Commanders!
We present to you the results of the grand survey series "Tiering Tier 3", conducted in June 2026.
We went through a lot of rebalance during the last three months, and the survey result is a loud echo of its effects.
Let's start with some good news: several fan-favorite destroyers that had previously fallen out of favor have made a strong comeback. IT DDX, JS Akizuki (DD-115), and USS Constitution II (DDR-2000) are once again highly rated by players.
The heavy hitters RF Kronshtadt and CN ShiYan made an impressive leap into S Tier. ShiYan, in particular, stands out after receiving buffs in two consecutive updates.
Several ships also managed to escape F Tier, including CN Project 1143E, IT Trieste (L9890), Pan Spatial Zeus, RF Shtorm, and BR Bahia (G40).
On the other hand, KRI IFCX 260 dropped all the way to F Tier—an unprecedented fall for a Battle Pass destroyer.
Submarines were also affected by the recent SLBM rebalance, with many losing their positions in the rankings. The biggest declines were seen on HMS Vanguard (S28) and premium SLBM submarines such as CN Type 100, RF Dmitry Donskoy (TK-208), RF Yuriy Dolgorukiy (K-535), and USS Ohio (SSBN-726).
The newest additions to the Modern Warships arsenal continue to perform exceptionally well. Most of them have already secured places in A or S Tier, with only three landing in B Tier.
The gun-focused meta remains stronger than ever thanks to the rebalance of MKE 76 (76 mm), JRVG-1 (76 mm), K-76L/62 (76 mm), and BAE Systems 155/39 TMF (155 mm). Even the brand-new SpGH EVA (155 mm) has already earned its place in S Tier.
At the same time, we continue to see premium shop weapons losing value. This is especially evident among several D Tier weapons, including Type 40 JHGV, DF-17, H/PJ-45B, and 3M-47 Gibka.
The arrival of several powerful new torpedoes has also reshaped the meta, knocking former leaders like Akya (533 mm) and DTCN L5 (533 mm) off their pedestal.
Following recent balance changes, Mirage IVP, SR-71D Blackbird, and Jiutian have all climbed noticeably in the tier list.
Although many drones received balance adjustments, their overall tier placements remained largely unchanged. Underwater vehicles also saw very few significant shifts.
The helicopter category, however, tells a different story. Former top performers AW249 Fenice and A129 CBT Mangusta have dropped in the rankings, while the rest of the top-tier helicopters continue to hold their ground.
Attack aircraft also took a hit, with nearly a dozen of them dropping in the tier list. The likely reason? A new apex predator has entered the battlefield—Hellcat. Will it manage to stay at the top of the food chain? Only time will tell. One thing is certain: in Modern Warships, nothing stays dominant forever.
We hope this Tier List helps every commander strengthen their fleet. Whether you're just setting sail or you're a seasoned veteran, there's something here to help you make smarter choices on the battlefield. Good luck, and fair seas!