[img]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//31013613/c4061c1fc2a7629565d3b632fcd6e35306e8a271.jpg[/img] [b]Captains![/b] Maps play an important role in our game. Depending on the type of map, players can adopt different combat strategies to get ahead. If you want to know how best to use open water, straits, and islands, this video will help you figure it out. [previewyoutube=qomyOIWwZlk;full][/previewyoutube] [hr][/hr] [h2][b]Theoretical Basis[/b][/h2] [list][*]Open water is a strong suit of battleships and long-range cruisers. Adepts of close-range encounters prefer to stick to islands close to Key Areas in the vicinity of the enemy's main attack directions. [*]Light and rapid-firing cruisers tend to prefer clusters of islands. The same can be said about destroyers. The latter also do well in open water. This is especially true for destroyers that rely on torpedoes. [*]Aircraft carriers are most often located behind the main forces. However, this ship type benefits from getting as close as possible to the enemy in battle, as it allows them to reduce the time it takes aircraft to reach their target.[/list] [hr][/hr] [h2][b]Practical Tips[/b][/h2] There are over 30 maps in our game. Each is used at a certain battle tier. There are places on maps where certain ships can be most effective or where their presence can be extremely useful for allies. Today, we’ll be highlighting three low-mid Tier maps: Archipelago, Big Race, and Solomon Islands. [h2]Archipelago[/h2] There are four large islands in the center of the map that turn Key Area B in the Domination mode into a kind of arena. [img]https://wowsp-wows-eu.wgcdn.co/dcont/fb/image/tmb/9648e2e2-29c5-11ed-a7b7-8cdcd4b147d4_1200x.jpg[/img] When playing a destroyer, you can slightly hold off capturing a Key Area or fighting same-type ships in this improvised arena. Wait for your torpedoes to reload and try to launch them into the narrow strait between the islands. This way, the enemy who decides to duel will receive an unexpected and powerful blow. [img]https://wowsp-wows-eu.wgcdn.co/dcont/fb/image/tmb/964ab194-29c5-11ed-9e6d-8cdcd4b147d4_1200x.jpg[/img] Helming a cruiser in battle, you can support allied destroyers that have nevertheless chosen to go to the center of the map. You can do this while being near one of the four islands. [img]https://wowsp-wows-eu.wgcdn.co/dcont/fb/image/tmb/96553af6-29c5-11ed-b6ff-8cdcd4b147d4_1200x.jpg[/img] Don't forget about the torpedo threat and battleships that can deal a lot of damage to your cruiser. [h2]Big Race[/h2] There are several interesting positions on this map. Cruisers can control the exit from the bay. [img]https://wowsp-wows-eu.wgcdn.co/dcont/fb/image/tmb/bd88d18c-29c5-11ed-b96b-8cdcd4b147d4_1200x.jpg[/img] The bay itself is another arena for fast destroyer battles. There are three small islands here that can serve as a cover or ambush spot. [img]https://wowsp-wows-eu.wgcdn.co/dcont/fb/image/tmb/bd8cabd6-29c5-11ed-a7b7-8cdcd4b147d4_1200x.jpg[/img] A protruding piece of land on the map can serve as a secluded spot for aircraft carriers. However, you should move there only in certain circumstances. For example, in case of danger from lines 9–10, or in the presence of ships that regularly spot your aircraft carrier. [img]https://wowsp-wows-eu.wgcdn.co/dcont/fb/image/tmb/bd8fc474-29c5-11ed-bb0a-8cdcd4b147d4_1200x.jpg[/img] When taking a position, be aware of opponents who can break through from the side of the bay and quickly detect you. [h2]Solomon Islands[/h2] The key point on the map is the strait between the three islands in the center of the game location. No one forbids you to advance there at the helm of a destroyer or cruiser from the first minutes, but keep in mind that you risk running into superior enemy forces. [img]https://wowsp-wows-eu.wgcdn.co/dcont/fb/image/tmb/dba666e8-29c5-11ed-9e6d-8cdcd4b147d4_1200x.jpg[/img] We recommend taking a position close to the strait. And then meet your opponent with torpedoes or artillery. [img]https://wowsp-wows-eu.wgcdn.co/dcont/fb/image/tmb/dba2cbd2-29c5-11ed-838b-8cdcd4b147d4_1200x.jpg[/img] There are also less obvious positions on the Solomon Islands map. A large island is cut by a small river, forming a gorge. Therefore, nearby battleships and cruisers can shoot across and thus reach their enemies on the other side of the island. [img]https://wowsp-wows-eu.wgcdn.co/dcont/fb/image/tmb/dba0e344-29c5-11ed-b6ff-8cdcd4b147d4_1200x.jpg[/img] Helming an aircraft carrier, you can come close to the large island. As mentioned previously, such a maneuver will reduce the time of aircraft approaching their target. This means that it will be possible to attack the enemy more often. When changing your position, make sure that you cannot be detected by opponents who have broken through from the flank or through the central strait. [list]In the next episode, we'll take a look at useful positions on higher-tier maps: Strait, Ring, New Dawn, and Fault Line. Stay tuned![/list]