Hostile Skies Latest Patch
Carrier rework, N1K Rex, balance pass.
This page summarises the current Hostile Skies patch. It is updated within 48 hours of any official patch note drop.
Current patch: v3.7 “Carrier” (Aug 2026)
Headlines: the Allied carrier map is fully reworked, the long-awaited Kawanishi N1K “Rex” seaplane-fighter is live, and a balance pass has reshuffled the meta around the Phantom, Gloster Meteor and Horten Ho-229.
New content
- Kawanishi N1K “Rex” — Allied high-tier multi-role floatplane fighter, the naval counterpart to the A6M Zero. Unlocks at level 52 or 220,000 credits.
- Allied carrier map rework — new flight paths, clearer spawn points, two new capture zones over the reef.
- Two new skins — one Allied carrier-based livery, one Axis night-fighter camouflage.
- One new event — Kawanishi Cup, a 4v4 carrier-escort bracket.
- One new secret area inside the reworked carrier map with a free XP boost on first capture.
Balance changes
- Phantom top speed reduced by 8 km/h to give dogfighters a chance.
- Gloster Meteor turn rate increased by 1°/s to offset the Phantom nerf.
- Horten Ho-229 dive acceleration increased by an additional 5%.
- Spitfire Mk IX HP increased from 220 to 230.
- A6M Zero top speed increased from 530 to 540 km/h.
- P-51 Mustang climb rate kept at 16 m/s.
- Me 262 HP kept at 220.
- Bf 109 G-6 fire rate restored to its v2.6 baseline.
Codes
The patch drops these new codes:
- HOSTILE2026 — 7,500 credits
- KAWANISHI — free N1K Rex skin (Allied only)
- CARRIER — 2x XP booster (60 min)
Visit the Active codes page for the full list.
Bug fixes
- Fixed a desync when bailing out near the reworked carrier map.
- Fixed the landing gear animation on the Mosquito when spawning from the carrier.
- Fixed an XP loss on disconnect during the Kawanishi Cup event.
- Fixed the radar display on the N1K Rex.
- Fixed a freeze when joining a full Kawanishi Cup lobby.
- Fixed the matchmaking cancel button on the carrier map.
Quality of life
- New sound pack for the N1K Rex.
- Improved chat filter for team voice on the reworked carrier map.
- Faster matchmaking for low-population regions.
- The Kawanishi Cup event now rewards XP in addition to credits.
For older patches, see the Version history page.
What to play this patch
If you main Allied high-tier multi-role, the N1K Rex is the new apex pick and pairs well with the reworked carrier map. If you play jets, the Phantom nerf opens the door for the Gloster Meteor to climb back into S-tier on the jet tier list. If you main turn fighters, the Spitfire HP buff keeps it competitive. The Kawanishi Cup first-48-hours window plus a 2x XP code is enough to unlock the N1K on day one of the patch if you have enough stored credits. Save your credits for event weekends rather than spending them on cosmetic skins.
How the patch notes are sourced
The Latest patch page is updated within 48 hours of any official patch note drop. The team pulls data from the developer Discord, the in-game announcement channel, and the public DevForum thread.
How to use the patch notes
Read the new content section first, then the balance changes. If a tier-list pick changes, the Plane tier list is updated within the same window. The Version history page has the full index of every past patch so you can trace the meta over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions.
When is the next patch?
The v3.8 anniversary update lands later this September. Subscribe to the [Updates hub](/updates/) for the official date.
Do I need to re-unlock the N1K Rex?
Yes. The N1K Rex unlocks at level 52 with 220,000 credits. Use the [How to earn gold fast](/guides/how-to-earn-gold-fast/) routes to grind.
Which is better, the N1K Rex or the Gloster Meteor?
The N1K Rex is a multi-role floatplane that handles turn fights and ground attack equally well. The Gloster Meteor is the safer pick for pure jet dogfights. Pair the tier-list picks with the [How to fly guide](/guides/how-to-fly/) to squeeze the most out of either plane.