Kitakami is a Tier X Japanese special cruiser famous for carrying one of the most extreme torpedo armaments in the entire game. Based on a unique modification of the Kuma-class cruiser, it trades traditional cruiser firepower for an overwhelming number of torpedo launchers.
Instead of relying on guns to deal damage, Kitakami focuses almost entirely on torpedo warfare, allowing it to saturate entire areas of the map with waves of torpedoes.
This makes it one of the most unusual ships in World of Warships and a completely different experience compared to standard cruisers.
Basic Details
- Type: Cruiser
- Tier: X
- Nation: Japan
- Rarity: Special
- Release: 12.11
- Price Value: 34,650 doubloons
- Primary Role: Long-range torpedo specialist designed for area denial and ambush attacks
Key Features
- Massive Torpedo Armament: Kitakami carries an enormous number of torpedo tubes, allowing it to launch massive spreads capable of covering large sections of the battlefield.
- Long-Range Japanese Torpedoes: The ship uses powerful Japanese torpedoes known for serious damage and long reach, enabling attacks from relatively safe distances.
- Area Denial Capability: Few ships can control space the way Kitakami can. A well-timed torpedo launch can force entire enemy pushes to slow down or reposition.
- Limited Gun Power: Main battery guns are minimal and not intended for sustained combat. Torpedoes are the primary weapon.
- Light Cruiser Survivability: Armor protection is very limited, meaning it cannot withstand focused enemy fire.
- High Risk Gameplay: While its torpedo output is extremely powerful, poor positioning can quickly lead to destruction.
How to Obtain Kitakami
Kitakami is a special Tier X Japanese cruiser that can be obtained through the Armory using Doubloons.
Unlike many Tier X special ships that require resources such as Coal, Steel, or Research Points, Kitakami is offered directly for Doubloons when it appears in the Armory rotation.
Because of its unique gameplay and popularity, it is usually available during limited-time sales or special update periods rather than as a permanent listing.
If Kitakami is not currently visible in the Armory, it may return during future update rotations, themed events, or promotional bundles.
Ship Stats
Main Stats
- Survivability: 45
- Artillery – 36
- Torpedoes – 100
- Depth Charge – 61
- AA Defense – 09
- Maneuverability – 63
- Concealment – 74
Armor
- Armor: 13-65 mm
Survivability
- Hitpoints: 28,500
Artillery
Main Battery
- 4×1 140 mm/50 3rd Year Type on a single mount
- Firing range: 11.2km
- Reload time: 3 s
- 180-degree turn time: 21.2s
- HE Shells: HE Shells: 4x 140 mm HE Type0 HE Shells
- HE Shells Max Damage: 2,700
- HE Shells Piercing: 23 mm
- HE Shells Chance of causing fire: 11%
Torpedoes
- 10×4 610 mm Quad/Type90 mod 5
- Maximum damage: 11,833
- Range: 12 km
- Speed: 86 kt
- Reload time: 81s
- Torpedo detectability: 1.7 km
- 180 degree turn time: 7.2 s
Alternative
- 10×4 610 mm Quad/Type93 mod. 2 DW
- Maximum damage: 20,967
- Range: 20 km
- Speed: 67 kt
- Reload time: 81s
- Torpedo detectability: 1.7 km
- 180 degree turn time: 7.2 s
Depth Charges
- Reload time: 30s
- Bombs in Payload: 10
- Max Damage: 4,600
- Charges: 2
AA Defence
Short Range
- 2×2 25 mm/60 Type 96 on a twin mount
- Firing Range: 2.5 km
- Hit Probability: 85%
- Damage: 11
Maneuverability
- Maximum speed: 36 kt
- Turning circle radius: 640m
- Rudder shift time: 7 s
Concealment
- Detectability range by Sea: 9.8 km
- Detectability after Firing Main Guns in Smoke: 4.3 km
- Detectability Range by Air: 5.0 km
Consumables
slot 1: Damage Control Party
- Duration time: 5 s
- Reload time: 60 s
slot 2: Exhaust Smoke Generator
- Duration: 30 s
- Reload Time: 80 s
- Smoke Screen time: 10s
- Smoke Radius: 450m
- Charges: 4
slot 3: Engine Boost
- Duration: 180 s
- Reload time: 90s
- Speed Boost: +15%
- Charges: 3
slot 4: Repair Party
- Duration: 28 s
- Reload time: 80 s
- Hp: +142hp/sec
- Charges: 3
Tips to Play Kitakami
Kitakami thrives when played patiently and strategically. Early aggression usually leads to quick destruction due to its weak survivability.
Position behind allies or use islands for cover while launching torpedo waves toward enemy battleships and predictable travel paths.
Avoid sailing alone in open water. Destroyers and aircraft carriers can quickly expose and eliminate it if caught out of position.
The ship becomes significantly stronger in late-game scenarios, when enemy ships are fewer and maneuvering space becomes limited. At that stage, massive torpedo spreads can completely shut down enemy movements and decide the match.
