Tank Warfare in War Thunder: An In-Depth Guide

War Thunder, the meticulously detailed combat simulator that immerses players into the vehicular warfare of the 20th and 21st centuries, offers an expansive arsenal of tanks that require more than just a trigger-happy mentality. Mastering the art of tank warfare in this game is akin to learning an byzantine dance of death; every movement, every decision, carries weight. This guide aims to elevate novice tankers to seasoned commanders by dissecting the nuances of tank combat, focusing on modern tanks. We will penetrate into the different classes of tanks, understand the importance of shell types, identify armor weak points, master advanced tank maneuvers, and thrive in tank duels.

Mastering Different Tank Classes

War Thunder’s armored behemoths are far from homogeneous. Each class serves distinct roles on the battlefield, and understanding these roles is the first step to maximizing your combat efficacy.

Light Tanks

The nimble charioteers of the battlefield, light tanks excel in reconnaissance and hit-and-run tactics. Their high mobility allows them to flank enemy positions, identifying weak points for their allies or taking opportunistic shots at enemy flanks. However, their armor is paper-thin. A successful light tanker moves unseen and strikes when least expected.

Medium Tanks

The versatile workhorses, medium tanks, boast a balance between firepower, armor, and mobility. They adapt to numerous roles on the battlefield, from spearheading assaults to defending key positions. Their jack-of-all-trades nature makes understanding the specific vehicle and its optimal engagement range crucial.

Heavy Tanks

Behemoths that can take and deliver punishment, heavy tanks, anchor battles through their sheer presence. Their thick armor and powerful cannons make them formidable opponents head-on. However, they suffer from poor mobility, making flanking maneuvers and precision strikes from enemies their bane.

Tank Destroyers

The silent assassins, tank destroyers (TDs), carry potent firepower often at the expense of armor or mobility. TDs excel in ambush tactics, leveraging camouflage and strategic positioning to eliminate key targets before vanishing. Understanding sightlines and enemy routes is paramount for a successful TD player.

Anti-Air Vehicles (SPAA)

While primarily tasked with protecting allies from aerial threats, skilled commanders utilize Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft (SPAA) vehicles to harass lighter armored ground targets or even ambush unsuspecting tanks by exploiting their high rate of fire.

Understanding Shell Types

The ammunition choice is a critical decision that can significantly impact your combat effectiveness. Each shell type serves a purpose, and knowing when to use each can be the key to victory.

Armor-Piercing (AP)

The go-to for most engagements, AP shells penetrate armor to cause internal damage. Variants like APHE (Armor-Piercing High-Explosive) carry an explosive payload for increased post-penetration damage.

High-Explosive (HE)

Effective against lightly armored targets, HE shells detonate on impact, causing area-of-effect damage. They are also invaluable for destroying cover or dislodging entrenched opponents.

Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM)

ATGMs offer precision and punch at long ranges. Commonly found in modern tank destroyers and some late-game tanks, mastering these missiles requires patience and vulnerability to counter-attacks due to the need to guide them to the target.

Composite Rigid (APCR) and High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT)

Specialized munitions like APCR and HEAT offer alternatives to penetrate heavily armored foes. APCR shells are faster and have higher penetration but do less post-penetration damage. HEAT shells can bypass traditional armor effectively but are less effective against spaced or composite armor.

Armor Weak Points and Module Locations

Knowing where to hit an enemy tank is as essential as what to hit it with. Most tanks have vulnerabilities that, if exploited, can ensure a quick takedown.

Aim for the Flanks

The front armor is usually the thickest. Flanking to hit the sides or rear where the armor is thinner can be more effective.

Critical Modules

Hitting ammunition storages with APHE can detonate the enemy tank. Fuel tanks can catch fire, and engines can immobilize the target. Crew compartments are also vital; taking out the gunner or driver can give you the edge in a duel.

Vision Devices and Weaponry

A disabled gun or a blinded tank is at a significant disadvantage. Targeting barrel breeches, optics, or turret rings can cripple an enemy's ability to fight back.

Advanced Tank Maneuvering

The art of maneuvering in War Thunder goes beyond simple navigation. It’s about positioning, knowing the terrain, and predicting enemy movements.

Hull-Down Positioning

Utilize terrain to conceal your tank’s body, exposing only your turret to engage enemies. This tactic minimizes your profile and maximizes the effective thickness of your turret armor.

Utilizing Cover and Concealment

Learn the maps and use the environment to your advantage. Buildings, foliage, and even wrecked vehicles can conceal your movements or provide critical cover during reloads.

Angling

By angling your tank, you increase the effective thickness of your armor, making it harder for enemies to penetrate. However, be wary of over-angling, as this can expose your side armor.

Peek-and-Shoot

This tactic involves momentarily exposing your tank to fire a shot before quickly retreating back into cover. It requires timing and an understanding of your and your enemy's reload speeds.

Winning Tank Duels

Tank duels are the ultimate test of skill, requiring a blend of knowledge, approach, and execution.

Know Your Enemy

Research the tanks you're likely to face. Understanding their weak spots, reload times, and shell types gives you an edge before the first round is fired.

First Shot Advantage

The first to land a damaging hit often comes out on top. Make your shots count by aiming for critical modules or crew.

Maneuver Warfare

Don’t remain stationary. Moving between shots, especially in lighter tanks, can make you a harder target to hit and give you time to assess the battlefield.

Communication and Teamwork

In team engagements, communicate with your allies. A well-coordinated team can outmaneuver and outgun a group of lone wolves.

Adapting Tactics

Be prepared to switch tactics on the fly. If your initial plan isn’t working, adjust your approach. Sometimes, withdrawing to fight another day is better than a Pyrrhic victory.

War Thunder's tank combat is rich with depth and complexity. Mastering the different tank classes, understanding the importance of shell types, exploiting enemy weak points, and developing advanced maneuvering skills can turn the tide of battle in your favor. Remember, knowledge is as crucial as firepower in this expansive battlefield. Every engagement is a learning opportunity, a chance to refine your tactics and tactic. With patience, practice, and this guide as your starting point, you’ll soon command the respect of both allies and adversaries on the digital battlefields of War Thunder.