Wargaming’s tank MMO World of Tanks was released 10 years ago and celebrates its anniversary in 2020. But can a game after such a long time still excite, and is it even worth starting or getting back into the tank after a break?
What is World of Tanks actually: World of Tanks was released in August 2010 and is essentially a tactical team shooter featuring historical tanks from the time around the two world wars. Two teams made up of roughly equally strong tanks compete against each other to capture points or blow each other to pieces.
After the battle, you get points and in-game currency. With this, you can upgrade your tank or unlock higher-tier tanks. The game mechanics are easy to learn but difficult to master at higher levels.
For whom is World of Tanks? World of Tanks is primarily aimed at players looking for a more relaxed gaming experience. After all, a tank is not a sports car, and you will slowly and cautiously rumble over the map. As you need to scout opponents first and then rely on the complex ballistics engine for shooting, World of Tanks plays much more tactically than, for example, Call of Duty or Overwatch.
Together with the collecting and upgrading aspect of the game, where you unlock more historical vehicles, the game has already been described by the Wargaming CEO in an interview as a “Tamagotchi for fathers” (via spiegel.de).
What has changed in WoT?
Since the launch of World of Tanks in 2010, a lot has happened. Here are the latest highlights:
- With version 1.0, the graphics were finally overhauled in 2018 and the game looks fresh and new again.
- Alongside the known nations of the world wars (USA, Germany, Great Britain, Soviet Union, and France), Italy, Poland, Sweden, Japan, China, and Czechoslovakia were added over the years.
- Artillery was fundamentally changed in 2019. Instead of dealing massive damage, it now stuns tank crews.
- Since 2019, there are finally wheeled tanks, which are faster and play completely differently than tracked vehicles.
- In the new Frontline mode, there are now 30vs30 mass battles.
- In 2019, the annoying friendly fire was finally removed from the game.
- Since 2020, there are actually crazy tanks with double-barrel guns!
- In 2020, World of Tanks also received a battle pass modeled after battle royale games. You can now regularly unlock special goodies.
Wargaming and the martial power metal band Sabaton from Sweden have been collaborating since 2017, which is why there is also a special tank in the style of the band in the game. The musicians are even available as crew members for the tank.
These are the latest highlights with patch 1.9: In the latest patch for World of Tanks, several changes were made to make the game more beginner-friendly:
- Vehicles from tiers 1 to 6 have more hitpoints, increasing their lifespan and allowing for more beginner mistakes, so you are not as often one-shot victims.
- The tech trees have been cleaned up, and now there are vehicles at every tier that play as differently as possible. The tanks that have been removed can still be unlocked through a dedicated menu.
Start World of Tanks again in 2020? Here’s what you need to know
To ensure that getting back into World of Tanks goes smoothly, we at MeinMMO were able to enlist the popular YouTuber Mootality, one of the largest German WoT YouTubers, for a few tips and advice.
MeinMMO: What can you advise newcomers to do first?
Mootality: “Just play! World of Tanks may seem like a big monster at first, which needs to be conquered piece by piece. Therefore, play a tank you enjoy often. This way, you gain experience, overview, and without greater frustration. Definitely keep such tanks in the garage so you can return to them anytime!”
MeinMMO: What should new players pay attention to?
Mootality: “As World of Tanks is played 15 against 15, it is naturally advisable not to drive off alone. Seeking cover while under fire is often crucial, as perhaps a teammate has a better shooting position. Teamwork is key in a game like World of Tanks.
This doesn’t always work, but with a bit of experience and knowledge of the maps and tanks, it will become clearer quickly. The most helpful tool is the minimap at the bottom right. You should definitely learn to appreciate this and possibly enlarge it in the settings. Having 1-2 friends who regularly fight alongside you is also helpful!”
Russian tanks are suitable for beginners in World of Tanks
MeinMMO: Which tech tree is recommended for beginners?
Mootality: “This question is often asked, as there are ten research trees of different nations in World of Tanks. For beginners, all players generally recommend Russian tanks. They forgive mistakes, perform well to great in all areas, and can keep up in any game. Almost all tier 10 vehicles of the Russian research tree are also used in late-game scenarios like clan wars or tournaments.”
MeinMMO: What should returning players pay attention to?
Mootality: “It really depends on how long someone hasn’t played. Since 1.0, there is fantastic graphics, new sounds, many new tanks, and nations. The matchmaking has also changed in detail, which makes it fairer than it used to be, even if many still feel it’s not far enough yet.”
Now is a good time to start with World of Tanks
Here’s our conclusion: In fact, a lot has changed for the better in World of Tanks. Especially the improved accessibility with more hitpoints, streamlined tech trees, and comfort features like the absence of friendly fire and the battle pass will benefit many newcomers in 2020 and alleviate the frustration at game start.
Thanks to the improved graphics and extensive updates, World of Tanks remains well-positioned and a game that still plays well even 10 years after its release. Wargaming continues to stand behind its flagship title and will continue to develop it in the future.
You can confidently start playing again 10 years after the release and take a few rounds with the tank.
