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WoWS Returning Player Code vs Recruitment Link: What Is the Difference?

“Returning player code” is often used as a catch-all phrase, but WoWS actually has several different bonus systems. Using the right one matters more than the wording people type into Google.

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Published Oct. 13, 2026Updated Oct. 13, 2026WoWS Guides
WoWS Returning Player Code vs Recruitment Link: What’s the Difference?
The distinction

A bonus code redeems a specific promotion. A recruitment link connects an eligible new or returning account to a Recruiter through the Recruiting Station. An invite code is mainly associated with account creation. They are not interchangeable.

What is a WoWS bonus code?

A bonus code is redeemed on the Wargaming website and grants the items or mission attached to that code if the account, region and expiry conditions match. Existing players can use many normal bonus codes.

See current WoWS bonus codes →

A recruitment link is a personal Recruiting Station invitation. It can associate a new player, an account with fewer than 100 battles, or an eligible returning account with a Recruiter.

For an established account using the returning-player route, the key condition is normally at least 90 days without a battle.

What is an invite code?

An invite code is primarily used during account creation and can attach a starter offer to a new account. It is different from a Recruiting Station invitation and different again from an ordinary bonus code.

Which one should a returning player use?

If you already have an old WoWS account, do not create a second account just to use a starter code. Check whether the existing account qualifies for the Recruiting Station, then use normal bonus codes separately when they are valid.

Correct order for a returning account

  1. Do not play a battle yet.
  2. Sign in to the old account.
  3. Open the recruitment link and verify eligibility.
  4. Accept the invitation.
  5. Redeem any valid normal bonus codes separately.
  6. Return to battle and follow the missions shown on the account.

Can recruitment and bonus codes be combined?

They are separate systems, so using a recruitment link does not itself prevent ordinary bonus-code redemption. Every code can still have its own restrictions, region, expiry date or account conditions.

Open the right route

Open the recruitment invitation Check bonus codes

For the detailed returning-player rules, see the Returning Player page.

Returning player hub

Returning to World of Warships? Start here

These pages cover eligibility, rewards and the correct activation order. Check them before your first battle back so you do not waste an eligible return.

Check recruitment eligibility90-day returning-player check before your first battle back.Returning Player Rewards 2026Understand the 60-day Update 15.9 pack and the 90-day recruitment route.7 things to do before you returnSettings, economy, builds and progression before your first battle back.Bonus codes for new & returning playersSeparate ordinary promo codes from invitation and recruitment rewards.Santa’s Crew 2026Current Recruiting Station campaign, Recruiting Tokens and winback missions.
Claim my recruitment rewards Current event: Santa’s Crew 2026 →

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