The Z52 was a German destroyer of the Type 1942C class, which was later redesignated as the Type 1944 class. While the first diesel-powered destroyer prototype was under construction, development of more advanced variants continued. The military intended to create a large destroyer within this class that could escort German ships in the Atlantic. Additionally, plans were made to strengthen the destroyers’ anti-aircraft armament by installing 55-mm guns scheduled to enter service in 1945. Z52 and five other ships were ordered in 1943 and soon laid down in Bremen. However, due to the changing situation at the front, all Type 1944 destroyers were canceled on June 14, 1944.

The Z52 was introduced in Update 2.55 "Ninth Wave". This destroyer's most distinctive feature is its anti-aircraft armament, which consists of three 55-mm Gerät 58 guns and seven twin 30-mm M44/73 (MK303) guns. In terms of gameplay, the Z52 is very similar to the Z46, boasting decent AA capabilities and rapid-firing, versatile main-caliber guns. However, it suffers from a lack of armor-piercing shells in its ammunition loadout and a small overall ammunition capacity.