Update 9.3 – The Opening
Welcome to Update 9.3!
This update is all about keeping you in the action. Once your ship has been sunk, you'll no longer need to wait for the ongoing battle to end before taking her into another one. You can return to battle immediately, spend less time waiting, and keep playing with the ships you enjoy most.
This update also marks the completion of the Equipment System rework. Improved Equipment, the remaining Standard Equipment modules, and the return of Legendary Equipment to the Armory bring the system to completion. We've also acted on player feedback by making Equipment unloading free throughout Update 9.3, giving you more freedom to experiment with different ships and builds.
Beyond these major changes, Update 9.3 introduces Milestone Rewards for crates, offering guaranteed rewards as you reach selected numbers of openings, as well as new Destruction Effects and Destruction Announcements to further personalize your fleet. Bot behavior improvements, interface updates, quality-of-life changes, and a range of bug fixes round out the update.
Equipment System
Update 9.3 completes the Equipment System rework by introducing the final features of the system, including Improved Equipment, the return of Legendary Equipment to the Armory, additional Standard Equipment options, and several improvements based on player feedback.
Improved Equipment
Improved Equipment is now available as the final tier of the Equipment System. Designed as long-term progression, it is intended to be a rare, endgame upgrade rather than something players are expected to complete immediately.
Improved Equipment can be purchased for 500 Bonds. Upgrading it from Level I to Level II costs 1,500 Bonds, while upgrading from Level II to Level III costs 3,000 Bonds. Equipment can normally be unloaded for 200 Bonds or sold for 50% of its original Bond cost.
| ACTION | COST |
| Purchase | 500 Bonds |
| Upgrade I → II | 1,500 Bonds |
| Upgrade II → III | 3,000 Bonds |
| Remove | 200 Bonds |
| Sell | 50% Bond refund |
To make experimenting with different builds easier, Equipment can be unloaded at no cost throughout the entire duration of Update 9.3. During this period, you'll be able to freely move your Equipment between ships and try different setups before deciding where you want to keep it. In 9.4, the fee of 200 bonds to move Equipment items from one slot to another will return.
We've also seen concerns about Bond acquisition. Improved Equipment is intended to be a long-term goal, so progression through battles alone will be gradual. However, Bonds won't only come from gameplay—they'll also be featured as rewards in selected events every month, allowing active participants to earn additional progress.
Standard Equipment
Update 9.3 adds 28 additional Standard Equipment modules, completing the Standard Equipment roster. This includes many equipment options that were unavailable in Update 9.2, giving more ships access to the modules they were previously missing.
As a reminder, the same equipment effect cannot be equipped twice on a single ship. If an equipment type is available in multiple slots, you cannot equip both its Standard and Improved versions at the same time.
Bond Rewards
Bonds can be earned from battles played on Tier X ships. The amount awarded depends on your individual battle placement and your team's result.
| PLACEMENT | WINNING SIDE | LOSING SIDE |
| 1st | 7 | 5 |
| 2nd | 7 | 5 |
| 3rd | 5 | 3 |
| 4th | 5 | 3 |
| 5th | 3 | 1 |
| 6th | 3 | 1 |
| 7th | 0 | 0 |
Please note: We'll closely monitor Bond earnings and player behavior throughout the update. Based on the data we collect, we may introduce earning limitations in the following update to ensure the system remains balanced.
Legendary Equipment
Legendary Equipment has returned to the Armory. Both the Free XP and Gold purchase options are once again available, replacing the temporary shop implementation.
Unlocking Equipment Slots
Equipment slots IV–VI are now unlocked through ship progression.
- Premium ships, including Alternative Techlines and Limited ships, have these slot conditions met by default, but they still need to be unlocked by using Silver.
- Tech Tree ships require players to upgrade their ship systems before slots IV–VI become available.
Fighter Control Radar
As part of the finalized Equipment System, Fighter Control Radar has been removed. Upon your first login after updating to version 9.3, any Fighter Control Radar equipment in your account will automatically be converted into Silver based on its original purchase value. This applies to all levels of the module.
Jump Back Into Battle Faster
Waiting for a battle to finish before reusing your favorite ship is now a thing of the past.
With Update 9.3, ships that are still participating in an ongoing battle can now be deployed into another battle immediately, allowing you to keep playing without interruption.
While a ship is active in multiple battles, its Armory and Commander pages will remain unavailable until all ongoing battles involving that ship have concluded.
Destruction Effects and Destruction Announcements
Update 9.3 introduces Destruction Effects and Destruction Announcements, a new category of collectible cosmetic items that let you further personalize your warships.
Destruction Effects
Destruction Effects add a unique visual effect whenever you destroy an enemy ship.
Once obtained, they can be managed from the Armory and linked to an eligible ship. You can own multiple Destruction Effects, but each effect can only be linked to one ship at a time. After linking an effect to a ship, you can choose which linked effect is currently active.
Please note that once a Destruction Effect has been linked to a ship, it cannot be removed unless the ship is sold or, in the case of Superships, its rental period expires.
Destruction Announcements
Destruction Announcements are a companion cosmetic feature that customizes the announcement displayed when you destroy an enemy ship.
They follow the same linking and activation rules as Destruction Effects and can also be managed through the Armory.
Multiple Guaranteed Rewards
Some special crates may include guaranteed rewards for reaching specific opening counts.
When you reach a guaranteed reward threshold, you'll automatically receive that reward instead of the crate's random pull for that opening.
Each guaranteed reward can only be claimed once. After you've claimed all guaranteed rewards for a crate, subsequent openings will award the crate's normal contents.
Apex Milestone
One guaranteed reward may be highlighted as the Apex Milestone, making it easier to identify the main prize available from the crate.
Duplicate Compensation
If a guaranteed reward is a ship you already own, you can view its duplicate compensation directly from the Guaranteed Rewards interface via the information button.
Bot Behavior Improvements
We've improved bot behavior to create smoother, more engaging battles.
Bots can now detect obstacles ahead and attempt to avoid them, reducing the chance of getting stuck or repeatedly colliding with the environment. Their combat behavior has also been adjusted so they engage more actively around the central battle area instead of spending extended periods near the edges of the map.
In addition, bot movement has been refined further, allowing them to turn and maneuver more naturally.
Themes – The Creative Inspirations Behind Each Month's Content
September
September brings Across the Great Rivers, a theme inspired by the great waterways that have shaped civilizations, trade, and exploration throughout history. From winding rivers and vast deltas to mist-covered cataracts and dense mangrove forests, this theme celebrates the spirit of discovery, navigation, and the enduring connection between people and water. Rather than conquest, it is a journey through some of the world's most breathtaking natural landscapes.
Featured this month in the Blitz Pass is River Gambra, a Tier VII Commonwealth cruiser. Agile and dependable, she rewards captains who can adapt to changing situations and navigate the battlefield with confidence and precision.
October
October introduces Dance of the Lucky Ghost, a theme inspired by the legendary Japanese destroyer Shigure and the folklore surrounding her remarkable service. Known as the "Lucky Ship" for surviving countless battles throughout the Second World War, Shigure became the subject of stories that blurred the line between history and myth. This theme draws inspiration from Japan's traditional rainmaking dances and seasonal folklore, creating an atmosphere where guardian spirits, drifting rain, and whispered legends come together beneath the autumn sky.
At the center of the month's Blitz Pass is Shigure, a Tier VIII Japanese destroyer. Renowned for her survivability and enduring legacy, she reflects the spirit of the theme: a vessel that seemed destined to return from every storm. Captains who value stealth, careful positioning, and striking from the shadows will find a fitting companion in Shigure.
New Warships
Yavuz Sultan Selim – European Tier IV Battleship
The first representative of the new European battleship branch, Yavuz Sultan Selim introduces the line's signature Emergency Maneuver Accelerator mechanic. Combining strong secondary armament with excellent maneuverability, she excels at close- to medium-range engagements while rewarding captains who actively reposition.
Laudon – European Tier VI Battleship
Continuing the branch's unique identity, Laudon builds upon the combination of agile handling and powerful secondary armament. Her improved mobility allows her to dictate engagements and confidently pressure opponents at close to medium range.
Enigheten – European Tier VIII Battleship
Enigheten further develops the European battleship playstyle, pairing durable firepower with the line's signature maneuverability. Captains who enjoy actively positioning their battleship while maximizing secondary firepower will feel right at home.
Thor – European Tier X Battleship
The pinnacle of the new European battleship branch, Thor fully embraces the line's highly mobile, secondary-focused combat philosophy. Her unique Emergency Maneuver Accelerator mechanic allows experienced captains to reposition quickly while maintaining relentless pressure in close-range engagements.
River Gambra – Commonwealth Tier VII Cruiser
A light cruiser with a tight layout, maximizing armament within limited displacement. The design was essentially conceived as a smaller, more cost-effective version of the British Town-class cruisers while maintaining comparable firepower.
Shigure – Japanese Tier VIII Destroyer
A modernized take on the classic Kagerō design, Shigure enhances the traditional Japanese torpedo destroyer playstyle with increased burst damage. While her armor remains fragile, captains who master stealth and carefully timed strikes will be rewarded with devastating attacks.
Ruggiero di Lauria – Italian Tier X Battleship
Armed with powerful SAP ammunition, Lauria delivers exceptional performance against lightly armored targets while maintaining formidable overall firepower. Although heavily armored opponents can better withstand her shells, she excels at punishing vulnerable ships with precise, high-impact salvos.
Willem De Eerste – Dutch Tier X Battleship
Willem De Eerste combines powerful main battery firepower, air raids, and secondary armament into a highly versatile package. Capable of applying consistent pressure through multiple damage sources, she rewards captains who can make full use of her diverse arsenal.
Kozma Minin – Soviet Tier IX Cruiser
Designed for sustained fire support, Kozma Minin features highly accurate main guns and defensive tools that help protect against close-range threats. Finding strong firing positions is key to maximizing her long-term damage potential.
Streetbeat: Burner – American Tier VIII Aircraft Carrier
Part of the new Graffiti Series, Streetbeat: Burner introduces a unique combat squadron effect alongside a new ship special that increases the speed of both bomber and torpedo squadrons by 10%, encouraging faster, more aggressive strikes.
Streetbeat: Color Bomb – British Tier X Aircraft Carrier
A Graffiti Series variant featuring unique combat squadron effects, Streetbeat: Color Bomb brings a bold new visual identity to battle while retaining the series' distinctive gameplay style.
Streetbeat: Fresh Coat – British Tier X Aircraft Carrier
Almost completing the Graffiti Series lineup, Streetbeat: Fresh Coat features exclusive combat squadron effects that add a unique flair to every aerial assault.
Black Gearing – American Tier X Destroyer
Black Gearing features an adjusted skill configuration that improves her short-term main battery damage while trading some torpedo burst potential for stronger sustained performance. This creates a more gun-focused take on the iconic destroyer.
Additional Improvements
- Firing Screen Shake: Optimized the screen shake effects when firing guns of different calibers in both aimed and non-aimed views, resulting in a more natural and polished visual experience.
- Store Navigation: Updated the Store's title structure to use a clearer main tab + sub-tab format, replacing the previous "Shop + tab name" layout.
- Wiki Updates: Expanded and refreshed the in-game Wiki with new and updated pages to provide more comprehensive information.
- Operation System UI: Refreshed the Operations interface by replacing the previous green stamp with a new seal design.
- Contact Button: Added a contact button to the login screen, allowing players experiencing login issues to quickly access support.
- Pinned Ship Sales: Ships on sale are now automatically displayed at the top of the Premium Ships section. When multiple ships are discounted, they'll be sorted by discount percentage, with the highest discounts appearing first. Sale items will remain pinned when using filters.
- Beginner Tutorial: You can now tap the screen while tutorial dialogue is being displayed to instantly reveal the full text, making it easier to progress through the tutorial at your own pace.
Bug Fixes
- MVP Display: Fixed an issue where players could see different MVP results on the post-battle screen. MVP results will now display consistently for everyone.
- Commander Skills: Fixed an issue where the "Engine Overload +" skill duration of European battleship Commanders was not maintained correctly.
- Ship Specials: Fixed an issue where the Ship Special icon for German Tier VIII Schill's Auto Secondary Gun feature was not displayed correctly.
- Chinese and Japanese Localization: Fixed an issue where text could be missing from certain UI elements when using Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, or Japanese language settings.
- Blitz Pass Purchases: Fixed an issue that prevented players from purchasing the Blitz Pass directly.
- Burst Fire on Álvaro de Bazán: Fixed an issue that caused Álvaro de Bazán's main battery firing range to increase when switching to Torpedoes while Burst Fire was active.
Ship Balancing
Premium Ships
Lenin
- Main battery reload time reduced from 23.5 to 21.5 s
- Main battery shell dispersion reduced by 20%
- Added Air Defense Alert I x3
ZF-6
- Main battery range increased from 7.98 to 8.16 km
- HP increased from 16,500 to 17,800
Z-35
- HP increased from 16,300 to 17,100
- Torpedo damage increased from 2,700 to 3,300
- Torpedo range increased from 5.4 to 6.6 km
T-61
- HP increased from 12,200 to 13,400
Irian
- Concealment improved from 9.48 to 9.12 km
Le Terrible
- Concealment improved from 7.5 to 6.9 km
- Small AA caliber damage increased from 26 to 86
- Sonar I x1 upgraded to Sonar II x2
Collingwood
- Large caliber AA damage increased from 48 to 88
- Small caliber AA damage increased from 139 to 186
- Main battery HE shell damage increased from 1,200 to 1,240
- Main battery AP shell damage increased from 1,600 to 1,660
- Citadel protection increased from 10% to 12.5%
Thunderer
- Air Defense Alert I x2 upgraded to Air Defense Alert II x2
- Sonar I x1 upgraded to Sonar II x2
- Main battery AP shell damage increased from 1,800 to 1,900
Pommern
- Main battery reload time reduced from 25 to 22.5 s
- Torpedo damage increased from 2,700 to 2,950
- Secondary battery (Auto) reload time reduced from 6 to 5.4 s
Brandenburg
- Main battery reload time reduced from 20.5 to 18 s
- Maximum main battery shell dispersion reduced by 7%
Odin
- Main battery reload time reduced from 18 to 16.5 s
Cross of Dorn
- Main battery reload time reduced from 18 to 16.5 s
Tirpitz
- Maximum main battery shell dispersion reduced by 7%
- Secondary Overload II x1 upgraded to Secondary Overload II x2
Ignis Purgatio
- Maximum main battery shell dispersion reduced by 7%
Black Haarlem
- Main battery reload time reduced from 11 to 9.5 s
- Minimum main battery shell dispersion reduced by 7%
- Fire and flooding resistance increased from 12.5% to 15%
Neustrashimy
- Large AA caliber damage increased from 76 to 98
- Small caliber AA damage increased from 56 to 72
- Main battery reload time reduced from 4 to 3.7 s
- Torpedo damage increased from 3,400 to 3,600
- Chance of flooding increased from 15% to 17%
Tech Tree Ships
Haarlem
- Main battery reload time reduced from 11.5 to 10 s
- Minimum main battery shell dispersion reduced by 7%
- Fire and flooding resistance increased from 12.5% to 15%
Johan de Witt
- Main battery reload time reduced from 12 to 10.5 s
- Minimum main battery shell dispersion reduced by 7%
- Fire and flooding resistance increased from 12.5% to 15%
Gouden Leeuw
- Main battery reload time reduced from 13 to 11 s
- Minimum main battery shell dispersion reduced by 7%
- Fire and flooding resistance increased from 12.5% to 15%
Grozovoi
- Large AA caliber damage increased from 112 to 134
- Small AA caliber damage increased from 108 to 130
- Main battery reload time reduced from 4.4 to 4 s
- Torpedo damage increased from 3,400 to 3,600
- Chance of flooding increased from 15% to 17%
Udaloi
- Large caliber AA damage increased from 84 to 106
- Small caliber AA damage increased from 52 to 77
- Main battery reload time reduced from 5 to 4.6 s
- Torpedo damage increased from 2,800 to 3,000
- Chance of flooding increased from 12% to 14%
Ognevoy
- Large caliber AA damage increased from 56 to 72
- Small caliber AA damage increased from 52 to 77
- Main battery reload time reduced from 5 to 4.6 s
- Torpedo damage increased from 2,800 to 3,000
- Chance of flooding increased from 12% to 14%
Lower Tier Ships
Méndez Núñez
- Main battery reload time increased from 4.5 to 6.5 s
Nazario Sauro
- Main battery reload time increased from 6 to 7.5 s
St. Louis
- Main battery reload time increased from 8 to 9 s
Moltke
- Main battery reload time reduced from 22 to 20 s
Hercules
- Main battery reload time reduced from 4 to 3.3 s
Enseigne Gabolde
- Main battery reload time reduced from 5.2 to 3.8 s
- Main battery AP shell damage increased from 250 to 300
Fusilier
- Main battery reload time reduced from 5.2 to 3.8 s
- Main battery AP shell damage increased from 250 to 300
Tatra
- Main battery reload time reduced from 4.5 to 3.5 s
- Main battery AP shell damage increased from 260 to 300
- Main battery HE shell damage increased from 250 to 280
Argus
- Main battery reload time reduced from 7 to 5.3 s
- Torpedo bomber preparation time reduced from 2.6 to 2.2 s
- Torpedo damage increased from 1,400 to 1,510
What's Next?
While Update 9.3 completes the Equipment System rework, we're already hard at work on what's coming next. Here's a first look at some of the features currently planned for Update 9.4.
Profile Backgrounds
Customization will continue to expand with the introduction of Profile Backgrounds. You'll be able to personalize your player profile even further by selecting unique backgrounds to showcase your style.
Unique Camouflages in the Armory
Obtaining Unique Camouflages is about to become much smoother. Starting in Update 9.4, Unique Camouflages will be available for direct purchase through the Armory, alongside Historical Camouflages. Instead of waiting for your desired camouflage to appear in a special offer or event, you'll be able to purchase it whenever you want.
Brawl Mode
We're also developing Brawl Mode, a new feature designed to give us much greater flexibility in creating unique battle experiences.
Built around a customizable ruleset, Brawl Mode will allow us to tailor each season with different battle configurations, including ship selections, nation restrictions, and other gameplay parameters. Our goal is to create a mode that evolves over time, offering fresh challenges and new ways to experience World of Warships Blitz with every season.