It might be hard to believe if you're an FPS gamer, but war also exists in glorious vehicular carnage where man-made metal mass murder machines duke it out in an ultimate test of engineering, tactics, and grit. Such a facet of modern warfare has no better representation in gaming than War Thunder.
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The free-to-play vehicular combat simulator has been around for quite a while now and has enjoyed its own niche. Of course, it wouldn't be as successful or as stable as it is right now without its impressive selection of tanks that ought to make any tank enthusiast drool. Which of them are worth your generous serving of salivation? Here are some of the best tanks in War Thunder.
Updated April 12th, 2020 by Sid Natividad: Well, war never changes it seems, but power rankings do, especially in a game like War Thunder. Updates have ensured that slots open up for some more competitive tanks in the game's roster. The Meta is constantly changing in a massive and competitive game like this. As such, we've added a few more mass carnage vehicles here to expand your options.
15 Crusader MK.II
Now, if you're aching for more mobility in your tanks, then the Crusader MK.II might just be the perfect choice. It's a low-tier tank that comes in at a free price tag but don't let that put you off. The Crusader is a French tank that's not easy to put into submission.
This one's incredible at surprising enemies because of its low stature and quickness in the field. The Crusader can harass or annoy enemy tanks that are slower and distract targets while also dishing out its own healthy serving of shells. The main gun isn't that impressive for kills though so you'll have to get resourceful.
14 T-50
It's not high-tier nor anything you can brag about but a significant portion of War Thunder's playerbase or free-to-play players who are reluctant on spending anything on the game. Some of them might just be starting out or don't have much time to grind for higher-tier tanks. In that case, the T-50 is a good choice for those who are new-ish but still want the most out of their selection.
The T-50 is fast and a perfect choice for flanking enemies while other beefier tanks soak up the gunfire and attention from the enemy who can also be outmaneuvered with ease. This scout tank is also great for something as high as BR 2 though at that point, don't expect to get as many kills.
13 Pz.Kpfw. VI Tiger Ausf. E
Tiger tanks were feared in battle back in WWII for their superior firepower and armor and history nuts will be pleased to know that War Thunder retains the Tiger's historical merit. The Pz.Kpfw. VI Tiger Ausf. E or simply Tiger E is a tier 3 or rank III improved variant of the Tiger H1.
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It's capable of taking out other tanks with as little as one hit assuming the BR is appropriate. For a heavy tank, the Tiger E's mobility is surprisingly decent and can even shrug off some glancing fire coming from the side. Watch out for this one on the field.
12 Type 90
The Type 90 Japanese tank has a B variant but apart from the 10 mm plate where a minefield roller can be attached, they're practically the same. You can't go wrong with either barring minefields. Regardless, the Type 90 is a decent all-around tank for the later tiers or BR of War Thunder.
Like most tanks here that have decent or exceptional mobility, the Type 90 suffers from having a weak side or rear armor and mostly makes up for it with an automated 120 mm cannon and serviceable front armor. You would have to be vigilant about your flanks and that makes Type 90 players more skilled.
11 T-80U
As a contemporary successor to the highly ingenious T-34 of the Soviets in WWII, the T-80U has all the positive qualities of its granddaddy tank. Where it shines is its exceptional armor as the sloped turret and front facade of the tank are near-invincible.
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Coupled with the low-stature and the impressive mobility, the T-80U can be used to flank and circle enemy tanks even in close engagements. The main cannon is accurate enough for shelling at considerable and safe distances.
10 Challenger 2
Are you less of a frontliner or flanker and more of a sniper? Then the Challenger 2 has something to offer for you. With the length of its main cannon, you could even mistake it for a howitzer or an artillery unit; aptly enough, the Challenger 2 can actually function more like a support o sniper tank.
This baby right here can rack up kill after kill quite easily and at a comfortable engaging distance due to its accurate main cannon that has a fast reload speed. You're also less likely to get cornered by frustrated opponents because the Challenger 2 can retreat fast and it also should as it doesn't have the best armor.
9 CV 90120
Competing for the Challenger 2 when it comes to being one of the best sniper or support tanks in the game is the CV 90120. It was introduced in update 1.97 or nicknamed Viking Fury because the CV 90120 is a Swedish invention.
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Meanwhile, the tank's main cannon performance is stellar and can easily dispatch targets from afar. Reload times are also excellent and competitive enough. It's more of a mobile turret, however, as the armor on the CV 90120 is lacking and even borderline scarce. It does make up for it by being evasive with its mobility. Just avoid the frontlines.
8 Ariete PSO
One of the finest medium tanks introduced in the game, the Ariete PSO is a well-rounded combatant in the field with its formidable penetration. It can quickly shift from target to target in quick succession because of its scary firepower.
The best part is that there's plenty of room for mistakes in the Ariete PSO especially in the frontlines as the armor can withstand up to 105mm APFSDS shells and the turret can also take a beating. Where it lags behind is mobility.
7 ZTZ96A
When it comes to killing other tanks, the ZTZ96A can become relatively unmatched as it boasts one of the strongest kinds of ammunition in the game. The ZTZ96A also protects its assets well and has an impenetrable turret so you can forget about shooting off its main gun when facing off against it.
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The protectiveness of its armor is also top-notch, making it an awesome frontliner that can sustain fire and look after itself. Much like tanks that focus on being effective frontliners, the ZTZ96A sacrifices some of its mobility.
6 Leopard 2K
Germany is already one of the most desirable factions to pick in War Thunder thanks to its all-around great selection of tanks. Even in contemporary times, it also gave the world some impressive tanks, namely the Leopard 2K.
This one's a Rank IV medium tank with a 9.7 battle rating, making it a solid choice for when players are nearing the late game. It's quite a slick machine with its ability to reverse out of combat with the same speed as its forward push. For an agile and fast tank that doesn't sacrifice much firepower, this one delivers.
5 T-64B
Of course, the Soviets can't just sit there and watch Germany achieve all the developments in the armor department. Their tanks are also competent enough with some astonishing creams of the crop. One of those is the T-64B, a successor to the legendary T-34.
Like the German Leopard 2K, it also has a battle rating of 9.7 and is classified as a medium tank. For survivability, not many tanks can match the level of protection that the T-64B has at its disposal. Its two smoke screen options and composite armor give players plenty of room for errors and boldness.
4 AMX-40
Yet another tank in the 9.7 BR category, the AMX-40 is a strong challenger as this French medium tank has a nice toy that other tanks its class don't: a stabilizer. That gives them better thinking allowance before they engage a visible target.
Under the hood, the AMX-40 is a respectable beast with decent speed and firepower. The composite armor as well as the dual smoke screen options give it nice survivability in the field. Players will surely be able to take advantage of the stabilizer on this tank.
3 Vickers Mk. 7
Speaking of stabilizers, the Vickers Mk.7 also has its own. This British brute is a proficient tank for that matter. Its survivability is a bit run-of-the-mill; the usual composite armor with one smoke grenade option but it makes up for that with good firepower.
The Vickers Mk. 7 comes equipped with all kinds of aiming aids from thermal to night vision as well as a laser rangefinder. Paired with the stabilizer, that makes the Vickers a viable tank for sniping some enemy tanks from afar, which is an awesome capability for a medium tank.
2 Panzer IV H
It might be old but it's still one of the most iconic tanks around, similar to the Tiger. The Panzer IV H is one of the best Panzer variants of Germany in War Thunder. This BR 4.3 tank has enough firepower to destroy any tank in its weight class.
The side skirts were something unique at the time for the Panzer and it helps a bit when players get flanked. It's not the most mobile Panzer or medium tank though but that doesn't matter much when it can destroy almost any tank in its BR with no problem and live to tell the tale.
1 M1A2 Abrams
Hailing from the US of A is perhaps the most well-rounded tank in the game for BR VII (more or less), the M1A2 Abrams. It harmonically marries all the aspects of tank engineering and has decent mobility, firepower, and armor.
Therefore, that makes the M1A2 Abrams a popular choice for any experienced player that's still learning or wants an all-rounder. It does have its own weakness though such as the vulnerable turret ring or the breech but even so, it's better than most NATO tanks.
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