Asturias

Combat Capability - Alternative Firing Modes

Asturias can alternate between a regular firing mode and a Burst Fire firing mode. Firing the guns with the alternative firing mode enabled will fire 2 salvos in quick succession. This firing mode takes much longer to reload.

Requirements:

Burst fire can be toggled on and off at will.

Effects:

• Reload time: 32 seconds
• Interval between individual shots: 2 seconds
• Number of bursts in a series: 2
  
  

At Tier VII, Asturias introduces players to the defining feature of the Spanish cruiser line — Burst Fire — while continuing the familiar long-range playstyle of the line.

Hull

A typical cruiser, Asturias cannot boast of having strong armor. Her 150 mm main belt will protect her against destroyer and light cruiser caliber AP shells at range, but any larger caliber AP shells will be able to easily go through it. Her 16 mm bow and stern plating is overmatched by any battleship-caliber gun she can encounter within her tier spread. Her abysmal torpedo protection of 4% will do next to nothing against torpedoes. Her HP pool, however, is one of the highest in her tier, at 39,600. Regardless, as with most cruisers at her tier, Asturias’s best defense is to not get hit as much as possible.

Asturias’s maneuverability is average overall. She can attain a high speed of 35 knots, but her rudder shift of 10.2 s and turning circle of 860 meters means it takes time for her to change course. Her concealment is high, only reaching 12.4 km when fully specced for stealth. Captains should take care when choosing their engagements as Asturias will be unable to disengage from them quickly.

Armament

Asturias’s main armament comprises four twin 203 mm guns, in a standard AB-XY layout. Her AP shells feature good penetration and damage capabilities, making them effective against most cruisers and against the upper belts of battleships. Her HE shells are standard for her caliber. Her 13-second reload, which is on the longer end, leads to average damage output overall. Her range of 15.7 km is average for her tier, allowing her to engage enemy ships at a reasonable distance. Her guns have improved ballistics, making it easier to land shells on enemy ships. Asturias’s gun handling is decent, with a gun traverse speed of 7° per second, as well as good firing angles, allowing captains to minimize their exposure to enemy ships.

Asturias also has access to the Burst Fire combat capability. The alternative firing mode allows her to fire two salvos in 2 seconds, but afterwards, she will undergo a long reload of 32 seconds. Her Burst Fire will be useful in dealing quick damage to enemies, especially against those who are broadside to her. Another common tactic is for one to Burst Fire before an enemy ship exits their maximum firing range, in order to deal last-minute damage.

Asturias has two quadruple torpedo tubes with fairly standard torpedo characteristics. While they have a short range of 8 km, their damage is respectable at 15,867. They also have a modest speed of 61 knots. Her torpedoes additionally have a decent reload of 106 s. In most scenarios, her torpedoes will serve as a self-defense weapon, or when captains are forced into close range combat.

Asturias’s AA defenses are mediocre. While her long range AA reaches out to a respectable 5.2 km combined with decent DPS, her medium and short range DPS is underwhelming. Captains looking to repel enemy planes should seek the assistance of allied ships.

Asturias carries standard Depth Charge Airstrikes for a Tier VII cruiser. She has access to two charges of the armament with a 6 km range and a 30 second reload. Each charge has one aircraft armed with one bomb dealing up to 3,400 damage. Captains should make active use of this armament whenever there are signs of a submarine's presence nearby, such as fuel spills and sonar pings.

Consumables

Asturias carries a plentiful amount of consumables. In addition to her standard Damage Control Party , she is one of the few Tier VII cruisers with access to Repair Party . This gives her more longevity in battle, allowing her to have more impact in the late game. She also carries a choice between Hydroacoustic Search  and Defensive AA Fire , with the former being preferred given her underwhelming AA defenses. Finally, she has a choice between Spotting Aircraft  and Catapult Fighter . Captains should opt to use the Spotter, as it allows Asturias to extend her range and thus keep her opponents at an arm’s length.

Gameplay

Asturias plays like a classic long-range cruiser. Using her range, captains should engage enemy ships at a distance. As both her AP and HE shells are quite good, captains should use both at the appropriate situation. Her Burst Fire will prove useful in punishing targets who overextend, or quickly dealing damage before disengaging. Her poor concealment and armor, however, mean she cannot get away with everything.