[Development] IJN Takao: The Art of the Heavy Cruiser - News

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IJN Takao: The Art of the Heavy Cruiser

28 October 2026 Development

Japanese Takao-class cruisers are often described as the most well-balanced ships of this type in the service of the IJN.

IJN Takao: A Heavy Cruiser for Japan at Rank IV

At a glance:

10 x 203 mm guns with a flat trajectory
High speed
Improved protection for ammunition magazines
Large number of automatic anti-aircraft guns
16 high-speed “Long Lance” torpedoes
Two seaplanes
Radar
Massive superstructure

Download Wallpaper:

Introducing IJN Takao

Today we’re excited to be looking at a swift, well-protected ship armed with ten 203 mm guns and renowned 610 mm “super-torpedoes”, coming to War Thunder in the next major update. Meet IJN Takao, an exemplary heavy cruiser!

Using IJN Takao in Battle

Despite being a large ship, IJN Takao surprises with excellent speed for its class and features impressive ballistics from its ten 203 mm main guns. While IJN Takao’s armor can withstand hits from light cruisers, fire from large ships with large guns pose a serious threat. Given this, you’ll be much better suited for long-range engagements when using Takao, especially considering its lackluster secondary armament. However, for close-quarter encounters, Takao possesses an undeniable trump card: it has four torpedo launchers equipped with the renowned 610 mm super torpedoes, the finest of the Second World War! For defense against aircraft, Takao relies primarily on light anti-aircraft guns, featuring a total of sixty 25 mm automatic cannons. As an added bonus, Takao is equipped with an air-search radar and two catapults for seaplanes.

Feature Spotlight: A well-balanced heavy cruiser

There are ships that have no glaring flaws, and IJN Takao is one of them. It performs well at both medium and long ranges, is effective whether operating solo or as part of a group, and boasts decent protection and survivability. While it has no firm drawbacks, no ship is perfect, as IJN Takao has some weaknesses, such as a massive, poorly armored superstructure and a very slow main battery turret traverse speed. Nevertheless, the well-balanced combination of its core combat characteristics easily outweighs these shortcomings. Takao is a fun and effective ship!

Developer comment: Players will now have access to a ship that serves as a further evolution of the premium Myoko. In addition to ten long-range 203 mm guns housed in five turrets and excellent speed, IJN Takao features enhanced protection, particularly around the ammunition magazines, as well as a radar. On the downside, the ship has a larger profile and lacks strong secondary-caliber guns. Nevertheless, the new Takao is arguably set to become Japan’s best heavy cruiser.

The design of this new class of cruisers began in 1925 under the direction of Kikuo Fujimoto, based on an improved version of the Myoko class. Although the Takao was the first to be laid down, its sister ship, the Atago, entered service two months earlier. At the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Takao was part of Vice Admiral Kondo’s 4th Cruiser Division, supporting the landings on Luzon.

In February 1942, the ship was based at Palau, where it intercepted vessels arriving from the Dutch East Indies; on March 1st, it sank a Dutch steamship and a British minesweeper. The following day, alongside Atago, it sank the American destroyer Pillsbury. On March 4th, it attacked a convoy near Cilacap, after which it returned to Yokosuka for the installation of additional anti-aircraft guns.

In April, Takao took part in the pursuit of the task force involved in the Doolittle Raid. In May, it rescued 471 crew members from the seaplane tender Mizuho. In June, it provided cover for the invasion of the Aleutian Islands. During the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, it joined other cruisers in sinking the aircraft carrier Hornet. In November, it participated in the bombardment of Henderson Field and sustained damage during an engagement with American battleships.

In early 1943, the ship supported the evacuation of Guadalcanal. In November, while at Rabaul, it was attacked by carrier-based aircraft and struck by two bombs; repairs were completed in January 1944. During the Battle of the Philippine Sea, Takao served as part of Kurita’s vanguard force. In October 1944, it departed from Brunei to take part in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, but while passing through the Palawan Passage, it was struck by two torpedoes fired by the submarine Darter. The cruiser lost all propulsion and was towed to Singapore. There, it was deemed beyond repair and repurposed as a floating anti-aircraft battery.

On July 31st 1945, British midget submarines attached six magnetic mines to its hull. The resulting explosion tore a hole in the ship. The cruiser remained afloat and continued to perform its duties until Japan’s surrender. After the war, its armament was removed, and on October 27th 1946, Takao was towed into the Strait of Malacca, where it was sunk as a target ship on October 29th.

That’s it for this blog! IJN Takao is set to be a strong contender for Japan’s best heavy cruiser. Until the next dev blog, happy sailing ahead!

Please note that vehicle specifications may be subject to revision and change before being added to the game.