Naval Enduring Confrontation (EC) in War Thunder is a strategic, objective-driven game mode available from Thursday to Monday in the “Events and Tournaments” section, switching between AB and RB every 24 hours. Matches can last up to three hours, focusing on capturing ports, defending/attacking convoys, and completing tasks to earn points, with unlimited respawns costing Silver Lions and, for higher BR ships, spawn points (SP).
Get ready to attack the enemy fleet!
Understanding Naval EC Mechanics
Naval EC involves large maps with dynamic objectives, such as ports and convoys, where teams compete to reach 15,000 points first. In-game, these points are represented as tickets that count down for the enemy team. The match is won when the enemy team is out of tickets. Respawns cost Silver Lions based on the vehicle’s repair cost, and for ships with BR 5.3 and higher, they require additional SP depending on the BR. SP is earned through gameplay activities like causing damage, securing kills, and assisting teammates. Aircraft also require a fixed amount of SP to spawn. Convoys provide additional respawn locations when active, enhancing strategic positioning.
The huge EC Denmark map. Screenshot taken during battle.
Starting lineup
You must have a BR 4.7— 5.0 destroyer or light cruiser to be allowed in.
All ships must be BR 3.7 or higher.
You should bring a diverse lineup of additional ships:
- A BR 5.3 or 5.7 cruiser is useful as it can be spawned for a low amount of SP.
- Battleships, BR 6.0 and above, are useful when you get a lot of SP.
- Coastal ships can sometimes enjoy closer spawns to Convoys.
- Bring as large and BR diverse ship lineup as your hangar and crews allow.
- Planes, if you want to engage in the air.
Optimal Ship Spawning Strategy
A key strategy for new players is managing SP effectively to maximise impact. While it might be tempting to save up 600 SP to spawn a 7.0 battleship, evidence from player discussions indicates that spawning a 5.3 cruiser at 90 SP as soon as possible can be more advantageous. The 5.3 cruiser, with its enhanced firepower (typically 152mm or 203mm guns) and durability compared to lower BR ships like BR 4.7-5.0 destroyers (often equipped with 127mm guns), allows for faster SP accumulation. This is because higher BR ships can deal more damage per hit, survive longer engagements, and contribute more to objectives like port captures or convoy defence, thus earning SP more rapidly.
Spawn Strategy at the start of the match
At the match’s start, avoid immediate spawning. Instead, wait for the map to update; this typically takes less than a minute. Check the map to locate where the convoy spawns. Once confirmed, spawn at the convoy to maximise early SP.
Start with a BR 5.0 ship (e.g., destroyer or light cruiser) that requires no SP, and costs few Silver Lions, to begin earning points.
Tip: In certain nations, deploying at a boat spawn and utilising torpedo boats or formidable coastal ships like the Russian SKR-7 can yield excellent results, provided you have the skill to handle them effectively. Be careful not to feed the enemy easy kills!
Example of Mission Objectives during a battle. Check the Map often for updates on the latest objectives.
Gameplay Considerations
Avoid firing on convoy cargo ships or tankers, as they can provide strategic spawn locations, for example near an enemy port. Focus on enemy defenders, ensuring all threats are eliminated to secure objectives (typically an enemy port).
Keep an eye on what is happening around the map, for example, if the enemy is attacking a port at a different location, you may need to spawn there next time you die or even J out if required.
Checking the Map & Carrier Spotting
Press M to view the map, showing objectives like carriers (listed on the left). Wait for the enemy carrier to appear under objectives before engaging, coordinating with teammates via chat or Discord voice comms.
It is essential that the Carrier is spotted first by a friendly ship or plane by being within 4.5 Km of the Carrier. If the carrier is destroyed before it is spotted, it will not count!
Regularly monitor the map for dynamic objective updates, ensuring you stay near active zones for SP earnings.
Ports and torpedo nets
The significance of the torpedo net is that any torpedo that tries to cross this line will explode. You can use this to your advantage when attacking a port by staying just outside or inside the net, pending the spawn location of the enemy fleet.
- Ports, labelled A, B, C, etc., are protected by torpedo nets.
- If you see a distance indicated to a port, then you are outside the port/torpedo nets.
- If you see a white box around the port label (under the score bar at the top of the screen) and no distance, you are inside the Port.
- You capture a port by shooting the defending AI artillery. Typically, you need to destroy 5 or more of these and any enemy ships inside the port before you start capturing the port.
The white square around the D indicates that your ship is currently inside Port D.
Additional Tips for Success
Choose the Right Ships: Start with 5.0 BR light cruisers or destroyers for their balance, then upgrade to 5.3 cruisers or better when SP allows, maximising point-earning potential.
Master Long-Range Aiming: EC often involves long-range engagements; practice using the rangefinder in test drives or random battles.
Use Aircraft Wisely: Aircraft require SP; use fighters to intercept bombers or bombers for strategic objectives. See Air EC for further information.
Shooting the AI artillery can be tricky. Use your range shots (single shots) and lower your speed to a complete halt if needed.
Stay Patient: EC’s large maps and long matches require a focus on objectives and effective communication with your team regarding tactics.
Typical longer-range engagement.
Team Advice& Community Support
- Regular EC players are supportive; ask for advice in-game.
- Use in-game team messages to coordinate with teammates, sharing enemy positions or requesting support for port captures. Teamwork is essential in EC’s large-scale battles.
- Joining teammates on voice comms, for example, Discord, which is often used by in-game squadrons, can really enhance the performance of the team in battle.
- For experienced squadron players,share a Discord invite in chat to connect new players with the community, fostering teamwork and learning.
Keep sailing
Naval EC is a complex mode that requires teamwork and strategic use of SP for the best outcome. It is hard for new players to understand at first, but with this guide and the support from naval squadrons, you too will get to experience the joy, sweet and occasional tears, of a far more rewarding gaming experience than random battles can provide.
Dover EC map. The shortest distance between Dover, England, and France is approximately 20.5 miles (33 km) across the Strait of Dover.
