Nikolay Kuznetsov

Also called: 尼古拉·格拉西莫维奇·库兹涅佐夫 · Николай Кузнецов · 니콜라이 게라시모비치 쿠즈네초프 · ニコライ・クズネツォフ · 尼古拉·格拉西莫維奇·庫茲涅佐夫

U.S.S.R. Cruiser Commander

U.S.S.R.CruiserHistoricalMain Battery

Overview

Best suited to cruisers with HE-centric builds. Burn It Down XXL and Igniter maximize fire damage for aggressive mid-range engagements. Beyond Range extends effective range. Combine with Steer Clear or Equilibrium of Power for survivability.

Recommended on

4 ship guides

Skills

13 + base trait

Try Nikolay Kuznetsov in the Build Tool →

Official sources

Through the Spy Glass: Sevastopol Through the Spy Glass: De Zeven Provinciën Through the Spy Glass: Congress Through the Spy Glass: San Diego Through the Spy Glass: Bayard Through the Spy Glass: HMS Plymouth “Veni, Vidi, Vici” Update

Base Trait

Follow the Sun

Skill Tree · 5 ranks

Skill balance changes

Recent balance updates affecting skills this commander carries.

BUFF Equilibrium of Power 2026-06-25

Removed the following effect: HE shells fire-setting chance is reduced by –25%
New effect: Cruiser HE shells and bombs fire-setting chance is increased by 1.5/2/2.5/3%
The skill's drawback is now the same at all levels: cruiser main battery HE shell damage is always reduced by 20%

Ministry of Balance: Skillful Adjustments Read the full official post

BUFF No-Fly Zone 2025-07-31

Ship's average AA damage per second is now increased by 4/8/12/15% instead of 3/6/8/10%.

Ministry of Balance: Back to the Naval Academy Read the full official post

CHANGE Equilibrium of Power 2025-07-31

Chances of HE shells causing fire are now reduced by 25% instead of 50%.

Ministry of Balance: Back to the Naval Academy Read the full official post

CHANGE Fully Packed 2024-10-10

Special effect on consumable cooldown time reduced from –30% to –20%

Ministry of Balance: Trick and Treat Read the full official post

Recommended builds

Reference builds that headline Nikolay Kuznetsov, from GamingDiver-curated picks and Wargaming’s official Through the Spy Glass recommendations. Use them as a starting point and tune to your roster.