Update 8.3 Patch Notes

Optimization of Matchmaking Rules

To ensure fairer and more balanced battles, Update 8.3 introduces several important adjustments to matchmaking logic, particularly around team composition.

Team Composition Limits

The system now enforces certain squad conditions. This means each side can have either:

• One 3-player team, or
• Two 2-player teams

This change helps reduce the chances of large coordinated teams overwhelming more casual players, promoting a healthier competitive environment.

Team Balance Mechanism

A team balance mechanism has been implemented to limit the difference in number of team players between the two sides.

Black Ship Update: New Power, New Perks

Black ships are getting a serious boost in Update 8.3 with new systems to make them more valuable than before.

Free XP Exchange for Black Ships

A new "Free XP (Black Ship)" tab has been added to the exchange interface, allowing you to convert XP earned on Black ships into Free XP.

• Only Black ships with unused XP will appear in this tab.
• The exchange rate is 1 Gold to 50 Free XP.
• All other rules follow the standard Free XP conversion system.

This gives players more flexibility when it comes to progressing their Tech Tree or unlocking other content, making Black ships a more strategic investment.

New Black Consumables

Two new "Black" Repair Kits and two new "Black" Damage Control Kits are now available, exclusively for Black ships.

• Each consumable costs 15 Gold.
• These can only be equipped on Black ships and are not compatible with standard Techline or Premium ships.
• Players can select them freely when customizing their loadouts.

Themes – Creative Inspirations Behind Each Month's Content

September: Clockwork Armada

September sets sail under steam and steel in Clockwork Armada—a theme forged from brass ambition, industrial might, and a touch of arcane precision.

Leading the vanguard is Zerstörer-1 (D-170), featured in the Blitz Pass. This formidable German destroyer is engineered for relentless pursuit, armed with hard-hitting weaponry and a tenacity that matches her steampunk-inspired origins.

Across the month, expect cog-laden camouflages, gear-driven event visuals, and a reward structure built like a well-oiled machine. Whether you're tightening bolts or turning tides, September is all about cold logic, hot metal, and calculated firepower.

October: The Ballad of Bjorn

October descends into legend with "The Ballad of Bjorn," a dark fantasy saga where myth, frost, and fury collide.

At the center of this windswept epic is Tier VIII battleship Connecticut, a powerhouse draped in storm-forged armor. Steady, unyielding, and shaped by northern tempests, she anchors the month's haunting, heroic theme.

From frostbitten camouflages to lore-bound rewards and ghostly event art, October channels an ancient power that whispers through the waves. This is your tale to write—your storm to command.

Collection Book Pages

Clockwork Armada

In an age where steam and steel reign supreme, the seas churn beneath a fleet powered by cogs, gears, and ruthless precision. Leading it is a cutting-edge German destroyer—a marvel of engineering and relentless efficiency. This is no ordinary navy… this is the Clockwork Armada.

Featured Items

• Title: Steamforged
  Obtained from the Daily Login Rewards of September 2025.
• Frame: Chrono Arch
  Obtained from the Blitz Pass of September 2025.
• Portrait: Danielle D. Brassfender
  Obtained from the Blitz Pass of September 2025.
• Camouflage: Dampfschiff
  Obtained from the Blitz Pass of September 2025.

Milestone Rewards

• 2 items collected – Timed Camouflage: Clockwork Armada (30D)
• 3 items collected – Epic Title: High Machinist
• 4 items collected – Exclusive Frame: Clockwork Armada

The Clockwork Armada Collection Book Page opens September 1, 2025, and will remain permanently available once unlocked.

The Ballad of Bjorn

Step into the dark fantasy world of Bjorn the Stormbreaker—sailor, scoundrel, and survivor of the realms beyond the veil. This collection follows Bjorn's legendary misadventures through frostbitten kingdoms, infernal depths, and haunted bogs as he braves gods, monsters, and queens alike in search of glory... or just a way out alive.

Featured Items

• Title: Voidbound
  Obtained from the Daily Login Rewards of October 2025.
• Frame: Covenant Crest
  Obtained from the Blitz Pass of October 2025.
• Portrait: Bjorn Stormbreaker
  Obtained from the Blitz Pass of October 2025.
• Camouflage: Ice Forged
  Obtained from the Regatta of October 2025.

Milestone Rewards

• 2 items collected – Timed Camouflage: The Ballad of Bjorn (30D)
• 3 items collected – Epic Title: Dread Ascendant
• 4 items collected – Exclusive Frame: Frostbound Crest

The Ballad of Bjorn Collection Book Page opens on October 1, 2025, and will remain permanently available once unlocked.

Unique camouflages

• The Unmoored (Gouden Leeuw)
• Viscount of Victory (St. Vincent)
• Pacific Phantom (Enterprise)
• Ice Forged (Ashitaka)
• Netherbound (Connecticut)
• Dampfschiff (Zerstörer-1)
• United Front (Ushakov)
• Iron Cross (Hildebrand)
• War Paint (Almirante Oquendo)
• Zero Hour (Shinano)
• Blazing Dread (Tennessee)
• Uniforme Français (Cassard)
• Murky Bog (L'Aventurier)

Standard Commanders

• Nierdanel Nadar
• Mary J. Eastriver

Epic Commanders

• Lady of the Cold
• Amon Sitri
• Bjorn Stormbreaker
• Belladonna Nightshade
• Queen of the Deep
• Danielle D. Brassfender
• Black Tortoise

Legendary Commanders

• King of Winter
• Suzaku

New cosmetics

Portraits

• Arise 2059
• Supership: Ushakov
• Mary J. Eastriver (+ League version)
• Danielle D. Brassfender (+ League version)
• Nierdanel Nadar
• Queen of the Deep
• Bjorn Stormbreaker (+ League version)
• King of Winter (+ League version)
• Amon Sitri
• Belladonna Nightshade
• Lady of the Cold
• Extraordinary Ones
• Extraordinary Ones: Suzaku
• Extraordinary Ones: Black Tortoise

Frames

• Sacred Spires
• Guiding Star
• Pillars of Triumph
• Winds of the Lowlands
• Drums of the Ancients
• Extraordinary Ones
• Black Tortoise
• Suzaku
• Shiji
• Leila Paws
• Eldritch Crest
• Covenant Crest
• Frostbound Crest
• Infernal Crest
• Clockwork Armada
• Chrono Arch

Titles

• Triumphant
• Windwalker
• Beast Beneath the Spires
• Echo of the Ancients
• Who Approved This?
• King XVII
• Big E
• Captain of Ushakov
• Whispersworn
• Steamforged
• Brassborn
• Extraordinary Ones
• Stone Siren
• Power of Tech
• Power of Flame
• Cutie Pie
• Covenant
• Eldritch
• Frostbound
• Infernal

Timed Camouflages

• The Ballad of Bjorn
• Clockwork Armada
• Dimension of Darkness
• Dimension of Light

Daily Login Rewards Update

September: Clockwork Armada

This September, enter a world of pistons, plating, and precision—a tribute to the relentless rhythm of war machines and steam-powered strength. Log in daily to collect rewards forged in the fire of innovation and ambition.

Here's what's waiting on the workbench:

• Clockwork Armada Camouflages – A brand-new, time-limited camo blending brass and battle in a striking steampunk style.
• Blueprints, Boosters, and Silver – Reliable resources delivered daily to keep your engineering on point.
• Steamforged Title – A new, exclusive title required for September's Collection Book Page—don't miss it.
• Portrait: Asher – The calculated Commander returns to inspire cool-headed combat decisions.
• Epic Commander: The esteemed Richard H. Best.

October: The Ballad of Bjorn

October embraces myth and mystery with a dark fantasy chapter of naval might. Log in daily to uncover rewards wrapped in lore, chill winds, and ancient echoes.

Here's what's etched in legend:

• "The Ballad of Bjorn" Camouflages – A time-limited camouflage drawn from the frostbitten tales of the northern front.
• Blueprints, Boosters, and Silver – Vital supplies to face the storm ahead.
• Voidbound Title – Required for October's Collection Book Page, this title marks those who sail beyond the veil.
• Portrait: Spirit of the Lake – A haunting figure who commands respect from allies and enemies alike.
• Tier V Premium Battleship: Rio de Janeiro – Wield this majestic warship known for her devastating salvos and unwavering poise.

New Warships

Tennessee – American Tier VIII Battleship
A slow but steady powerhouse, Tennessee is built like an ironclad turtle—ideal for players who favor durability and precision over speed. With solid accuracy, great damage output, and a forgiving profile, she's an excellent pick for newcomers or Captains who thrive on consistency. While her low speed limits her mobility, her firepower makes every shot count.

Connecticut – American Tier VIII Battleship
A refined variant of Nebraska, Connecticut brings balanced performance across the board. Though she trades down slightly in main battery caliber, she makes up for it with improved overall handling, faster reloads, and strong anti-air. A dependable all-rounder for those who want a steady, no-frills frontline presence with a hint of finesse.

Zerstörer-1 (D-170) – German Tier IX Destroyer
A highly maneuverable destroyer with a refined skill set, Zerstörer-1 is built for flexible support and opportunistic strikes. She's ideal for disrupting key positions and harassing targets, and while her raw damage output is modest, her tactical utility and agility make her a valuable team asset in capable hands.

Almirante Oquendo – Spanish Tier IX Cruiser
Almirante Oquendo introduces a unique alternate firing mode that modifies shell behavior for situational precision. While her performance hinges on careful positioning and timing, she offers high adaptability. A strong pick for Captains looking for a distinct, control-oriented cruiser.

Hildebrand – German Tier X Cruiser
Blurring the line between cruiser and carrier, Hildebrand delivers hybrid firepower through a mix of torpedoes, bombers, and main guns. Though her gunnery is limited, her tactical squadrons and support options give her wide map-influence and versatile engagement options. Think of her as a stealthy siege engine—dangerous in the right hands and hard to counter.

Shinano – Japanese Tier X Aircraft Carrier
Based on a modified Yamato hull, Shinano is a formidable strike carrier boasting heavy armor and devastating tactical squadrons. With powerful AP bombers and smoke-equipped aircraft, she rivals Roosevelt in strength and survivability. Built for players who want a more aggressive, front-foot carrier experience with a focus on burst damage and citadel hits.

Ushakov – Supership (Soviet Tier XI Battleship)
Ushakov is a high-risk, high-reward battleship that demands precision and timing. Built around powerful Combat Instructions, Ushakov’s performance spikes dramatically once you land enough hits to activate them—boosting both accuracy and main battery range. While her baseline accuracy is lower than most Superships, a skilled Captain who can manage the tradeoff will unlock devastating long-range potential.

Black Hakuryū – Japanese Tier X Aircraft Carrier
A sleek alternate version of the iconic Hakuryū, this Black ship variant comes with a serious upgrade—boosted airgroup survivability across the board. With 10% more HP for all aircraft, Black Hakuryū is designed to maintain pressure longer and strike deeper into enemy lines. Ideal for Captains who favor precision bombing and extended air dominance with a signature dark edge.

Arise 2059 – Pan-Asian Aircraft Carrier
Arise 2059 takes to the skies as a bold new addition to the Pan-Asian fleet. Designed for commanders who favor dynamic tactics and sustained pressure, she brings a fresh approach to carrier gameplay. With her sleek design and versatile loadout, Arise 2059 is ready to make her mark in any mid-tier naval operation.

French Destroyers (Duchaffault, L'Aventurier, Cassard)
The French Destroyer line pushes forward in Update 8.3 with the arrival of Tier VI Duchaffault, Tier VIII L'Aventurier, and Tier X Cassard.

These warships continue the line's fast-paced, high-skill identity, and starting at Tier VI, they also feature variable torpedoes, allowing you to switch firing modes based on range and reload, adding flexibility to your ambush and disengagement tactics.

Skybox Optimization

Visual clarity and immersion are key to every battle, and Update 8.3 brings a wave of improvements to the game's skyboxes across several maps. These updates enhance the atmosphere and overall lighting, making each environment feel more distinct and polished.

The following maps have received skybox optimizations:

• Strait
• Cage
• Deadlock
• Typhoon's Eye
• Crash Zone
• Hourglass
• Neighbors
• Big Race
• Sleeping Giant
• Icebergs

These visual updates are part of our ongoing commitment to improving graphical fidelity without impacting performance. Players can expect a more refined and immersive experience across these battlefields.

Tutorial Overhaul

We've reworked our tutorial to make getting started smoother than ever. From choosing your name and nation to diving into your first battles, the new flow introduces key features like combat, ship upgrades, and progression at just the right pace. By the time you complete the tutorial, you'll be ready to chart your own course and take on the seas with confidence.

Additional Improvements

UI Enhancements

• The battle start and battle mode selection buttons have been visually optimized.
• The current battle mode is now displayed on the "Battle!" button.
• Icons are now shown for each mode in the battle mode selection menu.

Player Reporting System 
A new in-game reporting feature has been introduced:

• During battle, access the player list to report or compliment others.
• Available in-battle report types:
  • Unskilled player
  • Inactivity in battle
  • Misbehavior in chat
  • Unsporting behavior
• Outside of battle, reports can be submitted via player profiles.
• Available report types outside of battle:
  • Abusive/Offensive Language
  • AD Information (Advertisement)
  • Abusive/Offensive Name
  • Fraudulent Information
• Optional text feedback (up to 500 characters) is supported.

Tournament Enhancements

Support for multi-choice selection boxes in tournament settings has been added.

Commander Crate Drop Probability Info

Drop probability details are now displayed for Commander crates, improving transparency.

Bug Fixes

• Fixed an issue where launching the game on Android would stop background music apps from playing.
• Resolved a display error in the ship comparison screen where:
  • If Ship A had two types of torpedoes and Ship B had only one, the torpedo model visuals were incorrectly displayed.

Ship Balancing

A broad set of balance adjustments have been implemented in Update 8.3, targeting both Tech Tree and Premium ships. These changes aim to address performance gaps, refine underused options, and promote greater variety in high-tier play.

Tech Tree Ships

German Battleship – Schlieffen Line 
Ships affected: Von der Tann, Moltke, Derfflinger, Mackensen, Prinz Heinrich, Zieten, Prinz Rupprecht, Schlieffen

• Concealment reduced by 5%
• Time to full speed reduced by 10%
• Turn time reduced by 10%

German Battleship – Großer Kurfürst Line 
Ships affected: Nassau, Kaiser, König, Bayern, Gneisenau, Bismarck, Friedrich der Große, Grosser Kurfürst, Mecklenburg, Preußen, Black Bayern, Black Friedrich der Große, Black Bismarck, Black Grosser Kurfürst, Messenger of Oblivion

• Main battery accuracy increased by 10%

French Cruiser – Marseille Line 
Ships affected: Cherbourg, Brest, Marseille

• Main battery reload time reduced by 23%
• Secondary gun reload time reduced by 10%

American Destroyer – Gearing Line 
Ships affected: Sampson, Wickes, Clemson, Nicholas, Farragut, Mahan, Fletcher, Gearing, Mayo, Edson, Halford, Johnston, Hill, Sims, Benham, Black, Somers, Black Benson, Black Farragut, Black Fletcher, Gold Bug

• AA damage increased by 30%
• Time to full speed reduced by 10%
• Turn time reduced by 8%

British Destroyer – Daring Line 
Ships affected: Medea, Valkyrie, Wakeful, Acasta, Icarus, Jervis, Lightning, Jutland, Daring, Black Lightning

• HP increased by 10%
• Torpedo speed increased by 5%
• Torpedo reload time reduced by 10%

Premium Ships

British Premium Destroyers 
Ships affected: Campbeltown, Gallant, Cossack

• Torpedo speed increased by 5%

Châteaurenault (France, Tier X)

• Added Air Defense Alert II x3
• Main battery range increased from 7.32 km to 7.86 km
• Main battery reload time reduced from 4.1 s to 2.8 s
• HP increased from 18,600 to 19,600
• Concealment improved from 7.50 km to 7.14 km

Vampire II (Commonwealth, Tier X)

• Torpedo reload time reduced from 48 s to 40 s
• Main battery shell velocity increased by 7%
• HE shell damage increased from 260 to 280
• AP shell damage increased from 280 to 300
• Large caliber AA damage increased from 102 to 117
• Small caliber AA damage increased from 64 to 77
• HP increased from 16,600 to 17,100
• Main battery range increased from 7.98 km to 8.52 km

Hector (Commonwealth, Tier IX)

• Torpedo reload time reduced from 47.6 s to 40 s

Hoche (France, Tier VIII)

• Torpedo damage increased from 3,100 to 3,450
• Small caliber AA damage increased from 56 to 88

Kidd (U.S.A., Tier VIII)

• Concealment improved from 6.30 km to 6.06 km
• Large caliber AA damage increased from 90 to 117
• Small caliber AA damage increased from 104 to 135
• Main battery range increased from 7.32 km to 7.50 km
• Time to full speed reduced by 10%
• Turn time reduced by 10%

Huron (Commonwealth, Tier VII)

• Torpedo reload time reduced from 47.6 s to 40 s
• Main battery shell velocity increased by 7%
• HP increased from 13,000 to 13,700
• Main battery range increased from 8.10 km to 8.40 km

Haida (Commonwealth, Tier VII)

• Torpedo reload time reduced from 47.6 s to 40 s
• Main battery shell velocity increased by 7%
• HP increased from 13,300 to 14,000
• Main battery range increased from 7.98 km to 8.28 km

Sevastopol / Black Sevastopol (U.S.S.R., Tier X)

• AP shell damage increased from 1,450 to 1,510
• Sevastopol: Main battery range increased from 12.30 km to 12.66 km
• Sevastopol Black: Main battery range increased from 12.42 km to 12.78 km
• Main battery sigma value improved

Yoshino (Japan, Tier X)

• Main battery reload time reduced from 13 s to 11 s
• Traverse speed increased from 5.5° to 5.8°
• Concealment improved from 10.20 km to 9.96 km
• Main battery sigma value improved

Svea (Europe, Tier X)

• Main battery reload time reduced from 5.8 s to 4.8 s
• HE damage increased from 450 to 470
• Concealment improved from 8.04 km to 7.62 km

Almirante Grau (Pan-America, Tier VIII)

• Main battery reload time reduced from 7.2 s to 6 s
• HP increased from 25,100 to 26,400

Congress (U.S.A., Tier VIII)

• Main battery accuracy increased
• Main battery sigma value improved

Bagration (U.S.S.R., Tier VIII)

• AP damage increased from 700 to 720
• HE damage increased from 500 to 520
• Small caliber AA damage increased from 96 to 148
• HE penetration increased by 20%
• Main battery sigma value improved

Francesco Ferruccio (Italy, Tier VII)

• Main battery reload time reduced from 7.8 s to 7 s
• Concealment improved from 7.92 km to 7.50 km
• Torpedo reload time reduced from 60 s to 48 s

Toulon (France, Tier VII)

• Main battery reload time reduced from 18 s to 14 s
• Secondary gun reload time reduced from 9 s to 8.1 s

Huanghe / Black Huanghe (Pan-Asia, Tier VI)

• HP increased from 16,800 to 17,600
• Torpedo damage increased from 2,800 to 3,100

Mikoyan (U.S.S.R., Tier V)

• HP increased from 16,400 to 17,600
• HE damage increased from 500 to 530
• AP damage increased from 680 to 710

Tsurugi (Japan, Tier IX)

• AP damage increased from 1,720 to 1,890
• Reload time reduced from 20 s to 18.5 s
• AP penetration increased by 15%

Hizen (Japan, Tier IX)

• Reload time reduced from 24 s to 21 s
• HP increased from 46,400 to 48,700

Ise (Japan, Tier VII)

• Main battery range increased from 12.30 km to 12.54 km
• Aircraft reload time reduced from 6.6 s to 6 s

Strasbourg (France, Tier VII)

• HE damage increased from 800 to 830
• AP damage increased from 1,050 to 1,080
• Reload time reduced from 20 s to 17.5 s
• Main battery accuracy increased

Texas (U.S.A., Tier V)

• Main battery reload time reduced from 23 s to 20.5 s

IP Collaborations

"Arpeggio of Blue Steel -Ars Nova-" Returns

The legendary Fleet of Fog has surfaced once more—and this time, all ships and Commanders are available in one massive collaboration event!

World of Warships Blitz x "Arpeggio of Blue Steel -Ars Nova-" brings you a full lineup of iconic warships, anime-styled Commanders, exclusive cosmetics, and exciting event features.

Available Ships:

• Tier X: ARP Yamato, ARP Musashi
• Tier VIII: ARP Maya, ARP Haruna
• Tier VII: ARP Myōkō, ARP Nachi
• Tier V: ARP Kirishima, ARP Kongō
• Plus: ARP Haguro, ARP Hiei  

Key Features:

• Exclusive ARP Commanders: Iona, Gunzō Chihaya, Kirishima (Yotaroh), and more.
• Exclusive portraits, voiceovers, and camouflages.
• "The Blue Fleet" Tokens: Earn them through battles and missions and trade them for premium content.
• Fleet of Fog Crates: Open them with "The Blue Fleet" Keys and Gold.
• Sonar Sweep: Guaranteed, no-duplicate rewards!
• Fleet of Fog Regatta: Mission-based reward path featuring high-value milestones.
• Blitz Challenges: Complete missions for each ARP ship to earn their Commander and portrait.

Background 
Based on the anime and manga series, "Arpeggio of Blue Steel -Ars Nova-," the story follows a future where humanity has lost control of the seas to a mysterious, AI-controlled naval force known as the Fleet of Fog. These ships mimic the appearance of real-world WWII-era warships but possess devastating futuristic weaponry—and human-like avatars known as Mental Models.

Led by the likes of Iona (submarine I-401) and Yamato, the Fleet of Fog imposes a blockade on the oceans, isolating countries and disrupting global communication. Your mission, Captain, is to break the blockade—or command it.

© 2025 Wargaming.net. All Rights Reserved. © Ark Performance /Shonengahosha, Arpeggio partners

Extraordinary Ones

A new dimension of heroes joins the battlefield in this fresh collaboration between World of Warships Blitz and the mobile anime-style MOBA, "Extraordinary Ones."

Get ready to welcome a roster of playable Commanders, each bringing their own distinct personality and flair from the Extraordinary Ones universe. Whether they're sly, bold, mischievous, or elegant, these characters are ready to leave their mark on the high seas.

Players can expect:

• Collaboration-exclusive Commanders & their warships, each with their own themed portraits
• Stylish new collaboration frames and titles to show off your crossover pride
• Special themed events and crates during the collaboration window

© 2025 Wargaming.net. All Rights Reserved. ©2025 NetEase, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

What's Next

The "Tidal" Supership Season kicks off this August with the release of Update 8.3, bringing fresh intensity to high-tier battles. Prepare to test your skills against the very best as the season unfolds.

Looking ahead, we're working on large-scale server-wide events, where players across each region will rally under a unified banner (or two), contribute toward shared milestones, and unlock powerful rewards together. More details to come soon.

Behind the scenes, our team continues to focus on technical improvements across the board—performance, stability, and systems—to ensure smoother gameplay. We won't dive into the nitty-gritty here, but rest assured, this work is laying the foundation for future enhancements.

Next update, the Dutch cruisers arrive with Utrecht leading the charge. Expect unique playstyles and devastating firepower from this powerful line.

The debut of the American Supership aircraft carrier – United States is also on the horizon, expanding the Supership lineup even further.

And that's just the start—there's much more on the way.