The Black Friday Fleet has officially dropped anchor in World of Warships, bringing back the distinct black-and-chrome aesthetic for some of the game's most potent vessels. Wargaming has highlighted four specific heavy-hitters in this lineup: VIII Asashio B, VIII Chkalov B, VIII Mainz B, and X Napoli B.
For veteran players, the return of the "B" variants is a standard November ritual, but the specific selection this year includes ships that significantly impact the current meta. If you are looking to expand your port, it is important to understand what these hulls actually bring to the table beyond the stealthy camouflage.
Why These Ships Matter
The lineup isn't just a random assortment; it features specialized ships that excel in specific niches. Here is the tactical breakdown of the highlighted vessels:
- X Napoli B: Normally a Coal ship, the Napoli is widely considered one of the tankiest cruisers at Tier X. Its exhaust smoke generator and devastating SAP (Semi-Armor Piercing) secondaries make it a brawling monster. If you haven't ground out the Coal yet, the B version is a direct shortcut to one of the most forgiving cruisers in the game.
- VIII Asashio B: This destroyer dictates the flow of battle just by existing. Armed with deepwater torpedoes that can only hit battleships and carriers, it forces enemy capital ships to play passively. Its concealment is top-tier, allowing it to ghost around flanks unseen.
- VIII Mainz B: A DPM (Damage Per Minute) machine. With German HE penetration and punishing AP, Mainz is a favorite for farming damage in Random Battles and is arguably one of the best ships for Operations due to its sheer rate of fire.
- VIII Chkalov B: This Soviet carrier focuses on high alpha damage with skip bombers and dive bombers. It utilizes jet-assisted takeoffs, allowing for rapid cycling of squadrons, making it a menace against destroyers and light cruisers.
Are Black Friday Ships Different from Standard Versions?
Mechanically, "B" ships are identical to their standard counterparts. An Asashio B has the exact same turning circle, concealment, and torpedo range as the standard Asashio. The difference lies in the permanent black camouflage and, crucially, the economy of your port.
The game treats the B variant as a separate ship ID. This means if you already own the standard Mainz and buy the Mainz B, you can utilize both for daily bonuses and, more importantly, during the festive season or anniversary events where rewards are tied to knocking "snowflakes" off each individual ship in your port.
These offers are time-limited, so if you need a specific credit grinder or a Tier X brawler without the resource grind, check the Armory before the event concludes.