Ranked Season 13 has just started, and it introduced one of the most influential support weapons we’ve seen recently: the WS-3 Grenade Launcher. While it carries the name of a grenade launcher, in battle it functions more like a smart anti-flare missile system—and that difference is exactly why it’s so powerful in ranked play.
The main strength of the WS-3 is its anti-flare behavior. Strike fighters and many air threats depend heavily on flares to escape missiles, but the WS-3 ignores that defense completely. Once it locks onto a target, it follows through. This makes it extremely reliable against aerial enemies, especially in ranked matches where players are skilled at using flares at the perfect moment.
On top of that, the WS-3 has strong AA penetration. Even when enemies hide under heavy air-defense cover from cruisers and battleships, a good portion of WS-3 shots still get through. In intense ranked fights where AA is layered and constant, this reliability becomes a major advantage.
What truly makes the WS-3 unique is its ability to hit submerged submarines. Submarines cannot flare, and if they are detected without strong AA protection nearby, the WS-3 will land its hit. This makes it a serious counter to sub players who usually feel safe underwater and forces them to play more carefully.
Overall, the WS-3 is easily one of the best grenade launchers in the game right now, and its availability to the free-to-play community makes it even more important for ranked balance.
Ranked Tactics for Season 13
Ranked is about teamwork and smart ship selection, not solo plays.
- Play as a proper squad
An ideal squad should include:- An SLBM ship for long-range pressure
- A CV or ACV for spotting and air dominance
- A Cruiser, Battleship, or Destroyer for frontline presence and AA support
- Help teammates instead of chasing eliminations
Do not let teammates die just to secure a kill. In ranked, winning the match is far more valuable than personal eliminations. - Use ship classes that have point bonuses
Pick ship classes that naturally provide ranked point bonuses. Over multiple matches, this makes a noticeable difference in how fast you climb.
Final Thoughts
The WS-3 is not just a new weapon—it’s a ranked meta tool. Combined with the right squad, the right ship classes, and strong teamwork, it can make progressing through Ranked Season 13 much easier.