Wargaming is kicking off 2026 in explosive fashion as World of Warships: Legends launches its first major update of the year. The January 2026 update delivers a wave of new content for console and mobile players, headlined by the Born of Battle Campaign, Azur Lane Wave 7, a brand-new French Navy Event, and the arrival of powerful Legendary Tier warships.
From limited-time collaborations to long-term progression projects, this update gives captains plenty of reasons to return to the high seas.
Born of Battle Campaign Launches with British Tier VIII Destroyer Somme
The year’s first campaign, Born of Battle, is now live and runs until February 23, 2026. Players can progress through 100 campaign milestones, unlocking a wide range of rewards including camouflages, crates, and valuable resources.
Those who complete the campaign with Admiralty Backing will earn the British Tier VIII Premium destroyer Somme, a versatile warship designed for aggressive and tactical play. Somme features stealth-focused, long-range torpedoes and a Torpedo Reload Booster with unlimited charges, making it a deadly threat in skilled hands.
Azur Lane Wave 7 Returns to World of Warships: Legends
The popular crossover event Azur Lane Wave 7 sails back into World of Warships: Legends, running from January 19 to February 23, 2026. This latest wave introduces new commanders, ships, and themed cosmetics inspired by the hit naval warfare franchise.
Azur Lane Wave 7 Highlights
- Five new Azur Lane Commanders
- AL Vittorio Veneto – Italian Tier VII Premium battleship
- AL Ägir – German Tier VIII Premium cruiser
- AL Tallinn – Soviet Tier VI Premium cruiser
- AL Z-24 – German torpedo-focused destroyer
- New Azur Lane Crates and a special AL Massachusetts skin
Fans of the collaboration can expand their fleets with these limited-time additions while enjoying unique voiceovers and visual flair.
French Navy Event Brings New Crates, Skins, and Commanders
The French Navy Event has officially begun, delivering a lineup of themed rewards and challenges. Players can earn French Battleship Crates, which include skins for ships such as Normandie, Lyon, Richelieu, Alsace, Bourgogne, Strasbourg, and Flandre—with a chance to unlock Premium battleships Strasbourg or Flandre directly.
A new Keeper of Liberty Calendar allows players to earn rewards over time, culminating in the Marianne guise for French Commanders. Meanwhile, captains seeking an extra challenge can complete the Mer de Courage mission to unlock French Commander Charles Bléry.
Legendary Tier Ships Expand the High-End Fleet
Two formidable Legendary Tier ships arrive as part of the January update:
- Gouden Leeuw – A Dutch Legendary Tier cruiser available through a new Bureau Project, boasting devastating airstrike capabilities.
- Kremlin – The Soviet Legendary Tier battleship begins its journey through a three-update Marathon, allowing players to collect Ship Parts over time to unlock this iconic powerhouse.
More Battles, Improvements, and Lunar New Year Rewards
Beyond the headline features, the January 2026 update introduces:
- New seasons of Fleet Cup, Ranked Battles, and Brawls
- The full release of Japanese hybrid battleships
- Multiple quality-of-life improvements and balance updates
To cap things off, Lunar New Year celebrations will run from February 9 to February 23, 2026, featuring a special mission alongside discounts on ships, skins, and Commander guises.
World of Warships: Legends Continues to Evolve in 2026
With its January update, World of Warships: Legends sets a strong course for 2026, offering a rich mix of campaigns, collaborations, national events, and Legendary content. Whether you’re a veteran commander or a returning player, there’s no shortage of action waiting on the seas.
