Which frigates should I build?

[Didz]

Hi, I need to increase the number of frigates in my navy (American), but I'm not sure which to build.

It probably comes down to a choice between Carronade Frigates (1020 each 52 firepower) or 24 pdr Frigates (1720 each 132 firepower). In terms of 'bang for buck' the 24 pdrs seem to come out tops, but I wonder if anyone has any experience of using these ships in action.

I assume for instance that the carronade frigates have a shorter range which could be a disadvantage, but are they any faster than their heavy counter-parts to compensate?

[Wandarah]

You should build the baddest-ass ones you can afford bro.

Come again!

[Warhammer3025]

If you're a naval retard (like myself) and find yourself engaging at close range alot then go with the Cannonades. Mix in a couple of 3rd raters to soak enemy attacks and use the Cannonades to lay a beating at close range. Just dont expect them to stand up too well against enemy fire, they need to coddled cuz the AI tends to have a penchent to one shot frigates of all types.

[Tsavong]

My money would go into 24pdr Frigates. On paper 24pdr Frigates seem batter than the Razee (not a US ship), 5th rate and 6th rate Frigates and Carronade Frigates. They are how ever slower than the Razee which can be built by the UK and some power powers but with more powerful guns to make up for this.

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong :)

[Marquis of Roland]

Build 24-pdr frigates. Carronade frigates are support ships meant to do a specific task, whereas the more versatile 24-pdr frigate should be seen as a very maneuverable light ship of the line.

The speed of your fleet in a fleet engagement is always that of your slowest ship, so difference in speed doesn't really matter.

If you're going for a frigate fleet, bring 1 or 2 carronade frigates. Put them in the part of the line that is safest, perhaps the 2nd or 3rd ship in the line (this is depending on your tactics). If you're gonna build rocket frigates as well, keep them in a separate formation from the rest of your fleet and always have your main line in between them and the enemy.

Do you have USS Constitution? Best frigate in the game by far IMO.

[Grumfoss]

Build 24-pdr frigates. Carronade frigates are support ships meant to do a specific task, whereas the more versatile 24-pdr frigate should be seen as a very maneuverable light ship of the line.

The speed of your fleet in a fleet engagement is always that of your slowest ship, so difference in speed doesn't really matter.

If you're going for a frigate fleet, bring 1 or 2 carronade frigates. Put them in the part of the line that is safest, perhaps the 2nd or 3rd ship in the line (this is depending on your tactics). If you're gonna build rocket frigates as well, keep them in a separate formation from the rest of your fleet and always have your main line in between them and the enemy.

Do you have USS Constitution? Best frigate in the game by far IMO.

I bought the Special addition version from Play.com with the USS Constitution. I have registered the game and the extra unit but I can't seem to get it as it doesn't appear on the ship lists for the USA in the quick battle page - any ideas how I can get it?

[Vlad Tzepes]

oups, posted in wrong thread

[Didz]

I bought the Special addition version from Play.com with the USS Constitution. I have registered the game and the extra unit but I can't seem to get it as it doesn't appear on the ship lists for the USA in the quick battle page - any ideas how I can get it?

So, did I actually.

I can't build it yet either.....I assumed it comes later as a result of building the Naval College or acheiving some higher tech level. But you have me worried now.

Anyway, the concensus seems to be to go with 24 pdr Frigates which was my own gut feel anyway, I was just curious if Carronade Frigates were ridiculously over powered or something. I have a problem at the minute that the British have Topsails and I don't so expereince has shown that my Frigates can't outrun theirs, they need to be able to outgun them instead.

[Fisherking]

I bought the Special addition version from Play.com with the USS Constitution. I have registered the game and the extra unit but I can't seem to get it as it doesn't appear on the ship lists for the USA in the quick battle page - any ideas how I can get it?

I was sent a special code via email from play that had to be registered at Steam separately. It also gives you a desk top icon. If you don’t have it then you haven’t registered it at Steam. If you don’t have the email, then post an email to Play.com and see if they will send it to you.It is the same with Special edition, an icon when you regester...

By the way, it has a very high build cost but builds in 0 turns.

[Shahed]

Hi, I need to increase the number of frigates in my navy (American), but I'm not sure which to build.

It probably comes down to a choice between Carronade Frigates (1020 each 52 firepower) or 24 pdr Frigates (1720 each 132 firepower). In terms of 'bang for buck' the 24 pdrs seem to come out tops, but I wonder if anyone has any experience of using these ships in action.

I assume for instance that the carronade frigates have a shorter range which could be a disadvantage, but are they any faster than their heavy counter-parts to compensate?

Hi Didz,

The best damage dealing frigates are the carronade figates for overall firepower (regardless of what the screen says, the inbattle right click info card is a better indicator). A team of 2-3 CFs can sink a HFR (Heavy First Rate) with ease, even a single CF can sink a HFR provided it's never or rarely shot at. They are faster than their heavier counterparts but it doesn't really matter. Do this test, open a custom naval battle, give the AI a carronade frigate, and give yourself a Heavy First Rate or First Rate. Turn auto fire off and just watch the damage it can do.

The best overall screening frigate is the Razee, because of it's toughness, speed and firepower combo. Placed as a screen it can soak damage away from SOLs (Ships of the Line). Used as an offensive frigate it can burn through the enemy line, disrupting the enemy formation as it goes. Allowing the heavier ships to nuke the traffic jam. Best in groups of 4.

[Didz]

I've done some testing AI (6 x Carronades) v AI (6 x 24 pdr) and so far the 24's win every time, so I think I'll stick with them for the time being.