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Oyster Bay Enters Random Battles!



Commanders!

Oyster Bay was the second most popular location of Recon Mission 2021, and now, it’s hitting Random Battles several months after the first-place map, Outpost. Oyster Bay offers a drastically different setting: a tropical island with a lush jungle and scenic beaches. Sadly, this once tranquil paradise has strategic value, and two mighty countries are fighting for control of it.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
[h2]Enjoy the Views (And History)[/h2]

For decades, the island was held by one of the adversaries, who had constructed an airbase on the land. However, several years ago, the other side drove their troops out and entrenched, building multiple coastal bunkers. Now, the first power is back for revenge. The locals to whom the island rightfully belongs haven’t benefited from the presence of either occupying force: the landscape is littered with various military structures, and it is not easy to find a place to grow food or set up an oyster farm. Adding to their woes, a massive volcano is about to erupt, sending billowing smoke into the beautiful blue sky.



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[h2]Play in Various Ways[/h2]

Oyster Bay is the first map set on a tropical island, and the battlefield is completely surrounded by water. However, that’s not the only feature that makes this map special. It is also very large: At 1,300x1,300 meters, it is 69% more spacious than a standard 1 km² map. In fact, the extra size was one of the most requested features by players. There are also additional bypass routes behind the bases and in the middle of the map, prompting you to be mobile and tactically aware. Here, smart maneuvering pays off even more than usual.



Let’s play on a new fan-favorite location, Commanders!

Update 1.20: Check Out What’s New!



Update 1.20 is coming, Commanders!

It introduces the sunny Oyster Bay Random Battles map and a series of balance improvements to three other locations. We’re also adding the new Tournaments tab to the main menu of the Garage to help you find and join the tournaments and challenges you’re most interested in. On top of that, this update features rebalancing changes to a large batch of vehicles (including seven Tier X tanks) and brings cool new goodies to the Items for Bonds section in the in-game Store. Enjoy!



[h2]New Map: Oyster Bay![/h2]

The second-place winner of Recon Mission 2021—Oyster Bay—hits Random Battles! This is a picturesque 1,300x1,300 m summer map in a tropical setting full of sunshine and vivid colors. In addition to the heavenly landscapes, you will find here spacious battle zones for all vehicle classes. Put on your sunglasses, grab your sunscreen, and go explore Oyster Bay!



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MORE INFO

[h2]Tournaments and Challenges in Your Garage[/h2]

To make it easier for you to find and join tournaments and challenges you want to participate in, we're adding a new Tournaments tab to the main menu of the Garage. If you want to join a tournament, click the corresponding button to open its web page and choose a team or create your own.

Also in this new section, you will find another tab for ongoing challenges. If you want to prove yourself and take part in the challenge you like, join it by clicking the respective button.



https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1407200/view/3673285123522425080
[h2]Vehicle Rebalancing: A New Iteration[/h2]

We're updating the characteristics of 27 vehicles from different nations, tiers, and types, including seven Tier X tanks—the Centurion Action X, the Т57 Heavy, the Rinoceronte, among others. We’re also adjusting the parameters of the surrounding vehicles in their branches and updating the performance of seven Tier VI⁠ and VII tanks. Depending on whether they perform beyond the scope of their tier performance, we’ll improve or reduce their effectiveness in battles.



https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1407200/view/3664278558804919800
[h2]Map Balance Improvements[/h2]

We’re continuing to work on improving Random Battles maps and adjusting three battlefields: Airfield, Steppes, and Mines. They received a series of balance tweaks to make gameplay more comfortable for both teams.



FIND OUT MORE

[h2]New Items for Bonds[/h2]

We’ve added more cool tanks, unique customizations, and a piece of Improved Equipment to the Bond Shop, Commanders! Head to the Items for Bonds section in the in-game Store to get your hands on the following: the 113 Beijing Opera; the Lorraine 40 t; the T23E3; Increased Shell Resistance; and spectacular 3D styles for the 60TP Lewandowskiego, STB-1, and E 100.

Take advantage of the expanded selection!



[h2]Battle Pass: New Season, New Rewards![/h2]

Battle Pass is back in 2023 with Season X and rewards galore! As always, you can complete Progression Stages and earn rewards, including Battle Pass Tokens. Exchange them for various items and rare vehicles in a special section of the in-game Store. There will be two formidable new tanks for 2023, so don't miss out!



https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1407200/view/3664278558790396480


[h3]Premium Account[/h3]

[h3]Downtime[/h3]



Players with Premium Account will be credited an additional 24 hours of WoT Premium Account time to make up for the update maintenance period.


If you’d like to make any in-game purchases, please wait until the servers are running again.

EU: Servers will be down on March 1 from 01:30 to 08:30 CET (UTC+1).

NA: Servers will be down on February 27 at 23:30 PST | February 28 01:30 CST | 02:30 EST to 06:00 PST | 08:00 CST | 09:00 EST.

ASIA: Servers will be down on February 28 from 02:00 to 08:00 UTC+8.


[h2]Good luck, Commanders![/h2]

Enjoy intense battles on the picturesque Oyster Bay map, try out rebalanced vehicles, and get ready for a new Battle Pass journey!

Rebalancing Changes in Update 1.20



Commanders!

In Update 1.18, we adjusted the technical characteristics of many vehicles. In the several months since these changes were applied to the live server, we've been closely monitoring the outcomes and are now ready to take the next step.

In Update 1.20, we’ll change the combat parameters of 27 vehicles in the British, German, French, and other branches. These various balance tweaks should adjust the performance of these tanks while preserving their key gameplay features. Some of these targeted changes will affect the surrounding vehicles in their branches, so we’ll also correct their combat parameters for consistency. Let’s take a look at each group of vehicles individually.

[h2]Tier IX–X Vehicles: Subtle but Effective Improvements[/h2]

The characteristics of the following top-tier vehicles will change, allowing them to fight more effectively:









[h3]British Vehicles[/h3]

Based on your feedback and our statistics, the Centurion Action X is not very competitive on the battlefield and needs a slight enhancement to its combat performance. As a result, we’ll improve its reload time (8 s instead of 8.6 s) and dispersion during movement on hull and turret traverse. The forward speed will also be slightly increased, from 53 to 55 km/h.

To keep these changes consistent, the two surrounding tanks in the branch, the Centurion Mk. I and the Centurion Mk. 7/1 will have reduced dispersion during movement and on hull traverse.

[h3]German Vehicles[/h3]

The Rheinmetall Panzerwagen also doesn’t perform as well as its same-tier opponents and is, therefore, not very popular. An improved gun could make it more effective in combat. Accordingly, the Panzerwagen’s reload and aiming times will be reduced from 9 to 8 s and from 1.6 to 1.4 s, respectively. We’ll also improve the dispersion at 100 m from 0.36 to 0.33 m, as well as the dispersion during movement and on hull and turret traverse (from 0.14 to 0.10).

The HWK 12, sitting at Tier VIII, will also receive similar improvements to dispersion during movement and on hull traverse to be more competitive.

[h3]American Branch[/h3]

Although the T57 Heavy Tank is pretty tough and can confidently take on Random Battles and Onslaught, a slight mobility buff and increased shooting comfort might do it some good. The vehicle’s reverse speed will be increased from 12 to 14 km/h, and the aiming time will be improved from 2.9 to 2.7 s. We’ll also slightly reduce its dispersion during movement and on hull traverse.

[h3]Italian Branch[/h3]

Your feedback has confirmed that the Rinoceronte’s role on the battlefield could be a bit more pronounced. Thus, we’ll strengthen its turret armor and increase the velocity of special HEAT shells. The reverse speed will also increase from 12 to 15 km/h.

[h2]Mid-Tier Vehicles: Tougher and More Dangerous[/h2]

After reviewing the statistics, we realized that the following Tier VI–VII vehicles require some firepower, mobility, and survivability buffs to improve their efficiency. We assessed each of these vehicles individually, and we are sure that these changes will make them more attractive.















[h3]ARL V39[/h3]

The forward speed will increase from 42 to 45 km/h, and the reload time of its 90 mm AC DCA 45 gun will be improved from 9 to 7.5 s.

[h3]Tiger (P)[/h3]

The frontal armor of the top turret will be strengthened. We’ll also improve the stabilization, reload time, and dispersion on turret traverse for the 8,8 cm Kw.K. 43 L/71 gun. The HP pool will also increase.

[h3]Ikv 90 Typ B[/h3]

We’ll improve the dispersion at 100 m of the 9 cm kan m/F gun from 0.36 to 0.32 m. The aiming time will reduce from 2.3 to 2 s.

[h3]Spähpanzer SP I C[/h3]

The reload time and dispersion on turret traverse of the 90 mm D921 F1 and 90 mm Mecar guns will decrease.

[h3]Т-43[/h3]

The dispersion of the 85 mm D5T-85BM gun on turret traverse will be improved. We’ll also improve its dispersion during movement.

[h3]Comet[/h3]

We’ll reduce the dispersion during movement and on hull traverse.

[h3]A-44[/h3]

The aiming time of the 107 mm ZIS-6 gun will decrease from 3.4 to 2.9 s. Dispersion at 100 m and on turret traverse will be reduced from 0.45 to 0.43 and from 0.16 to 0.12, respectively.

[h2]Overperforming High-Tier Vehicles: Carefully Measured Changes[/h2]

[h3]French Branch[/h3]

In Update 1.18, we rebalanced some of the characteristics of the AMX M4 mle. 54 to enhance it as a frontline brawler. However, having studied the statistics after such a serious improvement to its combat effectiveness, we decided to slightly adjust its performance in Update 1.18.1.

We’ve been monitoring the performance of this menacing heavy in Random Battles for several months, and can clearly see that these adjustments were insufficient. We decided to go even further and slightly change the following parameters of the 130 mm/45 Model 1935 gun:
  • Aiming time: from 2.2 to 2.5 s
  • Reload time: from 13.4 to 14 s
  • Gun dispersion at 100 m: from 0.33 to 0.36
The dispersion during movement and on hull and turret traverse will also be changed. These carefully measured changes will help us correct its effectiveness and bring the vehicle’s parameters in line with other heavy tanks.

The AMX M4 mle. 51 and the AMX 65 t will also receive successive adjustments of their guns.

[h3]Italian Vehicles[/h3]

We understand why the community was so emotional about the performance nerf of the Progetto M40 mod. 65. This vehicle is very popular, and players like it, so you ask why to reduce its effectiveness, since its percentage of wins is about 49%, which is not high value. But in this case, we pay attention to 2 other very important parameters:
  • The Progetto M40 Mod. 65 is the most popular Tier X Medium tank in the game over the past six months. And its popularity continues to grow
  • This vehicle is in the top-3 in terms of average damage dealt per battle among all Tier X Medium tanks.
Seeing these trends, we want to slightly decrease the vehicle's effectiveness and the growth rate of its popularity. So, we decided to reduce the vehicle's reverse speed from 23 to 20 km/h, as well as increase gun dispersion during movement and hull traverse. We’ll also make its upper glacis plate less durable, so that this Italian predator becomes more vulnerable in combat at any distance. In this regard, the Prototipo Standard B will also receive successive adjustments to its gun.

[h3]American Vehicles[/h3]

The T110E3 is a mighty vehicle that stands out from other Tier X tank destroyers in the game. In a sense, it became an unrivaled adversary on the battlefield. And the main reason for reducing the characteristics of this vehicle is its first position in the top in terms of average damage dealt per battle among all Tier X tank destroyers. It is also in the top-2 for average blocked damage per battle among all Tier X tank destroyers. Even considering that this vehicle is not very popular, even at the current popularity values, it begins to affect Random Battles. That is why we would like to reduce its effectiveness in the following parameters:
  • HP pool: from 2,050 to 1,950 HP
  • View range: from 390 to 370 s
  • Reload time: from 17 to 18 s
  • Aiming time: from 2.5 to 2.7 s
To maintain the consistency of characteristics in this branch, we’ll also decrease the T95’s view range (360 m instead of 380 m). The reload and aiming times will be increased from 18.3 to 19 s and from 2.5 to 2.7 s, respectively.
Feel free to share your thoughts on these rebalanced vehicles, Commanders!

Battle Pass Season X: Event Guide



Battle Pass is back for Season X, Commanders!

Starting from March 1 and running until May 31, Season X will feature familiar rules and offer many valuable prizes—all while adding some new treats to your plate! In addition to new progressive styles, an expanded roster of Token rewards (plus two brand-new vehicles), and a new piece of equipment (Bounty Hardening), there will be some things you’ve never seen before. You will be able to uncover the Season's story and earn up to three more Tokens by completing the new Collection feature.

[h3]Battle Pass Season X[/h3]
EU: March 1, 2023 at 07:30 CET (UTC+1) through May 31, 2023
NA: February 28, 2023 at 05:00 PT | 07:00 CT | 08:00 ET through May 30, 2023
ASIA: 28 February 2023 at 07:00 (UTC+8) through 30 May 2023

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
[h2]New Rewards and Features of Season X[/h2]
  • The Core Vehicles of Season X are the Rinoceronte, the Maus , and the UDES 15/16. The progressive styles you can obtain for them are all desert-themed.
  • A desert-covered region is where a brand-new trio of hero tankers is heading—to engage in an armored treasure hunt with many obstacles to overcome.
  • The story of the heroes’ exploits unfolds in the descriptions of some of the Season X Stage and Chapter rewards. The styles, decals, medal, and crew members themselves form a Collection (a feature to be introduced later on in the Season). Depending on the number of Collection Elements (“plot items”) gathered, you can earn up to three additional Tokens during Season X.
  • A new piece of equipment—Bounty Hardening—will be among the progression and Token rewards.
  • The Tier IX reward roster has expanded with two brand-new vehicles: the KPz 3 Projekt 07 HK and the BZ-58-2.
  • On top of the usual selection, styles and crew members from Seasons VII and IX will now be offered in the Reward section of the in-game Store.
[h2]Progressive Styles for New Core Vehicles[/h2]

Here are the three desert-themed progressive styles of Season X:
  • Nyx for the Rinoceronte
  • Wüstenschiff for the Maus
  • Svadilfari for the UDES 15/16
Take a look at them below!







As usual, each style has four levels. Level I unlocks once you activate the corresponding Chapter for the first time, and Level IV is reached when you complete that Chapter.

[h2]New Battle Pass Heroes[/h2]

These are the new characters you can recruit after you complete their Chapters:

Bold and familiar-looking Sandro Mancini from Italy
Introverted and meticulous Emil Kittel from Germany
Enigmatic and aloof Rebecca Holmberg from Sweden

Each of the crew members comes with Brothers in Arms as a zero perk and enough XP to train two more skills or perks. You will also be able to select their nation and main specialization.

[h2]Bounty Hardening and Other Rewards[/h2]

The list of Season X Base and Improved Rewards is long and includes days of WoT Premium Account, bonds, credits, Garage slots, Personal Reserves, equipment, and more. One reward is of special note: Bounty Hardening. It can significantly increase the survivability of your vehicle.

[h2]2D Styles, Decals, and a Unique Medal[/h2]

Among the Season X rewards are many memorable ones that deserve closer looks. Check them out:
  • Three 2D styles, one per Chapter, all inspired by the desert adventure theme central to Season X, and each one telling part of its story.

    [h3]Ngamia 2D style[/h3]



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    [h3]Rafiki 2D style[/h3]



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    [h3]Roho 2D style[/h3]



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  • Three decals with animals from the region where the heroes are heading, one for each Chapter.

  • A unique medal for completing 150 Stages of the Season X Progression.

[h2]Rewards for Points[/h2]

Once you complete all three Chapters, you’ll get access to the Reward section of the in-game Store. You can spend all your Battle Pass Points earned throughout the Season there on bonds and the following goodies:
  • Progressive styles for all Battle Pass Core Vehicles from the previous Seasons (except Season VIII)
  • Unique crew members from the previous Seasons (except Season VIII)
The Reward section of the in-game Store will be available until May 31, 2023 at 02:30 CEST (UTC+2) on EU servers, until May 30, 2023 at 00:30 PT | 02:30 CT | 03:30 ET on NA servers and until 30 May 2023 at 14:00 (UTC+8) on ASIA servers. You will continue to earn and accumulate Battle Pass Points even after completing the entire Season X Progression.

Remember to spend your Points before the end of the Season to redeem your rewards. Otherwise, all unused Battle Pass Points will disappear!

[h2]Rewards for Battle Pass Tokens[/h2]

You can obtain up to 21 Battle Pass Tokens from the Season X Progression (12 from the Base Rewards and 9 from the Improved Rewards), plus up to 3 additional Tokens for gathering Collection Elements. (Collections will be a staple of every Season in 2023.)

You can spend Tokens in the Items for Tokens section of the in-game Store or save them up and spend them later in upcoming Battle Pass Seasons of 2023. Tokens accumulate throughout the year.

The list of rare Tier IX vehicles available for Tokens has grown once again—there are now nine vehicles. The new stars are the KPz 3 Projekt 07 HK and the BZ-58-2. Both are equipped with Standard Large Repair Kits (the “limitless” ones).

The KPz 3 Projekt 07 HK is a German sniper TD. It has a Siege mode that is activated manually like on Swedish high-tier TDs, increasing the effective gun depression angle to −12 degrees. Its basic APCR rounds fly very quickly, special HEAT rounds have high penetration for Tier IX, and HE rounds have outstandingly high penetration for this shell type. The vehicle has a low silhouette, and its mobility while in Siege mode easily allows you to roll back after a successful shot without switching to Travel mode.



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The BZ-58-2 (worth 24 Tokens) is a bit unlike your typical Chinese breakthrough heavy. It packs a powerful punch, has a sturdy turret and is a bit slow to aim. However, the gun is rather precise for a heavy and has a −8 degree depression angle, which—together with a bouncy upper glacis plate—makes terrain-based play a viable option.



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Please note that the KPz 3 Projekt 07 HK costs 27 Tokens. Considering that gathering the Collection gets you three Tokens on top of the 21 that come as progression rewards, you can get very close to this vehicle in Season X. By keeping your Tokens, you will be able to snatch the TD soon after the next Season begins. Below you can see the cost of every Token reward vehicle and item so that you can plan your acquisitions in Season X.



[h2]Collection[/h2]

To help you piece together the story of Season X, we decided to unite certain rewards (both Base and Improved) into a Collection, with each Element revealing more about the plot and our heroes. Collections are going to be a staple of Battle Pass from now on. The Season X Collection Elements are progressive and 2D styles as well as decals, a medal, and crew members that you get as Battle Pass progression rewards in the usual manner. Accumulating a certain number of Elements will get you additional Tokens (up to three in total), plus a vehicle customization element. See the thresholds below, plan your progress and get the extra Tokens before Season X ends!



The Tokens you have earned for gathering the Collection Elements will be credited when the Collection becomes available on the Battle Pass screen in April.
A great adventure awaits. Let‘s claim the treasures, Commanders!

Tournament and Challenges Overview: Now in the Game Client!



Commanders!

Anyone can participate in World of Tanks tournaments and challenges, whether you're a seasoned veteran or a new player. There are plenty of ways to take part, and it’s a great way to hone your skills and test different tactics. Enjoy exciting and strategic gameplay with your friends, win battles, and earn in-game rewards—including gold!

To make it easier to find and join your favorite tournaments and challenges, we're adding a new Tournaments tab to the main menu of the Garage.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]


When you enter this section, you will see a list of all available tournaments in World of Tanks. You can filter tournaments by various parameters. If you want to join a certain tournament, simply click the corresponding button to open its web page and choose a team, or create your own.







[h2]Challenges[/h2]

In the new section, you will also find another tab for ongoing challenges. This tab leads to separate pages with detailed information for each challenge. If you want to prove yourself and take part in a challenge, you can join it by clicking the corresponding button.

If there are no available tournaments or challenges, these tabs will be empty.
Play solo or team up with other players, face off against worthy opponents, and win brilliant victories, Commanders!