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How to Choose the Best Tank Type for You in World of Tanks

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?

3 tanks lined up outside 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.

What class should I pick in World of Tanks?

World of Tanks allows you to play 5 different vehicle classes, each with a designated role on the battlefield:

Light Tanks

Diamond symbol representing Light Tanks in World of Tanks (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.

Medium Tanks

Two diagonal dashed lines forming a diamond shape symbol representing Medium Tanks in World of Tanks (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.

Heavy Tanks

Three diagonal dashed lines forming a diamond shape symbol representing Heavy Tanks in World of Tank 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.

Tank Destroyers

Upsidedown triangle symbol representing Tank Destroyers in World of Tanks (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).

SPG Vehicles

Square shaped symbol representing SPG Vehicles in World of Tanks (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.


Join the brotherhood and sign up for World of Tanks today. Use the invite code “WOT10ANNIVERSARY” to add the American Tier III Light Tank M22 Locust, garage slot and 7 premium days to your account.

It’s a fantastic little tank that will let you experience tank warfare at its finest from day one. The added bonus of Premium account will let you progress faster with +50% XP and credit earning per battle in any tank.

Please note: the invite code is in short supply, so claim it while you can! The invite code is only available for new players.

See you on the battlefield!