Hello aspiring tankers! Welcome to my beginners guide on World of Tanks. This guide aims to be an introduction to new players that will grant them the knowledge to get into the game, understand it, and be successful while doing so. In this first part we will start with the basics, and that is choosing the tank that best fits you. World of Tanks has five different tank archetypes for you to choose from, each of them playing a different role on the battlefield. The archetypes all have their own strengths and weaknesses which gives them each a variety of different play styles.

Light Tanks – The Scout

Light tanks form the forward advance in World of Tanks. Their job is to go forth and spot the enemies for your teammates to take them out. They typically do not have the big damage capability that you may find on other tanks, but are still able to deal out their share if they can position themselves advantageously.

Positioning is easier in light tanks due to their high rate of speed, and being able to maintain their camouflage rating. On the downside, light tanks cannot take a lot of punishment. They typically have very thin armor and can be destroyed easily when targeted. Drivers of light tanks gain enjoyment from the speed they possess, and the rewarding feeling from outmaneuvering your opponent.

Medium Tanks – Jack of All Trades

The medium tank forms the main body of your army. They are known as the support because their job is to protect the heavy tanks to ensure that they do not get picked off by enemy agility. However, medium tanks can do a little bit of everything, without specialization. They have more armor than a light tank, but not as much as a heavy tank. Their cannon is also stronger than a light tank, but not as powerful as a tank destroyer. Their maneuverability is also just a few notches below a light making them the perfect tank to respond to any threat in a timely matter. With practice, the medium tank can become a dynamic fighting force that can turn the tide of any battle.

Heavy Tanks – The Immovable Object

Heavy tanks are the front line bulldogs of the tank force. Their job is to draw the enemy fire away from the rest of the team, while doing their fair share of damage in the process. The armor on heavy tanks is thick, giving them great survivability in head on fights.

The downside is that they are for the most part, very slow. This can make it easy for a heavy tank to be flanked if the player is not careful. Driving a heavy tank gives you the feel of being in the battle while withstanding any punishment. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking to brawl.

Tank Destroyer - The Unstoppable Force

Where heavy tanks are known for their ability to take damage, the tank destroyer is known for the damage it can deliver. The tank destroyer's name is not for show, it lives up to it assuming its role as the hammer of a team's force. They can deal a high amount of damage at all tiers. The downside to tank destroyers is their speed and agility.

Also, aside from one line of American tank destroyers, these tanks do not have rotating turrets. That means that their cannon can only face forward with limited range. Tank destroyers that stray too far from support can be picked off easily, like a wounded gazelle. Positioning is of paramount importance. Play safely, and let the damage dealing commence.

Artillery – Rain of Fire

The final type of tank you can play is the artillery. The artillery has perhaps the highest damage in the game of any of the tank archetypes. They can attack from superior range by dropping ordinance on their enemies through their own targeting screen. If an enemy is spotted by a teammate, they can probably find a way to deal damage to them. The tradeoff is artillery are typically the slowest tank, and are the most immobile. Their armor is paper thin with low base hp as well. Artillery is very team dependent when it comes to defense, but the function they provide to their team is game changing. If you enjoy raining ammo down upon your opponents from half a map away, then this is the tank for you.

By understanding the role and characteristics of the tank archetypes, you will be able to choose the tank that best fits your play style. Don’t worry about being stuck in one role though, as you have multiple tank slots to mix and match with.

Next week, we will be taking a look at how armor and penetration works, and can give you a distinct advantage on the battlefield. Until next week, roll out!