Torpedoes in Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2 are a powerful but often misunderstood tool. Whether used for direct damage, area denial, or even scouting, they can be game-changers when used effectively. However, many players find them frustrating to use due to their skill-shot nature. This guide will break down how to use torpedoes effectively, how to counter them, and the different tactical applications that can maximize their potential.

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Understanding Torpedo Types

Torpedoes come in multiple variants, each with distinct purposes. Different factions deploy torpedoes differently, whether firing them head-on in a straight line, using homing capabilities, or even launching in multiple directions. Here’s a breakdown of their key functionalities:

• Hull-Damage Torpedoes – Directly reduce the enemy’s hull integrity, bringing them closer to destruction.
• Boarding Torpedoes – Inflict troop damage, weakening enemy crew and potentially turning ships into drifting hulks.
• Fire-Starting Torpedoes – Cause damage over time to both health and morale, particularly effective against factions with low bravery.

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How to Land Torpedo Hits

One of the biggest challenges with torpedoes is actually landing them. Unlike other weapons that automatically home in on targets, torpedoes require careful aim and prediction. A good Admiral knows how to optimize their usage to ensure maximum effectiveness.

1. Closing the Distance

Getting closer to the enemy significantly increases the chances of landing a hit. However, there’s a balance—getting too close can leave you vulnerable.

• Stay just outside melee range, but close enough that your opponent has minimal reaction time.
• Remember the red portion of the torpedo trajectory—torpedoes are inactive for a brief distance immediately after launch.

2. Positioning for Impact

To improve accuracy, use high-energy turns to line up torpedo shots in a T-bone angle against enemy ships. This ensures the maximum spread of torpedoes impacts the enemy rather than missing entirely.

• Try to fire when the enemy is moving directly toward or away from you—not sideways, as they’ll have an easier time dodging.
• If possible, force the enemy into tight spaces (e.g., asteroid fields) where dodging is harder.

3. Eliminating Enemy Defenses First

Torpedoes can be intercepted by multiple defensive measures:

• Maneuvering – Enemy ships can simply dodge torpedoes if they see them coming.
• Turrets – Many ships have built-in turrets that shoot down incoming torpedoes.
• Interceptor Squadrons – Fighters can be sent to intercept torpedoes before they reach their target.

To counter these defenses:

• Destroy enemy turrets before launching torpedoes—send fighter squadrons to weaken their defensive capabilities.
• Fire torpedoes when the enemy is distracted, ideally when they are mid-engagement with your fleet.
• Bait out dodges by launching an initial salvo, then firing a second batch when they’ve used their repositioning abilities.

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Using Torpedoes for Area Denial

Torpedoes aren’t just about direct damage—they can also be used for controlling space and forcing enemy movement.

• Block Capture Points – If you fire torpedoes at a strategic zone, your enemy might hesitate to enter, giving you time to secure the area.
• Funnel Enemy Movement – Fire torpedoes to force enemy ships into a predictable path, making them easy targets for your main fleet.
• Punish Overextended Ships – If an enemy ship moves too aggressively, launch torpedoes to cut off their retreat or force a bad maneuver.

Using torpedoes in this way can put psychological pressure on your opponent, making them second-guess their movements and engagements.

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Torpedoes for Scouting

A lesser-known but highly effective use of torpedoes is scouting for hidden enemies. Against stealth-heavy factions like the Drukhari or certain Mechanicus fleets, torpedoes can reveal enemy positions in two ways:

• Forcing Dodges – A hidden enemy ship might be forced to use a maneuver to dodge incoming torpedoes, thus revealing itself.
• Intercepted Torpedoes – If torpedoes get shot down mid-flight, it likely means an enemy is hiding in that area.

This technique can provide invaluable early-game intelligence, allowing you to position your fleet more effectively.

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How to Defend Against Torpedoes

While torpedoes are devastating when used well, they also have clear counterplay options. Here are some key strategies to minimize incoming torpedo damage:

1. Dodging with Maneuvers

• Keep an eye on enemy torpedo ships—anticipate when they’re likely to fire.
• Use speed boosts or emergency maneuvers to avoid torpedo volleys.
• Position at an angle rather than moving in a straight line, making it harder for enemy torpedoes to connect.

2. Shooting Them Down

• Ensure you’re in Brace for Impact stance—this increases turret effectiveness against torpedoes.
• Deploy interceptor squadrons proactively—fighter wings can significantly reduce torpedo effectiveness.

3. Using Asteroids and Debris Fields

• Torpedoes will explode on contact with obstacles—luring them into debris fields can waste enemy salvos.
• Hiding behind objects can prevent torpedoes from reaching your ships altogether.

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Final Thoughts: Are Torpedoes Worth Using?

Absolutely! Torpedoes are an incredibly valuable tool in Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2, but they require skill and patience. If you’re struggling to land hits, consider adjusting your approach:

• Get closer to ensure higher accuracy.
• Destroy enemy defenses before launching.
• Use torpedoes to control enemy movement and deny space.
• Scout with torpedoes against stealth-based factions.
• Practice high-energy turns to line up better shots.

Master these techniques, and you’ll find torpedoes to be one of the most powerful and versatile weapons in the game.

Got any extra tips? Share them in the comments below! And if you’d like more guides, let me know what topics you’d like covered next.

Until next time, Admirals—happy hunting!