | | Air Supremacy = | |||
| Advanced Firing Training = 2 | | Advanced Firing Training = 2 | |||
? | | Manual Fire Control for AA Armament = | + | | Manual Fire Control for AA Armament = 1 | |
| Radio Position Finding = 2 | | Radio Position Finding = 2 | |||
| Concealment Expert = 3 | | Concealment Expert = 3 | |||
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|Consumables=<!-- write text about selection of Consumables below --> | |Consumables=<!-- write text about selection of Consumables below --> | |||
? | A gunboat destroyer like ''Akizuki'' is inevitably going to come under heavy fire; the abbreviated cooldown on | + | ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' can equip the following consumables: | |
+ | * '''Slot 1:''' {{Damage Control Party}} | |||
+ | * '''Slot 2:''' {{Smoke Generator}} | |||
+ | * '''Slot 3:''' {{Engine Boost}} | |||
+ | * '''Slot 4:''' {{Torpedo Reload Booster}} | |||
+ | ||||
+ | A gunboat destroyer like ''Akizuki'' is inevitably going to come under heavy fire; the abbreviated cooldown on {{Damage Control Party II}} will eventually pay for itself. Shelling out the doubloons or credits here is highly recommended. Her low speed also makes the shortened cooldown on {{Engine Boost II}} highly attractive. Paying for {{Smoke Generator II}} is captain's choice, but there are times that the shortened cooldown on smoke is the difference between sneaking away and going to the bottom. | |||
|Signals=<!-- write text about best set of signals below --> | |Signals=<!-- write text about best set of signals below --> | |||
? | Victor Lima and India X-Ray [[Ship:Consumables#Signal Flag|signal flags]] will help boost ''Akizuki''’s meager fire chance, especially when combined with Demolition Expert. Juliet Charlie should also go along with those flags in order to prevent detonations. Sierra Mike will help make up some of her deficiency in top speed. | + | Victor Lima ({{Victor Lima|Size=18px}}) and India X-Ray ({{India X-Ray|Size=18px}}) [[Ship:Consumables#Signal Flag|signal flags]] will help boost ''Akizuki''’s meager fire chance, especially when combined with Demolition Expert. Juliet Charlie ({{Juliet Charlie|Size=18px}}) should also go along with those flags in order to prevent detonations. Sierra Mike ({{Sierra Mike|Size=18px}}) will help make up some of her deficiency in top speed. | |
+ | ||||
+ | {{Signal Flags | |||
+ | | November Echo Setteseven = 2 | |||
+ | | Mike Yankee Soxisix = | |||
+ | | India X-Ray = 3 | |||
+ | | Juliet Whiskey Unaone = 2 | |||
+ | | Victor Lima = 3 | |||
+ | | Hotel Yankee = | |||
+ | ||||
+ | | November Foxtrot = 2 | |||
+ | | Sierra Mike = 3 | |||
+ | | India Delta = | |||
+ | | Juliet Yankee Bissotwo = | |||
+ | | India Yankee = | |||
+ | | Juliet Charlie = 3 | |||
+ | ||||
+ | | Zulu = | |||
+ | | India Bravo Terrathree = | |||
+ | | Equal Speed Charlie London = 2 | |||
+ | | Zulu Hotel = 1 | |||
+ | | Papa Papa = | |||
+ | ||||
+ | | Wyvern = | |||
+ | | Red Dragon = 1 | |||
+ | | Dragon Flag = 1 | |||
+ | | Ouroboros = | |||
+ | | Hydra = | |||
+ | }} | |||
|Gallery=<!-- write below list of files with description (if necessary) separated with | --><gallery> | |Gallery=<!-- write below list of files with description (if necessary) separated with | --><gallery> | |||
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File:AkizukiSupports.jpg|''Akizuki'' supports the fleet while concealed behind an island. | File:AkizukiSupports.jpg|''Akizuki'' supports the fleet while concealed behind an island. | |||
File:AkizukiEngagesDD.jpg|''Akizuki'' engages an enemy destroyer. | File:AkizukiEngagesDD.jpg|''Akizuki'' engages an enemy destroyer. | |||
? | File:AkizukiIzumo.jpg|''Akizuki'' engages an enemy | + | File:AkizukiIzumo.jpg|''Akizuki'' engages an enemy ''[[Izumo]]'' class battleship with torpedoes and gunfire. | |
? | + | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | |||
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<div class="thumb tright"> | <div class="thumb tright"> | |||
{{AnnoWiki|content= | {{AnnoWiki|content= | |||
? | < | + | <h2>''{{#var:ship_name}}'', 1942</h2> | |
+ | ===Construction=== | |||
:Maizuru Naval Yard, Kyoto, Japan | :Maizuru Naval Yard, Kyoto, Japan | |||
:Laid down: 30 July 1940 | :Laid down: 30 July 1940 | |||
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}} | }} | |||
</div> | </div> | |||
? | [[File:Akizuki-class ship 1945.jpg| | + | [[File:Akizuki-class ship 1945.jpg|none|frame|x450px|link=|''Yoizuki'' in Kure after the war, 16 October 1945. Note that one of the forward main battery turrets has been removed.]] | |
===History=== | ===History=== | |||
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''Akizuki'' did not return to full duty until November 1943, and was ordered back to Truk. She spent the remainder of 1943 and the first half of 1944 in training with the fleet before participating in the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June. ''Akizuki'' then returned to Japan for refit until October, participating in the Battle of Leyte Gulf with Admiral Ozawa's Northern Force. On 25 October 1944, during the first attack on the Northern Force, ''Akizuki'' was hit, whether by bomb or torpedo is not known. ''Akizuki'' suffered a catastrophic explosion and sank in minutes. | ''Akizuki'' did not return to full duty until November 1943, and was ordered back to Truk. She spent the remainder of 1943 and the first half of 1944 in training with the fleet before participating in the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June. ''Akizuki'' then returned to Japan for refit until October, participating in the Battle of Leyte Gulf with Admiral Ozawa's Northern Force. On 25 October 1944, during the first attack on the Northern Force, ''Akizuki'' was hit, whether by bomb or torpedo is not known. ''Akizuki'' suffered a catastrophic explosion and sank in minutes. | |||
? | ''Teruzuki'' was commissioned in August | + | ''Teruzuki'' was commissioned in August 1942 and spent the next two months in trials before being assigned to the South Pacific in October. Shortly after arrival, ''Teruzuki'' participated in both Naval Battles of Guadalcanal. After a brief assignment to Truk, ''Teruzuki'' returned to the Shortlands Islands to support a supply mission to Guadalcanal. On 11 December, ''Teruzuki'' was torpedoed by a PT boat. ''Teruzuki'' lost power and fires progressively spread, leading to catastrophic explosions. ''Teruzuki'' sank on 12 December 1942. | |
''Suzutsuki'' was commissioned in December 1942 and spent the entirety of her career performing escort duties. Torpedoed twice, ''Suzutsuki'' survived but was again heavily damaged by air attack while providing cover for ''[[Yamato]]'' on her final mission. ''Suzutsuki'' managed to return to Japan, but was not repaired, and she was surrendered in her damaged state at the end of the war. | ''Suzutsuki'' was commissioned in December 1942 and spent the entirety of her career performing escort duties. Torpedoed twice, ''Suzutsuki'' survived but was again heavily damaged by air attack while providing cover for ''[[Yamato]]'' on her final mission. ''Suzutsuki'' managed to return to Japan, but was not repaired, and she was surrendered in her damaged state at the end of the war. | |||
? | ''Hatsuzuki'' was commissioned in | + | ''Hatsuzuki'' was commissioned in December 1942 and also spent her wartime service in escort duties. In June of 1944, she participated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea. In October she was assigned to the Northern Force for the Battle of Leyte Gulf. ''Hatsuzuki'' was sunk by surface gunfire on 25 October 1944. | |
''Niizuki'' was commissioned in March 1943 and was assigned to duties in the South Pacific. She arrived at the end of June, and on July 4th she led a transport mission to Kolombangara. On the night of 5-6 July 1943, ''Niizuki'' was sunk by surface gunfire during the Battle of Kula Gulf. | ''Niizuki'' was commissioned in March 1943 and was assigned to duties in the South Pacific. She arrived at the end of June, and on July 4th she led a transport mission to Kolombangara. On the night of 5-6 July 1943, ''Niizuki'' was sunk by surface gunfire during the Battle of Kula Gulf. | |||
? | ''Wakatsuki'' was commissioned in May | + | ''Wakatsuki'' was commissioned in May 1943 and, after several months spent training, was assigned to fleet escort duties. She participated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf before being assigned to escort troop convoys to Leyte in November of 1944. On 11 November 1944, ''Wakatsuki'' was sunk by air attack. | |
? | ''Shimotsuki'' was commissioned in March | + | ''Shimotsuki'' was commissioned in March 1944 and finished training in time to participate in the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June. She then engaged in fleet escort duties up to, during, and after the Battle of Leyte Gulf before being sent to the Southwestern Area. On 25 November 1944, ''Shimotsuki'' was torpedoed and sunk by submarine. | |
''Fuyuzuki'' was commissioned in May 1944 and was engaged in convoy escort duties until she was torpedoed by submarine in October. Returned to Japan for repairs, ''Fuyuzuki'' returned to duty in November, but was assigned to training in the Inland Sea. She escorted ''Yamato'' on her final mission in April 1945 and sustained moderate damage. After returning to Japan, ''Fuyuzuki'' was assigned to escort duties, during which she struck a mine in late August. She was surrendered damaged and never repaired before eventually being broken up and sold for scrap. | ''Fuyuzuki'' was commissioned in May 1944 and was engaged in convoy escort duties until she was torpedoed by submarine in October. Returned to Japan for repairs, ''Fuyuzuki'' returned to duty in November, but was assigned to training in the Inland Sea. She escorted ''Yamato'' on her final mission in April 1945 and sustained moderate damage. After returning to Japan, ''Fuyuzuki'' was assigned to escort duties, during which she struck a mine in late August. She was surrendered damaged and never repaired before eventually being broken up and sold for scrap. | |||
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Revision as of 10:23, 19 February 2019
100 mm/65 Type 98 on a Model A mount4 х 2 pcs. |
Rate of Fire20 shots/min. |
Reload Time3 sec. |
Rotation Speed16 deg./sec. |
180 Degree Turn Time11.25 sec. |
Firing Range11.33 km. |
Maximum Dispersion99 m. |
HE Shell100 mm HE Type98 |
Maximum HE Shell Damage1,200 |
Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell5 % |
Initial HE Shell Velocity1000 m./s. |
HE Shell Weight13 kg. |
AP Shell100 mm AP Type98 |
Maximum AP Shell Damage1,700 |
Initial AP Shell Velocity1000 m./s. |
AP Shell Weight13 kg. |
610 mm Quad1 х 4 pcs. |
Rate of Fire0.59 shots/min. |
Reload Time101 sec. |
Rotation Speed25 deg./sec. |
180 Degree Turn Time7.2 sec. |
TorpedoType90 mod. 1 |
Maximum Damage17,233 |
Torpedo Speed62 knot |
Torpedo Range9.99 km. |
100 mm/65 Type 98 on a Model A mount4 х 2 pcs. |
. . . Average Damage per Second83.2 |
. . . Firing Range5.01 km. |
25 mm/60 Type 96 on a triple mount1 х 3 pcs. |
. . . Average Damage per Second3.3 |
. . . Firing Range2.49 km. |
25 mm/60 Type 96 on a twin mount6 х 2 pcs. |
. . . Average Damage per Second16.2 |
. . . Firing Range2.49 km. |
Maximum Speed33 knot |
Turning Circle Radius730 m. |
Rudder Shift Time7.8 sec. |
Surface Detectability Range7.53 km. |
Air Detectability Range3.56 km. |
Akizuki — Japanese Tier VIII destroyer.
One of the most sophisticated destroyers in the Japanese Navy. This ship was specifically designed to provide anti-aircraft defense. Due to her significantly increased dimensions, she was equipped with new dual-purpose main gun mounts that had a very high rate of fire. Among the drawbacks of the ship were the relatively weak torpedo armament and an insufficiently high speed.
Modules
Compatible Upgrades
Slot 1 |
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Slot 2 |
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Slot 3 |
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Slot 4 |
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Slot 5 |
Player Opinion
Performance
Tier VIII's Akizuki is a major departure from the rest of the Japanese destroyer line. She packs both more guns and fewer torpedoes than any of her cousins that surround her on the tech tree, giving her a very different playstyle than any ship before or after. She is a unique ship that requires a completely different approach to the typical ninja-like playstyle of other Japanese destroyers that attempt to overwhelm their enemies with torpedoes fired from stealth. She is a gunboat which can output punishing salvos to enemy ships like USN or Russian DDs while retaining the excellent stealth from the other IJN DDs. Pretty much no other destroyers can match her firepower at the same tier, lower tier destroyers will get shredded, and higher tier destroyers will have problems dealing with her.
Akizuki’s main battery is comprised of four (4) double 100mm turrets. Unlike most Japanese destroyer gun turrets, these turn quickly, roughly on par with those found in the middle tiers of the American destroyer line aboard Nicholas, Farragut, and Mahan. She can get all of her guns on target even while maneuvering, and their rate of fire rivals that of Tier X American destroyer Gearing (although Akizuki’s shells do far less damage than Gearing’s). Also notable is the initial velocity of those shells: 1000 meters per second. This gives Akizuki’s guns a relatively flat arc at close range; they are comfortable to fire and fairly easy to guide on to target. However, her shells lose velocity quickly, and beginning around 10 km they will have a very high ballistic arc similar to those of Atlanta. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as it enables her to fire over islands when needed. Her main battery is equally capable of chewing up battleship and cruiser superstructure with armor-piercing rounds or dueling enemy destroyers with high explosive ones. Akizuki’s armor-piercing shells are deceptive; individually, they do very little damage, but her rate and volume of fire will ensure AP damage racks up quickly against un-angled targets. Using her AP shells against the flat, broadside hulls of enemy destroyers is likewise a valid option, as the 100mm shells will not over-penetrate them.
While her guns are excellent, her torpedo armament is lacking. She mounts only a single quadruple launcher — compared to the double quadruple launchers of Kagero, Shiratsuyu, and Yūgumo — on a relatively long reload of 112 seconds. Akizuki has access to an improved version of the Torpedo Reload Booster consumable without having to give up access to Smoke Generator , so she is capable of doing significant damage with her torpedo armament against unsuspecting captains by virtue of mounting the same Type 93 mod. 2 torpedoes that Kagero carries. She is the only regular tech tree destroyer able to mount Smoke Generator and Torpedo Reload Booster simultaneously. Like Shiratsuyu, her Torpedo Reload Booster consumable reloads faster than the one found on other ships.
Her handling takes some getting used to. She is far slower to respond to helm commands than Japanese destroyer captains will be accustomed to, and her slow top speed is a notable handicap. She will also eat lots of damage due to her large size, although her oversized health pool will help mitigate this problem to some extent. Her anti-aircraft suite surpasses every other Japanese destroyer in the game, beating most destroyers in raw anti-air capabilities. Akizuki requires some adaptation in play, but she's more than capable of dishing out copious amounts of punishment in the hands of a captain who has taken the time to decipher how to play her well.
When facing destroyers her tier or higher, captains lacking the Inertial Fuse for HE commander skill are advised to use armor-piercing rounds as Akizuki’s 100mm HE shells lack sufficient penetration to deal consistent damage.
Pros:
- Quick-turning, fast-firing main battery guns.
- Armor-piercing rounds are punishing against broadside ships thanks to her rate of fire.
- Flat shell arcs in close combat means she will land consistent hits on enemy ships.
- Outstanding anti-aircraft suite, even without Defensive AA Fire .
- Can equip Torpedo Reload Booster consumable that reduces torpedo reload time to 5 seconds, and doesn't have to give up Smoke Generator to do so.
Cons:
- Slow to accelerate and low top speed for a destroyer.
- Handles more like a cruiser than a destroyer; large turning circle and slow rudder shift make Akizuki feel sluggish.
- High explosive shells have very low damage and fire chance.
- Only one torpedo launcher (on a long reload) means she is almost totally reliant on her guns for damage.
- Her 100mm HE shells are hard pressed to damage certain targets; shatters for zero damage against cruisers and battleships are not uncommon.
Research
Optimal Configuration
Upgrades
The recommended upgrades for Akizuki are as follows:
- Slot 1: Main Armaments Modification 1
- Slot 2: Propulsion Modification 1
- Slot 3: Aiming Systems Modification 1 *
- Slot 4: Propulsion Modification 1 ()*
- Slot 5: Concealment System Modification 1
Akizuki’s gunboat playstyle means that her upgrade modules will look very similar to that of similarly-tiered cruisers and Russian destroyers. Aiming Systems Modification 1 in Slot 3 is one of the best options, though a case can be made for AA Guns Modification 1 . Either Steering Gears Modification 2 or Propulsion Modification 2 should be slotted into Slot 4 either for faster acceleration or better rudder shift.
Commander Skills
Recommended Commander Skills | ||||||||
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Cost (points) |
Endurance | Attack | Support | Versatility | ||||
1 |
★★ |
★★★ |
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2 |
★ |
★★ |
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★ |
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★★ |
★★★ |
3 |
★ |
★★★ |
★★ |
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★★ |
★★★ |
★★ |
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4 |
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★★★ |
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★★ |
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★★ |
★★★ |
Key: ★★★ - Extremely Useful ★★ - Frequently Useful ★ - Occasionally Useful No stars - Meh Χ - Not recommended |
Consumables
Akizuki can equip the following consumables:
- Slot 1: Damage Control Party
- Slot 2: Smoke Generator
- Slot 3: Engine Boost
- Slot 4: Torpedo Reload Booster
A gunboat destroyer like Akizuki is inevitably going to come under heavy fire; the abbreviated cooldown on Damage Control Party II () will eventually pay for itself. Shelling out the doubloons or credits here is highly recommended. Her low speed also makes the shortened cooldown on Engine Boost II () highly attractive. Paying for Smoke Generator II () is captain's choice, but there are times that the shortened cooldown on smoke is the difference between sneaking away and going to the bottom.
Camouflage
Type 1, 2, or 5 camouflage can be equipped for credits; Types 1 or 5 are recommended at a minimum to reduce detectibility range.
Players who wish to spend doubloons can equip Akizuki with Type 18 camouflage that lowers her detection radius, reduces the accuracy of incoming shells, reduces her repair costs, and increases the amount of experience she earns.
Signals
Victor Lima () and India X-Ray () signal flags will help boost Akizuki’s meager fire chance, especially when combined with Demolition Expert. Juliet Charlie () should also go along with those flags in order to prevent detonations. Sierra Mike () will help make up some of her deficiency in top speed.
Recommended Signal Flags | |||||
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Combat | |||||
★★★ |
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★★★ |
★★★ |
★★ |
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★★ |
★★★ |
★★ |
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Note: Use of the Juliet Charlie signal makes detonation impossible.
Gallery
Akizuki engages an enemy Izumo class battleship with torpedoes and gunfire.
Historical Info
Historical Gallery
Video