The Old Sovereigns Battle Pass in Modern Warships is a limited-time event running from June 11 to June 30, 2026, centered on a narrative of secret societies and covert power. It introduces a wealth of new content, including the powerful Tier 3 destroyer RF Shkval, the French anti-submarine frigate FS Normandie (D651), and a highly valuable free reward track culminating in the RBU-1200 grenade launcher. The pass is structured around earning Tokens by playing specific game modes like Tandem Wars, which offers a 5x token bonus for the first 10 daily battles.
This event is particularly generous for free-to-play participants, offering not just the final weapon prize but also Artcoins, gold, and exclusive cosmetics. For those willing to spend, the pass provides access to the RF Shkval bundle at a steep discount, alongside unique gacha-style rewards in the Classified Cargo and Delivery Drone systems.
What's the Story Behind The Old Sovereigns?
The lore for this season dives into themes of conspiracy and hidden power. The narrative follows a young detective who stumbles upon a clandestine organization whose influence permeates every global sphere of power. This group, the "Old Sovereigns," operates beyond the reach of governments and corporations, manipulating history from the shadows. Players are drawn into this conflict, with the event's cosmetic items reflecting the theme. Rewards like the "Alex Henderson" avatar, "Mask of Renunciation" flag, and "Freshly Initiated" title suggest players are becoming part of this secret world. The aesthetic is one of wealth, power, and secrecy, embodied by the optional "Wealth Temptation" bundle which includes the opulent white-and-gold "Toll of Power" camouflage.
Headliner Ships: RF Shkval and FS Normandie
Two major vessels headline this event: the RF Shkval, available in a heavily discounted bundle, and the FS Normandie, the grand prize from the event's lottery-style "Classified Cargo" system.
RF Shkval (Project 23560E)
This Tier 3 Legendary nuclear-powered stealth destroyer is the event's premium centerpiece. Marketed as the "Path of Power" bundle, its price drops from over $370 to around $40 with an 89% discount earned at stage 12 of the free event pass. The Shkval is an absolute monster, boasting a record-breaking durability pool for its class. Its armament is overwhelming:
- Missiles: S-500 Prometheus [x4]
- Cannon: A-192 Armat (130 mm) [x1]
- Grenade Launchers: RBU-12000 (300 mm) [x4, in a 2x2 layout]
- Helicopter: Ka-58 Black Ghost [x1]
- Autocannons: 3M-47 Gibka (Anti-Tank) [x4]
- Air Defense: A layered system featuring the long-range S-400E, two S-300FM systems, Pantsir-M, and three Blik laser systems, plus two open AD slots.
Its primary strength is its sheer firepower and tankiness. However, its large size and subpar maneuverability are its main weaknesses, making it a powerful but vulnerable target if caught out of position.
Modern Warships in-game screenshot
FS Normandie (D651)
The grand prize of the "Classified Cargo" gacha is the FS Normandie, a Tier 3 Epic French anti-submarine frigate. This ship is a specialist, designed to hunt and destroy underwater threats while maintaining respectable surface and air capabilities.
- Missiles: Two open twin missile batteries with an excellent layout.
- Grenade Launchers: Two unique NRP Launcher (300 mm) systems. These are notable for their incredible projectile speed (505 knots) and high damage per minute, claimed to be almost double that of other launchers.
- Anti-Submarine: Features the MU90D Hard Kill system, which automatically fires high-speed projectiles at enemy submarines. These torpedoes have decoy resistance but can only target subs.
- Air Defense: A unique, layered system with long-range C-Sceptre ND VLS, medium-range Simbad ND launchers, and close-in Narwhal 20A cannons.
While not the brawler that the Shkval is, the Normandie is a highly versatile and dangerous frigate, especially in submarine-heavy matches.
Breaking Down the Event's Reward Systems
The Old Sovereigns event is more than just a simple battle pass; it's a multi-layered system with a free pass, a gacha for premium items, and a free gacha for smaller rewards.
The Free Event Pass
This is the core of the event, available to all players. It consists of 13 stages and requires 60,000 event points (Tokens) to complete. You earn tokens by playing Tandem Wars, Team Deathmatch, or Squad Wars.
- Key Free Rewards: The main prize, unlocked at stage 13, is the RBU-1200 (250 mm) grenade launcher. It's a versatile five-tube system with a fast reload, capable of hitting both surface and underwater targets. Players also receive over 100 gold, 150 Artcoins, boosters, keys, and cosmetics like the Alex Henderson avatar.
- Discount Bundle: Reaching stage 12 unlocks a massive 89% discount on the RF Shkval bundle, making it a key milestone for players considering the purchase.
Modern Warships in-game screenshot
Classified Cargo (Premium Gacha)
This is the event's primary lottery system, where players spend Authorization Keys to unlock rare items. Keys are earned through the event pass or purchased directly. The prize pool is stacked with high-value equipment and ships.
| Item | Type | Rarity | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| FS Normandie (D651) | Frigate | Epic | Grand Prize; ASW Specialist. |
| RF Admiral Chabanenko | Destroyer | Epic | A modernized Project 1155.1 destroyer with a versatile loadout. |
| Hi-Fly 2 | Missile | Legendary | Nuclear warhead; 37,700 damage; ~14km range. |
| ERS Tensho (127 mm) | Railgun | Legendary | High damage (33,800) and fast reload (5.6s). |
| MK-47C Striker | Autocannon | Legendary | Programmable grenades to counter torpedoes; superior to the AFGS with more ammo and 6km range. |
Delivery Drone (Free Gacha)
This secondary gacha uses Drone Batteries, which are earned by completing missions. It offers a chance at valuable, though less exclusive, rewards without spending real money. The main prizes include the PLZ-05 cannon, Tiger Shark Torpedo, and Pralay Missile. It's an excellent source of extra gear, consumables, and event currency for dedicated free-to-play grinders.
Is The Old Sovereigns Battle Pass Worth It?
For free-to-play (F2P) players, this event is one of the best in recent memory. The final reward, the RBU-1200 grenade launcher, is a solid and versatile weapon. The inclusion of 150 Artcoins in the free track is a significant boost that wasn't present in previous seasons, making it highly valuable for resource accumulation. The Delivery Drone system provides a consistent stream of useful items just for playing the game.
For paying players, the value proposition hinges entirely on the RF Shkval. The 89% discount is substantial, effectively offering a top-tier legendary destroyer for the price of a standard premium pass. If you are in the market for a dominant, heavily armed brawler and are willing to grind to level 12, the value is undeniable. The additional gacha items like the Hi-Fly 2 nuclear missile and the ERS Tensho railgun are powerful meta contenders that sweeten the deal if you decide to purchase extra Authorization Keys.
The event successfully caters to both player bases. F2P players get a rewarding grind with a great final prize and valuable currency, while spenders get a clear, high-value target in the discounted RF Shkval and a deep pool of powerful gacha items to chase.
Modern Warships in-game screenshot
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get Tokens for the event pass?
You earn Tokens by playing in the Tandem Wars, Team Deathmatch, or Squad Wars modes. For the fastest progress, focus on Tandem Wars, which gives a 5x bonus to Tokens for the first 10 battles each day.
What are Authorization Keys and Drone Batteries?
Authorization Keys are the premium currency for the Classified Cargo gacha, where you can win the FS Normandie and other top-tier items. You get some for free from the event pass but can also buy them. Drone Batteries are the free currency for the Delivery Drone gacha, earned from completing event missions.
What is the best free reward?
The ultimate free reward is the RBU-1200 (250 mm) grenade launcher, unlocked by completing the entire event pass. It's a strong weapon for its fast reload and ability to damage both ships and submarines. The 150 Artcoins at level 10 are also extremely valuable for F2P players.
Is the RF Shkval destroyer good?
Yes, the RF Shkval is exceptionally powerful. It has a massive health pool for a destroyer and an overwhelming amount of firepower, including four missile slots, four grenade launchers, and a formidable multi-layered air defense system. Its main weakness is its poor maneuverability.
The Verdict
The Old Sovereigns event is a well-designed and rewarding experience for all types of Modern Warships players. It balances a compelling free reward track with a high-value premium ship bundle, all wrapped in an intriguing conspiracy-themed narrative. The free RBU-1200 launcher and the bonus Artcoins make the grind worthwhile for everyone, while the discounted RF Shkval presents a tempting offer for those looking to add a true titan to their fleet. Whether you're a free player or a spender, this is an event worth your time and attention.