Read your enemy's abilities
To optimize your ships' placement, carefully consider the targeting patterns of both your fleet and your enemy's. You can view a ship's target trajectory by tapping on it in the placement window; a white line will then appear, showing which enemy ship it will target first, as seen in the screenshot below.
When planning your fleet's placement, keep in mind how your ships target their opponents. For instance, if your enemy has a ship that uses skip targeting, consider placing your defender at the back, so it is hit first. Conversely, you can use skip targeting to bypass an enemy defender and take out their more powerful units first. Understanding the four targeting types can greatly influence your strategy:
- Front: Attacks enemies directly in front of your unit.
- Back: Attacks the back units first.
- Skip: Skips the first unit in a row.
- Self: Self-targeting means that your ships apply buffs and/or repair themselves and allies in their pattern.
Use units with useful starting skills
In the early game, one of the most beneficial skills is pattern abilities. These abilities enable units to target multiple ships at once. To check out a unit's pattern ability, go to the hangar, select a unit, and click on each skill to view the area their pattern covers. You can also see a unit's pattern ability by tapping on their portrait when placing units for combat. Units can gain new pattern abilities when you level up their skills.
The main target of an attack will take the full damage stated in the ability explanation
and all secondary targets take half that damage, unless otherwise specifically stated.
Have a team of units with balanced roles
Strategically placed defenders can shield your attackers, preventing them from taking initial damage and allowing them to maintain their attacks. Having a balanced mix of attackers and defenders is crucial in the early stages of the game.
Additionally, never underestimate the impact a skilled stat supporter can have on your team. High-level supporters can boost multiple units, enhancing their stats, speed, defense, and even repairing your ships' hitpoints.