WoWS Monarch: Guide, Stats, And Gameplay Tips

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Ahoy, captains! Today, we're diving deep into the World of Warships (WoWS) waters to dissect a vessel that often sparks debate and intrigue: the HMS Monarch. This British battleship, sitting pretty at Tier VII, is known for its unique playstyle, potent firepower, and, let's be honest, a few quirks. So, buckle up, grab your grog, and let's explore everything you need to know about mastering the Monarch and ruling the waves.

Understanding the Monarch: A Quick Overview

The Monarch is a Tier VII British battleship that deviates from the typical British battleship formula. Unlike her brethren, who often rely on thick armor and high survivability, the Monarch trades some of that tankiness for improved firepower and maneuverability. She boasts a high rate of fire and excellent AP penetration, making her a formidable damage dealer against broadside targets. However, her armor is relatively thin for a battleship, and she can be vulnerable to focused fire.

Think of the Monarch as a glass cannon – she can dish out a lot of damage, but she needs to be played carefully to avoid getting blown out of the water. This means positioning is key, and understanding your strengths and weaknesses is crucial to success. We'll delve into detailed stats and comparisons shortly, but for now, remember that the Monarch rewards aggressive yet cautious play. You want to be close enough to capitalize on your firepower, but not so close that you become an easy target.

Her main guns are eight 381mm (15-inch) guns in four turrets, two fore and two aft. The arrangement allows for good firing angles, and the fast reload time lets you keep the pressure on the enemy. However, the shell velocity is relatively low, which can make hitting moving targets at long range a challenge. This is why getting closer to the fight is often beneficial. The Monarch also has decent torpedo protection and a Repair Party consumable that can help mitigate damage. However, don't rely on your armor to save you – it's best to avoid taking unnecessary hits in the first place.

In summary, the Monarch is a battleship that rewards skilled players who can position themselves effectively, manage their damage, and capitalize on opportunities to unleash their devastating AP shells. She's not the easiest ship to master, but with practice and understanding, she can be a powerful force on the battlefield.

Detailed Stats and Analysis

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty and examine the Monarch's stats in detail. Understanding these numbers is essential for developing effective strategies and maximizing your performance in battle.

  • Main Battery: The Monarch is armed with eight 381mm (15-inch) guns in four turrets. These guns have a relatively fast reload time of around 25 seconds, which is significantly faster than many other battleships at Tier VII. The AP shells have excellent penetration, allowing you to deal significant damage to enemy ships, especially when they are broadside. However, the shell velocity is low, which can make it difficult to hit moving targets at long range. The sigma value (dispersion) is also average, meaning that your shells may not always land exactly where you want them to.

  • Armor: The Monarch's armor is one of her main weaknesses. Her citadel is relatively exposed, and her armor belt is not particularly thick. This means that she can be vulnerable to AP shells from other battleships and cruisers. It's crucial to angle your ship properly to minimize the amount of damage you take. Avoid showing your broadside to enemy ships, and try to angle your armor to deflect incoming shells. The deck armor is also relatively thin, making her susceptible to plunging fire from long range.

  • Maneuverability: The Monarch is surprisingly maneuverable for a battleship. She has a decent turning circle and a relatively fast rudder shift time. This allows you to dodge torpedoes and adjust your position quickly. Her speed is also respectable, allowing you to reposition effectively and support your team. Use your maneuverability to your advantage to avoid taking unnecessary damage and to get into advantageous positions.

  • Concealment: The Monarch's concealment is average for a battleship. This means that you will be detected from a relatively long distance. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and to use islands and smoke screens to your advantage. Concealment Expert skill for your captain can help improve your concealment and allow you to get closer to the enemy undetected.

  • AA Defense: The Monarch's AA defense is decent, but not exceptional. She has a mix of short-range and long-range AA guns that can help to defend against aircraft carriers. However, she is not immune to air attacks, and you should still be wary of enemy aircraft. Prioritize shooting down torpedo bombers, as they can deal significant damage to your ship.

  • Consumables: The Monarch has access to the standard battleship consumables, including a Repair Party, Damage Control Party, and Hydroacoustic Search. The Repair Party is essential for mitigating damage, and the Damage Control Party can be used to extinguish fires and repair critical modules. The Hydroacoustic Search can be useful for detecting torpedoes and enemy ships in smoke screens.

In summary, the Monarch's stats reveal a ship that excels at dishing out damage but is vulnerable to incoming fire. Her strengths lie in her fast-reloading guns and excellent AP penetration, while her weaknesses lie in her thin armor and average concealment. To be successful in the Monarch, you need to play to her strengths and mitigate her weaknesses.

Gameplay Tips and Strategies

Alright, guys, now that we've covered the basics, let's get into the practical stuff. How do you actually play the Monarch effectively? Here are some tips and strategies to help you dominate the battlefield:

  • Positioning is Key: As mentioned earlier, positioning is crucial for the Monarch. You want to be close enough to the action to capitalize on your firepower, but not so close that you become an easy target. Try to position yourself behind islands or in areas where you can angle your armor effectively. Avoid sailing in straight lines, as this makes you an easy target for torpedoes and enemy fire.

  • Focus Fire on Broadside Targets: The Monarch's AP shells are incredibly effective against broadside targets. Prioritize targeting enemy ships that are showing their sides to you. Aim for the citadel, which is the most vulnerable part of the ship. With a well-aimed salvo, you can deal devastating damage to enemy battleships and cruisers.

  • Angle Your Armor: Angling your armor is essential for mitigating damage. When facing incoming fire, try to angle your ship so that the shells will bounce off your armor. Avoid showing your broadside to enemy ships, as this makes you vulnerable to citadel hits. Experiment with different angles to find the sweet spot where you can deflect incoming shells while still being able to fire your guns.

  • Use Your Maneuverability: The Monarch is surprisingly maneuverable for a battleship. Use your maneuverability to dodge torpedoes and adjust your position quickly. Don't be afraid to turn away from incoming fire to mitigate damage. You can also use your maneuverability to get into advantageous positions and surprise your enemies.

  • Manage Your Consumables: Your Repair Party and Damage Control Party are essential for mitigating damage. Use them wisely to repair critical modules and extinguish fires. Don't waste them on minor damage, as you may need them later. The Hydroacoustic Search can be useful for detecting torpedoes and enemy ships in smoke screens. Use it proactively to avoid getting surprised by enemy ambushes.

  • Be Aware of Your Surroundings: It's important to be aware of your surroundings and to keep an eye on the minimap. Pay attention to the positions of enemy ships and aircraft. Anticipate their movements and adjust your position accordingly. Communicate with your team and coordinate your attacks.

  • Don't Be Afraid to Use HE: While the Monarch's AP shells are her primary weapon, don't be afraid to use HE shells when necessary. HE shells can be effective against angled targets or when you are facing heavily armored ships. They can also be used to start fires, which can deal significant damage over time.

  • Practice Makes Perfect: The Monarch is not the easiest ship to master. It takes practice and understanding to play her effectively. Don't get discouraged if you don't perform well at first. Keep practicing and experimenting with different strategies. Watch videos of experienced players and learn from their mistakes. With time and effort, you can become a formidable Monarch captain.

Commander Skills and Builds

Choosing the right commander skills is crucial for maximizing the Monarch's performance. Here's a suggested build that focuses on improving her firepower, survivability, and concealment:

  • Priority Target (Tier 1): This skill provides valuable information about how many enemies are targeting you, allowing you to adjust your position accordingly.
  • Adrenaline Rush (Tier 2): This skill increases your reload speed and other parameters as your ship takes damage, making you more effective in prolonged engagements.
  • Superintendent (Tier 3): This skill gives you an extra charge of your Repair Party, which is essential for mitigating damage.
  • Concealment Expert (Tier 4): This skill significantly improves your concealment, allowing you to get closer to the enemy undetected.
  • Fire Prevention (Tier 4): This skill reduces the number of fires that can occur on your ship, improving your survivability.

Other useful skills include Expert Marksman (for faster turret traverse) and Basics of Survivability (for reduced fire and flooding duration). Experiment with different skills to find what works best for you.

Equipment and Modules

Selecting the right equipment and modules can further enhance the Monarch's capabilities. Here's a suggested setup:

  • Slot 1: Main Armaments Modification 1: Reduces the risk of main battery incapacitation.
  • Slot 2: Damage Control System Modification 1: Reduces the risk of damage to steering gears and engine.
  • Slot 3: Aiming Systems Modification 1: Improves main battery dispersion.
  • Slot 4: Steering Gears Modification 2 or Propulsion Modification 2: Improves rudder shift time or acceleration, depending on your preference.
  • Slot 5: Concealment System Modification 1: Further improves your concealment.
  • Slot 6: Main Battery Modification 3: Improves main battery reload time.

Is the Monarch Worth It?

So, the million-dollar question: is the Monarch worth it? The answer, as with most things in WoWS, is it depends.

The Monarch isn't a beginner-friendly ship. Her relatively thin armor and reliance on positioning demand a certain level of skill and game knowledge. If you're new to battleships or prefer a more forgiving playstyle, you might find her frustrating.

However, if you enjoy a challenge and appreciate a ship that rewards skillful play, the Monarch can be incredibly rewarding. Her potent firepower and surprising maneuverability make her a force to be reckoned with in the right hands. She's a ship that can punish mistakes and capitalize on opportunities, making her a thrilling vessel to pilot.

Ultimately, whether the Monarch is worth it depends on your personal preferences and playstyle. If you're looking for a straightforward, tanky battleship, there are better options available. But if you're looking for a ship that demands skill and rewards mastery, the Monarch might just be the perfect fit.

Final Thoughts

The WoWS Monarch is a unique and challenging battleship that offers a rewarding gameplay experience for skilled players. Her potent firepower, surprising maneuverability, and reliance on positioning make her a thrilling vessel to pilot. While she may not be the easiest ship to master, with practice and understanding, you can become a formidable Monarch captain and rule the waves. So, set sail, commanders, and good luck!