The tank MMO World of Tanks has received a new vehicle category in a recent update: wheeled vehicles. They play differently than other tanks and significantly change the gameplay. We tested the new tanks together with the developers.
What are wheeled vehicles? Unlike classic tanks that operate on tracks, wheeled vehicles have four or more wheels. While this prevents excessive vehicle weight, it enables very light and fast vehicles that can still carry heavy guns and are ideal scouts.
In World of Tanks, wheeled vehicles were introduced on February 6, 2019, as part of the French tech tree starting from tier 6. In a hands-on test with the developers, we were able to try them out live and ask questions about their use in the game.
All about wheeled vehicles
What can wheeled vehicles do in the game? Wheeled vehicles are extremely light and can achieve very high speeds. From tier 8 onwards, the vehicles have a high-speed mode that makes them even faster. Speeds of almost 100 km/h are possible.
With this, wheeled vehicles can cross the map in no time and breach enemy lines. They then maraud behind enemy lines, seeking out easy targets like artillery or damaged tanks, which they can then easily take out.
Especially against heavy tanks with weak points and cumbersome tank destroyers with fixed guns, wheeled vehicles are ideal.
Because the opponent cannot follow them quickly enough with their gun once they have zipped past. However, a frontal hit from a heavy gun can often be the end for the light wheeled vehicles.
However, their arch-enemies are medium and light tanks that can keep up with the speed and agility of wheeled vehicles and engage in wild battles with them.
Another significant advantage is that not all wheels of wheeled vehicles are necessary to move the vehicle. Later models have six or even eight wheels; you can lose several of them and still drive. A tank that loses a track remains stuck until the damage is repaired.
Moreover, wheeled vehicles have an improved auto-aim feature to hit anything at higher speeds.
What are the disadvantages of wheeled vehicles? The downside is that the vehicles are not very maneuverable at such high speeds. Tight corners can be a problem, and in high-speed mode, you need a large turning radius.
If you still go too fast into a corner or over an unfavorable hill, you can quickly sail off and potentially roll over!
Additionally, wheeled vehicles have a significant problem in tight spaces. They cannot turn on the spot like a tank with counter-rotating tracks can. This becomes an issue when you find yourself in a close combat situation in a narrow alley and need to maneuver multiple times to get out.
In our tests, this happened more than once, and we were stuck for a long time until we finally freed ourselves.
What are the differences between wheeled vehicles and light tanks? Wheeled vehicles and light tanks may look very similar at first glance. Therefore, we asked one of the developers what the significant difference was.
Light tanks are still the better passive scouts. They have a better view range and can hide well in bushes and scout the area.
Wheeled vehicles, on the other hand, play a more active role on the battlefield. They are better suited for actively scouting the enemy and confusing them with quick hit-and-run attacks.
Wheeled vehicles in the game – a completely new gameplay
How do wheeled vehicles play? In several battles, we could get a picture of the new vehicles. It was noticeable that they are indeed extremely fast. So if you like to press the gas, you’ll be all set here.
As the maps in World of Tanks are still mostly quite small, you are quickly at the other end of the map.
Despite all the speed, the vehicles do indeed play differently than tracked tanks, which are simply much more maneuverable. And in close combat, it often happens that you get stuck in narrow alleys and find a swift end.
If the wheeled vehicles are used optimally, they can zip around the opponent like the wind and hit them on the flanks. If you enjoy this type of gameplay, you should definitely take a look at the wheeled vehicles. However, it takes a lot of skill to master these vehicles optimally.
How do I get the wheeled vehicles? Wheeled vehicles can be obtained normally in the game. Currently, they are only available as part of the French tech tree starting from tier 6. This is because the French excelled in researching wheeled vehicles and began early on.
However, other nations with wheeled vehicles will follow.
