2-5 Guide: North and South Routes

2-5 (沖ノ島沖) is World 2's Extra Operation map. Sink the boss flagship 4 times each month for a medal and 100 special war results. It's often the first map where line of sight (LoS) and air power both decide whether you reach and beat the boss.

Reading the wiki's routing table, there are two practical routes: a north route built on battleships, heavy cruisers and drums, and a south route built on a light carrier with a destroyer squadron. Which one fits depends on what you've leveled.

• Drums (ドラム缶) on 2 ships lock the start toward B. Aviation cruisers are the usual drum carriers because they also bring seaplanes for LoS.
• You need at least one slow ship, or F sends you the wrong way. A slow aviation battleship is ideal: it covers both the slow requirement and air power.
• With no carriers, the wiki's rough guideline for air superiority at the boss is about three Zuiun or one seaplane fighter — but don't cut it too fine, since Zuiun get shot down.
• The monthly 5th Division (第五戦隊) quest uses this route, since it takes three heavy cruisers.

• The fleet must be all fast. A slow ship or a battleship pushes you onto a longer route with a possible strong whirlpool and a tough carrier fleet at L.
• About 100 air power secures the air at every node including the boss.
• Opening airstrikes matter most, so favor torpedo bombers on the carrier. A Saiun on the carrier helps both LoS and contact.
• Destroyers need small radars for LoS; it's easy to fall short.
• It's easier to assemble early (it reuses your 2-4 carrier and 3-2 destroyers), but harder to make stable until your gear improves.

The boss sometimes has a carrier. Do I need air power?

Yes. The boss can be led by a Wo-class flagship carrier with two battleships, so plan for air superiority even on the north route.

I keep ending up at G or L.

That's the punishment branch: a slow ship or battleship on the south route, or an all-fast fleet on the north route. If you get pushed off course at E, retreating is usually wise.

What drops here?

Akashi (only if you have none), Taigei, Yuugumo-class destroyers, and Mikuma, Suzuya and Kumano. See How to Get Akashi.

Should I try 2-5 right after unlocking it?

The wiki says it's doable if your ships are remodeled and modernized and you have drums and planes. If several pieces are missing, it's fine to come back later.