Archerfish: Tier X American Submarine 1943
One of the Balao-class submarines, a large series of U.S. Navy submarines that played a prominent role in the Allied victory in the Pacific. USS Archerfish was commissioned in September 1943 and made seven patrols during the next two years, charging to her account the Japanese aircraft carrier Shinano, the largest warship ever sunk by a submarine.

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USS Archerfish (SS 311) World War II Battle Flag
The primary mission of Archerfish's fifth war patrol was lifeguard service for the first B-29 Superfortress strikes against Tokyo. November 28, 1944, no air raids were launched that day, so the submarine roamed the waters near Tokyo Bay. That evening, Archerfish discovered a large Japanese aircraft carrier screened by three destroyers. Commander Joseph F. Enright decided to attack the carrier while submerged. Six torpedoes were fired upon the ship and successfully sunk the ship. It was not until after the war that the United States learned that the target was Shinano, the biggest aircraft carrier that served in World War II. Archerfish received the Presidential Unit Citation, and Commander Enright received the Navy Cross. To this day, Shinano is the largest warship to be sunk by a submarine.
Key Features
Archerfish features some key differences from her sisters. While Gato heavily relies on unguided torpedoes and Balao is a comfortable jack-of-all-trades, Archerfish will lean heavily into short-range homing torpedoes, while her unguided torpedoes have lower range and damage compared to her sister submarines.
While her torpedoes have an individually fast reload, unlike the other American submarines Archerfish will only reload one torpedo at a time for her front and rear torpedo sets.
To complement her torpedoes, Archerfish's sonar pings travel at a high speed and feature increased sector width, making it easier to land double pings; however, sector duration is greatly reduced. Additionally, while she has a large battery reserve, Archerfish has a very slow battery recharge, encouraging more time to be spent on the surface.
As a first for a submarine, Archerfish also possesses Combat Instructions; these will charge mainly while submarine is being spotted by enemy ships but also torpedo and main battery gun hits can contribute. Once full, combat instructions activate automatically and provide a substantial reload boost to all of her consumables.
Speaking of which, Archerfish's complement includes the normal Damage Control Party (with additional charges), Hydrophone, Submarine Surveillance (with reduced range and duration), Reserve Battery Unit, as well as Engine Boost.
Gameplay
Archerfish thrives in close range engagements, guiding in salvos of homing torpedoes with her sonar. Seek out isolated ships and beware of opponents with Hydroacoustic Search; while the short range of her torpedoes will often bring Archerfish into harm's way, the combination of Engine Boost, Combat Instructions, and her respectable dive capacity means a quick getaway can be made.
Ship Info





How to Obtain
To obtain the Tier X American Submarine Archerfish during Update 13.11 in World of Warships:
- Steel Event Availability:
- Cost: 36,000 Steel
- Includes:
- "Made of Steel" permanent camouflage
- Archerfish flag
- 30-day account boost
- Post-Event Availability:
- Archerfish will remain in the Armory for purchase with Steel after the Steel Event concludes, but without the additional event rewards.
Armor
Main Battery Armament:
Shell Types
SAP Shells
Combat Instructions:
Emergency Consumable Readiness:
Activation Conditions:
Effect When Conditions Not Met:
Activation effect:
Sonar
Torpedoes
Dive Capacity
Mobility
Mobility Submerged
Detection
Consumables
USS Archerfish – A Legendary Submarine Now in World of Warships!
The USS Archerfish, one of the most storied submarines in U.S. naval history, has now made its way into World of Warships! For fans of both naval history and submarine warfare, Archerfish’s introduction is an exciting opportunity to command a piece of World War II legacy. However, as expected, adding submarines to World of Warships has stirred up a mixed response from players. While some find submarines disruptive to the game’s balance, there’s no denying that Archerfish adds an element that’s hard to ignore. Submarines were a vital part of WWII, and it’s only fitting to see them represented here.
The Real-Life Legend of USS Archerfish
Launched in 1943, USS Archerfish (SS-311) became famous for sinking the Japanese aircraft carrier Shinano, the largest warship sunk by a submarine in history. Shinano, a 72,000-ton carrier, was on her way for final fitting out when Archerfish spotted her and launched a daring torpedo strike. Under the command of Captain Joseph Enright, Archerfish launched six torpedoes, four of which hit their target, leading to the carrier’s rapid sinking. For this single act, the crew of Archerfish received a Presidential Unit Citation, marking the sub’s place in the annals of naval warfare.
Beyond the Shinano sinking, Archerfish patrolled the Pacific, hunting enemy vessels, performing reconnaissance, and playing a crucial role in the Allied victory in the Pacific theater. She exemplified the daring spirit and tactical ingenuity of submarine crews during the war.
Submarines in World of Warships – Love Them or Hate Them?
The inclusion of submarines like Archerfish has been polarizing in World of Warships. Some players feel submarines disrupt traditional gameplay by introducing stealth mechanics and the ability to ambush battleships and destroyers from below. However, submarines are essential to a realistic portrayal of WWII-era naval warfare. Their stealth and strike capabilities were precisely what made submarines so feared in real life, and they bring a new layer of tactics to World of Warships.
For those willing to embrace the challenge, submarines offer a fresh approach to battle, where evading detection, picking the right target, and timing torpedo strikes are vital to survival. Like real submarine warfare, they reward patience, precision, and a keen sense of timing.
How to Get the USS Archerfish in World of Warships
Given Archerfish’s historical significance and unique role in the game, many players are eager to add her to their fleets. In World of Warships, premium vessels like Archerfish are often available through various in-game currencies or resources. For a prized submarine like her, players might need to use resources such as Steel, Research Points, Coal, doubloons, or even real cash. Keep an eye on special events and the in-game store, as premium submarines often cycle in and out of availability.
Is She Worth Adding to Your Fleet?
If you’re a fan of historical ships, the answer is a resounding yes. USS Archerfish is more than just another submarine; she’s a reminder of the bravery, skill, and tactical brilliance displayed by WWII submariners. For those willing to master the art of submarine warfare, she offers a satisfying, stealth-driven approach that’s a breath of fresh sea air in World of Warships.
So whether you’re a history enthusiast or a strategy lover, USS Archerfish brings a bit of WWII authenticity to the game. Take her out on the waves, and see if you can make history again.