[Fall 2019 E4] Advance! The 2nd Southern Operation

**Danielosama** · 12-03-2019, 07:55 AM

@goesto11 Bro, you have 245k fuel & 215k ammo, and you are saying you're going to need to get lucky? AND you're worrying about resource burn?
What the hell do you do with your resources during an Event? I have never started an event with more than 130k fuel or ammo, and I've always managed full Hard clears, with spare time to farm too.
You worry way too much man, E1-4 seem like a walk in the park, just wait for EOs to come out and for 211303 to put out his Shiplocking Guide (and for Friend Fleets if they are as busted as Last Event) and you are good to go.
I'd be VERY surprised if your resources go below 100k fuel/ammo.

EDIT: I also want to clarify that I am no frontliner nor anything like that, I wait until ALL the info is out before starting the Event, more than once have I started E1 only 2 weeks after the Event started.

**Makikaki** · 12-03-2019, 12:42 PM

@211303

Wouldn't Zuiun Kai Ni be a better option instead of a SPF?
There are no enemy planes along the way after all.

This is for the transport phase only ofc.

**211303** · 12-03-2019, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by Makikaki

@211303

Wouldn't Zuiun Kai Ni be a better option instead of a SPF?
There are no enemy planes along the way after all.

This is for the transport phase only ofc.

Well, I have my zuiun 634 skilled empty on teste in E3 so that makes me cautious. It's a really low percentage thing of cos.

Then again, it's just transport phrase and a zuiun in a 11 slot so I suppose it would only make a tiny difference, whether you go with spf or spb.

**211303** · 12-03-2019, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by goesto11

Thanks for the guides (as usual) and yeah, that's the plan -> wait. Long story short, prep didn't go quite as I would have hoped. Did make some gains with spot equipment improvement and bit more luck on Maya K2 luck mod (LSC Maruyu RNG still hates me = Maya K2 luck mod still 6 short *sigh*), but best I could do w/ RL et. al. is about 245k fuel 215k ammo (steel & bauxite are fine as is buckets).. So.... gonna have to get super lucky/thread the needle with this event. Doubt I'll get all Hard clear & get all new ships. :< Can only hope that there are only 3 new drop only ships (probably 4 so FML). Also 99% sure getting 6 ship lock tags so need to make sure I do NOT screw that up (historic bonus no doubt a key factor as usual). Seems 4+ days until EO opens up so will do what I can to add fuel and ammo until then.

Questions:

1) How is this event so far when it comes to resource burn? I HOPE it's not like Spring event or I'm totally screwed.

2) General difficulty so far - how does this compare with other events at least for main operation?

3) Thoughts on farming based upon what you've cleared so far. I have looked into this a bit FWIW. Shame De Ruyter isn't an E-2 drop (single fleet). All that combined fleet sortie really adds up.

What I have so far. Given that De Ruyter is Node O only (E-3) really worth it to try farming prior to clear? Pain in the ass to reset, clear 1st gauge again, etc. Lot of time and expense. 6% S-rank drop rate on Hard is pretty high, but how easy is S-rank consistently (let alone how easy to reach boss)? No idea about map costs/difficulty of post Hard clear. 2% drop for A rank is OK (we've seen worse for sure). OTOH, seems S-rank clear on Casual is also 2% so depends upon costs and buckets I guess. Rewards seem worth it for Hard clear over medium TBH. 3.5% (S-rank medium according to Poi) isn't bad, but is Medium THAT much easier/worth giving up rewards? Not sure about A-rank on Med.

Houston seems worse in trying to farm prior to clear. TP gauge will take longer I'd think vs. a short HP gauge. According to Poi - 6% (bit more) for S-rank on hard and 3% for A-rank. Not bad at all. Questions as always are costs, % to reach boss, etc. Comments on that? Imagine A-rank isn't too hard on S-rank. Definitely want Hard clear for E-4 since get the +4 8" Mk.9 Mod 2. Not seeing much reason other than fit for non-Mod 2 version vs. 20cm. No.3. +9. Also, betting no CA NB accuracy bonus for this either >_>. Get power-creep and not all stuff will be good, but so far, not seeing anything really of note beyond MAYBE the 8"mod 2 +4 and HF/DF + Type144/147 ASDIC (this is definitely good - no question).

4) Any suggestions other than try to stockpile like mad before starting? There's not too much I can do while trying to stockpile, but might be able to some things. For example, Got 1 T2 12cm Mortar concentrated. Could build a second. Have one T4 20cm Rockets concentrated. Probably could build a second if needed (I did note that E-1 gives the stock version as a reward.

5) Lastly, not sure if there's any word on Friend Fleets. Assuming will get one for E-4, E-5 & E-6. Maybe E-3, but doubt E-2. I sure hope that if there are going to be friend fleets implementation won't be late and goes smoothly.

Thanks.

1. Very low consumption. Most of the maps don't need support and so far you will only use 1BB at most.

2. Easier than average. Even the dev mentioned how quickly people reach E3-4.

3. I only farm post clear so I can't give you opinions about pre clear farm. I would say that both E3-4 has very high passing rate and the drop rate of both new ships are decent as shown on poi statistics (around 3-4%). Given how light a fleet you will use on those maps, it wouldn't cost you too much. As for the S rank rate, E4 is tricky to S rank consistently but it's just a bit away from S usually, and I expect ff would significantly improve the situation.

4. None. E1-4 doesn't require any rare or special ship or equipment that you don't have already.

5) No word about FF.

Overall, as far as E1-4 goes, you really shouldn't worry too much.

**goesto11** · 12-04-2019, 12:41 AM

@Scaletta: Thanks! Planning on full Hard clear along with all new ships. Good to know this won't be that much of a resource drain compared to some events (Spring 2019 was massively expensive for me). Seems like at least for E-1 to E-4 (well, E-3 & E-4), best to farm post Hard clear. At least drop rates so far look fairly good. Will do on the fuel & ammo (now at 251k fuel and 220k ammo). Lastly, agree, probably friend fleet for E-4 to E-6 given your comments on main operation difficulty and E-4 will be first.

-------------
@Danielosama: Dude, I used 240k fuel and 200k ammo NET (incl. regain from exped) during Spring 2019 and I waited for all info/etc. That's with TWO ships to farm. This event has what - 3 if not 4 to farm? Given the replies to my comments it seems this event is not the same resource black hole as was Spring 2019. However, I had no idea what this event was like (thus the questions). Spring 2019 was the most expensive event for me, however, I've blown through 200k fuel before and 160-170k ammo and such before. Not all events, obviously, but a few.

Hard clear? Sure I have enough to do that? Farm and get all ships... well, how lucky will I be (RNG)/cost per sortie/% to reach boss/etc. Lot of variables. Hopefully things go well, but I've played this game long enough to know that you may be one of the unlucky ones who needs 100, 150, 200+ sorties for one, or god forbid more, new drop only ships. Same goes for clear actually, If it's an RNG stars align to clear map, well, when do stars align? 10, 25, 40? More? Final kill attempts? Again, I'm not a frontliner either, but see above about you don't know how it will go.

130k fuel & ammo may have been sufficient for you to get Hard clear, but not sure about "time to farm". May have the time, but any resources left to farm? If you always get Hard clear + all new ships for every event with 130k fuel & ammo or less to start with, that's pretty amazing from my perspective.

-------------
@211303: Thanks! Very helpful. Good to know that this is fairly resource friendly since I didn't get to cap prior to this event. Still working on it. Won't get to cap, but... if I can get to say 275k fuel and 240k-250k ammo, given comments, that should be enough to get Hard clear + farming done (I hope!).

Hmm... so main operation is fairly easy/straightforward. Do wonder how EO will be.

Lastly, any thoughts on event rewards and such so far? Curious as to your opinion on that.

**211303** · 12-04-2019, 07:08 AM

Updated the Akashi/Kamo comp for reference.

- - - Updated - - -

Also, after some farm in E4, I would recommend going for 2 gun/radar/recon for main fleet CA in E3-4. Mobs in these maps have low armor and most of them would be dead after LBAS in my experience. The main fleet CA are attacking the impenetrable bosses most of the time. Better to increase LOS for more artillery spotting which leads to more chipping. Assuming it is a good radar like Fumo of cos.

Reflected in the guide.

- - - Updated - - -
@goesto11 Radar and CA gun are useful. Other than that, nothing really good but that fits the difficulty.

**Danielosama** · 12-04-2019, 08:07 AM

Originally Posted by goesto11

130k fuel & ammo may have been sufficient for you to get Hard clear, but not sure about "time to farm". May have the time, but any resources left to farm? If you always get Hard clear + all new ships for every event with 130k fuel & ammo or less to start with, that's pretty amazing from my perspective.

I mean, thanks, but it seems like you are very unlucky in Events >.>
Again, I doubt you'll have any problems this Event, unless E5-6 are absolute Hell on Earth that is, but then we are all fucked

**NanashiYoukai** · 12-04-2019, 05:05 PM

E4 Hard Cleared!
Total 20 runs
Part 1: 3 runs, of which 1 S rank, 2 A ranks
Part 2 Chipping: 9 runs, of which 2 S ranks, 5 A ranks, 1 retreat to terror sub Node F, and 1 retreat to airstrike Node R
Debuff: 4 runs including 1 retreat at Node C
Part 2 Final: 4 runs, of which 1 S rank final kill, 2 A rank failed final kill attempts, and 1 retreat to terror sub Node F

Part 1 - Transport Combined Fleet
Route: 2KLOMNP

[+] Spoiler: Main Fleet
Lv 99 Mogami Kai - 20.3cm(3) x2, FCF, Zuiun K2 (634sqn) +3
Lv 99 Mikuma Kai - 20.3cm(3) x2, Drum, Zuiun 634sqn (Skilled) +3
Lv 99 Mutsuki Kai Ni - Toku Daihatsu, Daihatsu x2
Lv 99 Kisaragi Kai Ni - Daihatsu x3
Lv 99 Yayoi Kai - Drum x3
Lv 99 Minazuki Kai - Drum x3

Escort Fleet
Lv 99 Tama Kai Ni - Daihatsu x3
Lv 99 Fubuki Kai Ni - 12.7cm A K3 +5, 12.7cm A K3, Drum
Lv 99 Murakumo Kai Ni - QF 4.7in Mk12, HF/DF, ASW Rocket (OASW)
Lv 99 Satsuki Kai Ni - Daihatsu, T3 Sonar MAX, T3 DCP Conc. (OASW)
Lv 99 Furutaka Kai Ni - 20.3cm(2) +9, 20.3cm(2), FuMO, Night Scout MAX
Lv 97 Mikuma Kai (dupe) - 20.3cm(3) x2, Drum, Seiran 631sqn

Line Abreast at terror sub Node K and Line Ahead at all other nodes
121 TP on A rank, 174 TP on S rank

LBAS
4 bombers x2

All 4 waves to boss Node P, or one or two to Node M and the rest to Node P

Used Node Shelling support (CVL 2BB CA 2DD) for all runs.

Part 2 - Surface Task Force (Akashi Routing)
Route: 2FGIJMNRS

Chipping (and Farming(?)) Fleet

[+] Spoiler: Main Fleet
Lv 99 Kako Kai Ni - 20.3cm(2) x2, FCF, Shiun
Lv 99 Richelieu Kai - 16in Mk7+GFCS +9, 38cm Quad Kai +9, T1 AP +6, T0 Scout M11b (Skilled)
Lv 99 Mikuma Kai - 20.3cm(3), T0 Scout M11b (Skilled), 20.3cm(3), T2 Seaplane Figher Kai (Skilled) +6
Lv 99 Furutaka Kai Ni - 20.3cm(2) x2, FuMO, Shiun
Lv 99 Chitose Kai Ni - Tenzan Murata, Suisei Egusa, T53 Iwamoto MAX, Reppuu K2
Lv 99 Ryuujou Kai Ni - Suisei M22 (64sqn/Skilled), Tenzan Murata, F6F-5 MAX, T52 Iwai MAX

Escort Fleet
Lv 39 Akashi Kai - 10cm HA+FD MAX, 10cm HA+FD, T13 Radar Kai MAX, Med Kanpon Bulge +5
Lv 69 Natori Kai - 20.3cm(3), 20.3cm(2) +9, Night Scout MAX
Lv 99 Murakumo Kai Ni - QF 4.7in Mk12, HF/DF, ASW Rocket (OASW)
Lv 99 Satsuki Kai Ni - 25mm Triple Conc. +9, T3 Sonar MAX, T3 DCP Conc. (OASW)
Lv 97 Mikuma Kai (dupe) - 20.3cm(3), OTO MAX, OTO x2
Lv 99 Mogami Kai - 20.3cm(3) +9, OTO x2, SCAMP

Final Kill Fleet

[+] Spoiler: Main Fleet
Lv 99 Ryuujou Kai Ni - Suisei Egusa, Tenzan Murata, F6F-5 MAX, T52 Iwai MAX
Lv 99 Richelieu Kai - 16in Mk7+GFCS +9, 38cm Quad Kai +9, T1 AP +6, T0 Scout M11b (Skilled)
Lv 99 Mikuma Kai - 20.3cm(3), T0 Scout M11b (Skilled), 20.3cm(3), T2 Seaplane Figher Kai (Skilled) +6
Lv 99 Kako Kai Ni - 20.3cm(2) x2, FuMO, Shiun
Lv 99 Furutaka Kai Ni - 20.3cm(2) x2, FuMO, Shiun
Lv 99 Chitose Kai Ni - Tenzan Murata, Suisei M22 (64sqn/Skilled), T53 Iwamoto MAX, Reppuu K2

Escort Fleet
Lv 70 Natori Kai - 20.3cm(3), 20.3cm(2) +9, Night Scout MAX
Lv 97 Mikuma Kai (dupe) - 20.3cm(3), OTO MAX, OTO x2
Lv 40 Akashi Kai - 10cm HA+FD MAX, 10cm HA+FD, T13 Radar Kai MAX, Med Kanpon Bulge +5
Lv 99 Satsuki Kai Ni - 25mm Triple Conc. +9, T3 Sonar MAX, T3 DCP Conc. (OASW)
Lv 99 Murakumo Kai Ni - QF 4.7in Mk12, HF/DF, ASW Rocket (OASW)
Lv 99 Mogami Kai - 20.3cm(3) +9, OTO x2, SCAMP

273 Fighter Power gives AS at airstrike Node R (AP only in final kill attempts), and AS+ at all other nodes

Line Abreast at terror sub Node F, Diamond at airstrike Node R, and Line Ahead at all other nodes

LBAS
4 bombers x2 - All to boss Node S

Used Boss Shelling support (CVL 2BB CA 2DD) for final kill attempts. Support not needed for chipping.

74 buckets spent
Notable drops: Nothing!

Comments
The difficulty of this map is mild yet idiosyncratic, with the TP phase being short but annoying, the chipping for the second boss being easy to reach yet hard to finish off without some luck, and the actual final kill being a case of fishing for lucky crits, the sooner they arrive, the sooner you clear. I'll go in order...

For the TP phase, Node Shelling Support is pretty much mandatory to survive the nodes without your entire escort getting wrecked. The main problem is the second pre-boss surface node, and although you can send one base of LBAS there, it's still pretty much down to luck - in addition, taking LBAS away from the boss node presents the risk of not even getting A rank at the boss - remember, there is only one day shelling phase and most ships will have woeful day and night attacks due to stacking cargo. I felt slightly safer sending Node Support, and then at most one of the four waves of LBAS away from the boss to the preboss Node M. As a aside, one of my mistakes was to lock Tama here thinking I would need a SPF mule for Part 2, this turned out to be unnecessary and I should have just used Natori with drums instead.

For the second boss, I used the Akashi routing in order to bring the extra BB and CVL. Please note that Akashi must be Kai for the special routing... I spent a greater number of chipping runs due to experimenting with routing but using a regular Akashi instead. Placing Akashi as escort flagship for the chipping phase saves the headache of when she eventually explodes and lets you chip/do farming runs in relative ease since your main fleet can usually easily finish off the surface nodes without much damage and without the need for node support.

Although it's possible to S rank the boss, it needs quite a bit of luck while chipping as the boss and the Ne-class Kai are very tanky, and you will be dependent on your historical bonus CVLs rolling some good crits to preferably heavily damage/sink them before the night battle phase. Because you're relying on Mogami and Mikuma double attacks with questionable ability to penetrate two boss characters' armour (assuming they even survive unharmed into night battle), you really can't afford to leave much HP on either of them if you want the S rank. As such, a shelling phase without any good crits on the bosses will usually mean a A rank only. Therefore, I see farming as being very frustrating without Friend Fleet - at the same time, it's also relatively easygoing due to no need for any support and very high pass rates on the nodes. Although I brought a FCF, I didn't use it at all - it may be worth substituting a CVL as the flagship in that case to protect it and also to prioritise its attack at the boss node.

These issues concerning difficulty at the boss node are exacerbated for the final kill since you absolutely must roll some good crits and isolate the boss, or at worst the boss and the Ne-class, to have a chance at victory. As such, I opted to keep both CVLs in the main fleet and Akashi in the escort fleet - I would rather have a chance at two good crits in day battle to possibly remove the Ne-class, rather than a single crit at night. I also rearranged the fleet slightly to no longer protect Akashi in flagship position in order to give another attacking character that protection. Ultimately, my success came down to being able to leave both the boss and the Ne in red HP by the end of day battle thanks to good crits (especially a 290 hit by Ryuujou on the boss). Many aspects of the final boss battle resemble E2 of the past event and other similar maps that are basically fishing for crits by historical bonus characters, and it can become frustrating if you are unlucky with the crits.

In all, I'm glad to again have been able to complete the Main Operations before the release of the Extra Operations (admittedly due to the long delay time), and without the use of Friend Fleets, and I'm grateful to other KC players, frontliners, and people who write reports and guides, especially 211303 on Himeuta, for making this small satisfaction possible. Although I didn't get Houston, I plan to return to E4 to farm only after the event has been completed and Friend Fleet, if any, is introduced. For everyone else who is approaching this map, good luck and happy hunting!

Mogami was responsible for the torpedo spread which sunk 4 fellow IJN ships during the Battle of Sunda Strait.... this is why she only has guns this time.
Boss Battle in which Flat Delivers Justice (Twitch Highlight)

Resources remaining after E1-4, starting at hardcap and having completed the maps at the rate of one a day and without any farming runs.
Steel and bauxite are only down because of quarterly quests (that 16k steel one especially), otherwise they'd be in the 290ks.
In short, unless you feel the need to gratuitously spam support expeditions for every sortie, or have horrifically godforsaken clear luck, the MOs are very cheap indeed.

**211303** · 12-05-2019, 03:45 AM

Gonna post it here as well. The dev just announced that E5-6 will be in the Solomons and Ironbottom Sound, and the E6 boss will be an AA crusier hime.

Turns out a lot of the bonus ships in E1-4 are also active in that area.

So, better to stop sortie and wait for info till EO is released.