Ro-Class Destroyer
The Ro-Class Destroyer is an Abyssal Fleet unit appearing in Kantai Collection and its adapted media. Servicing as one of the fundamental light enemy vessels encountered by Admirals from the very first map, it is distinguished from other standard destroyers by its heavier emphasis on offensive capabilities. Over the course of the game's operation, several upgraded variants have been introduced, significantly increasing its threat level in specialized roles.
Overview
The Ro-Class Destroyer is an Abyssal Fleet unit appearing in Kantai Collection and its adapted media. Servicing as one of the fundamental light enemy vessels encountered by Admirals from the very first map, it is distinguished from other standard destroyers by its heavier emphasis on offensive capabilities. Over the course of the game's operation, several upgraded variants have been introduced, significantly increasing its threat level in specialized roles.
Appearance
The Ro-Class Destroyer resembles a mechanical aquatic creature or shark, featuring two glowing blue eyes, sharp teeth, and a prominent snout. Its mouth presents a distinctive grinning expression. While standard forms lack a humanoid body, the Late Model variant features a pair of legs extending underneath its biomechanical frame.
Personality
As a standard hostile unit, the Ro-Class Destroyer lacks articulate speech and personal narrative characterization. Its permanent grin gives it an uncanny demeanor. Among the player base, its status as early-game common fodder has led to affectionate community nicknames despite its menacing facial features.
Abilities
The base Ro-Class focuses primary firepower over other stats. Upgraded elite forms incorporate torpedoes alongside main guns, while flagship variants add depth charge projectors to dramatically boost night-battle capabilities and anti-submarine warfare (ASW). Late Model variants replace torpedoes with sonar equipment, leveraging high evasion and deadly ASW synergy to easily neutralize submarines. The Late Model Elite balances high ASW power with night-combat double attacks.
Background
Present since the launch of Kantai Collection in early stages such as World 1-1, the Ro-Class Destroyer has evolved through game updates. The flagship variant was introduced in August 2013, followed by the footed Late Model during the August 2014 Summer Event. The further enhanced Late Model Elite arrived in August 2015, solidifying the class's reputation as a notorious submarine counter measure. It also makes appearances in animated adaptations as part of the Abyssal Fleet forces.
Relationships
Within the Abyssal Fleet, the Ro-Class Destroyer forms common light surface units alongside the I-Class, Ha-Class, and Ni-Class destroyers. It acts as a direct adversary to the Kanmusu, developing a reputation as a particularly dangerous foe to player-controlled submarines.
Trivia
The designation "Ro" originates from the traditional Japanese Iroha ordering system used for ship classification. In Chinese player communities, it earned the humorous nickname "Salted Fish" due to its fish-like appearance and fodder status in early game stages.