ZH-1 is a Tier IX German premium destroyer in World of Warships. It represents a unique historical case: originally a Dutch destroyer design, it was captured and later operated by Germany during World War II.
In the game, it sits in the Pan-European destroyer group but retains several gameplay traits that make it stand out from typical torpedo-focused ships in the line.
Instead of relying purely on torpedo strikes, ZH-1 combines strong main battery firepower with respectable torpedoes and good mobility.
This hybrid approach allows it to perform both destroyer-hunting duties and opportunistic torpedo attacks against larger ships.
Basic Details
- Type: Destroyer
- Tier: IX
- Nation: Germany
- Rarity: Premium
- Release: 15.3
- Price Value: 4,000 doubloons(for the dockyard progression)
- Primary Role: Hybrid destroyer capable of hunting enemy destroyers and launching torpedo attacks
Key Features
- Strong Main Battery: ZH-1 mounts powerful destroyer guns that perform well at close and medium ranges, enabling it to challenge many enemy destroyers.
- Effective Torpedoes: While not the fastest in the Pan-European lineup, its torpedoes still provide solid damage potential and can threaten battleships and cruisers.
- Good Mobility: High speed and agile handling allow it to reposition quickly, escape danger, or pursue enemy destroyers.
- Hybrid Combat Role: Unlike torpedo-focused destroyers, ZH-1 performs well in gunfights while still maintaining respectable torpedo capability.
- Solid Concealment: Reasonable detection range allows it to approach targets carefully and control engagements.
- Limited Survivability: Like most destroyers, it cannot withstand prolonged focus fire and must rely on positioning and mobility.
How to Obtain ZH-1
ZH-1 was introduced during Update 15.3 and is obtainable through the Dockyard progression event in World of Warships.
During the Dockyard event, you progress through a series of construction phases by completing combat missions and event tasks. Each completed phase advances the ship’s construction until ZH-1 is fully built.
Some phases can also be completed using Doubloons to accelerate progress, which allows you to finish the Dockyard earlier if you choose.
Because Dockyard ships are tied to a specific update event, ZH-1 is not permanently available in the tech tree or Armory.
After the event ends, it may only return in future special containers, event reruns, or limited promotions, depending on future updates.
Ship Stats
Main Stats
- Survivability: 28
- Artillery – 58
- Air Strike – 42
- Torpedoes – 22
- Depth Charge – 58
- AA Defense – 25
- Maneuverability – 70
- Concealment – 90
Armor
- Armor: unknown
Survivability
- Hitpoints: 14,600
Artillery
Main Battery
- 1 x 1 120 mm/45 Wilton-Fijenoord Mk.6 on a shielded mount
- 2 x 2 120 mm/45 Wilton-Fijenoord Mk.8 on a shielded mount
- Firing range: 11.9km
- Reload time: 5.2 s
- 180-degree turn time: 18s
- HE Shells: 5x 120 mm Spr.Gr.
- HE Shells Max Damage: 1,400
- HE Shells Piercing: 30 mm
- HE Shells Chance of causing fire: 7%
- AP Shells: 5x 120 mm P.Spr.Gr. Ausf.B
- AP Shells Max Damage: 3,150
Torpedoes
- 2 × 4 533 mm Vierling/G7 T1 Ausf.B
- Maximum damage: 14,400
- Range: 10 km
- Speed: 67 kt
- Reload time: 95s
- Torpedo detectability: 1.2 km
- Torpedo tube reload time: 85 s
- 180 degree turn time: 7.2 s
- Chance to cause Flooding: 279%
Airstrike
- Reload time: 85s
- Available Flights: 1
- Attacking Aircraft: 13
- Aircraft HP: 22200
- Airstrike Range: 10 km
- Bombs in Payload: 5x SC 250c
- Max Damage: 4,000
- Armor penetration: 32 mm
- Chance of Fire: 23%
Depth Charges
- Reload time: 40s
- Bombs in Payload: 16
- Max Damage: 2,400
- Chances of causing a fire: 10%
- Charges: 2
AA Defence
Medium Range
- 2 x 2 37 mm/83 SK C/30 on a Dopp LC/30 mount
- Firing Range: 3.5 km
- Hit Probability: 100%
- Damage: 54
Short Range
- 2 x 1 20 mm/65 C/38 on an L/30 single mount
- 2 x 4 20 mm/65 C/38 on a Flak 35 Vierling L/38 mount
- Firing Range: 2.0 km
- Hit Probability: 95%
- Damage: 67
Maneuverability
- Maximum speed: 37.5 kt
- Turning circle radius: 580m
- Rudder shift time: 3.4 s
Concealment
- Detectability range by Sea: 7.5 km
- Detectability after firing a main gun: 11.9 km
- Detectability after firing main guns in smoke: 2.7 km
- Detectability when the ship is on fire: 9.2 km
- Detectability range by depths: 0.0-2.2 km
- Detectability Range by Air: 2.2 km
- Detectability after firing a main gun shell: 7.2 km
- Detectability when the ship is on fire: 4.2 km
Consumables
slot 1: Damage Control Party
- Duration time: 5 s
- Reload time: 40 s
slot 2: Short-Burst Smoke Generator
- Duration: 10 s
- Reload Time: 70 s
- Smoke Dispersion time: 40s
- Charges: 6
slot 3: Engine Boost
- Duration: 120 s
- Reload time: 120s
- Speed Boost: +8%
- Charges: 3
slot 4: Hydroacoustic Search
- Duration: 100 s
- Reload time: 120 s
- Torpedo detection range: 3.5 km
- Ship detection range: 5.0 km
- Charges: 3
Tips to Play ZH-1
ZH-1 performs best as a flexible destroyer that adapts to the situation. Early in the match, focus on spotting enemy ships and contesting capture points while avoiding unnecessary risks.
Use its strong guns to pressure or eliminate enemy destroyers. Winning destroyer duels early can give your team a major advantage.
Against larger ships, rely on torpedo attacks from concealment. Launch spreads from safe angles and reposition quickly after firing.
Because it lacks heavy survivability, staying mobile and choosing engagements carefully is essential. When played intelligently, ZH-1 becomes a dangerous hybrid destroyer capable of influencing multiple parts of the battle.
