World Of Tanks Best And Worst Tank Lines A Guide For Returning Players

For tankers returning to World of Tanks, or for newcomers eager to make their mark, navigating the vast tech trees can be daunting. With numerous nations, tank classes, and vehicles, it's crucial to choose a line that suits your playstyle and offers a rewarding grind. This guide will delve into some of the best and worst tank lines to grind in World of Tanks, considering factors like versatility, firepower, armor, and overall fun factor. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a fresh recruit, this guide will help you make informed decisions and maximize your enjoyment on the battlefield. This comprehensive exploration aims to equip players with the insights needed to navigate the diverse tech trees effectively, ensuring a fulfilling and efficient progression through the game. By understanding the nuances of each line, players can strategically invest their time and resources, ultimately enhancing their World of Tanks experience. The journey through the tech trees is a significant part of the game, and choosing the right path can make all the difference in your overall success and enjoyment.

Top-Tier Tank Lines for Returning Players

1. Soviet Medium Tanks (T-34 to T-62A/Object 140)

The Soviet medium tank line, particularly the path leading to the T-62A and Object 140, is a fantastic choice for returning players. These tanks are renowned for their blend of mobility, firepower, and survivability, making them versatile assets on any battlefield. Starting with the iconic T-34, players will quickly appreciate the line's emphasis on maneuverability and aggressive gameplay. The T-34's sloped armor and rapid-firing gun allow for effective flanking maneuvers and consistent damage output. As you progress through the line, tanks like the T-44 and T-54 continue this trend, offering improved armor and firepower while maintaining excellent mobility. The T-54, in particular, is a standout tank, known for its well-rounded capabilities and ability to excel in various combat situations. Reaching Tier X, the T-62A and Object 140 represent the pinnacle of Soviet medium tank design. These tanks boast exceptional gun handling, allowing for accurate fire on the move, and their low profiles make them difficult targets to hit. Their strong turrets and decent mobility further enhance their effectiveness in both offensive and defensive roles. The Soviet medium tank line is not only powerful but also teaches valuable gameplay skills, such as map awareness, positioning, and target prioritization. These skills are essential for success in World of Tanks, making this line an excellent choice for players looking to improve their overall performance. The line's consistency in playstyle throughout the tiers also ensures a smooth transition, allowing players to gradually adapt to the nuances of higher-tier gameplay. This makes it a forgiving line for those who are still honing their skills or readjusting to the game after a break.

2. German Heavy Tanks (Tiger I to E 100)

The German heavy tank line, culminating in the mighty E 100, is another excellent option for returning players. This line is characterized by its emphasis on firepower and armor, allowing players to dictate engagements and control key areas of the map. Starting with the Tiger I, players will experience the raw power of German engineering. The Tiger I's accurate gun and high penetration make it a formidable opponent at Tier VII, capable of dealing significant damage to virtually any target. As you advance through the line, tanks like the Tiger II and E 75 continue this trend, offering improved armor and firepower while maintaining a degree of mobility. The E 75, in particular, is a standout tank, known for its thick armor and powerful gun, making it a tough nut to crack on the battlefield. Reaching Tier X, the E 100 represents the pinnacle of German heavy tank design. This tank boasts a massive 15 cm gun, capable of delivering devastating blows to enemy vehicles. Its thick armor and high hit points make it a resilient brawler, able to withstand significant punishment while dishing out heavy damage. The German heavy tank line is not only powerful but also teaches valuable gameplay skills, such as angling armor, managing hit points, and coordinating with teammates. These skills are essential for success in World of Tanks, making this line an excellent choice for players looking to excel in a heavy tank role. The line's consistent emphasis on armor and firepower ensures that players can rely on these strengths throughout the grind, allowing them to focus on mastering the nuances of heavy tank gameplay. This makes it a rewarding line for those who enjoy the challenge of leading the charge and controlling the battlefield.

3. American Medium Tanks (M4 Sherman to M48 Patton)

For players who appreciate a blend of versatility and adaptability, the American medium tank line, leading to the M48 Patton, stands out as a premier choice for returning players. This line is celebrated for its well-rounded tanks that excel in various combat scenarios, offering a dynamic gameplay experience. The journey begins with the iconic M4 Sherman, a tank known for its good gun depression and decent mobility, allowing players to effectively utilize terrain and engage enemies from advantageous positions. As you progress, tanks like the M4A3E8 Sherman and M26 Pershing continue to build upon these strengths, offering improved firepower and armor while maintaining excellent maneuverability. The M26 Pershing, in particular, is a fan favorite, appreciated for its versatility and ability to adapt to different combat roles. At Tier X, the M48 Patton represents the pinnacle of American medium tank design. It boasts excellent gun handling, a sturdy turret, and good view range, making it a formidable opponent in both offensive and defensive situations. The M48 Patton's adaptability allows players to effectively support their team, whether it's flanking enemies, holding key positions, or providing fire support. The American medium tank line is not only versatile but also teaches crucial gameplay skills, such as utilizing gun depression, managing view range, and adapting to different combat situations. These skills are essential for success in World of Tanks, making this line an excellent choice for players looking to develop a well-rounded playstyle. The line's consistent emphasis on versatility ensures that players can adapt to various battlefield scenarios, making it a rewarding choice for those who enjoy a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience. This adaptability also makes it a forgiving line for players who are still refining their skills, as the tanks are capable of performing well in a variety of roles.

Tank Lines to Approach with Caution

1. British Tank Destroyers (AT Series)

The British tank destroyer line, particularly the AT series (AT 2, AT 8, AT 7, AT 15), is known for its heavily armored but incredibly slow vehicles. While the armor can be effective in certain situations, the lack of mobility makes these tanks extremely vulnerable to flanking maneuvers and artillery fire. Returning players should approach this line with caution, as it requires a specific playstyle and map knowledge to be successful. The slow speed can be frustrating, and the limited gun traverse makes it difficult to track fast-moving targets. Additionally, the poor camouflage values of these vehicles make them easy to spot, further compounding their vulnerability. While the Tortoise at Tier IX and the FV217 Badger at Tier X offer improved firepower and armor, the grind through the lower tiers can be challenging and often unrewarding. The FV217 Badger, with its high damage per minute and strong frontal armor, is a formidable tank destroyer, but reaching it requires significant patience and perseverance. The primary challenge with the AT series is their inability to relocate quickly, making them susceptible to being outmaneuvered by more mobile opponents. This necessitates careful positioning and reliance on teammates for support, which can be inconsistent in random battles. For players who prefer a more active and dynamic playstyle, this line may prove to be a frustrating experience. The reliance on armor as the primary form of defense also means that these tanks are vulnerable to high-penetration guns and flanking attacks, requiring a deep understanding of armor angling and weak spots. Overall, the British AT series tank destroyers demand a specific playstyle and a high degree of patience, making them a less forgiving option for returning players who are still getting back into the swing of things.

2. French Light Tanks (AMX 12 t to AMX 13 105)

The French light tank line, particularly the autoloading variants from the AMX 12 t to the AMX 13 105, presents a unique set of challenges. While these tanks are known for their burst damage potential, they suffer from poor armor and long reload times, making them unforgiving for inexperienced players. Returning players should exercise caution when grinding this line, as it demands a high level of skill and map awareness to be successful. The long reload times between bursts can leave these tanks vulnerable in prolonged engagements, and their fragile nature means they cannot afford to take much damage. The need to carefully manage ammunition and reload times, coupled with the requirement to stay hidden and avoid direct confrontations, makes this line a difficult one to master. At Tier X, the AMX 13 105 can be a potent damage dealer in the right hands, but it requires a patient and calculated approach. The tank's mobility and burst damage potential can be devastating when used effectively, but its vulnerability and long reload times mean that mistakes are heavily punished. The French light tank line demands a deep understanding of scouting mechanics, map awareness, and positioning. Players must be able to anticipate enemy movements, identify opportunities for ambushes, and effectively utilize cover to survive. The line's emphasis on burst damage also requires players to accurately assess the situation and choose their targets carefully, as wasting shots or getting caught in the open during a reload can be fatal. For returning players who are still honing their skills or readjusting to the game, the French light tank line can be a steep learning curve. The line's unforgiving nature and reliance on specific playstyles make it a less forgiving option compared to more versatile or forgiving tank lines.

3. Japanese Heavy Tanks (O-I Experimental to Type 5 Heavy)

The Japanese heavy tank line, featuring behemoths like the O-I Experimental, O-I, and Type 4/5 Heavy, is characterized by its massive armor and high alpha damage guns. However, these tanks are also incredibly slow and suffer from poor gun handling, making them situational at best. Returning players should approach this line with caution, as its unique playstyle may not suit everyone. The extreme slowness of these tanks makes them vulnerable to artillery fire and flanking maneuvers, and their poor gun handling makes it difficult to hit fast-moving targets. The large size of these tanks also makes them easy to spot, further compounding their vulnerability. While the armor can be incredibly effective against lower-tier opponents, it becomes less reliable at higher tiers as enemies begin to load premium ammunition and target weak spots. The Type 5 Heavy at Tier X can be a formidable opponent in close-quarters combat, but its limitations make it difficult to carry games or adapt to changing battlefield situations. The Japanese heavy tank line demands a specific playstyle that revolves around pushing forward and engaging enemies in close-range brawls. Players must be able to anticipate enemy movements, position themselves effectively to maximize their armor, and utilize cover to mitigate their weaknesses. The line's reliance on armor as the primary form of defense also means that these tanks are vulnerable to high-penetration guns and flanking attacks, requiring a deep understanding of armor angling and weak spots. For returning players who prefer a more dynamic or versatile playstyle, the Japanese heavy tank line may prove to be a frustrating experience. The line's limitations and situational effectiveness make it a less forgiving option compared to more well-rounded tank lines.

Conclusion

Returning to World of Tanks can be an exciting experience, and choosing the right tank lines to grind can significantly impact your enjoyment and success. The Soviet and American medium tank lines, as well as the German heavy tank line, offer a blend of versatility, firepower, and survivability, making them excellent choices for returning players. On the other hand, lines like the British AT series tank destroyers, French light tanks, and Japanese heavy tanks require a specific playstyle and may be more challenging to master. By carefully considering your playstyle and the characteristics of each tank line, you can make informed decisions and maximize your enjoyment on the battlefield. Remember that the most important thing is to have fun and experiment with different tanks and playstyles to find what works best for you. World of Tanks is a game that rewards knowledge and experience, so don't be afraid to try new things and learn from your mistakes. With the right tanks and a strategic approach, you can quickly climb the ranks and dominate the battlefield. The diversity of tank lines in World of Tanks ensures that there is something for every player, but understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each line is crucial for making the most of your time and resources. Happy tanking!