World of Warships turns years of historical research into Naval Legends: Cruisers, a reference work on war cruisers

For years, many players have assumed that the ships in World of Warships were simply digital recreations designed for a video game. However, behind each cruiser lies an enormous amount of documentation, historical research, and technical reconstruction work. Now, Wargaming has decided to showcase all that process in Naval Legends: Cruisers, a collector’s book that brings together part of the material used to bring some of the most iconic vessels in naval history to life.

According to the team responsible for the project, the work is the result of two years of research in military archives from four countries,a process that later served as the foundation for numerous historical recreations present in the game.

Much more than a World of Warships book

Although it originates directly from the game universe, Naval Legends: Cruisers is designed as an independent historical publication.

The volume explores the evolution of cruisers over approximately 170 years of naval history, from the Industrial Revolution to the modern era. Across its 384 pages, the book combines historical context, technological development, military analysis, and illustrations created specifically for the publication.

Wargaming’s intention was not to create a game guide, but a work capable of appealing both to military history enthusiasts and to fans of World of Warships.

Original blueprints, 3D reconstructions, and unseen material

One of the book’s biggest highlights is the vast amount of visual material.

The publication includes more than 600 illustrations, historical blueprints, annotated maps, and 3D reconstructions of numerous cruisers featured in the game. It also examines key figures in naval history, including designers, engineers, admirals, and strategists responsible for some of the most important advances in the evolution of these vessels.

The result is a blend of historical work, art book, and technical document.

The same material that was used to create the in-game ships

One of the most interesting aspects is that much of the content comes directly from the sources used by the World of Warships development team.

Researchers collected documents, photographs, blueprints, and historical records to digitally reconstruct numerous cruisers featured in the game. Naval Legends: Cruisers showcases precisely that material and explains how these vessels evolved across different eras and naval conflicts.

For veteran players, it also offers a chance to understand the real historical context behind many of the ships they regularly use in battle.

A limited edition for collectors

The book was published in collaboration with specialist publisher Cook and Becker and was initially released in a limited print run accompanied by several collector’s editions. Some included exclusive World of Warships-related items and digital in-game content.

Feedback from those who already own the book often highlights the print quality, illustrations, and physical presentation of the volume.

A declaration of love for naval history

The promotional video makes it clear that Naval Legends: Cruisers is not intended to be just another World of Warships product.

It is a demonstration of the enormous historical work behind the game and a way of preserving decades of research in a physical format.

Because before becoming 3D models, statistics, or premium ships, these cruisers were real machines that helped define a large part of modern maritime history.

And Naval Legends: Cruisers seeks to tell exactly that story.