World of Tanks: HEAT News

[p]HEAT is approaching deployment.[/p][p]Starting March 13, control shifts to you. HEAT Creators is a 4-week operation where established and upcoming creators can use official HEAT assets to produce original video edits. Each week introduces a new directive, and each week we choose the best videos to receive a reward.[/p][p]Spectator ❌[/p][p]Participant ✅[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]How to Deploy[/h2]

• [p]Download the official HEAT contest assets released each week.[/p]
• [p]Create your content using those assets.[/p]
• [p]Post your video publicly on YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. [/p]
  • [p]Both long-form and short-form content are allowed.[/p]
• [p]Include in your post:[/p]
  • [p]#HEATCreators[/p]
  • [p]The sentence: Wishlist HEAT now [/p]
• [p]Submit your post link through the contest submission form https://heat.ly/CreatorsSubmit[/p]

[p]Winners are selected by the HEAT team each week based on creativity, quality, and fit with the weekly theme.[/p][p] [/p][p]Important:[/p]

• [p]Only official HEAT contest assets may be used.[/p]
• [p]No NDA or external game footage.[/p]
• [p]Multiple entries allowed.[/p]
• [p]Maximum one win per creator per week.[/p]
• [p]A valid PayPal account is required to receive prizes.[/p]
• [p]Full rules can be found in the submission form.  [/p]

[p][/p][h2]Weekly Rewards[/h2]

• [p]1st —> $500[/p]
• [p]2nd —> $300[/p]
• [p]3rd —> $200[/p]
• [p]4th–5th —> $125 each[/p]
• [p]6th–10th —> $100 each[/p]
• [p]11th–25th —> $50 each[/p]

[p]Total awarded each week: $2,500[/p][p][/p][h2]Operation Timeline[/h2][p]Week 1: Hype Edit[/p]

• [p]Starts: March 13[/p]
• [p]Deadline: March 18[/p]
• [p]Winners: March 20[/p]

[p]Week 2: Agent Spotlight[/p]

• [p]Starts: March 20[/p]
• [p]Deadline: March 25[/p]
• [p]Winners: March 27[/p]

[p]Week 3: Trailer Remix[/p]

• [p]Starts: March 27[/p]
• [p]Deadline: April 1[/p]
• [p]Winners: April 3[/p]

[p]Week 4: To Be Announced[/p][p]Assets are released at the start of each week’s contest. [/p][p]Submissions close 5 days later.[/p][p][/p][p]Wishlist HEAT now. Prepare your edit. Join the transmission.[/p]

[p]Recently we kicked off our Foundations series with a video introducing the universe of HEAT, from its alternate history setting to the ways players express mastery on the battlefield. Now the second video in this introductory series is here, covering how human-machine synergy is deeply ingrained into the DNA of HEAT. Watch it below: [/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][h3]Agents and their roles  [/h3][p]Agents are the backbone of human-machine synergy. Much more than mere operators, they bring their tanks to life. They modify, upgrade, and optimize them, balancing power, speed, and battlefield awareness in a way that perfectly aligns with their role within a squad. [/p][p]Agents fall into three major classes: [/p]

• [p]Defender: Made to take a beating, Defenders roll boldly into battle with a blend of survivability and firepower, plus some unique tricks up their sleeves. [/p]

• [p]Assault: Attacking quickly and disappearing before the enemy can retaliate, Assault units are high-velocity menaces that thrive at the heart of a fight. [/p]

• [p]Marksman: Lurking in the shadows and on the heights of the battlefield, Marksmen hunt from a distance, drawing enemies out without being spotted. [/p]

[h3]Tanks and their abilities [/h3][p]Each Agent can own up to two tanks, offering two different ways to fully express their combat style.  [/p][p]Every tank has signature abilities that can be improved through battle. For example, Hound’s AMX tank can launch a drone to sniff out enemies, then follow it up with a homing missile. Hound's other tank, the Leo, is a master of deception that creates a distracting decoywhile preparing a trapping shot to stop enemies in their tracks. [/p][h3]Ultimates   [/h3][p]When the battle reaches its peak, it’s time for Agents to unleash their devastating Ultimate abilities to turn the course of the fight.  [/p][p]Each Agent has their own unique Ultimate, shaped by their personality and battle style: [/p]

• [p]Kent launches a punishing barrage of rockets, dealing crippling damage to all enemies struck. [/p]

• [p]Hound turns his surroundings into a hunting ground, chaining kills together to trigger an instant ability cooldown. [/p]

• [p]Chopper shakes up entire stretches of land with targeted repeat artillery strikes. [/p]

[h3]Variety is key  [/h3][p]The roles and abilities in HEAT offer numerous ways to play and paths to explore.  While each Agent has a broad battlefield role, within these roles lie opportunities for experimentation and optimization, letting you define and refine your playstyle. [/p][p]There's more to be unveiled in the upcoming videos, so stay tuned—and be sure to wishlist the game today! [/p]

[p]Welcome to the Foundations series, where we will introduce the game's world and vehicles, meet the diverse roster of Agents, and take a closer look at maps, game modes, and playstyles.[/p][p]This first video in the series discusses the universe of HEAT, from its alternate-history setting to the ways players express mastery on the battlefield. The video gives details of the game world, the role you play in it, and the kinds of combat scenarios you’ll face.[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Here’s a written rundown of what’s in the video:[/p][h3]Shaped by progress, driven by conflict[/h3][p]HEAT is set in an alternate post-WWII timeline where nuclear weapons have been replaced by groundbreaking experimental technologies. A fragile peace is maintained via ground deterrence and vehicular combat, playing out in battlefields and biomes across the globe.[/p][p]Behind these operations is the High Efficiency Armored Teams (HEAT) squad: elite forces tasked with controlling conflicts before they erupt into full-scale war.[/p][h3]Your role in HEAT[/h3][p]You are stepping into the role of an Agent on an elite team, commanding experimental tanks built for speed, impact, and tactical dominance. Mastery is everything, and every decision on the battlefield matters.[/p][p][/p][p]Each Agent has a defined role, unique abilities, and a dedicated upgrade path. These roles create clear differences in how Agents play, allowing players to choose a combat style that truly fits them.[/p][h3]Human-machine synergy[/h3][p]Each Agent has up to two dedicated tanks at their control. These vehicles are more than tools of war; they're natural extensions of the Agents' characters. Tanks are fully upgradeable and highly customizable, forming an unbreakable bond with their owners. From appearance to combat behavior, you decide how your tank looks, fights, and leaves its mark on the battlefield.[/p][p][/p][h3]Game modes and combat styles[/h3][p]Once deployed, you'll enter one of several game modes, each different in pace and tactical challenges:[/p][p]• Conquest (10v10): Capture and hold multiple zones[/p][p]• Kill Confirmed (5v5): Collect tokens from eliminated enemies and allies[/p][p]• Hardpoint (5v5): Fight over a single rotating base[/p][p]• Control (5v5): Contest a single capture zone, where uninterrupted control decides the round[/p][p][/p][h3]Buckle up for more[/h3][p]HEAT is a universe defined by innovation, conflict, and balance on the edge of another war. This video marks the start of that journey, with more to be revealed in the episodes ahead.[/p][p]Wishlist HEAT today to make sure you don't miss any updates![/p]

[p]Greetings from HEAT HQ,[/p][p]If this year had a soundtrack, it would probably be a chaotic mix of engine roars, metal clanks, Raketa going full-copter, and us whispering “please send us your game logs.” Since we’re approaching the end of the year, we wanted to give you a recap of everything we’ve built together. Think of this as our HEAT Wrapped. No top artists, no questionable playlists, just a list of notable moments.[/p][p]Below is a snapshot of our journey from Alpha 2 to gamescom, from Project CW to HEAT, and from dozens of internal builds to one very big year ahead.[/p][h2]From Alpha 2 to Lodestar Program[/h2][p]Alpha 2 has been our biggest learning moment to date with over 115K players... You rock![/p][p][/p][p]Our test scope:[/p]

• [p]8 Agents: Kent, Reaper, Raketa, Chopper, Ember, Hound, Anansi, Blitz[/p]
• [p]15 vehicles: XM1 90, HSTV-L, M60E2, LEO 2K14, T-62A, M1E1, XM1V, M60A3E2, BAT-4M, LEO 1A6A1, LEO 2FK, AGDS, LEO 1A1B[/p]
• [p]Early economy[/p]
• [p]Cosmetics[/p]
• [p]Missions[/p]
• [p]Factions[/p]
• [p]Faction Tokens[/p]
• [p]Cinematic tutorial for new players[/p]
• [p]Status Effects (dynamic buffs/debuffs)[/p]
• [p]Live Twitch streams[/p]

[p]Your verdict:[/p]

• [p]The game economy needed rework[/p]
• [p]Several agents required balance updates[/p]
• [p]The Alpha 2 Community Tournament was a blast[/p]
• [p]The tanks matched the expectations of different roles[/p]
• [p]The currency flow felt counterintuitive[/p]
• [p]Maps and game modes were diverse and engaging[/p]
• [p]Status Effects needed more consistency and tuning across the board.[/p]

[p]Important Note: Not all the features tested will make it to the game’s release. We’re still testing and learning with our fellow LSP members.[/p][p][/p][p](Thank you for the horse meme, Alpha 2 Discord members!)[/p][p]We are grateful for how honest and constructive that round was. It set the tone for everything that followed.[/p][p]Alpha 2 was a big milestone for us, but it also left us with a lot to reconsider. This is where our Lodestar Program is coming in handy. LSP is our long-term testing program where our players help us sanity-check ideas, stress-test builds, and let us know when something is not working. Instead of guessing behind closed doors, we put things in players' hands early, listen carefully, and iterate to include the features that pass the demanding LSP loop.[/p][p]This year has been huge for our LSP community.[/p]

• [p]Total number of LSP tests: 18[/p]
• [p]Total participants: 4983[/p]
• [p]Regions engaged: EMEA, NA, APAC[/p]

[p]Your dedication helped us validate gameplay loops, game balance, and overall experience. Along the way, we also saw the rise of HEAT Labs that forged new friendships and even launched a volunteer project within the LSP community that made the whole team genuinely smile.[/p][p][/p][p]Meanwhile, the LSP is unfolding in the upcoming weeks, so feel free to join the ranks! https://heat.ly/3LNomOc[/p][p]What’s been in our LSP scope so far this year:[/p]

• [p]New Agents, tanks, maps, and game modes[/p]
• [p]Multiple updates to existing content[/p]
• [p]Status Effects updates[/p]
• [p]Different shell types[/p]
• [p]New user interface (UI)[/p]
• [p]New camera angles / camera movements[/p]
• [p]Economy changes[/p]
• [p]Battle logs[/p]
• [p]New modules[/p]
• [p]Enhancements to sound effects & voiceovers[/p]
• [p]New in-game missions[/p]
• [p]Dynamic respawn option[/p]
• [p]Updates to the visibility system[/p]
• [p]Vehicle rotation[/p]

[p]Important Note: Not all the features tested will make it to the game’s release. We’re still testing and learning with our fellow LSP members.[/p][h2]From Project CW to HEAT[/h2][p]This has been the year we finally said goodbye to our codename. We’re now officially World of Tanks: HEAT, and it feels like flipping a page in a story we have been writing quietly for a long time.[/p][p] [/p][p]Project CW meant a lot to many early followers. The codename laid the foundation for the core of the game, so we will make sure we preserve the design pillars of CW as HEAT continues to evolve.[/p][p][/p][h2]gamescom and the Official Announcement[/h2][p]gamescom 2025 was a milestone we will never forget. This is where the game got its official announcement under a new name, and this is also where we met many of you. Sharing the moment together was something the whole team will carry with them into 2026.[/p][p][/p][p]gamescom also kicked off our social media era. HEAT is now out there on all the usual platforms, so feel free to follow, comment, or lurk.[/p][h2]Looking Ahead: What’s Next in 2026[/h2][p]Here is what you can expect next year:[/p]

• [p]New stages of the Lodestar Program[/p]
• [p]Regular updates on maps, Agents, vehicles, and development decisions[/p]
• [p]In-depth insights into features and specifics as we lock them[/p]
• [p]More gameplay and more dev talks[/p]

[p][/p][p]All-in-all, this year has been intense, surprising, funny, stressful, rewarding, and everything in between. We are incredibly grateful to every player who joined a test, sent feedback, or simply stayed curious and engaged.[/p][p]Thanks for bringing the HEAT.[/p][p]See you in 2026.[/p]

[h3]Welcome to the series[/h3][p]Turning Up the HEAT is where we share how World of Tanks: HEAT is being built. You’ll see our thinking on design, tech, maps and balance. Short reads, straight talk.[/p][p][/p][h3]What this article is about[/h3][p]Today’s post is about monetization: how the store fits into HEAT, the kinds of items you can expect to see, and how we think about time-savers. 
[/p][h3]Why talk about monetization now[/h3][p]Since the announcement, one question keeps coming up: what does “free-to-win” mean for HEAT? This post sets out our current approach. Details will firm up closer to launch, but our direction is clear.
[/p][h3]At a glance[/h3]

• [p]Combat first: matches should be won by teamwork and skill.[/p]
• [p]Style over stats: the store focuses on ways to express yourself, not power boosts.[/p]
• [p]Time-savers: optional progress boosts that speed access to choices you can earn, not a shortcut to wins.[/p]
• [p]Built for agility: keeping combat performance out of the store helps us adjust balance when the game needs it.[/p]
• [p]Battle pass: free for all, with an optional premium upgrade that lets you choose reward order as you play. [/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h3]What to expect from the store[/h3][p]At launch the focus is cosmetics. On the agent side that means skins, customisation sets, and colour or material packs. Vehicles get their own looks with camos, paints, and exciting skins. Profile-style items are planned as the live programme rolls out, so your identity can feel as personal as your loadout.[/p][p][/p][p]Each season also brings a battle pass. Our current plan is free access to the entirety of the content for everyone, with an optional premium upgrade that gives you total control over the order you claim rewards.. Rewards focus on visual customisation, plus a few optional time-savers.[/p][p][/p][p]We also plan to offer optional time-savers for players who are short on time. By time-savers we mean items that ease progression, such as agent and tank XP boosts, credit grants, tech-point bundles, and tech boosts. These are tuned with sensible limits and reviewed season by season. If something affects gameplay, our intent is that you can earn it through play. More time playing, less time waiting.[/p][p][/p][h3]Balance and clarity[/h3][p]HEAT is being built as a fast paced vehicular hero shooter and to keep matches fair, we need the freedom to tune agents, tanks and abilities when the data or your feedback says it’s right. Our monetization approach supports that, the store focuses on cosmetics and optional convenience rather than combat stats.[/p][p]
On visuals, we review cosmetics for readability. Silhouettes, effect intensity and aiming clarity are checked so style never hides information on the battlefield.
[/p][h3]What’s next in Turning Up the HEAT[/h3][p]Next time we’ll step into game design: how we build agent abilities that feel powerful yet believable, with tech that stays grounded rather than magical.
[/p][h3]Join the conversation[/h3][p]We want your questions and your takes as development continues.
👉 Join our Discord and jump into the HEAT channels to talk with the team and other players.
[/p][p]If you like where we’re heading, help us spread the word.
👉 Wishlist HEAT to get news and playtest info the moment it goes live.
[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p]Thanks for reading. See you in Discord.[/p][p]
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