World of Tanks News

Commanders!

Yesterday, we presented to you, all at once, the new Sabaton video called “Steel Commanders”, the Spirit of War event, and—as a sort of a teaser—the brand-new Strv K tank, the first-ever Tier IX Premium vehicle with a set of distinctive features and the Spirit of War 3D style on top. Let’s take a closer look at the main prize of the event, the Strv K!


[h2]Metal Machine: The Strv K [/h2]

The Strv K is a Tier IX Swedish heavy tank and a force to be reckoned with. In battle, it excels at hull-down play with its tough turret and excellent gun depression angle. Other gun parameters, including great armor penetration, allow for convenient gunplay.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

• The frontal armor of the turret is up to 254 mm thick. This is the nominal value, with the efficient ones being much higher: If we look the Strv K in the face, beyond the curved gun mantlet, everything’s sloped.
  
• Its tough turret, together with a gun depression angle of –10 degrees, means that once your hull is behind a terrain fold, you will feel snug.
  
• With decent stabilization, a base aiming time of 2.49 s, and a base accuracy of 0.33, the “How did I miss that?” situations are kept to a minimum.
  
• Armor penetration is 252 mm for the basic AP shell, and 310 mm for the special APCR shell, which travels at 1,350 m/s.
  
• With a base top speed of 40 km/h, you will arrive at key firing positions faster than most heavies, and with a base view range of 400 m, you’ll be likely to spot your enemies before they spot you, too.
  

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The parameters displayed are valid for the vehicle with each crew member trained to 100% major qualification level. Some vehicle characteristics can be further improved with the commander's bonus to major qualification level, crew perks and skills, as well as special in-game items.

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Being a Premium vehicle, the Strv K receives +50% to credits and Crew XP in every battle. Along with this standard bonus, it also offers a totally new one: It will earn you bonds in Random Battles on the same terms that Tier X vehicles do, and with the same yield (as shown in the table below).



[h2]Light in the Black: The Style [/h2]

The Spirit of War 3D style is obtained separately, either by completing the Chapter II missions of the Spirit of War event, or by spending a handful of gold. Besides making the Strv K look like an armored knight (which were the spiritual predecessors to tanks), it has another “game first”: The namesake Spirit of War from the “Steel Commanders” video will enter the tank once the battle countdown ends and will reside inside of it throughout the fight!



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In addition to its looks and effects, the Spirit of War 3D style provides the standard concealment bonus of 2%.

[h2]Wolfpack: The Crew [/h2]

Sabaton created the battle metal genre, and the band members are the best candidates for rolling out your Strv K onto every battlefield. They all have the unique “Band of Brothers” as their zero perk (which works just like Brothers in Arms). The band’s leader, Joakim Brodén, also provided his voice for the tank.

[h2]Thunderstorm: The Soundtrack [/h2]

The heavy metal tank is going to have a soundtrack of its own. While you’re in your Strv K, you’ll do battle to the remixes of “Steel Commanders”. The tank’s custom soundtrack can be turned off in the game’s Settings menu.

Now that you’ve learned how the Strv K plays, looks, sounds, and earns, it’s about time you got down to the missions! Check the article on the Spirit of War event to find out how you can obtain the tank and the 3D style (or at least a solid discount for your mastery or dedication during the missions). And once you’ve obtained the Strv K, consider joining the action in the Frontline mode in it: Being a Tier IX, this new Premium tank is eligible this year.

Good luck in your battles, Commanders, and may the Spirit of War be on your side!

Commanders!

Together with our great friends from Sabaton—the Swedish masters of heavy metal—we proudly present “Steel Commanders”, a brand-new video and song dedicated to those who took armor to battle throughout the history of humankind. The video also marks the beginning of our new special collaboration with Sabaton that includes an event with a one-of-a-kind prize for you to seize. Look and listen!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
[h2]Wait, what IS that tank in the video? [/h2]

If you weren’t so carried away by the song that you closed your eyes, you must’ve seen the Spirit of War empowering an imposing tank. And you’re probably asking, “Is it coming to the game? Should I want it?“

Yes. That Sabaton-crewed steed, the Strv K, is METAL in every sense. And while it was forged in the tank spirit realm, it will come back down to World of Tanks to materialize as the one-of-a-kind Tier IX Premium, bearing the Spirit of War 3D style.

So, you absolutely want it! And you will have a chance to prove you deserve it by taking on the Spirit of War challenge, following the way of either virtue of metal: mastery or commitment.

[h2]Why should I want the Strv K? [/h2]

Along with being the first-ever Tier IX Premium with all the bonuses that apply (like bonus to credits and Crew XP per battle), the Strv K is a well-rounded heavy with a sturdy turret and precise gun with an excellent depression angle. On top of that, the Strv K allows you to earn bonds, which previously used to be a Tier X-only feature.

This Swede is crewed by Sabaton members and voiced by frontman Joakim Brodén. The Spirit of War 3D style, developed together with the band, adds a custom Sabaton soundtrack and features unique dynamic effects—the Spirit of War enters the tank after the countdown ends and shimmers from the inside out over the course of the battle, just like it does in the music video.

Take a look at the Strv K infographic below to learn more. Also, expect an article containing every detail on the Strv K very soon!

The parameters displayed are valid for the vehicle with each crew member trained to 100% major qualification level. Some vehicle characteristics can be further improved with the commander's bonus to major qualification level, crew perks and skills, as well as special in-game items.

[h2]How do I obtain the Strv K and the Spirit of War 3D style? [/h2]

You can obtain the Strv K (or a discount on it) during the Spirit of War challenge by completing its special missions for mastery or commitment and finishing its Stages. The Spirit of War will reign in World of Tanks from August 27 at 10:00 CEST through September 6 at 10:00 CEST (UTC+2). Besides helping you reach milestones on your way towards the unique vehicle, each mission will reward you with various in-game goodies.

The Spirit of War challenge will consist of two Chapters. By completing Chapter I—following the way of mastery or commitment—you will obtain the Strv K. Among the rewards you’ll pick up on the way to the trophy are the Plated Armor 2D style that can be applied to any vehicle, plus a special Sabaton decal.

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Chapter II of the Spirit of War event becomes available once the Strv K is in your possession (either received for free or purchased). Its main prize is the package containing the unique, effects-laden Spirit of War 3D style for the Strv K, 14 days of WoT Premium Account, and 15 Personal Reserves: +50% to credits for 1 hour. Completing any of the 10 daily missions of Chapter II awards you a 12.5% discount on the price of the package (6,000 gold) and also brings you extra rewards listed below, which are not part of the package. So, to grab the main prize of Chapter II for free, you just need to score 8 out of 10!

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The daily missions of Chapter II can only be completed in the Strv K. They will be available from August 27 at 10:00 CEST through September 6 at 10:00 CEST (UTC+2), so the sooner you get yourself the tank, the more goodies you will be able to pick up! Please note that, unlike Chapter I missions, those of Chapter II are each locked to its day and can be completed only during that day. And if you can’t wait to do battle to the soundtrack by Sabaton and in the inspiring presence of the Spirit of War, you can purchase the package right away for gold.

[h2]Any Additional Surprises? Of Course![/h2]

We have some useful gifts that you will find in your Steam inventory after the start of the Spirit of War challenge. There are two great sets of these, each containing a variety of items that will help you progress in the event. You will receive one of the sets depending on how many battles you have fought in World of Tanks.

If you are a new player and have less than 150 battles, you will receive a package full of items to help you enjoy the event and have fun on the battlefield:

• 10-day rental of the Tier VI German Tiger 131 heavy tank (100% crew + commander with the Sixth Sense perk)
  
• 10-day rental of the Tier VI Swedish Strv m/42-57 medium tank (100% crew + commander with the Sixth Sense perk)
  
• 10-day rental of the Tier VI Soviet T-34-85M medium tank (100% crew + commander with the Sixth Sense perk)
  
• 1,500,000 credits
  
• 10 Demounting Kits
  
• A set of special missions with valuable rewards such as days of WoT Premium Account, gold, and others
  

You can find detailed information on additional special missions in the table below:

Note: Special missions will be available for completion until the end of the Spirit of War event.

If you are a more experienced Commander and have already played more than 150 battles, you will receive a gift with these great goodies instead:

• 10-day rental of Tier VIII Soviet Object 252U Defender heavy tank
  
• 100% crew + commander with the Sixth Sense perk
  
• 3 days of WoT Premium Account
  

To claim your gift, you just need to log in to the game. Please note that the items may not appear on the account until 14:00 UTC of the next day after you logged in to the game.

Note: A player can receive only one of the gifts. If you passed the 150 battles threshold after receiving the gift for new players, you will NOT receive the other gift package.

Note: When the rental period of the vehicles from the gift package expires, their crews will remain on the account and will be placed in your Barracks automatically.

[h2]I can’t wait to get my hands on the Strv K![/h2]

You can visit the in-game Store and grab the Strv K at any time starting from August 27 at 15:00 CEST (UTC+2) when Spirit of War will commence. A range of bundles with the Strv K will be available through to the end of the event (September 6 at 10:00 CEST (UTC+2)) and for two more days after so that everyone can get hold of this heavy metal tank.

All participants of the Spirit of War event who have completed at least one Chapter I Stage are entitled to a discount on the Strv K. The size of the discount is 10% per Stage (so completing four Stages nets you 40% off the price of a package, and with 10 Stages conquered, you get the tank for free). After you purchase the Strv K, you can proceed to the Chapter II progression (which is only accessible once you have this tank) and earn the Spirit of War 3D style (or a discount) in the same manner—or acquire it right after the tank with in-game gold.

May the Spirit of War enter your tanks to bless you with luck and battle zeal, Commanders! Fight on every battlefield to the tune of “Steel Commanders” and claim the first Tier IX Premium vehicle in the game and a 3D style unlike any other!

Thanks to everyone who has already subscribed to follow our news. Today, we will reward current subscribers and give everyone who hasn't subscribed yet one more great reason to do so.



We’ll start sending out the rewards today for those who are already subscribed and new subscribers will receive theirs a few days after the end of the event.

NOTE: We will send the goodies to the account that’s associated with your Steam one.

[h2]Rewards [/h2]

• x2 Additional Credits per Battle +50% to credits earned in battle for 1 hour
  
• x2 Battle Reserves +100% bonus to Combat XP for 1 hour
  
• x1 Crew Reserves +300% bonus to Crew XP for 1 hour
  

[h2]How do I subscribe? [/h2]
Click the "Follow" button

• either on the Store page
  

• or the Community hub
  

Follow us and boost your progress!

It's going to get even hotter in World of Tanks, Commanders! August Heat is bringing back Recon Mission, our new experimental mode where we’ll work together with you to refine new maps that may be added to Random Battles.

In response to your feedback, we improved the mode’s matchmaking and some other aspects to make Recon Mission more enjoyable. This experimental mode introduced in Update 1.13 will be relaunched in three separate Stages and with the same maps, with the first Stage kicking off on August 20. Your game progress during the previous Recon Mission launch will be saved, so you can continue from where you left off. Check out all the new improvements Recon Mission has received!

[previewyoutube]VIDEO [/previewyoutube]
[h3]Recon Mission Stage 1 [/h3]
[h3]August 20 at 11:00 UTC through August 26 at 23:59 UTC [/h3]

[h2]Matchmaking in the Mode [/h2]

Much of your feedback on Recon Mission concerned matchmaking, and we’ve taken measures to improve it. This new mode features separate matchmaking which is slightly different from Random Battles. Check out its basic rules:

• There are three types of battles in Recon Mission: one-, two- and three-tier.
  
• For two-tier battles, the number of higher tier vehicles is between 5 and 7.
  
• For three-tier battles, the number of Tier X tanks is from 3 to 5, and the number of Tier IX vehicles is equal to or exceeds the number of Tier X tanks. The number of Tier VIII vehicles is equal to or exceeds the number of Tier IX tanks.
  
• For three-tier battles with several SPGs there will be no more than 1 Tier X SPG.
  
• The number of light tanks, wheeled vehicles, and SPGs in both teams is always the same, but their tiers may be different.
  
• Premium Tier VIII tanks with preferential matchmaking will be sent into battles with adversaries of the same tier or one tier higher.
  

[h2]Reserve Stock and Clan Reserves [/h2]

Reserve Stock, an exclusive option for WoT Premium Account, is now available in Recon Mission. Players with a WoT Premium Account will get an additional 10% bonus to Credits on top of what they earn in battles. For example, if you earned 10,000 credits in a battle, your vault will receive 1,000 thanks to the 10% bonus. Every 7 days, regardless of whether your WoT PA has expired that week, the vault will open, and all credits accumulated in it will be automatically moved to your account.

Clan Reserves can now be used in battles.

[h2]3 Stages, 9 New Maps [/h2]

To enter the mode, select Recon Mission via the mode selector in your Garage and click the Battle! button.



This year, we will launch three Recon Mission Stages, each lasting 7 days. In each Stage, you can explore 3 maps in the late stages of development. After playing 20 battles in Recon Mission (your result will only count if you finish in the top 12 by XP earned), you’ll be able to vote for the map you like the most and the least in each Stage.

You can leave detailed feedback about each map in the special questionnaire shown below, and this will greatly help us improve and finalize these locales. Before you can share your opinions in the questionnaire about a specific map, you’ll need to play at least 6 battles on it and reach the top 12 by XP earned. You can only give feedback about the maps of the current Stage, but you’ll have the opportunity to change your mind and share a different opinion in the questionnaire before the end of each Stage.



[h2]Your Feedback Is Crucial! [/h2]

All maps in Recon Mission are pre-release prototypes designed for Random Battles. The gameplay experience on these maps is almost finalized, but the visuals may undergo further changes before release. Your feedback and the statistics we obtain will help us understand what balance adjustments and other final refinements are needed. The maps that are the most popular with the community will be prioritized for addition to the Random Battles map pool in future updates.







[h2]General Rules [/h2]

Battles in Recon Mission will follow the rules of Standard Battles with several changes.

• Battles will take place in Tier VIII–X vehicles.
  
• Personal and clan missions will not be available, but you can complete other battle missions, including Daily Missions.
  
• The battle economy will be the same as in Random Battles.
  
• You will be able to earn bonds, progressive customization decals, Mastery Badges, and Marks of Excellence.
  
• The statistics of all Recon Mission battles will be counted in the statistics of Random Battles. Session statistics will not include Recon Mission battles.
  

You will be able to earn Battle Pass Points in the following ways:


[h2]Progression System and Rewards[/h2]

Each Recon Mission Stage will have a separate progression system, consisting of 50 battles and its own set of rewards. After playing a certain number of battles, you will receive in-game goodies such as a cool all-season camo, Personal Reserves, and other prizes. After completing a series of 50 battles, you will also earn a special medal.

Your result will only count if you reach the Top 12 of your team’s list at the end of a battle by XP earned. You can receive all rewards once per Stage.

Each Stage will feature a unique medal and a new camo that you can apply to any vehicle in your Garage.

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Get ready to explore new maps and share your feedback, Commanders!

August is heating up and we’re turning up the gas for the grill! Get ready to recruit your friends and earn a Premium vehicle in the upcoming season of the Referral Program, Commanders!

August Heat is full of surprises as it brings Season 8 of the Referral Program, which kicks off on August 26 and runs until December. Before the new season launches, we updated the recruit reward pool to make it more valuable for both novices and returning veterans. We also reworked the "Receive a Medal" missions and replaced some medals with more achievable ones, so that you'll be able to earn them with less effort. Get the lowdown on the changes below!

[h2]Referral Program: Recruit Reward Rebalancing [/h2]

In the new Season of Referral Program, we will replace Bonds in the Recruit reward pool with different valuable prizes more useful for beginners and helping them boost their progress in the game: Personal Reserves, Demounting Kits, days of WoT Premium Account, Crew Books, and Credits. These prizes are also coveted by veterans returning to World of Tanks and willing to continue researching vehicle branches. The full reward breakdown can be found below.

In Season 7, you can still receive bonds as a reward for completing Stages. But for completing all subsequent Stages of the upcoming season, you will receive prizes from the updated recruit reward pool.

[h2]Reworking the "Receive a Medal" Missions [/h2]

We also reworked some of the most challenging "Receive a Medal" missions in order to make them more accessible. Now, there will be less time and effort required to complete these tasks. This resulted in the replacement of some Epic Medals and Battle Heroes achievements with other awards, in accordance with the simplified conditions. Check it out.

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[h2]New Season, New Premium Tanks[/h2]

We added two new Premium vehicles to the pool of available rewards, bringing the total to 24 (12 for recruits and 12 for Commanders) to choose from! This season, you’ll have a chance to get your hands on:

• Recruits: the Pudel, a variant of the Pz.Kpfw. V Panther Ausf. G, the most mass-produced modification of the German Panther tank. This decently armored Polish medium tank features good gun depression, high mobility, and a large health pool, which makes it an excellent support vehicle.
  
  
  
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• Commanders: the STA-2, one of the first Japanese post-war tanks developed based on U.S. vehicles. Thinly armored, but with a short aiming time, large view range, and great penetration with both HEAT and AP shells, this speedy medium is best-suited for aggressive flanking and second-line support.
  
  
  
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As always, you can choose to be compensated for the value of the tanks in credits instead.

[h2]About Referral Program 2.0 [/h2]

Any player who has played 600 or more Random Battles in the game is eligible to become a Commander and invite Recruits.

It is worth noting that a Commander can:

• “Adopt” a novice who has played fewer than 200 battles overall
  
• Invite World of Tanks veterans who stopped playing, back to the game
  

You can be recruited by a Commander if either of the following conditions is met:

• You have played 200 or fewer battles overall
  
• You haven't played within the last 60 days
  

Learn more: EU, NA, ASIA.

[h2]Take Advantage of Your Free Slots [/h2]

Don’t forget, you still have time to take advantage of your unused recruit slots before August 26! At the start of Season 8, we’ll credit you with two new slots. All unused recruit slots from the previous season will be removed.

If you have already used both slots, you will automatically be credited with two new slots on August 26 08:00 CEST (UTC+2). Your progress on existing contracts and your current referral connections will be retained.

[h2]Remember to Grab the Free Summer DLC [/h2]

It does not matter if you are only beginning your journey as a Recruit, or you are already an experienced Commander: this gift is free for everyone. It will provide you with days of WoT Premium Account, some Credits, and one free Garage Slot —all obtainable with a single click!

https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1407200/view/2999945611357882995
Recruit your friends, fight shoulder to shoulder, and redeem cool Premium vehicles together!