Thoughts on Seraphim Destroyer?

[Snakeb1te]

I must say I find Seraphim t2 navy quite underwhelming but that is likely because I am inexperiened in competitive play. Could someone explain to me how t2 navy should work?

The title of this topic is in reference to a unit that I feel is rarely worth building despite having submersible, but again I'm hoping someone will prove me wrong.

[Gorton]

Oh dear. Don't be too harsh, people.
I don't have time to answer this properly but the seraphim destroyer is probably second best destro after cybran one; it cant be dodged, so no wasted dps, nice torps, and the ability to submerge allows it to escape damage from frigates and destroyers when outnumbered

[Snakeb1te]

I'm not passing judgment, as I said I'm inexperienced in competitive play. This was just my impression of the unit, and I'm hoping somebody will tell me that 1. I'm wrong, and 2. why I'm wrong. Point 2 will hopefully, simultaneously explain to me how to use it (likely how it synergises with the other units).

[FunkOff]

Against T1 ships and T1/T2 hover tanks, the seraphim destroyer is easily the best. It's also not bad against other T2 ships or T2 subs. The f act that it can submerge is only really useful in that in prevents your enemy from beating your destroyers through frig spam or gunship spam.

[Snakeb1te]

Funkoff are you a little disappointed with its performance as well then? I hadn't thought of its laser ability against hover tanks actually, that's pretty freakin useful I'd admit. But against other Destroyer or Frigate mass I do see it losing comfortably above water. As for it being submerged, the damage they inflict is really quite low against anything other than t1 submarines.

[Cantor]

The seraphim destroyer easily beats *any* other faction's destroyer in a destroyer vs destroyer fight. For cybran to compete they need their strong frigates and stealth. The key to fighting seraphim destroyers is to continually move and keep turning so that most of the enemy shots miss.

[Snakeb1te]

Are you sure? I've tested it against UEF Destroyer a few times (even dodged two volleys) and Seraphim still lost.

[Cantor]

Yes, vs UEF you'll want to be in torpedo range, since UEF torpedo sucks and seraphim torpedo is quite nice. You can even submerge. Also you can dodge way more than 2 volleys.

[stalewee]

Only problem with sera destroyer is that they suck at shooting land targets. But you can't have everything...

[Hawkei]

The Seraphim destroyer has a few attributes which need to be noted.

1. Lazer cannons.
2. Higher proportionate torpeedo damage.
3. Shorter ranged main cannons.
4. Submerge capability
5. Completely helpless vs air.

All these capabilities combined mean that it is highly ammenable to micro control and strategic gameplay. Such as the following (I hope you don't mind my creative names)

The Hi-Lo: Enter firing range and focus fire on vunerable targets with main cannon. Then submerge and retreat, or attach with torps. Useful for engaging a fleet of vunerable vessels with surface fire escort. Such as UEF torpeedo boats with destroyer/frigate escort.

The Lo-Hi: Close range while submerged. Then surface while in close manouvering position. Useful against vessels with surface guns which outrange. Such as Cybran and Aeon Destroyers, or Battleships. Eliminates the firing range advantage.

The NIGYYSOAB (Now I've Got You You Son of a Bitch) Manouver: Send an entire submerged battle group consisting of T2 Destroyer, T1 Submarine and T3 Submarine hunter. Undetectable to radar. The T3 subs offer AA when surfaced. The formation can blow up a base or ACU before there is time to respond. No place is safe.