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What to expect from Update 1.13

Commanders, Update 1.13 looks to be one of the largest updates in recent memory and we’ve got the lowdown on everything you can expect to see!

In this article we will share some information about the reworked mechanics for causing damage with HE shells and new features for countering SPGs. We’re also continuing to rebalance and improve the performance of four Tier VIII Premium vehicles and six reward tanks that you can obtain for achievements in battles on the Global Map. Plus, we’re introducing a new mode called Recon Mission, implementing a fresh set of interface solutions, and adding several other new features. Let’s get down to it!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h3]Contents [/h3]
  • HE Shell Reworking
  • New Tactical Features to Counteract SPGs
  • Changes to SPGs
  • Vehicle Rebalancing Continues!
  • Changes to the Mode Selection Interface
  • Explore New Maps in Recon Mission!
  • Minsk Map Rebalancing
  • Interface Improvements
  • Battle Pass: Season V Is Coming!
  • Ranked Battles Season X
  • Creating New Blueprint Fragments

A few months ago, we completed a whole series of Sandbox iterations in which we all tested important changes to key game mechanics. Together, we have come a long way and achieved a high-quality result. We fully assessed the impact of the new mechanics on the game's ecosystem and made sure that it works correctly and remains stable. Each Commander can now try out these important changes during the Update 1.13 Common Test.

One of the most important features of the Sandbox test that will be added to the game in this update is the complex rework of HE shells. Our main goal was to rework HE shells while keeping all the best things that you love about them—fun and exciting gameplay unique to the game, ease of use, and high chances of causing damage. We had to solve many issues, but we succeeded! Here’s a quick refresher on how the new mechanics for causing damage with HE shells work.

[h3]1) In the new system, HE shells will be able to penetrate armor and deal damage at the point of impact. [/h3]



Upon impact with armor, an HE shell will still try to penetrate, but if its penetration value is not high enough, then damage will be calculated at the point of contact with the armor. At the same time, after exploding, small pieces of spall will be created inside the vehicle. By scattering inside the vehicle, the spall will injure crew members and cause damage to modules, as well as to the armor itself. The spall radius will be the same as a shell’s burst radius in the current system.

There is now a direct relationship between armor thickness and the amount of damage: the thicker the armor, the lower the damage. Heavy tanks with good frontal armor will feel more confident as they will take less HE damage. The use of HE shells by medium and small calibers will make more sense, since they tend to do minimal damage when hitting armor.

[h3]2) With the new mechanics, HE shells will be able to penetrate screens, tracks, and the wheels of wheeled vehicles at the point of impact. They will also be able to penetrate insignificant and/or destructible obstacles (fences, destructible structures, etc.). [/h3]



The principle of their action will be the same as that of AP shells. However, if after penetrating a screen, an AP shell hits armor that is thicker than the remaining penetration value of the shell, no damage is caused. For HE shells in this situation, the "spall" mechanic takes effect and is guaranteed to cause damage. If an HE shell penetrates the screen and explodes on the armor, it will deal damage. The amount of damage will depend on the thickness of the armor plate on which the HE shell exploded.

If an HE shell does not penetrate a screen and therefore does not reach the armor, it will not cause any damage at all. To fire HE shells effectively through screens, you will need to consider the thickness and slope of the screens.

[h3]3) We adjusted the characteristics of vehicles with HE-based gameplay. [/h3]

During Sandbox trials, there were concerns about the KV-2, Type 5 Heavy, XM551 Sheridan, and some other vehicles with HE-based gameplay. Recently, we launched a dedicated Supertest for them. Based on the results, we adjusted their performance.

After all the tests, we can see that the new mechanics work and solve the problems we set out to address.

[h2]New Tactical Features to Counteract SPGs [/h2]

Starting with Update 1.13, non-SPG players will have 3 new tactical features at their disposal to counteract artillery:
  1. Sound Detection (aka "Sixth Sense for Arty")
  2. Brighter shell tracers
  3. Minimap shot markers

Let's start from the top.

Vehicle commanders will be able to learn a new special skill—Sound Detection. When an SPG fires a shot, players whose vehicles are within the damage area will see a special indicator. It will trigger if their vehicle is inside the affected area. Depending on the shell velocity and travel distance, you will have a short time to react. These seconds may be enough for you to escape the blast zone or turn your vehicle so that a shot will hit thicker armor and minimize damage. Sound Detection turned out to be useful for both maneuverable and slow vehicles, but it may take you some time to learn how to maximize its full potential.



Brighter and more noticeable shell tracers will also become an important tactical feature for non-SPG players. Such shell tracers will allow you to understand the approximate positions of SPGs, as well as the direction they fire. Thus, it will be easier to find a safer position that is not vulnerable to artillery fire.



Once an artillery shell hits the ground, a vehicle, or any other object, a shot marker will be displayed in that spot on the minimap. It will be visible for 10 seconds before disappearing. There are not many positions for SPGs on any map, so combined with the brighter shell tracers, you will get an even clearer idea of the positions and targets of enemy SPGs. In addition, once a shot marker has appeared, you can be sure that you will not take damage from above for the next 10–20 seconds, giving you time to find cover or plan your next move.



[h2]Changes to SPGs [/h2]

SPGs will now have three available shell types. Each of them will feature its own combat purpose, trajectory, and velocity. Let’s look at them individually.

Standard HE shell: The easiest shell type to use, it causes low damage and stuns several opponents with a single shot. It will have the lowest velocity of all three shell types, but a more comfortable, high-angle trajectory.

Alternative HE shell: It causes no stun and has a relatively small burst radius, but features better armor penetration and higher damage per shot values than the standard shell. This shell also has a higher velocity but a lower angle trajectory.

Tactical AP shell: In cases where the previous two shells are not as effective, try using an AP shell that can only hit one target. Its penetration value will be higher than that of HE shells, and its velocity will be the highest of all three shell types, allowing you to cause some serious damage. However, you should remember that the trajectory of this shell type is the flattest and travels at the lowest angle to the ground.

In the new system, you will need to use a range of shell types for different situations on the battlefield, so you will now have a greater variety of strategic opportunities. Learn to use them appropriately and secure your victory!

The changes in the arsenal of artillery led to the refinement of the interface for SPG players. You will now be able to easily see which shell type is currently loaded, and each shell type will have colored indicators (green and red) that will inform you whether this shell can reach what you’re aiming at. In addition, a zoom scale will be displayed on the interface. By scrolling the mouse wheel, you can switch from the regular top-down view of Artillery mode to Trajectory View.

Another important new feature is the reworked Intuition perk, which will be available for all crew commanders in the game. It will become a skill that allows you to quickly change between shell types, enabling both SPGs and other vehicles to instantly replace the loaded shell.

After the first Sandbox test, we noticed that the performance of tactical AP shells was lower than expected. To improve the situation, we increased their damage per shot and made the flight trajectory more comfortable for firing. As a result, the battle performance of AP shells increased. These changes did not affect the popularity of this shell type—AP shells remain a situational shell type that requires careful consideration and use.

We also see that tactical AP shells are less popular than HE shells for vehicles featuring high damage per shot. It’s harder to hit a target for SPGs like the G.W. E 100, the T92 HMC, and the Conqueror Gun Carriage, so the rewards for accurate shots in these vehicles should be appropriate. Therefore, we slightly increased the damage per shot for the AP shells of these particular SPGs.

We will monitor the combat effectiveness of these vehicles and artillery as a whole and, if necessary, adjust the characteristics of both SPGs and the shells they use.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]Vehicle Rebalancing Continues! [/h2]

We are continuing to work on rebalancing popular Premium tanks and improving their combat effectiveness. In Update 1.12.1, we rebalanced four Tier VIII vehicles. This time, three light tanks of different nations will receive their own improvements. We’re updating their combat parameters and enhancing their strengths to emphasize their gameplay. At the same time, the next several Premium vehicles that need to be rebalanced have already headed to a dedicated Supertest. Stay tuned to find out more about the next series of improvements!

The M41D, a modernized version of the American M41A3 Walker Bulldog, will now become more confident in its role as a fast and mobile scout. We slightly increased its maximum forward and reverse speed, and increased its view range from 390 to 410 meters.

The British FV1066 Senlac also received an increased view range (from 400 to 410 meters), and its gun became more accurate. This will make the vehicle more competitive.

The T92 received a slight increase in armor penetration for both standard and special shells. These improvements will help this tank to not only effectively fulfill the role of an active scout, but also increase the chances of causing damage.

We took a closer look at the combat performance of the following 6 reward tanks that you can get for achievements in battles on the Global Map:
  • М60
  • 121В
  • IS-5
  • Т23Е3
  • T95/FV4201 Chieftain
  • KV-4 Kreslavskiy

We already improved the characteristics of the Tier X tanks (the M60 and the 121B) several years ago, but we think there is still some room for improvement. The gameplay of these vehicles will not change, but we see an opportunity to adjust some of their battle parameters so that they can better perform their proper roles. Let’s look at each tank individually.

The M60 received more durable turret armor, which will allow it to perform more effectively in battles at short and medium ranges.

We improved the turret armor of the 121B, while strengthening its upper frontal plate. In addition, this Chinese medium tank now boasts a faster reload time, which means its DPM has slightly increased. Plus, we’ve improved its maximum forward and reverse speed.

We also want to update the characteristics of the Tier VII–VIII reward tanks. These vehicles are becoming more accessible, so their audience in the game is growing. It’s high time to revise their performance and make them correspond better with the current environment.

The T95/FV4201 Chieftain received a more comfortable gun with improved stabilization and a reduced reloading time. In addition, this vehicle now features an increased view range and better engine power.

The KV-4 Kreslavskiy has more HP. We also strengthened its frontal turret armor and the sides of the gun mantlet. Its engine has become more powerful, and its maximum forward speed has been increased. Taken together, these changes will increase the survivability of this heavy tank.

Slight changes were also made to the IS-5 and the T23E3. The gun stabilization of these vehicles was improved, and the gun depression angles of the Soviet tank were increased from –5 to –7 degrees.

[h2]Changes to the Mode Selection Interface [/h2]

We improved the Garage mode selection interface to make it clearer and more informative. Now it will be more convenient for you to choose the mode you want to play. Instead of a dropdown menu to the right of the Battle! button, a standard full-size screen with separate windows for the available modes will be introduced. Random Battles and other modes that may be of the greatest interest will have large windows. For permanent modes, their windows will be smaller.



Each mode will feature a brief preview and a more detailed description on a separate page with information about the core rules and rewards. You will also be able to track your progression in some of the modes you play.

[h2]Explore New Maps in Recon Mission! [/h2]

In Update 1.13, we will add a new mode to World of Tanks—Recon Mission. In this experimental mode, you will be able to try out maps that are in the late stages of development. It will become a collaboration platform where we will work together with you to improve and refine new locales.

After playing a certain number of battles in Recon Mission, you’ll be able to vote for one of three maps available for your consideration (this number may change in the future) and complete a detailed questionnaire. Your feedback will help us better understand what adjustments need to be made to the game balance on a particular map to make battles on it more exciting.

Battles in Recon Mission will take place in vehicles Tier VIII and higher and will follow the rules of Standard Battles. In this mode:

  • Personal Missions will be unavailable, but you’ll be able to complete other battle missions (including Daily Missions).
  • The battle economy will be the same as in Random Battles.
  • You will be able to earn Battle Pass Points.
  • You will also have the opportunity to earn various rewards for participating in this mode.

We’re still working on Recon Mission and improving the feedback collection system. We need your help right away, so join the Common Test, try out this mode, and share your opinions! More details on Recon Mission will come later, so stay tuned!

[h2]Minsk Map Rebalancing [/h2]

After analyzing the statistics and your comments, we decided to make several improvements to the Minsk map. We've also made some visual changes to address pressing gameplay issues and make battles on it more comfortable and exciting.

Autumn has come to Minsk, and as such, visibility on the map has improved in some areas. We also removed some objects that interfered with shooting and optimized the volume of flying helicopters and planes on the map. Now their noise will not distract you from what is happening on the battlefield.

Based on your feedback, we lowered the water level in the Svisloch River, which resulted in the formation of many hills and lowlands. We also provided additional passages through it. Now, you will be able to quickly change flanks and reach additional firing positions.

We changed the red line that marks the border of the map in some places. This will create areas with additional safe passageways and help avoid fire from enemy vehicles in the center.



While working on improving the Minsk map, we tried to preserve the historically accurate appearance of the Belarusian capital while at the same time making it more convenient for playing a variety of vehicle classes. Now the map will become more versatile in the choice of flanks and allow teams to implement creative new tactics.

[h2]Interface Improvements [/h2]

We continue to introduce the best solutions from popular mods into the game, making your experience more enjoyable. You can now track the HP of both allies and opponents in the player list and on the minimap. You will also be able to better analyze the combat situation on the battlefield and find new opportunities for attack or retreat thanks to Commander View.

All three modifications can be enabled or disabled in the settings under the "Game" tab.

[h2]Battle Pass Season 5 Is Coming! [/h2]

Season 5 of this epic progression-based activity is just around the corner! It will run for 3 months and comprise three Chapters, each consisting of 50 consecutive Stages. Battle Pass Season 5 will feature three new Core Vehicles:
  • AMX 50 B
  • CS-63
  • F217 Badger
You’ll be able to choose one of the three new progressive styles for the three Core Vehicles at the beginning of each Chapter. These striking custom looks will change their appearance and gain new 2D and 3D elements when you complete certain Stages. After completing each Chapter of the Season, you will also get a unique crew member.

Additionally, we extended the list of in-game modes where you can earn Battle Pass Points. You can now receive them when playing in Frontline and Recon Mission, our new mode where you can test maps currently under development. In Season 5, you will also have the opportunity to get your hands on a new piece of Bounty Equipment—Bounty Low Noise Exhaust System. We will tell you more about Battle Pass Season 5 in a dedicated article shortly before its release, so stay tuned!

[h2]Ranked Battles Season X [/h2]

A new test season—Season X—is coming to Ranked Battles, and it will be noticeably different from the previous ones. This stand-alone game event is not associated with the upcoming cycle of Ranked Battles 2021–2022 and will feature an updated format of battles. They take place between two teams of 10 players instead of 15 so that you have greater influence over each battle’s outcome. Plus:

The number of chevrons needed to move from one rank to another will be reduced. Now it will be easier for you to get new ranks and reach Leagues.

The test Season will run for two weeks instead of the usual three. Shortening its duration will make battles even more intense.

The Role Experience system was reworked to better match each vehicle’s characteristics and its purpose in battle.

You'll be able to earn a new piece of improved equipment (Improved Compressor), brand-new Fuel Filter Replacement directives, and other rewards. We want to receive your feedback to help us decide what format the next cycle of Ranked Battles should take in 2021–2022, so join the fray and share your impressions! Learn more about the experimental Ranked Battles Season X in the dedicated article below.

SEASON X DETAILS

[h2]Creating New Blueprint Fragments [/h2]

We’ve slightly improved the blueprints system. Now countries of different national formations in the "Second Front" Personal Missions campaign will provide each other with mutual assistance.

If, when creating a blueprint for a specific vehicle, you don't have enough national fragments, you can create them from national fragments of the allied nation at a 1:6 ratio. For example, if you don’t have enough Chinese national fragments to create a blueprint for a Chinese vehicle, then you can use Soviet national fragments instead, but you will need 6 times as many.

NOTE
You can only use national blueprint fragments of one nation for conversions. For example, to create 10 Chinese blueprint fragments, you will need 60 Soviet fragments, but you cannot take 5 Chinese ones and get the remaining 5 Chinese fragments by converting 30 Soviet fragments.

Here are the nations in each national formation:
  • Alliance: Poland, U.K., U.S.A.
  • Bloc: Germany, Japan
  • Coalition: Czechoslovakia, France, Italy, Sweden
  • Union: China, U.S.S.R

To create a national fragment from allied national fragments:
  • Go to the blueprint research interface of a specific vehicle.
  • Select one of the allied nations to create a new national fragment.
Get ready the reworked HE shells, new anti-SPG tools and much more coming with Update 1.13.

Good luck on the battlefield!

Guide: Daily Missions

Greetings, Commanders!
In this guide, we will tell you just what Daily Missions are, how they will help you throughout your tanking career, and what rewards you will get for completing them!

[h2]Daily Missions: The Basics[/h2]
Daily Missions is a series of three missions with increasing levels of difficulty (Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III). You can complete these missions in Random Battles and in Grand Battles, and all three can be completed simultaneously and over any number of battles. Once completed, a mission renews at the end of the game day. If not completed, the missions remain until they are completed or re-rolled. Each completed mission grants you a reward, and after completing all three, a Bonus Mission becomes available.

[h2]Rewards[/h2]
You will receive a reward for each completed mission. The reward depends on the level of difficulty of the mission—the harder the mission, the better the reward.





As you complete Daily Missions, a special progress bar is filled. Each completed Standard, Premium, or Bonus Mission earns you one point. Upon earning 45 points, you will receive the Epic Reward.
As part of the Epic Reward, you're guaranteed to receive:
100 bonds
Plus, some of the following:
Personal Reserves
Universal Manual
WoT Premium Account
Demounting Kit
Vehicle Blueprint Fragments
Personal Training Manual
Equipment
After reaching the end of the cycle, it starts anew. The Epic Reward cycle does not have a time limit and can be completed at any time.

[h3]Where Can I Find My Daily Missions?[/h3]
You can find your Daily Missions by clicking on the MISSIONS tab below the Battle! button in your Garage.



[h3]Types of Daily Mission[/h3]
In World of Tanks, there are three types of missions: Standard, Bonus, and Premium. Standard Missions are random conditions that can be completed every day and are renewed daily. Similar to Personal Missions, the progress in Standard Missions is updated only after the end of each battle.

[h3]Re-Rolling a Mission[/h3]
You can re-roll an unwanted Standard Mission to receive a new one with a different condition from the same difficulty category. You may lose your progression after re-rolling the mission if one or several of your vehicles are in battle. You can re-roll the next unwanted mission after 4 hours.



[h3]What Are Bonus Missions?[/h3]
After completing three Standard Missions of different difficulty levels, a Bonus Mission becomes available with even more valuable rewards. The Bonus Mission must be completed by the end of the day, otherwise it will expire. Bonus Mission conditions cannot be re-rolled.

[h3]How Can I Speed Up My Progress? [/h3]
WoT Premium Account gives you access to a set of three Premium Missions that must be completed sequentially. Daily Premium Missions don't contribute toward unlocking the Bonus Mission, but they speed up your progress towards getting an Epic Reward. The progress for Premium Missions is updated only after the end of each battle.

So, go out and earn yourself some extra goodies like bonds, WoT Premium days, vehicle blueprint fragments, and much more by completing Daily Missions!

Stream with Community managers—The Crystal Challenge: Kampfpanzer 07 RH.

In today's broadcast, community managers Kostya Samoilov and Kostya Kapskiy will show the beast in a crystal skin, the lightning-fast and elusive Kampfpanzer 07 RH!

https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1407200/view/3058486065098656376

Founders Bundles: Last Call

Greetings, Commanders!

Want to enhance your collection with some unique vehicles? This is the time to do it.

Check out these special bundles that contain rare vehicles (such as the Type 59 and Pz.Kpfw. 38H 735 (f), among others) and a considerable set of in-game valuables. This is a golden opportunity for any collector in World of Tanks as all the vehicles on offer are unique in their own way, are not freely available, and are perfect for mastering the game.

Don’t wait around! All Founders Bundles are available until May 29.

Want to know more about the vehicles in the Founders Bundles? Then be sure to take a look at our dedicated article https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1407200/view/3076498560614295314



Don't miss this chance to bolster and expand your tank collection with these rare and unique vehicles.

The Crystal Challenge: Hunt Down the Brand-New Kampfpanzer 07 RH!

Have you ever met a predator with crystal skin, Commanders?

Take on the Crystal Challenge and earn the Kampfpanzer 07 RH, a brand-new Tier VIII Premium German medium tank with the striking 2D "Rhinestone" style!



This rare and dangerous beast is faster than lightning, and each of its shots hits exactly where it means to. It’s not easy to force it into a corner, but if you display your skills when taking on the Challenge, you’ll be able to add this natural-born hunter to your collection at a hefty discount (or even for free, if you complete it) and earn tons of valuable rewards along the way. Let the chase begin!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]The Crystal Challenge [/h2]

EU

Start: 21 May 2021 (08:00 UTC)
End: 31 May 2021 (08:00 UTC)

ASIA

Start: 21 May 2021 (01:00 UTC)
End: 31 May 2021 (01:00 UTC)

RU

Start: 21 May 2021 (06:00 UTC)
End: 31 May 2021 (06:00 UTC)

NA

Start: 21 May 2021 (14:00 UTC)
End: 31 May 2021 (14:00 UTC)



The Crystal Challenge consists of two Chapters. The speedy medium is the grand prize for Uncut Gem (Chapter I), and you’ll have 10 days to complete 10 consecutive Stages. To move from Stage to Stage, you’ll need to complete either missions for commitment or for mastery in Random Battles: the former are available to Tier VI–X vehicles, while the latter are a bit more complex and are available to Tier IX and X vehicles only.



You can track your progress via a special banner in the Garage without opening a separate Challenge tab.



Radiant Crystal (Chapter II) also runs for 10 days (from 21 through 31 May) and is made up of 10 Stages, but the main reward is different. You can get your hands on the stunning Brunnenpanzer 3D style by completing 8 of 10 stages and additional valuable goodies such as Personal Reserves, days of WoT Premium Account, and Crew Books.



You can view the mission conditions and track your progress while completing tasks in a separate tab in the event's interface.



[h3]How to Get the Kpz 07 RH and Other Loot Immediately [/h3]

If you’re keen to try out the speedy Kampfpanzer 07 RH and Brunnenpanzer 3D style immediately, head straight for the In-game Shop and purchase the whole bundle featuring the unique 2D style, the rewards for all Uncut Gem (Chapter I) missions, and the vehicle itself. It will also give you instant access to the Chapter II missions with additional rewards.



Completing Uncut Gem (Chapter I) Stages beforehand will give you discounts on the final price of the bundle — 10% off for each Stage completed. For example, completing 7 out of 10 Stages will knock 70% off the price. Purchasing the bundle gives you the full collection of rewards and automatically checks all event missions as completed, so you won’t be able to access them once you have the bundle.



Region

Bundles available from:

Until:



ASIA

Start: 21 May 2021 (01:00 UTC)
End: 31 May 2021 (01:00 UTC)
Start: 31 May 2021 (01:00 UTC)
End: 02 Jun 2021 (01:00 UTC)



RU

Start: 21 May 2021 (06:00 UTC)
End: 31 May 2021 (06:00 UTC)
Start: 31 May 2021 (06:00 UTC)
End: 02 Jun 2021 (06:00 UTC)



EU

Start: 21 May 2021 (08:00 UTC)
End: 31 May 2021 (08:00 UTC)

Start: 31 May 2021 (08:00 UTC)
End: 02 Jun 2021 (08:00 UTC)



NA

Start: 21 May 2021 (14:00 UTC)
End: 31 May 2021 (14:00 UTC)

Start: 31 May 2021 (14:00 UTC)
End: 02 Jun 2021 (14:00 UTC)



Fight to earn the brand-new German medium and other rewards!