Surcouf Submarine: A World Of Warships Guide

Hey guys! Ever heard of the Surcouf submarine in World of Warships? This thing is seriously cool and has a pretty interesting history. Let's dive deep (pun intended!) into what makes the Surcouf so unique and how you can make the most of it in the game.

What is the Surcouf?

The Surcouf submarine in World of Warships isn't your run-of-the-mill underwater vessel; it's a Tier VI French submarine that brings a very unique playstyle to the game. What sets it apart? Well, it's packing a surface gun – a serious one! Unlike most submarines that rely almost exclusively on torpedoes, the Surcouf features two 203mm guns mounted in a single turret. This means you can engage enemies on the surface with high explosive (HE) shells, making it a hybrid between a submarine and a light cruiser.

The historical Surcouf was just as fascinating. Built in the late 1920s and commissioned in the early 1930s, it was one of the largest submarines of its time. Its mission was to act as an underwater cruiser, capable of long-range reconnaissance and surface combat. Unfortunately, its career was cut short during World War II, and its sinking remains shrouded in mystery. In World of Warships, the Surcouf allows you to experience a bit of that historical uniqueness, bringing a fresh perspective to submarine gameplay. Using Surcouf effectively means balancing your time between underwater stealth and surface gunnery, catching your opponents off guard and dealing damage in unexpected ways.

Understanding the Surcouf's Role

When you take the Surcouf into battle, remember you're not just another submarine lurking in the depths. Your primary role is to harass enemy ships and exploit opportunities with your unique surface guns. Think of yourself as an opportunistic ambusher. Submerge to get into position, then surface to unleash a volley of HE shells on unsuspecting targets. The key is to stay unpredictable. Don't get caught in a predictable pattern of diving and surfacing, or enemies will quickly adapt and counter your tactics. Instead, use the element of surprise to keep them guessing. The Surcouf excels at disrupting enemy formations and drawing fire away from your teammates. By popping up and peppering battleships or cruisers with your guns, you can force them to change course or focus their attention on you, giving your allies a tactical advantage. Just remember to use your hydrophone and stay aware of your surroundings to avoid getting caught out of position. Coordinate with your team to maximize your impact and ensure you're always ready to strike when the moment is right.

Key Features of the Surcouf

Alright, let's break down what makes the Surcouf tick. Understanding these features is crucial to mastering this unique submarine. The Surcouf comes with several key advantages and disadvantages that define its playstyle. Here are the main things to keep in mind:

203mm Guns

These are your bread and butter. Unlike other submarines that rely solely on torpedoes, the Surcouf's guns allow you to engage surface ships directly. They fire HE shells, which are great for setting fires and dealing consistent damage. Use them to harass enemies and finish off weakened targets.

Decent Torpedoes

While the guns are the Surcouf's main attraction, its torpedoes shouldn't be ignored. They are useful for dealing burst damage to larger targets or when you need to stay submerged. They have a decent range and damage, making them a reliable backup weapon.

Hybrid Playstyle

The Surcouf encourages a hybrid playstyle, blending the stealth of a submarine with the firepower of a surface ship. This makes it unpredictable and challenging to counter. You need to balance your time between submerged reconnaissance and surface combat.

Poor Underwater Mobility

One of the Surcouf's biggest drawbacks is its poor underwater mobility. It's slow and sluggish compared to other submarines, making it vulnerable to depth charges and torpedoes. You need to plan your movements carefully and avoid getting caught in tight spots.

Weak Armor

The Surcouf has very little armor, making it susceptible to damage from enemy fire. You can't afford to stay on the surface for too long, or you'll quickly get overwhelmed. Use islands and smoke screens to stay protected.

Mastering the Hybrid Playstyle

The Surcouf's hybrid playstyle is what sets it apart, and mastering it is key to success. This means knowing when to submerge for stealth and positioning, and when to surface to unleash your guns. Start by using your hydrophone to locate enemy ships and identify potential targets. Submerge to approach your target undetected, using islands and terrain to mask your movements. Once you're in position, surface briefly to fire a salvo of HE shells, then quickly submerge again to avoid return fire. This hit-and-run tactic is extremely effective at harassing enemies and keeping them off balance. Remember to prioritize targets that are already engaged with your teammates, as they'll be less likely to focus their attention on you. Also, keep an eye on your air supply and battery charge, as running out of either can leave you vulnerable. By balancing your time between submerged stealth and surface gunnery, you can maximize your damage output and become a serious threat to enemy ships.

How to Play the Surcouf

So, how do you actually play the Surcouf effectively? Here are some tips and strategies to help you get started:

Start Submerged

Begin the match submerged and use your hydrophone to scout ahead. Identify potential targets and plan your approach. This initial reconnaissance is crucial for setting up your strategy.

Pick Your Targets Wisely

Focus on isolated or weakened targets. Battleships and cruisers are your primary targets, but be careful not to overextend. Avoid engaging destroyers unless you have support from your teammates.

Use Islands for Cover

Islands are your best friends. Use them to mask your movements and provide cover while you surface to fire your guns. This will help you stay protected from enemy fire.

Hit and Run Tactics

Employ hit-and-run tactics. Surface briefly to fire a salvo of HE shells, then quickly submerge again. This will keep the enemy guessing and make it harder for them to target you.

Conserve Your Battery

Manage your battery carefully. Don't stay submerged for too long, or you'll run out of power and become vulnerable. Surface periodically to recharge your battery.

Don't Forget Your Torpedoes

Use your torpedoes when the opportunity arises. They are great for dealing burst damage to larger targets or when you need to stay submerged. Don't rely on them as your primary weapon, but don't forget about them either.

Advanced Tactics for the Surcouf

Once you're comfortable with the basics, you can start experimenting with more advanced tactics. One effective strategy is to coordinate with your teammates to create crossfires. By positioning yourself on one side of an enemy ship while your allies attack from the other, you can force the enemy to choose between focusing on you or your teammates. This can create opportunities for you to deal significant damage with your guns or torpedoes. Another tactic is to use smoke screens to conceal your movements while you surface to attack. This can be particularly effective when engaging multiple enemies or when you need to make a quick escape. Remember to always pay attention to the minimap and be aware of the positions of enemy destroyers, as they can pose a significant threat to submarines. By mastering these advanced tactics, you can take your Surcouf gameplay to the next level and become a truly formidable force on the battlefield.

Commander Skills and Upgrades

Choosing the right commander skills and upgrades can significantly enhance the Surcouf's performance. Here are some recommended skills and upgrades:

Recommended Commander Skills

• Preventative Maintenance: Reduces the risk of module damage.
• Enhanced Secondary Targeting: Improves the accuracy of your guns.
• Adrenaline Rush: Increases reload speed as your HP decreases.
• Concealment Expert: Reduces your surface detection range.

Recommended Upgrades

• Main Armaments Modification 1: Reduces the risk of main battery incapacitation.
• Torpedo Tubes Modification 1: Reduces torpedo tube reload time.
• Concealment System Modification 1: Further reduces your surface detection range.

Optimizing Your Build for Different Playstyles

The Surcouf is versatile, and you can tailor your build to suit different playstyles. If you prefer a more aggressive approach, focus on skills and upgrades that enhance your gunnery and damage output. This might include skills like "Advanced Firing Training" to increase your gun range, or upgrades that improve your gun accuracy and reload speed. On the other hand, if you prefer a more stealthy playstyle, focus on skills and upgrades that improve your concealment and mobility. This might include skills like "Swift in Silence" to increase your submerged speed, or upgrades that reduce your detection range. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you and your preferred playstyle. Remember to also consider your team composition and the map you're playing on when choosing your build. A more aggressive build might be better suited for smaller maps with lots of cover, while a more stealthy build might be better suited for larger maps with open water.

Pros and Cons of the Surcouf

To sum it all up, here’s a quick rundown of the Surcouf’s strengths and weaknesses:

Pros

• Unique gun-based gameplay.
• Good HE damage and fire chance.
• Decent torpedoes for backup.
• Hybrid playstyle keeps enemies guessing.

Cons

• Poor underwater mobility.
• Weak armor.
• Requires careful positioning and planning.
• Vulnerable to destroyers and depth charges.

Final Thoughts on the Surcouf

The Surcouf is a unique and challenging submarine that offers a refreshing change of pace from traditional submarine gameplay. Its combination of surface guns and torpedoes makes it a versatile and unpredictable opponent. However, its poor mobility and weak armor mean that it requires careful planning and skillful execution to play effectively. If you're looking for a submarine that rewards strategic thinking and offers a high skill ceiling, the Surcouf is definitely worth a try. Just remember to practice your hit-and-run tactics and always be aware of your surroundings, and you'll be well on your way to mastering this one-of-a-kind vessel. So, dive in, give it a shot, and see if you can conquer the seas with the Surcouf!