War Thunder News

Today we’re taking a look at one of the more unconventional light tanks out there, the Harry Hopkins Mk.I, a new tank for Britain at Rank II! 

[h2]Harry Hopkins Mk.I: A Light Tank for Great Britain at Rank II[/h2]
At a glance:

• Rapid fire 40 mm cannon!
  
• Relatively good armor for a light tank.
  
• Scouting ability.
  
• Low reverse speed.
  

Vehicle History
[expand]
Harry Hopkins, or the Mk VIII Light Tank was designed in late 1941 in order to replace the Mk VII Tetrarch, with the primary goal of increasing the overall armor protection. This was achieved, however the tank was plagued with teething issues throughout its development and testing cycle, which resulted in long delays and a significant reduction in the number of tanks produced from the initial plan. 

The tanks were deemed relatively obsolete by the time they were ready for action, several suggestions were put forward, such as attaching wings to them and using them as tank gliders, or sending them to specialized light tank units. These plans were rejected however, and the Harrys were handed over to the RAF to act as relatively static defenses for airfields and bases. 
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[h2]Introducing the Harry Hopkins Mk.I![/h2]

Meet Harry! The final light tank design made by Vickers during World War II, coming in the next major update. Despite its relative obsolescence by the time it was finally ready for combat, it has a number of advantages, so let’s have a look!



The key feature that sets this one apart from previous light tanks is oddly the armor! It features 38 mm of protection on the turret and hull, with the latter having some decent sloping, enough to shug off hits from some of the weaker shells, which is more than most light tanks can boast! The turret ring however only offers 14 mm of protection, it is a small weak spot, but at close range will be a vulnerability.

Did you know? This tank is actually named after an American, Harry Hopkins, the chief diplomatic adviser to Roosevelt and a key figure in the Lend-Lease program which saw the U.S. give significant aid to Britain. The tank was named in honor of him and his contribution to the allied war effort. 



Mobility is lower than the previous light tanks due to the increased armor, it adds one ton of weight over the Tetrach which limits its top speed to 48 km/h. This isn’t especially high for a light tank, but the extra armor does offer more versatility for different playstyles as a compromise. The largest negative though is undoubtedly the reverse speed at only 4 km/h, which should be kept in mind when playing aggressively.



Firepower will be familiar, as it is entirely identical to the Tetrarch and Daimler, featuring the same fast-firing 40 mm cannon, a shoulder stabilizer, -15 degrees of gun depression, and a somewhat average traverse rate. Despite being an early gun, its top AP shell can get through a max of 89 mm of armor, and the APHE can be similarly destructive with its decent explosive mass. It also features a smoke discharger with a total of 10 single-shot grenades.



That’s all for today, say hello to Harry in the British tree in the next major update, and keep an eye on the news for more interesting vehicles to come!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

Today we’re taking a look at a machine with an interesting story, a French vehicle, captured and modified by Germany and then captured back and used by the French!

[h2]Pz.Sp.Wg.P204(f) PaK: A Light Tank for France at Rank II[/h2]
At a glance:

• Powerful L/60 50 mm cannon!
  
• Great top speed and mobility.
  
• Scouting ability.
  
• Limited protection.
  

Vehicle History
[expand]
France built over 700 AMD Panhard 35 armored cars from 1937 to 1940. After France fell, Germany would go on to enter a large number of these vehicles into service with their own army, modifying many of them to suit other roles. A late and relatively rare modification was the inclusion of a German 50 mm cannon, both the L/42 and L/60 versions were fitted into a small number of Panhard 178 models. Later after the liberation of France, the 1e Groupement Mobile de Reconnaissance would end up capturing a large amount of remaining German equipment, with some of these being their own modified Panhard armored cars! 
[/expand]



[h2]Introducing the Pz.Sp.Wg.P204(f) PaK![/h2]

Say hello to a new powerful French Panhard, this variant was captured and repurposed by the Germans to fit the long L/60 50 mm cannon, and later was captured back by France and used against Germany! This mobile and destructive armored car will be joining the French tree in the next major update, so let’s take a look!



This vehicle uses a lot of familiar parts you may already be familiar with. It’s very similar to the Pz.Sp.Wg.P204(f) KwK, a premium in the German tree. This variant however uses a longer 50 mm cannon, functionally the same as the version found on the Sd.Kfz 234/2 Puma and various late Pz.III models. With over 100mm of penetration and decent explosive filler, this cannon can comfortably deal with the majority of enemy vehicles from the side, and many of them from the front!

Mobility is similarly effective, with a 105 HP engine and max speed of 72 km/h on roads, it can traverse around the map quickly. Off-road mobility isn’t too bad either, often maintaining a speed between 35-40 km/h without much trouble. The turret traverse speed is fairly average however, so you may need to use the hull to swing the gun around quickly. 



Predictably, as with many light vehicles, armor protection is poor. Frontally, the hull armor varies between 20-30 mm of thickness, barely enough to withstand heavy machine guns. Due to the larger gun, this AMD is open topped, making it very vulnerable to high explosive shells and aircraft. It also lacks any kind of machine gun.

Regarding playstyle, the Pz.Sp.Wg.P204(f) PaK is a quintessential light tank, relying on its speed to reach strong positions early. While the gun is generally capable enough to combat many enemies from the front to some degree, side shots are much more reliable, and positioning on the flanks will be much more advantageous than trying to take enemies head on. Focus on using mobility to reach strong positions and remember to scout targets for your team!



That’s all from us today, this interesting and rare vehicle will be arriving in the French tech tree in the next major update. Until then, keep an eye on the news as we’ve got quite literally tons more to show you!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

Start your engines, call your friends — tank football is back in War Thunder for 2025!

To help you remember how to jump and dash, warm up and prepare for matches properly, training events are available for you from February 25th (11:00 GMT) until February 27th (10:45 GMT). In these training events, achievement progression is not available.

From February 27th (11:00 GMT) until March 17th (05:00 GMT), daily football matches are available at the following times: from 11:00-14:00 GMT, 16:00-22:00 GMT and 00:00-05:00 GMT.

Join other players in a 3v3 event (for solo players), or gather a team together and show off your skills and tactics in a 4v4 event (for squads).

[h2]Football themed rewards![/h2]
For each goal, assist or save, you’ll receive achievement progression points. The event rewards are given for a certain number of points earned during matches in the “Tank Football” events.

For 20 points: “Team Tigers” decal

For 50 points: “Tank Football — Watch the ball!” profile background

For 100 points: “Tank Football — What a kick!” loading screen



For 500 points: Coupon for one of the golden decorations: Glove, Ball or Boot

Please note: Rewards must be claimed manually. To do this, click on your name in-game, go to the “Tank Football” area and click the “Get Reward” button.

The top 50 players on the leaderboard of every event will be granted with in-game titles:

• Top goalscorer — “Best striker 2025”
  
• Top assist score — “Best winger 2025”
  
• Top save score — “Best goalkeeper 2025”
  

[h3]Event details[/h3]

• You can see the exact conditions for each task and track your progress by clicking on your nickname and going to the Achievements → Tank Football menu.
  
• The coupons for the “Dragons” and “Tigers” decal, “M551 Football Camo” coupons and “Golden Football Decoration” coupons can be sold on the Gaijin Market.
  
• PlayStation and Xbox players can exchange each coupon for 100 Warbonds.
  
• Reward titles will be given to the top 50 players in each category until March 24th.
  

[h3]Match rules[/h3]

• Each match consists of two halves of 5 minutes each. As with mini-football, only pure playing time is taken into account.
  
• If the result is a draw, players receive an additional 2 halves of 1.5 minutes each. If at the end of two halves and extra time it’s still a draw on the scoreboard, victory is not awarded to any team.
  
• To win early in a 3 vs 3 match, you must get a 3 goal advantage.
  
• To win early in a 4 vs 4 match, you must get a 5 goal advantage.
  

We really enjoyed getting to look at all of the screenshots that you submitted last week! This week, capture a picture of yourself! Sometimes friends aren’t always online for a big group photo, or you find it easier to hunt enemy vehicles by yourself. The three most popular and three selected by us will get 300 GE. See the winners down below!

[h2]Let’s begin the 160th edition of our competition![/h2]

Create a stunning screenshot and submit it on the War Thunder Steam Community Hub with the tag #WTscreen160. You have time until the 28th of February to submit your screenshot.

After that date, 6 winners will be selected (3 of which will be the highest rated by the community and 3 selected by our judges), each of which receive a reward of 300GE.

[h3]Terms:[/h3]

Your screenshot should be focused on one player vehicle.
You must add the #WTscreen160 tag (title cannot have any other text in it).
Artists may only win by popular vote once per four screenshot competitions.
• Screenshots need to be compliant with the War Thunder rules.
  
• You need to be the author of the screenshot.
  
• Screenshot needs to be new. You cannot use those which have previously been published or used in other competitions.
  
• We will only accept raw screenshots from the game. You cannot use any editing software nor any other visual enhancements (like Nvidia Ansel filters).
  
• You can use filters and settings built into War Thunder.
  
• You can use the replay functionality built into War Thunder.
  
• Rewards will be delivered to the author's account within 14 working days.
  

[h2]And now, time for the winners of the competition’s 159th edition – Bombs Away![/h2]

[h3]Winners selected via community votes:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3428654620
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3428230815
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3428140512

[h3]Winners selected by our judges:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3428153571
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3429352785
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3429602339

Each winner will get 300GE! Congratulations and see you next week!

It’s time to hunt raiders! It was precisely for their attacks on Allied transport ships that the German Deutschland-class heavy cruisers, especially Admiral Graf Spee, became famous for. In response, France launched the Dunkerque-class battleships which were to become the natural enemies of the raiders. One of these ships, Strasbourg, is now the main reward in this new naval event!

[h3]From February 27th (11:00 GMT) until March 17th (11:00 GMT), earn mission points in Naval Battles, unlock stages and receive rewards![/h3]

[h2]Strasbourg — an event vehicle Battleship for France at Rank VI[/h2]
Compared to its sister ship Dunkerque, Strasbourg has more armor and the same top speed of 54 km/h. Like Dunkerque, Strasbourg’s main caliber weapons are concentrated in the bow of the ship, which allows it to avoid exposing its side to the enemy, all while firing its impressive 330 mm shells. Strasbourg’s anti-aircraft capability is weak, but this ship is equipped with a radar meaning no air target will approach unnoticed.



“Strasbourg” loading screen

Strasbourg bicolor deforming camouflage

Among the rewards in the event is also this chest. When opened, there is a chance to receive one of the following items:

• 50,000 - 100,000 Silver Lions
  
• Silver Lion and Research Point boosters
  
• Random Wagers and Orders
  
• Universal Backups (1 - 3)
  
• A random camouflage for a vehicle you own
  
• 1 day of Premium Account
  

[h2]How to get all rewards[/h2]
Each stage is unlocked for 45,000 mission points and brings a new reward.

Please note: After finishing a stage, you need to collect the reward manually. To do this, click on your name in-game, go to “Raider Hunter” and click the “Get Reward” button.

You’re able to earn mission points in Naval Battles at Rank III or above in Arcade and Realistic Battles. The number of mission points to complete a stage depends on the game mode and the maximum Rank of the vehicle that you use in battle. There’s a multiplier for earning mission points, which is shown in the task description in-game.  

You can also earn mission points by using event vehicles that are Rank I and II. Event vehicles that can be used have the name of the event that they were obtainable in on their stat card.

[h3]Stages change every two days at 11:00 GMT on March 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th and 15th. [/h3]

[h2]Rewards are given when you complete a specific number of stages[/h2]

• For 1 Stage: trophy with a random reward
  
• For 2 Stages: one of the decal rewards
  
• For 3 Stages: trophy with a random reward
  
• For 4 Stages: one of the decal rewards
  
• For 5 Stages: trophy with a random reward
  
• For 6 Stages: “Strasbourg” loading screen
  
• For 7 Stages: trophy with a random reward
  
• For 8 Stages: a non-tradable coupon for Strasbourg
  
• For 9 Stages: unique Strasbourg bicolor deforming camouflage and four random modifications for Strasbourg
  

Please note: You’ll only be able to receive the random modifications if you have Strasbourg activated on your account.

[h3]Discounts on purchasing stages using Golden Eagles[/h3]
Incomplete stages can be purchased for Golden Eagles, but if you’re significantly close to completing a stage, its price will now be significantly reduced.
Let’s say you have earned 85% of the required mission points to complete a stage, then the price of purchasing this stage will be halved. If you’re near the finish line for a stage and are at 95% progress, then the price will be reduced by five times. For example, if you’ve scored 39,000 mission points, then the price for unlocking this stage will be 499 Golden Eagles. If you’ve scored 43,000 mission points, then you’ll only need to pay 199 Golden Eagles. Remember to keep this in mind if you cannot complete a stage on time!

[h3]The Upgrade for coupon [/h3]
When you complete 8 stages, you’ll receive a non-tradable coupon for Strasbourg, where using it will immediately activate the vehicle onto your account. If you don’t want the vehicle and would like to sell the coupon on the Market, you’ll need the “Upgrade for coupon” item.

The “Upgrade for coupon” item can be earned in parallel with the stages throughout the event from February 27th (11:00 GMT) until March 17th (11:00 GMT) for 750,000 mission points.

After receiving the “Upgrade for coupon” item, you can convert a non-tradable coupon for the vehicle into a tradable one and sell it on the Market. The tradable coupon can be sold after 6 days from the moment it’s created.

The “Upgrade for coupon” item is valid until March 20th (11:00 GMT). Until this time, you can use it or exchange it for War Bonds. Afterwards, it’ll disappear from your inventory.

To make a tradable coupon, select the “Coupon Strasbourg (France)” in your inventory and click the “Modify” button.

You can track the progress of completing stages and receiving the “Upgrade for coupon” by clicking on your Nickname > Achievements > Raider Hunter. If you don’t manage to complete a stage on time or would like to purchase a stage, until March 20th from the Achievements window, you can purchase each stage with Golden Eagles which will give you the corresponding rewards.