Naval warfare fans, prepare to set sail once more-only this time, the waters are a bit friendlier. World of Warships: Legends, Wargaming’s approachable offshoot of its hit warship simulator, is finally making the jump to PC via Steam. And if you’ve been hesitant about braving the high seas against hardened veterans, Legends’ streamlined design might just be your perfect port of call. The first closed beta starts May 23, promising fast-paced battles, hundreds of ships, and a more welcoming on-ramp for new captains.
Key Takeaways:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Wargaming Group |
| Release Date | Closed Beta: May 23, 2025 (Full 1.0: 2026) |
| Genres | Naval Combat, Free-to-Play, Action MMO |
| Platforms | PC (Steam), PlayStation, Xbox, Mobile |
First launched in 2019 for consoles and mobile, World of Warships: Legends trades the original’s intricate simulation for something quicker and easier to grasp. With battles that wrap up in minutes and a simplified control scheme, Legends is all about getting you into the action-and keeping you there. The game’s popularity on consoles (and its recent anime crossovers) proves there’s a real appetite for more accessible skirmishes on the open sea.
The upcoming Steam closed beta will feature Versus AI, Arcade, and Standard battles, letting testers explore ship tech trees, try out different commanders, and dive into campaigns and missions. Wargaming emphasizes that this is a chance to fine-tune the PC experience, seeking feedback on everything from performance to controls—important for a game that started out on consoles. Crossplay is a major focus, so expect to see captains from all platforms (eventually) sharing the same seas.
Another welcome addition: full support for Steam Deck is in development, so portable admirals can plot their next broadside from anywhere. The game’s free-to-play model remains intact, and with more than 100 historical commanders (not to mention hundreds of ships), customization and collection are front-and-center. But Legends isn’t just about numbers—it’s about making every player feel like a part of the action, without hours of studying ship stats or memorizing complex mechanics.
Still, there’s something to be said for a slower, more tactical approach—veterans of the original World of Warships may find Legends a little too breezy. But for newcomers or those looking to dip their toes in naval combat without being swamped by complexity, this is a smart evolution. With early access planned ahead of its full 1.0 launch in 2026, Wargaming has time to polish the experience and grow the player base ahead of the big release.
Will Legends find the same success among PC players as it did on console and mobile? That depends on how well it balances casual fun with the thrill of naval warfare. Either way, the closed beta starting May 23 is your chance to test these new waters—and maybe chart a course for glory.
TL;DR: World of Warships: Legends, the faster and friendlier take on naval combat, launches its first closed PC beta on Steam May 23, bringing accessible battles, crossplay, and hundreds of ships to a whole new fleet of players. Early access is coming soon, with full release planned for 2026.
Source: Wargaming Group via GamesPress