Japanese Hybrid Battleships Are Arriving!

You've probably already heard the news: we're launching a completely new branch of Japanese hybrid battleships! It comprises Tier VI–VIII Tech Tree ships Ise, Suwo, and Dewa, as well as Legendary Tier Aki. All of them carry aircraft with impressive torpedo payloads, capable of executing powerful Airstrikes. The new line is inspired by the pair of Ise-class battleships—Ise and Hyūga—which were converted into hybrids during World War II by trading their aft turrets for catapults and hangars. Despite the fact that these ships didn't survive the war and no other similar vessels were created, you can still try "what if" versions in Legends!

Watch our new video and read this article to learn everything about the new hybrid battleships!

How to Get the New Ships

During this update and until January 19, Tier VI–VIII battleships will be available in Early Access. You'll have a chance to find them in special crates, available via the following sources:

• Merry Shipmas free campaign: 12x Japanese Hybrid Battleship crates
• Path of the Samurai mission (December 15 – January 19): 3x Japanese Hybrid Battleship Big Crates
• Store (December 15 – January 19): 3x Japanese Hybrid Battleship crates for Global XP and additional crates for doubloons

All Early Access ships come with a personal mission, available until February 23, that rewards doubloons.

Legendary Tier battleship Aki can be found exclusively in the Mystic Chest, which can drop from other Christmas crates—Mystic Box and Mystic Lantern—and is also available in the Mystic Bundle in the Store. If you miss Aki during this update, don't worry—she'll return at some point in 2026 as a Bureau Project.

Tier VI Ise

Ise was a historical, real-life battleship that was converted into a hybrid by the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. At first glance, she fits the classic profile of Japanese ships: excellent accuracy and firing range, but mediocre concealment and speed. However, she also has a full catapult flight deck that allows her to launch Airstrikes. That's why her main-gun damage per minute isn't particularly impressive. Her true power lies in her aircraft, which can strike with six torpedoes at once, albeit with a wide spread. Each torpedo doesn't deal much damage on its own, but together they form a powerful tool for blocking a flank or cutting off an enemy ship's path.

Tier VII Suwo

Suwo continues the idea of Japan's hybrid battleships. As Izumo's sister ship, she has lost one turret and carries less powerful main guns, but she makes up for it with strong air defenses and a catapult deck. While she has poor concealment and low speed, she also has high survivability thanks to her large HP pool. With only two turrets, her main guns enjoy improved accuracy, yet her damage per minute is extremely low. This is partly offset by the fact that you rarely need to turn—her gun layout keeps them pointed toward the target most of the time. Her Airstrike squadron includes four aircraft, allowing her to drop eight torpedoes at once. While each torpedo deals low damage, the combined strike can hit groups of ships hard.

Tier VIII Dewa

Dewa is a more advanced version of Suwo. Her guns are now identical to Izumo's, so expect higher damage per shell and excellent accuracy, but her damage per minute remains among the lowest at her tier. She still has poor concealment and low speed, but features stronger air defense and higher HP. Her planes now carry three torpedoes each, bringing the total to nine torpedoes per salvo. While the damage per torpedo remains low, the combined strike can still hit hard.

Legendary Tier Aki

Aki sits at the top of the new Japanese hybrid battleship line. She carries long-range, highly accurate Yamato-class guns—among the deadliest in the game. Although she has lost her rear turret, she gains a catapult deck instead. Her Airstrike drops 12 torpedoes, enough to effectively block enemies from capturing an area. As is typical for her branch, she has low speed and very modest concealment, but this is compensated for by her very high HP pool.

Commander Jisaburō Ozawa

Looking for a Commander whose abilities are a perfect match for the new ships? Meet the new Japanese Commander, Jisaburō Ozawa, now among the Legendary ranks. You can obtain him for Commander XP or find him in a Commander crate or Japanese Commander Crate.

• Base trait: "Ghost Fleet Maneuver," reducing Airstrike cooldown time by up to 5%. 
• Unique skill: "Hidden Hand", increasing the number of Airstrike squadrons by 1 for the cost of Airstrike torpedo damage reduced by at least 10% and cooldown between Airstrike shots increased by 50%.

Try the new Japanese hybrids, experiment with your playstyle, and turn the tide!