What is difference between shooting at locked target and non locked?

[onku_the_sailor]

When we point crosshair center at enemy ship it automatically locks the target ship. If we press 'x' key then it unlocks it.

So, what is the difference between shooting at locked target and non locked target?

 

I have noticed shells trajectory get biased when shooting at locked targets. They try to land as near the target.

When two enemy ships sailing parallel, you lock on nearest ship and try to shoot the one behind it. Then your shells land short...

Does shells fired at locked target have changed trajectory and less dispersion? 

 

What does locking exactly do? Apart from informing enemy that they are being targeted...

[icy_phoenix]

You answered your own question. Also, locking a target will keep your crosshair at constant position relative to the target as it is moving. Dispersion is significantly better.

[Shiroyasha_Gintoki]

There are cases when enemy hides behind island but without lock-on, your shells cannot lob over the island to hit them. With lock-on your shells can somehow lob over island and hit them anyway.

[onku_the_sailor]

18 minutes ago, Shiroyasha_Gintoki said:

There are cases when enemy hides behind island but without lock-on, your shells cannot lob over the island to hit them. With lock-on your shells can somehow lob over island and hit them anyway.

Good to know. thanks

So it improves shell arc as well. ? 

 

Also, is there any documentation listing all the things that locking do? It would be really helpfull

[CV_NMSL]

35 minutes ago, onku_the_sailor said:

Good to know. thanks

So it improves shell arc as well. ? 

 

Also, is there any documentation listing all the things that locking do? It would be really helpfull

no, it dosnt improve shell arcs, it only improves dispersion

[BunnyDragon]

What happens is, the locked on is the game's way of informing you, your turret commanders have their sights on that target and are doing their thing to improve dispersion to that target. 

 

in regards to the arc, your guns do a little hiccup/angle to try to get the shells over the islands.  That's it, no arc improvement the game will try to get the shells over the island instead of through the island.  

 

Enjoy.

[HMS_Swiftsure_08]

Two advantages

1. Your rangefinder automatically tracks the target, meaning the crosshair center is relatively fixed against the target, allowing you to do micro adjustment for better aiming

2. Allows better dispersion pattern

[Mingfang47]

Difference? You'll deliver damages effectively per salvo* than not locking on at your target.

 

*depends on how you aim on your target

[derpcargoship]

Quick graphic I made for better basic understanding using 3D space:

Spoiler

Locking benefits:

- Camera tracks your target

- Your dispersion is improved by ~50% (= more accurate shells)

- You can fire over certain islands to hit your target

- While using torpedoes, there is an 'aiming assistant', that gives you a rough guide of your target's heading.

 

Conclusion: You should always lock your target.

Yes, use that 'X' key, often!

Hope this helps : )

[humusz]

from sub octavian - 

 

 

Target lock is a must. There is absolutely no point in shooting without target lock, if you are able to acquire it. Apart from adding aiming plane to locked target, it greatly improves your horizontal dispersion (like, twice lower!).

By the way, aiming plane is needed due to line of sight issues - e.g. you may be targeting ship superstructure, but without adjusted aim the game may as well think you are targeting the mountain behind: http://i.imgur.com/GDXKxbx.jpg

 

So aiming plane (target lock) is your friend and allows you to shoot with black trajectories (good), not with red (bad): http://i.imgur.com/vLgcbIv.jpg

The dispersion debuff without target lock is added primarily to protect “anti-dispersion” camo and related upgrades / captain skills from being bypassed by mods.

[onku_the_sailor]

Thanks a lot durpcargo, for the nice graphic!! Plane of target explains difference in shell trajectory.

 

Also, humusz thanks for the exact info. This what I was looking for. 

[THAI_THIEF]

if target inside the smoke although you have known where he is ?  

[Skarhabek]

well, why nobody mention about the vertical dispersion? tracking the enemy will decide where is the shell will landing at vertical. if there is 2 enemy paralel each other. adjust the target by press X (release targeting) and then press X again to the target you want to shot.

 

also aim a bit above the ship deck for long range target, sssshhttt.... there is vertical auto aim correction by system like aimbot. of course you still need to adjust the horizontal line. for the longest range, shell will fall like a rain to enemy deck. aim above waterline will make THE SHELL MISSED MOST OF THE TIME. 

 

another tip, change the crosshair that fit you the most. for me its type 7, bcoz alergie have loooong long range.....

 

[ too bad i am still sux at positioning ship, someone please spot enemy :V ]