Kotetsu Class Ironclad

[VoiD]

Just wondering, what is it good for?

The 3 cannons are pretty horrible, their position is even worse and the machineguns seem to be completely useless against everything

[Krutsi]

Really? You're dissing on the best ironclad in the game?

The kotetsu cannons are the strongest ones in the game. They have the longest range and the highest damage. What really makes the thing special though is that you can just reverse with it while taking potshots at the enemy with the forward cannon.

[Sardonic Angel]

Kotetsu Class Ironclad is great against all wooden ships.

[VoiD]

Really? Are those cannons really that strong? Like, worth 20 normal cannons? Because most of the time I can only use one of them against a target, 2 if I micro like crazy, and honestly, microing it through the sea while others don't need it to do the same (better) job didn't seem worth it for me =/

I mean, for such a cost I could just get a proper ship and unleash a hellish barrage against my targets instead..

[Teh_Diplomat]

While it won't provide you with a massive barrage for seiges or Naval assistance on the map, it should be put with Copper/Iron plated ships to hunt down the enemy's fleets. The hitpoints and morale mean that it can take a punishment and won't route very quickly. Is it useful in all situations? Clearly not, and if your choice is a 4 ships with 32 cannons each, or 1 Kotetsu, choose the former; however to seek the edge over your rival this ship pretty much guarantees it.

[Krutsi]

Since you asked nicely, per cannon damage numbers with solid shot:

Kotetsu cannon, range 1000, damage 800, reload time 7, 20 accuracy bonus
Extra Large (Roanoke, L'Ocean), range 850, damage 500, reload time 10
Large (HMS Warrior), range 800, damage 300, reload time 9
Medium (All others), range 750, damage 200, reload time 8
Small (Chiyodagata) , range 550, damage 150, reload time 7, 20 accuracy bonus

So no it doesn't have the power of a full barrage in a single cannon, but the single round damage is 4 times as much as on a frigate and it fires faster, farther and also more accurate. Thanks to the high damage + accuracy bonus Kotetsu are very good at hitting the engine and making things go boom like that.

[denton91]

Personally, I use two kotetsu in a fleet (when the battle doesn't crash >.>) to draw away enemy fire. Those things can withstand massive punishment. Since their cannons have a larger range, you can lure ai ships, which otherwise just sit there and watch you.

Also I find the gatlings it has mounted suprisingly effective, if you can close to that range (so often no)

[Tocki]

Use your range, drive backwards and your enemie will never get a nice shot on you, while you are destroying the enemie ships because the strong canon on the front kill enemie ships easy, doesn't matter wooden or iron.

[VoiD]

I see, thanks, didn't realize the cannons hit that hard, I'll try experimenting with it a bit more, but so far the AI seems to just instantly explode to a line of ships doing full broadside barrages so I didn't even get to play much with it

[Sir Markson]

they are annoying

[Sevrojin]

Kotetsu class is a kiteing ship with its longer range and accuracy you can snipe most vessels fefore they pose a threat and ifthey get too close you can slam full reverse and keep shooting while out of thier range.
try useing a fleet in multiplayer vs 3 kotetsu you will lose

[biggers the small elf]

use explosive shells