Board Thread:Questions and Answers/@comment-74.103.23.109-20150311051300/@comment-25477086-20150311072537

Branching rules are the main reason you want a balanced fleet. A lot of maps require certain fleet compositions; especially event maps. A light fleet consisting of 1 CL and 5 DD has been a dev favorite the past 2 events.

Your fleet setup will need to change with the demands of the map. Some maps require more carriers and some require less. It is a good idea to have at least 2 of each ship type at a decent level so that your fleet can adjust to changing requirements. If you didn't know, map 3-2 you'll want to run 6 DD on because you have no choice.

Most things a DD can do, a CL can do better. High luck DD can be used for night battle cut-ins should you need the extra punch as CL aren't as good in the luck area.

Light carriers are just budget carriers, but you will be forced to use them for branching rules.

There are other reasons for or against certain ship types, but for now level them all. You can probably get by with fewer CL and CVL than the other ship types.