The game map frames naval balance as more than a headline total. The British fleet has roughly 600 ships, but the German and French forces still include substantial capital-ship, destroyer, torpedo-boat, and submarine components. French strength in small combatants and Germany's 17 battleships make the composition of those totals as important as their size. An operational decision begins with identifying what useful forces an opponent has and where they can be committed.
Chapter · 4:03-7:04
Reading a 1908 naval balance before committing forces
The campaign opens with a comparison of British, German, and French ship totals before the next operation is chosen.