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Nikolay von Essen portrait
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Nikolay von Essen

Also called: Николай фон Эссен · Nikolai von Essen · Nikolaï von Essen

U.S.S.R. Universal Commander
U.S.S.R.UniversalHistoricalMain Battery
Overview

Universal commander whose Nooks and Crannies trait makes your AP shells ricochet less often on any ship. He has no unique skill. Pair with Burn It Down XXL, Collective Labor and Reaching Out XXL.

Commander Bio

Nikolay von Essen was a distinguished Russian naval commander of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a figure of considerable importance in the modernization of Russia's navy. Rising through the ranks with demonstrated tactical skill and strategic acumen, von Essen shaped naval operations during a transformative period for Russian maritime power. His leadership exemplified the professionalism and innovation characteristic of early modern naval warfare.

Read more from WG: Update: March 2020 ↗

Recommended on

0 ship guides

Skills

15 + base trait

Try Nikolay von Essen in the Build Tool →

Buff alertThe No-Fly Zone skill was rebalanced on 2025-07-31.See details ↓ +4 more

Nikolay von EssenSkill tree

Base Trait
Nooks and Crannies
Skill Tree · 5 ranks

Nikolay von EssenBattle stats

From every player’s loadout in Debrief replays of Standard and Ranked battles, updated daily.

Skill balance changes

Recent balance updates affecting skills this commander carries.

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
BUFF Crisscross 2025-07-31
  • Battleship gun traverse speed is now increased by 0.4/0.8/1.2/1.5°/s instead of 0.3/0.6/0.9/1.2°/s.
  • Cruiser gun traverse speed is now increased by 0.5/1.0/1.5/2.0°/s instead of 0.3/0.6/0.9/1.2°/s.
  • Destroyer gun traverse speed is now increased by 2/3/4/5°/s instead of 0.8/1.6/2.4/3.2°/s.
Ministry of Balance: Back to the Naval Academy Read the full official post
CHANGE Will to Rebuild 2023-04-06
  • Rate of HP restoration per second reduced from 0.5 to 0.3%.
  • Will to Rebuild now restores Saturation up to 20%.
Ministry of Balance Reports: German Commander Refit & More Read the full official post

Official sources

Anniversary Update 2021 Update: March 2020