Hello tankers! Today we will be taking a look at movement in World of Tanks and the ways that you can use movement to gain a strategic advantage over your enemy. There are many factors that affect your movement in game, and many small techniques you can use that will help you succeed on the battlefield. We will identify these key parts to help you become the ultimate tanker, and the ability to lead your team to victory.

Movement plays a role on basically every aspect of the game. Whether it is a scout rushing out to a great viewing position, a medium tank setting up for a hit and run, or a heavy, working its way through a city, movement will play a role in putting the strategy together successfully. In the following, we will identify some movement strategies that you can employ on the battlefield.

Traverse speed
Traverse speed is basically the rate at which your tank can turn in a solitary spot. This is affected by your engine, tracks, and tank model. The traverse speed is extremely important for all vehicles, but especially so for tanks without a rotating turret. The ability to turn quickly is the only thing that will keep you from getting flanked by a pesky light tank pinning you on the side and whittling you into nothing with a pea shooter. Keeping your tank upgraded will help your traverse speed and in turn, your effectiveness.

Snow can make it more difficult to get up to speed

Some Rough Terrain

Terrain
The first order of business we will shed some light on is the terrain itself. The terrain plays a major role in the movement capabilities of your vehicle. Just like in real life, you probably wouldn’t be able to drive full speed through swamp like you would an empty highway. In World of Tanks, the terrain you’re on plays a role in the speed and movement of your tank. The basic rule of thumb is, if you want to move fast, stick to paths, or streets. However, these areas are also typically the most dangerous and out in the open. Be smart when using the paths to get to a new location, such as at the beginning of the match before an enemy can get set up.

An overview of the Karelia map, notice the swamps in the middle.

Cutting the Corner
There are also a couple of techniques you can use to make yourself a more effective fighting machine. As we noted in an earlier article, your sides and rear are typically the easiest areas to penetrate when fighting an enemy. This could be a problem for someone rounding a corner in a city scenario, or even coming out from behind a barn in the middle of the map. For a split second your weak spots will be vulnerable, which may be enough time for your enemy to take advantage. To avoid this, you can use a technique I call cutting the corner. Basically, all you do is turn the corner at an angle so that the first thing an opponent in waiting will see is a slanted front. This may seem basic and common sense, but you will be surprised at how many times you will destroy someone coming around the corner with reckless abandon.

The ability to move in World of Tanks is a simple, yet so often misunderstood part of the game. Use it to your advantage, and take advantage of those who are unaware. The next time you see someone attempting to cross the swamps of Karelia, out maneuver and destroy them. Until next time tankers, Roll out!