Naval Enduring Confrontation (EC) in War Thunder is a strategic, objective-driven game mode available from Thursday to Monday in the “Events and Tournaments” section, primarily in Realistic Battles (RB). Matches can last up to three hours, focusing on capturing ports, defending/attacking convoys, and completing tasks to earn points, with unlimited respawns costing Silver Lions and, for higher BR ships, spawn points (SP). This guide for new players, incorporating detailed strategies and community support, including how the [iNAVY] squadron can assist through Discord voice communications.
Understanding Naval EC Mechanics
Naval EC involves large maps with dynamic objectives, such as ports and convoys, where teams compete to reach 15,000 points first. In-game, these points are represented as tickets that count down for the enemy team. The match is won when the enemy team is out of tickets. Respawns cost Silver Lions based on the vehicle’s repair cost, and for ships with BR 5.3 and higher, they require SP depending on the BR. SP is earned through gameplay activities like causing damage, securing kills, and assisting teammates. Aircraft also require a fixed amount of SP to spawn. Convoys provide additional respawn locations when active, enhancing strategic positioning.
Optimal Ship Spawning Strategy
A key strategy for new players is managing SP effectively to maximize impact. While it might be tempting to save up 600 SP to spawn a 7.0 battleship, evidence from player discussions indicates that spawning a 5.3 cruiser at 90 SP as soon as possible can be more advantageous. The 5.3 cruiser, with its enhanced firepower (typically 152mm or 203mm guns) and durability compared to lower BR ships like BR 4.7-5.0 destroyers (often equipped with 127mm guns), allows for faster SP accumulation. This is because higher BR ships can deal more damage per hit, survive longer engagements, and contribute more to objectives like port captures or convoy defense, thus earning SP more rapidly.
Step-by-Step Guide for EC Battles
The following steps, derived from player guides and iNAVY discussions, provide a structured approach for new players:
Spawn Strategy – Timing is Key
- At the match’s start, avoid immediate spawning. Check the map (bottom right or press M) to locate the friendly convoy’s spawn point, crucial for earning SP.
- Once confirmed, spawn at the convoy to maximise early SP. Start with a BR 5.0 ship (e.g., destroyer or light cruiser) that requires no SP, and cost little Silver Lions, to begin earning points.
- Tip: For some nations, using a boat spawn, and using either torpedo boats with good torpedoes or powerful coastal ships like the Russian SKR-7 can also give good results, but only if you are good with them. Be careful not to feed the enemy easy kills!
- Currently, you can only use boats with a BR of 3.7 or higher!
Key Gameplay Considerations
- Avoid firing on convoy cargo ships or tankers, as they provide strategic spawn locations. Focus on enemy defenders, ensuring all threats are eliminated to secure objectives.
- Keeping convoys alive can offer spawn points near enemy ports, facilitating attacks.
Checking the Map & Carrier Spotting
- Press M to view the map, showing objectives like carriers (listed on the left). Wait for the enemy carrier to appear under objectives before engaging, coordinating with teammates via chat or iNAVY Discord voice comms.
- It is essential that the Carrier is spotted first by a friendly ship or plane by being within 4.5 Km of the Carrier. If the carrier is destroyed before it is spotted, it will not count.
- Regularly monitor the map for dynamic objective updates, ensuring you stay near active zones for SP earnings.
Team Advice Notes
- Use in-game team messages (default: T) to coordinate with teammates, sharing enemy positions or requesting support for port captures. Teamwork is essential in EC’s large-scale battles.
- Ports, labelled A, B, C, etc., are protected by torpedo nets; sail inside (indicated by a white box under the score bar) to engage enemies or capture. [iNAVY]’s Discord voice channels enhance coordination, guiding you through these actions.
Getting Help & Community Support
- Regular EC players are supportive; ask for advice in-game or on Discord. Join [iNAVY] for weekly EC events, offering voice comms for real-time guidance (contact Gunship#1237 for invite).
- [iNAVY]’s mature community provides tactical advice, such as optimising your 5.3 cruiser’s positioning and enhancing SP earnings through coordinated efforts.
Sharing the Discord in War Thunder Chat
- Share Discord invite in chat to connect new players with the community, fostering teamwork and learning.
Spawn Point Management in Naval EC
In Naval EC, managing your spawn points (SP) is essential for maximising your contribution to the battle. Ships with a Battle Rating (BR) of 5.3 and higher require SP to spawn, with the cost increasing based on the BR. For example, a BR 5.3 cruiser costs 90 SP, while a BR 7.0 battleship costs 600 SP. During the match, you can press M and see your current SP in the top right of the screen.
Optimal Strategy:
Start with Lower BR Ships: Begin the match with ships that require no SP, such as BR 5.0 destroyer, to start earning SP through gameplay activities like dealing damage, securing kills, and completing objectives.
Spawn a 5.3 Cruiser When Possible: Once you have accumulated 90 SP, consider spawning a BR 5.3 cruiser. This ship offers a good balance of firepower and durability, allowing you to engage enemies more effectively and earn SP at a faster rate compared to lower BR ships.
Accelerate to Higher BR Ships: By using the 5.3 cruiser to accumulate SP quickly, you can reach the 600 SP needed to spawn a BR 7.0 battleship more efficiently than if you were to continue using lower BR ships.
Benefits of This Approach:
- Increased Efficiency: Spawning a 5.3 cruiser early allows you to deal more damage and survive longer, leading to faster SP earnings.
- Strategic Flexibility: Having a capable ship on the field sooner enables you to adapt to the evolving battle situation, whether it’s capturing ports, defending convoys, or engaging enemy vessels.
[iNAVY] Assistance:
The [iNAVY] squadron provides invaluable support to new players through their Discord voice communications. Experienced members can offer real-time advice on:
- The best time and location to spawn your ship, based on the current state of the battle.
- Tactical positioning and targeting strategies to maximise your effectiveness and SP earnings.
- Coordinating with teammates to achieve objectives more efficiently, thereby enhancing your overall performance.
By joining [iNAVY]'s Discord, you can learn from seasoned players and improve your skills in Naval EC, making the most out of your spawn points and ship choices. To join, contact Gunship#1237 on Discord for an invite to the server.
Additional Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Ships: Start with 5.0 BR light cruisers or destroyers for their balance, then upgrade to 5.3 cruisers or better when SP allows, maximizing point-earning potential. [iNAVY] members can recommend ships via voice comms based on your progress.
- Master Long-Range Aiming: EC often involves long-range engagements; practice using the rangefinder in test drives. [iNAVY] veterans can coach targeting strategies during battles, enhancing SP earnings.
- Use Aircraft Wisely: Aircraft require SP; use fighters to intercept bombers or bombers for strategic objectives. [iNAVY] voice comms guide timing to maximize SP efficiency.
- Stay Patient: EC’s large maps and long matches require focus on objectives. [iNAVY]’s supportive chats keep you motivated, enhancing SP accumulation.
Conclusion
Naval EC is a complex mode requiring strategic spawn management. It is hard for new players to understand at first, but I hope this guide and the offer of support from iNAVY and other like-minded naval squadrons, you too will get to experience the joy, sweet and occasional tears of a far more rewarding gaming experience than random battles can provide.
Gunship
Admiral
The iNAVY Fleet comprises:
International NAVY [iNAVY]
eXperimental NAVY [xNAVY]
And
Virtual NAVY [vNAVY], this is our Naval Academy and is open to all new players.