Closed Test 14.2: Updates to Test Ships Błyskawica '44, Blücher, and Eskimo
The latest round of testing in Closed Test 14.2 has brought some fresh adjustments to a trio of test ships: Błyskawica '44, Blücher, and Eskimo. Based on player feedback and performance data, the dev team at WG has fine-tuned these vessels to better balance their firepower and gameplay feel.
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VIII Błyskawica'44: A Tweak to AP Power
The Polish destroyer Błyskawica '44 is seeing a slight nerf to its AP shells. Here’s what’s changing:
- Maximum AP shell damage reduced from 2,000 to 1,850.
- Fuse arming time increased from 0.01 seconds to 0.03 seconds.
What’s the impact? These adjustments are aimed at toning down Błyskawica '44’s ability to dish out consistently high damage against other destroyers. The longer fuse arming time means AP shells are less likely to penetrate the thin armor of rival DDs without overpenetration, making those knife-fight duels a bit less one-sided. However, when facing cruisers, battleships, or carriers, the ship’s interactions should feel mostly unchanged. Captains will need to lean a little harder on their situational awareness and HE shells in DD brawls moving forward.
IX Blücher: Ricochet Angles Tightened
Next up is the German cruiser Blücher, which is getting a tweak to its AP shell ricochet angles:
- Angle for ricochet check reduced from 60 degrees to 55 degrees.
- Guaranteed ricochet angle reduced from 67.5 degrees to 65 degrees.
What’s the impact? Blucher's AP shells are now a tad more likely to ricochet when striking angled targets. This change subtly reduces the cruiser’s ability to punish heavily angled ships—think battleships or cruisers angling to mitigate damage. It’s a small but meaningful shift that rewards good positioning from opponents while encouraging Blücher players to pick their shots more carefully. The German cruiser’s brawling playstyle remains intact, but precision will be key.
VIII HMS Eskimo: HE Damage Dialed Back
Finally, the Tribal-class destroyer Eskimo is seeing a straightforward adjustment:
- Maximum HE shell damage reduced from 2,350 to 2,100.
What’s the impact? This change trims Eskimo’s HE alpha strike by about 10%, bringing its damage output more in line with its peers. While still a capable gunboat, Eskimo will now take a bit longer to whittle down targets with HE spam. Captains might need to rely more on torpedoes or teamwork to secure those big plays, especially against chunkier opponents. The ship’s versatility hasn’t been touched, but its raw HE punch has been softened.
Published: March 20, 2025
