Akagi is a powerful aircraft carrier (CV) from the Sakura Empire in Azur Lane, renowned for her high damage output, unique abilities, and synergy with Kaga. As one of the most iconic ships in the game, Akagi plays a key role in many fleet compositions, especially for players who favour air superiority. This guide will cover everything you need to know about Akagi, including her skills, best equipment, fleet synergies, and optimal fleet setups.

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Akagi Overview

Let’s take a look at some of the core base metrics of Akagi:

Faction: Sakura Empire

Rarity: Super Rare 6-stars (Can be obtained from maps 3-4 and events)

Ship Type: Aircraft Carrier (CV)

Stats:

• HP: High
• Aviation: High
• Reload: Moderate
• Evasion: Low
• AA: Moderate
• Speed: Moderate

Skills and Abilities

Akagi is one of the most powerful aircraft carriers in Azur Lane, capable of dealing immense burst damage with her Preemptive Strike skill. She works best in Sakura Empire carrier fleets, especially when paired with Kaga and supported by Nagato or Shinano. By equipping her with the best aircraft and optimizing her fleet composition, players can maximize her potential in both PvE and PvP. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, Akagi remains a top-tier choice for carrier-based strategies in Azur Lane. Check out all of her abilities:

1. First Carrier Division

• When paired with Kaga (Sakura Empire CV) in the same fleet, this skill increases both Akagi’s and Kaga’s Aviation stat by 15%.
• This makes them one of the strongest aircraft carrier duos in the game, capable of launching devastating airstrikes.

2. Pre-emptive Strike

• When this ship launches her first airstrike in battle, there is a 50% (100% at max level) chance to launch another airstrike immediately.
• This ability allows Akagi to deal massive burst damage at the start of battles, making her a great pick for both PvE and PvP.

3. Fleetwide Aviation Boost (Retrofit Exclusive)

• If you retrofit Akagi (when available), she gets a fleetwide buff that boosts Aviation by 5% for all carriers. This makes her an even more valuable asset in carrier-heavy fleets.

Akagi – Best Equipment to Use

Akagi benefits from a balanced mix of Dive Bombers and Torpedo Bombers, but her exact loadout can vary based on role and synergy. Below are her best options:

Best Fighter Planes (Slot 1)

• F6F Hellcat – Good balance of AA and damage output.
• F4U Corsair (VF-17 Squadron) – High damage, effective for PvE.
• Hawker Sea Fury – Offers high base damage with fast reload.

Best Dive Bombers (Slot 2)

• SB2C Helldiver – High damage, good against all armor types.
• Suisei (601 Air Group) – Increases Akagi’s crit rate.
• AD-1 Skyraider – Provides consistent and high AoE damage.

Best Torpedo Bombers (Slot 3)

• Barracuda (831 Air Group) – High torpedo damage output.
• Tenzan (601 Air Group) – Strong Sakura Empire synergy.
• Ryusei – Fast reload and high torpedo damage.

Auxiliary Equipment

Akagi benefits from aviation-boosting equipment and survivability tools:

• Steam Catapult – Increases aviation stat and enhances airstrike damage.
• Air Radar – Boosts AA and helps counter enemy air threats.
• Golden Aviation Oil Tank – Provides durability and Aviation bonus.
• Angel’s Feather – Provides a large amount of AVI stat and a small amount of EVA stat. Also provides a minor heal in battles if the ship is MNF or FFNF.

Best Fleet Synergies for Akagi

Akagi thrives in Sakura Empire fleets, but she can also be used in mixed compositions. Below are the best ships to pair her with:

1. Kaga (Sakura Empire CV)

• The best partner for Akagi, providing the First Carrier Division buff.
• This synergy increases both their Aviation stats by 15%, making them one of the best carrier duos.

2. Nagato (BB, Sakura Empire)

• Her fleetwide buff increases Aviation and Firepower for all Sakura Empire ships.
• This makes Akagi’s airstrikes hit even harder.

3. Shinano (UR Carrier, Sakura Empire)

• Shinano provides an Aviation buff and reduces airstrike cooldowns.
• This allows Akagi to use her airstrikes more frequently.

4. Chitose & Chiyoda (CVL, Sakura Empire)

• These light carriers provide additional support by launching secondary airstrikes.
• They also have defensive abilities that keep Akagi alive longer.

5. Essex (CV, Eagle Union)

• If using a mixed fleet, Essex is a great alternative with high AA and Aviation stats.

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