How to Choose the Best Tank Type for You in World of Tanks
Choose the playstyle that suits you best and claim a free Premium tank.
Over the past 10 years, 160 million World of Tanks players have been finding victory in 160 million different ways. But how will you achieve victory on the battlefield? Are you a gung-ho sort of tanker who thrives in the heat of battle or do you prefer to sit back and pick off enemies from afar? Fight battles on your own terms - take a look at our beginner guide to see how you will dominate your opponents.
Join World of Tanks and celebrate 10 years of fierce tank action
Redeem the following freebies from World of Tanks if you're a new player:
- American Tier III Light Tank M22 Locust
- Garage slot
- Add 7 premium days to your account
What nation should you pick in World of Tanks?
There are 11 nations and over 600 historically accurate tanks in the free-to-play game World of Tanks, each with their own unique playstyle and challenges. If you’re just getting started, the most common are the Soviet, American and German tanks. Take command of some of the most iconic military vehicles from the mid-20th Century and choose which fits your game style best.
-
Soviet tanks - if you like to be in the thick of the action, these are the tanks for you. Soviet tanks offer fantastic all-round protection and are suitable for tankers at any level. Their guns are a force to be reckoned with. Make use of the decent mobility and powerful gun to knock out enemies.
-
American tanks are the best allrounders. Their impressive gun depression makes them great if you’re firing from a ridge line. They’re ideal if you want to hole-down or camp behind cover and deflect shots off your well-built turret.
-
German tanks are best known for their reliable, heavy guns. They are typically broken down into two groups: well-protected assault vehicles and sneaky snipers. Either surprise enemies from behind cover and inflict heavy damage while largely remaining undetected or go on a rampage and get up close and personal with the enemy.
(eg: American M22 Locust, French AMX 13 57) – use your speed and agility to spot enemy tanks and relay information about enemy movements and positions to your allies. Maintain full camouflage when moving, but be wary that shooting will reveal your position. Light tanks are ideal for finishing off already weakened targets.
(eg: British Cromwell B, American SuperPershing, Soviet T-34-85M) – the perfect all-rounder class with a fantastic balance of good mobility, concealment, armor and firepower. Use your superior agility to out-flank heavies and join your allies in a wolfpack to hunt isolated foes in combat.
Tanks (eg: German Tiger 131, Soviet IS-2) – dive straight into the heat of battle and bounce enemy shots with your thick armor. Heavies thrive in urban combat – use buildings to take cover from artillery barrages and protect your flanks from agile foes.
(eg: Soviet SU-85l) - engage tanks that the lights have identified. Deal the highest amount of damage in a single hit, with incredible damage, penetration and accuracy. Try either sniping away from the front line (with specialists like the German Skorpion G, Swedish STRV S1) or getting in the thick of action with well-protected assault destroyers (such as the American T28, T95, or T110E3).
(eg: German G.W.Panther) – cover your teams’ advance by shelling the enemy tanks from long range. Rely on your allies to be your eyes on the battlefield and then unleash your massive weapons on any enemies stranded in open spaces. A good artillery commander will stay behind cover as much as possible and relocate to make it more difficult for enemies to track you down.