When do DDs launch torps?

[garychildress]

I've had my DDs use torps in engagements before but sometimes it seems like they just won't use them no matter how close I get them to the enemy. Is there a setting or something that will tell DDs to use torpedoes against a target? I know there is the "hold torpedo fire" button which I don't use very much but I'd really like to manually command my DDs to fire torpedoes at a target in range. .

[galagagalaxian]

You can do that in Captain's mode, but its a fairly awkward process that I can't remember off the top of my head.

Generally your AI controlled destroyers will fire their torpedoes when they're confident of decent odds of a hit. The problem is, early torpedoes have terrible range and terrible speed, meaning your ships have to get really close to use them and at that range the window of opportunity to fire on a maneuvering enemy target (Which is shooting at them) is slim. Compounding the problem is that they really need to be moving in a straight line for a minute or two before they want to fire their torpedoes, which the AI rarely wants to do that close against a target firing on them.

By 1915 or so, when torpedo tech has matured, they're much more likely to be firing torpedoes. Of course, by then, Torpedo Protection Systems make torpedoes (somewhat) less lethal too, unlikely the early game where even a single torpedo hit can be extremely deadly if a ship isn't lucky.

[tbr]

Using the flotilla attack button (to the right of the hold fire buttons) helps. The DD's and CL's maneuver more aggressively to get into a firing position.