AKITSUSHIMA

Country
Japan

Class
Cruiser

MMweight
7.0

Obtain Method
Rank Point/Prism

Arena rating

D

PVP rating

D

Even though in this game it’s classified as a cruiser, Akitsushima is actually a seaplane tender. Akitsushima’s planes are almost indestructible and the attack is very accurate that even a destroyer will find it hard to dodge. Akitsushima’s planes can launch 2 torpedoes per strike. Akitsushima can be a nightmare for small ships that rely on concealment because the torpedoplanes can spot them and inflict damage. Still, because it’s only 2 torpedoes, the damage is not high.

Akitsushima’s main damage source is its planes, not guns. The planes have around 40 seconds cooldown. If the planes are shot down, its firepower becomes extremely low. The guns are only 2×2 127 mm peashooters that does nothing.

Akitsushima is very slow with a top speed of 19 knots. Even though it has good maneuverability and concealment, the slow speed hampers its movement. The armor is so thin that HE shells from BBs can citadel it. However, Akitsushima has small size so hitting it can be hard for inexperienced players. Not to mention that Akitsushima can attack without being detected anyway.

Playstyle

At the start of the battle, launch your torpedoplanes. Don’t sail too forward. Don’t get yourself spotted. See the team list of the enemy team. When the enemies are spotted, observe their position. Your primary targets are battleships that sail alone, ships with bad AA, and destroyers. If you find a suitable target, click “attack” on your aircraft control panel. Observe where your planes going.

If your planes are flying into a cluster of several ships or being attacked by enemy fighter planes, you might lose them. To avoid that, click “escort” to recall your planes to your ship. The “escort” command doesn’t make your planes return to the ship. It will just make the planes fly in circles around your ship. Choose another target that has less protection.

If your planes are already flying to an enemy with low aircraft protection, you can let them attack the enemy. After your planes drop torpedoes, they will return to your ship and reload.

To maximize your effectiveness, try to attack a target that’s also being attacked by your teammates. That way, the target is not going to pay attention to your planes. Even better if the target is already damaged by gunfire because there’s a high chance some of its AA is already destroyed. If possible, sail in the same area as your ally destroyer. If the enemy destroyer is spotted, you must support him with your guns and planes.

In a CV battle, always stay close to allied ships (especially BBs and CV) so you can protect each other with overlapping AA. Observe where your CV’s planes are moving. Attack a target that’s also being attacked by ally CV. This will ensure that the target’s AA protection is less effective and he gets devastated.

Is it worth to buy?

Akitsushima is a unique cruiser that allows you to play like a CV. However, since the planes are the only reliable source of damage, Akitsushima’s damage output is very limited. Akitsushima doesn’t have enough DPM to sink an enemy quickly. Cruisers and battleships with good maneuverability can dodge its torpedoes. If all of its planes are destroyed, Akitsushima is practically useless in battle. The slow speed complicates things even more, because if the situation turns bad it can’t disengage fast enough.

Akitsushima is a rank point ship. Rank point is a rare currency, obtainable from ranking up in arena or from limited packs in the shop. Another way to get Akitsushima is with prism. However, to get prism you have to spend money. Akitsushima is not worth to buy.

Strengths
Small size, great concealment, amazing acceleration and deceleration, good maneuverability, has torpedoplanes
Weaknesses
Bad guns, bad armor, low damage output, very slow speed, bad AA
Consumables
Elite DC, elite repair (3 charges), anti-air barrage
General playstyle
Torpedoplane attack
Role/specialty
Spotter, damage dealer
Preferred enemy target
BB

Recommended Build

Equipment
Slot 1: adv. disaster retardant module
Slot 2: adv. engine repair defense module
Slot 3: main battery enhancement module
Consumables
Slot 1: elite damage control
Slot 2: elite repair
Slot 3: elite anti-air barrage
Crew Skills (after basic skill)
Captain: boost morale – band of brothers – hull protection
Gun: band of brothers
Engine: noise reduction – band of brothers
Damage control: band of brothers
Torpedo: band of brothers – excess charge – weak point attack

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