Closed Test 14.0 - Changes to Soviet Submarines L-20 and K-1
In 2022, Wargaming announced the closed test for a new branch in World of Warships - Soviet submarines. Now, the developers plan to introduce these vessels into the game next year, with significant updates aimed at making them stand out with a unique gameplay role.
New Gameplay Concept
Originally, the Soviet submarines were too similar to existing playstyles, lacking distinctiveness except for their exceptional Submarine Surveillance consumable. The new concept positions these submarines closer to the playstyle of Destroyers, focusing on:
- Unguided Alternative Torpedoes: With improved damage, these will be used from longer distances, encouraging players to use them as their primary damage source.
- Homing Torpedoes: Nerfed in both speed and range, shifting the focus away from these to the alternative torpedoes.
Adjustments for Surface Play
To fit this new destroyer-like role:
- Reduced dive capacity, promoting a surface-focused gameplay.
- Enhanced acceleration, allowing for quicker transitions between surface and submerged states.
- Retained decent surface speed, along with the best-in-class range for Submarine Surveillance, enhancing their tactical versatility on the surface.
This setup makes Soviet submarines more suited to operate above water, diving mainly when under pressure or for strategic maneuvers.
These changes are set to bring a fresh and engaging approach to playing Soviet submarines in World of Warships, potentially altering the dynamics of naval combat in the game.
Soviet Submarine Tier VIII L-20 Ship Page
The latest update brings a series of modifications to the Russian Submarine VIII L-20, affecting its sonar, torpedo capabilities, dive mechanics, detectability, and consumables. Here's a detailed look at what's changed:
Sonar Parameters
- Researchable Sonar:
- Reload time increased: 6.5 to 15 seconds
- Ping velocity increased: 500 to 800 m/s
Torpedo Parameters
- Number of bow torpedo tube loaders increased: 2 to 3
- Number of stern torpedo tube loaders increased: 1 to 2
Researchable Acoustic Torpedoes:
- Arming distance increased: 290 to 400 meters
- Speed reduced: 75 to 68 knots
- Detectability range reduced: 2.0 to 1.7 km
Researchable Alternative Torpedoes:
- Arming distance increased: 290 to 400 meters
- Speed increased: 69 to 73 knots
- Damage increased: 13,467 to 15,500
WG have already discussed in their previous publication, all submarine torpedoes will deal reduced damage within the first few kilometers travelled. For the first 2.9km, they will only deal 10% damage, while from 2.9km to 3km, their damage will scale up to 100% linearly, avoiding scenarios where a single-meter difference could result in drastically different damage.
Dive Mechanics
- Dive Capacity reduced: 250 to 210 units
- Dive Capacity recharge rate increased: 0.8 to 1.5 units/s
- Maximum Dive and Ascent speed reduced: 3.1 to 2.4 m/s
- Acceleration parameters improved. The ship now reaches full engine power sooner, with settings similar to destroyers
Detectability
- Surface detectability range increased: 6 to 6.2 km
- All other detectability ranges adjusted accordingly
Consumables
Submarine Surveillance:
- Action time increased: 25 to 40 seconds
- Cooldown time increased: 80 to 100 seconds
- Preparation time reduced: 290 to 285 seconds
Damage Control Party:
- Changed to Fast Damage Control Team with the following parameters:
- Action time: 5 seconds
- Cooldown time: 45 seconds
- Number of charges: 4
These adjustments aim to balance the L-20's role in gameplay, enhancing its tactical flexibility while addressing some of its previous limitations.
Soviet Submarine Tier X K-1 Ship Page
Sonar Parameters Changed - Researchable Sonar:
- Reload time increased: from 6 to 15 seconds
- Range reduced: from 10 to 9 kilometers
- Ping velocity increased: from 600 to 800 m/s
Torpedo Parameters Changed:
Researchable Acoustic Torpedoes:
- Range reduced: from 10 to 9 kilometers
- Arming distance increased: from 270 to 400 meters
- Speed reduced: from 78 to 70 knots
- Detectability range reduced: from 2.1 to 2 kilometers
Researchable Alternative Torpedoes:
- Arming distance increased: from 270 to 400 meters
- Speed increased: from 72 to 75 knots
- Damage increased: from 14,600 to 16,800
WG have already discussed in their previous publication, all submarine torpedoes will deal reduced damage within the first few kilometers traveled. For the first 2.9km, they will only deal 10% damage, while from 2.9km to 3km, their damage will scale up to 100% linearly, avoiding scenarios where a single-meter difference could result in drastically different damage.
Other Changes:
Dive Capacity
- Dive Capacity reduced: from 250 to 210 units
- Dive Capacity recharge rate increased: from 0.8 to 1.5 units/s
Mobility
- Underwater speed reduced: from 18 to 16 knots
- Maximum Dive and Ascent speed reduced: from 2.9 to 2.4 m/s
- Acceleration parameters improved. The ship now reaches full engine power sooner, with settings similar to destroyers
Detectability
- Surface detectability range increased: from 6.1 to 6.3 kilometers
- All other detectability ranges adjusted accordingly
Submarine Surveillance Consumable Parameters Changed:
- Action time increased: from 30 to 40 seconds
- Cooldown time increased: from 60 to 90 seconds
- Submarine detection range reduced: from 10 to 9 kilometers
Damage Control Party Consumable Changed to Fast Damage Control Team:
- Action time decreased: from 15 to 5 seconds
- Cooldown time decreased: from 60 to 45 seconds
- Number of charges increased: from 3 to 4
Looking Forward:
In the coming weeks, WG will share more details about adjustments to the stock modules of Soviet submarines and updates to the Tier VI S-1 submarine. They are still finalizing the specific parameters of the changes, they will be similar to those mentioned in this devblog.
