Z-42
Today we’re looking at the Tier 10 German Destroyer Z-42. She will be available in World of Warships as of patch 12.1 via Steel.
Quick Overview
It’s hard to compare this ship directly to another ship in the game. I might call it “An AP-based Harugumo that has Daring’s on-the-move hit-and-run ability.” While the torpedoes aren’t bad, the 105mm guns and their AP shells are definitely the main attraction. Combined with quick-reload, short-duration smoke, and fantastic German hydro, this ship is a capable damage farmer and an ambush apex predator against all but the highest DPM destroyers.
Upgrades
Captain Skills
Recommended Play Style
This ship takes some getting used to, as it doesn’t always play according to its characteristics in a spreadsheet. Don’t pigeonhole into a playstyle you don’t like based on min/max builds as keeping options open can really make this boat shine. Play it, learn how you like to use it, and then build it to your preferences.
Start off cautiously but not afraid to skirt near areas of control. Use torpedoes to put pressure on bottleneck areas and gain early position by dumping AP into enemy destroyers who wander too close. When enemy destroyers are eliminated or retreating, spot for your team and deal opportunistic damage while taking care to remain mobile. Dominate key areas. Use short-duration smoke and long-range hydro to trap enemy destroyers who try to move you, but beware that you will take a lot of damage and will not last long if you remain spotted so don’t hesitate to use your smoke to escape and reposition. Mid and late match find opportunities to fire AP shells against the superstructure of larger enemy ships. Use HE only when AP isn’t viable, knowing that the HE will do almost no damage and will only set an occasional fire.