Details about Friesland and the Netherlands tech tree.
In Update 0.10.6 a new nation – Netherlands – will appear, together with its first branch of early access ships – cruisers. In Update 0.10.7, the Netherlands tech tree will feature Groningen – a complete analog of Friesland. She will be available for 1,000,000 Free XP, as well as in the Armory for 19,300 doubloons.
Initially, it was planned to transfer Friesland to the Dutch tech tree, as historically she was in service with the Koninklijke Marine (Royal Netherlands Navy). However, having analyzed the feedback and possible options of replacing and transferring the commander assigned to Friesland, we decided to leave her as a European ship. Thus, players who own Friesland will be able to enter battles with familiar commanders that were trained particularly for Friesland, and if they want, they will have an opportunity to purchase the new Groningen.
Starting from Update 0.10.6, Friesland will no longer be available to purchase.
With the release of 0.10.7 owners of Friesland will have an opportunity to exchange the ship for Groningen. This option will be available until the release of Update 0.10.8.
We adjusted the parameters of some ships based on testing results. The changes will be applied to the “Airstrike” and other parameters of Dutch cruisers.
IV De Ruyter:
- Main battery reload time increased from 8.5 to 9 s.
VI Kijkduin:
- Main battery reload time increased from 7 to 8.5 s.
- Changed the “Airstrike” parameters:
- Reload time increased from 60 to 80 s;
- Maximum bomb damage reduced from 5,800 to 5,100;
- Chance of bombs causing fire reduced from 33 to 29%.
VII Eendracht:
- Main battery reload time increased from 7 to 8.5 s;
- “Airstrike” reload time increased from 60 to 80 s.
- Bomb penetration increased from 32 to 34mm.
VIII Haarlem:
- “Airstrike” reload time increased from 80 to 100 s.
- Bomb penetration increased from 32 to 34mm;
IX Johan de Witt:
- Changed the “Airstrike” parameters:
- Reload time increased from 80 to 100 s;
- Maximum bomb damage reduced from 7,400 to 6,100;
- Chance of bombs causing fire reduced from 42 to 35%.
- Bomb penetration reduced from 41 to 36 mm.
X Gouden Leeuw:
- Changed the “Airstrike” parameters:
- Reload time increased from 80 to 120 s;
- The number of “Airstrike” charges reduced from 3 to 2;
- Maximum bomb damage reduced from 8,500 to 6,800;
- Chance of bombs causing fire reduced from 48 to 39%.
- Bomb penetration reduced from 46 to 38 mm.
General changes to the “Airstrike” armament on researchable cruisers:
- Increased the size of the drop zone;
- Reduced the time it takes for bombs to fall;
- Increased the number of bombs dropped by each plane;
The “Airstrike” is one of the main features of Dutch cruisers, and the applied changes will make it more comfortable to use: leading and hitting targets will become easier thanks to the reduction of the time it takes for the bombs to hit the target area after ordering an attack. The increase in the size of the drop zone and in the number of bombs per attack also aids in this regard.
However, in order to not make the “Airstrike” too effective, its reload time was increased, and bomb damage and chance to cause fire were reduced. Thus, “Airstrike” planes will deal less damage and conduct attacks less frequently, but the damage dealt will be more stable and consistent.
VIII De Zeven Provinciën:
- Main battery reload time increased from 6 to 7.5 s.
- Changed the “Airstrike” parameters:
- Reload time increased from 60 to 80 s;
- Number of planes in the “Airstrike” squadron reduced from 12 to 6;
- Reduced the number of bombs dropped by each plane;
- The number of “Airstrike” charges increased from 1 to 3;
- Reduced the time it takes for bombs to fall;
- Reduced the size of the drop zone
- Bomb penetration increased from 32 to 34 mm.
The changes will make “Airstrike” more comfortable to use. Now the armament will make dealing damage more consistent, but at the same time the damage from each Airstrike activation will become lower.
I wish they’d wait till 10.7 to remove Friesland.