Submarines are the most unique class in World of Warships. Instead of surface combat, you operate at depth, using stealth, sonar pings, and acoustic homing torpedoes to ambush targets while staying hard to detect. Learning how to play submarines in World of Warships means mastering three separate systems: depth management, sonar pings, and torpedo aiming.
The three depth levels
Submarines operate at three depths, each with different tradeoffs. Toggle between them with C (dive) and F (surface).
| Depth | Speed | Detectability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface | Full | High | Can capture points; battery recharges |
| Periscope depth | Full | Reduced | Can fire homing torpedoes; no radar detection |
| Submerged | Reduced | Very low | Near-invisible; only Hydro detects you at close range |
Your submarine has a dive capacity — a battery that depletes while at periscope depth or submerged and recharges when surfaced. If it fully drains, you automatically surface, which is extremely dangerous in combat. Watch the battery bar at all times.
The general pattern: approach at periscope depth, dive deeper when under threat, surface in a safe position to recharge.
Sonar pings and homing torpedoes
Submarines carry two torpedo types: acoustic (homing) torpedoes and, at Tier VIII and X, standard torpedoes.
Acoustic torpedoes
Homing torpedoes require sonar pings to guide them. Press 1 to ping a target. A single ping marks one hull sector (port or starboard); the homing torpedoes will seek that sector. A double ping on the same sector extends the highlight and amplifies homing strength, but also reveals your position more strongly.
Pinging reveals your approximate location — enemy ships can see where the ping came from and respond. Use pings strategically, not constantly.
After launch, acoustic torpedoes track toward the pinged sector. At very close range they stop homing and run straight. Enemy Damage Control Party wipes the ping tag — wait for it to expire before re-pinging if needed.
Standard torpedoes
At Tier VIII and X, standard torpedoes fire without pings. They deal higher damage than homing torpedoes but must be aimed manually — lead the target as you would with any torpedo. These work better against slow or stationary targets. You can only fire them from surface or periscope depth.
How to execute a torpedo run
- Approach at periscope depth, staying out of enemy detection range
- Identify your target and check nearby ships for ASW weapons (destroyers, some cruisers)
- Ping the target to mark a hull sector (or double-ping for stronger homing)
- Launch acoustic torpedoes — they will seek the pinged sector
- Dive deeper immediately after launching to reduce your detectability
- Reposition before the next run
The key discipline: don’t camp in one spot waiting for torpedoes to hit. Move immediately after launching. A stationary submarine is a caught submarine.
Depth charge evasion
Destroyers and some cruisers carry depth charges — the primary anti-submarine weapon. When being hunted:
- Dive to maximum depth as soon as depth charges start dropping — they have a target depth setting and dropping to maximum takes you below their optimal damage zone
- Change course unpredictably — depth charge patterns are aimed at where you were heading
- Use your Hydrophone consumable — it shows the position of surface ships even at depth, letting you track where the hunter is
- Dive capacity is your lifeline — prioritise recharging it when safe; forcing an involuntary surface in the middle of a destroyer hunt is fatal
Battleships carry ASW aircraft that can spot and depth-charge submarines at range. If a battleship is nearby and you feel safe pushing in, expect depth charges arriving from the air as well.
Consumables
Hydrophone — shows the position of nearby surface and periscope-depth ships without revealing you. Essential for tracking hunters and finding targets to ambush.
Submarine Surveillance — detects other submerged submarines nearby. Useful in sub-heavy matches.
Damage Control Party — your only tool for clearing fires, floods, and fuel spills. It has limited charges unlike other ship classes, so use it carefully. Fuel spills appear when you’re hit while submerged — visible on the surface and a sign to enemies that you’re nearby. DCP removes them.
Enhanced Rudder Gears (US subs) — faster depth transitions. Useful for rapid emergency dives.
Reserve Battery Unit (German subs) — temporarily pauses battery drain/recharge. Lets you stay submerged longer in critical moments.
Playing against submarines
If you’re in another ship class:
- Destroyers: use depth charges aggressively. Get close — damage falls off with distance. Your Hydro detects submarines at all depth levels within range.
- Cruisers and battleships: use ASW aircraft (key 4 on ships that have it) to drop depth charges at range. You can contribute anti-submarine damage without getting close.
- Avoid being targeted alone: submarines struggle against coordinated teams. Stay near allies so they can assist when you’re being pinged.
How do you get submarines in World of Warships?
Submarines are unlocked through special combat missions and the submarine tech tree. Complete the introductory submarine missions in your Combat Missions tab to get your first sub, then research higher tiers through the tech tree like other ship classes.
For the best submarines to target, see best ships in World of Warships.
What are acoustic torpedoes in World of Warships?
Acoustic (homing) torpedoes guide themselves toward a hull sector you’ve marked with a sonar ping. They deal less damage than standard torpedoes but don’t require precise aiming. They stop homing at very close range and run straight — enemy ships can try to wiggle to break guidance at the last moment.
How do submarines charge their battery in World of Warships?
The battery (dive capacity) recharges when the submarine is surfaced. It depletes at periscope depth and faster when fully submerged. If it fully drains, the submarine automatically surfaces. Always watch the battery bar and plan surfacing windows when you’re in a safe position.
Are submarines hard to play in World of Warships?
Submarines have a steeper learning curve than destroyers or battleships. Battery management, sonar ping timing, torpedo aiming, and depth charge evasion must all be handled simultaneously. The Gato (US) and USS Salmon (Tier VIII) are the most forgiving starting points. Use co-op mode to learn the basics before playing randoms.