Category: Tank Reviews

STK-2 Tank Review – Don’t use your DPM – World of Tanks

What makes this lane special is the extra good gun depression due to the hyroneumatic suspension, which gives amazing abilities for working a ridgeline.

While the STK-2 has more gun depression than any of the previous tanks in the line, using it with its gun is a very hard assignment.

Firepower

Let’s compare the STK-2 with the 2nd-best ridgeline tier 11 heavy in the game, the T803.

Spec	STK-2	T803
DPM Base	2,969.07	2,920.40
DPM with abilities	2,969.07	3,435.76
Penetration	270	267
Gold Pen	325 APCR	340 HEAT
Damage	480	420
Caliber	137	120
Shell velocity	1,100	1,100
Ammo capacity	45	46

The STK-2 is on par with the T803 when it comes to the base DPM, but if T803 gets all of its stacks going, it absolutely murders the STK-2 with around 500 damage per minute advantage. Penetration on both tanks is pretty similar, but the STK-2 does have a lot better alpha damage at 480 and a bigger caliber gun, which enables it to overmatch more armor plates.

Gun Handling

While on paper, STK-2 has great stats, if the gun is used without pauses between reloads, it gets to the point where it’s unusable.

Spec	STK-2	T803
Aim time	1.92	1.82
Dispersion	0.21	0.34
Dispersion when heated	0.47	0.34
… moving	0.13	0.13
… tank traverse	0.13	0.13
… turret traverse	0.10	0.06
Elevation	20	20
Depression	14	10

Both of the tanks have pretty good gun handling stats, especially the STK-2 when we consider the caliber of the gun. The sniper dispersion is the highlight of the vehicle, but the stats don’t tell the whole story. You have that 0.21 dispersion only after the gun is cooled down completely; the accuracy gradually gets worse as you keep firing without pauses between reloads. Meaning that either way, you are losing one of your greatest strengths of the tank. If you keep firing without pauses, your accuracy makes the gun unusable even in close-quarter combat, but if you wait between reloads to keep the gun cool, your DPM goes out the window.
The T803 might not be that accurate from the start, but its stats don’t get worse as it keeps firing; quite the opposite.

Dispersion on the tank traverse is identical, but the T803 has a lot better turret traverse dispersion, which makes the gun a lot more snappy.

STK-2, at least, is the king of the gun depression between the heavies with monster 14 degrees, as much as the STB-1. It really enables you to be incredibly flexible on any terrain.

Mobility

Mobility-wise, both tanks are nearly identical, with a slight edge going to the STK-2.

Spec	STK-2	T803
Top speed	42 km/h	38 km/h
Reverse speed	17 km/h	13 km/h
Power/weight	18.18	18
Weight	66 tons	60 tons
Terrain resist (hard)	1.05	1.15
… med	1.25	1.25
…. soft	2.21	2.3
Turret traverse	36.50	35.38
Tank traverse	33.29	33.29

The only bigger difference between the tanks is the top speed, with STK-2 having 4 km/h more than the T803, meaning that you could get away without having to use the turbo on the STK-2, but not really on the T803.

Reverse speed is also a lot better on the STK-2, meaning that you can pull back behind the ridgeline a lot faster.

The rest of the stats are almost the same, and you won’t feel the difference.

Armor

This is where the good news for the STK-2 ends. Even when using its gun depression, it’s not as reliable as the predecessor.

Spec	STK-2	T803
Hull armor	60/80/40	215/76/64
Turret armor	280/150/80	215/120/70
Health	2,400	2,400

The raw frontal hull armor is abysmall on the STK-2, with only 60 mm on the upperplate. While the angling is really good, as soon as the enemies get above you, it becomes paper. Keep in mind also that the FV4005 or FV215B 183 can completely overmatch your upperplate.

The lower plate on the STK-2 is huge, a lot bigger than the upper plate, and incredibly weak at only around 210 mm of effective armor, which means even Ares tanks might go through the lower plate frontally. T803 has a lot better lower plate at around 250 mm.

In terms of weakspots, both tanks have a cupola on the same side, but T803’s is a lot more rounded and harder to hit, while STK-2’s has a larger area in which enemies can score a penetration.

While the STK-2 has a lot more gun depression, the lower plate is incredibly hard to hide, and it is incredibly weak at around only 180 mm. Also, enemies can still hit your cupola or go for your track flaps. T803 has its cupola mostly hidden when using 10 degrees of gun depression, and the only weakspot it has is the bottom of the turret that sticks out of the hull, but those are small targets.

STK-2 armor when using the gun depression — STK-2

T803 when using its gun depression — T803

The side armor of both of the tanks is pretty identical, around 100 mm thick. With the introduction of Ares tanks, the side armor has become a pretty important aspect of the tank. Sadly, both of the tanks can easily be penetrated by any of the Ares tanks they can meet.

The rear of the STK-2 is absolutely horrible at only 40 mm of effective armor, it is very susceptible to the HE damage from any gun.

Conclusion: STK-2 is one of the easiest tanks to penetrate on flat ground, but also if it’s using the gun depression, it has pretty big weakspots that can be hit. Overall, the armor is a lot worse compared to the T803.

Miscellaneous

Spec	STK-2	T803
Stationary camo	6.61	5.30
After firing	1.07	1.01
Moving camo	3.31	2.62
Shell cost	1,537	1,246
View Range	400	400

Both of the tanks have similar camo stats, slight edge goes to the STK-2, but nothing groundbreaking. Shell cost is higher on the STK-2 due to the alpha damage difference.

Conclusion

Very disappointed with this vehicle, I was very excited about the Tier 11 and expected that WG learned how to balance these Japanese heavies from the Type 71 release, but it seems like this is not the case.

Just the combination of the horrible lower plate that is visible when using your gun depression and gun cooling mechanic, which doesn’t allow you to use your DPM, really kills any interest and fun in playing this tank.

Other tanks like the Tashenratte or the T803 will outclass you in every way, even if you try your hardest in the STK-2. I would advise against getting this tank until and if it gets much-needed buffs to at least the dispersion when the gun is not cooled completely.

January 16, 2026

TBT Tank Review – Long Reloads – World of Tanks

What sets the TBT apart is its exceptional burst potential relative to its protection. Unlike many premium tanks that trade armor for firepower, this Czech heavy maintains consistent survivability whether you’re pushing aggressively, holding defensive positions, or trading fire on the frontline.
The tank’s 490 damage per shot with solid turret armor allows it to engage effectively at close range, while its two-shell autoloader provides the confidence to finish off opponents when necessary.

The TBT truly shines through its raw hitting power characteristics. With an aiming time of just 2.68 seconds and an accuracy of 0.39 at 100 meters, this tank can reliably deliver its payload where it hurts. The 130mm gun delivers reliable performance against all tier opponents, making the TBT a tank you can take into any heavy brawl with confidence.

Firepower

Let’s dive into the numbers that make the TBT such a formidable opponent. The tank is equipped with a 130mm gun that delivers 490 damage per shot with 247mm of base penetration (290mm with APCR). This puts it directly ahead of the TNH T Vz. 51 in terms of raw alpha damage.

Spec	TBT	TNH T Vz. 51
Damage per Shot	490 HP	440 HP
Base Penetration	247 mm	252 mm
APCR Penetration	290 mm	294 mm
Rate of Fire	3.37 rpm	3.81 rpm
Damage per Minute	1,685 HP	1,676 HP
Shell Velocity	980 m/s	930 m/s
Magazine Size	2 rounds	2 rounds

The damage per minute of 1,685 puts the TBT in a specialized spot. While it doesn’t have the sustained pressure of single-shot heavies or the raw DPM of the Vz. 51, it provides massive, front-loaded damage output that forces enemies into cover. The 32.6-second reload time is long enough to encourage thoughtful positioning, but the 1,000-damage clip is devastating enough to maintain pressure on enemies.

Shell velocity of 980 m/s is alright for a large-caliber 130mm gun, giving the TBT suboptimal ballistics compared to many heavy tank competitors. This translates to hard shots at moving targets and more lead compensation when engaging at mid-range. The limited ammunition capacity requires discipline, as every miss hurts your potential impact on the battle.

Gun Handling

The TBT’s gun handling characteristics are balanced by its high alpha and represent a classic heavy tank trade-off. WG has given this Czech warrior workable gun handling parameters that, while not sniper-like, are sufficient for its brawling role, though slightly behind the Vz. 51.

Spec	TBT	TNH T Vz. 51
Aiming Time	2.68 seconds	2.88 seconds
Accuracy at 100m	0.39	0.38
Moving/turret dispersion	0.20	0.18
Gun Depression	7 degrees	7 degrees
Gun Elevation	20 degrees	20 degrees
Turret Traverse	26.07°/sec	26.07°/sec
Alpha Advantage	+50 HP	–

The 2.68-second aiming time is standard for 130mm guns and requires stabilization equipment. Combined with 0.39 accuracy, this means the TBT is best used at close-to-medium ranges where you can ensure your shells connect. The 7 degrees of gun depression is standard for the nation and allows for
solid hull-down play and effective use of gentle terrain.

Dispersion values are even worse than on the Vz. 51, the vertical stabilizer is a must-have on this tank, but even with that, your reticle will bloom out a lot. The gun’s good elevation angles provide flexibility when engaging targets on elevated positions, though the 7-degree limit means you cannot work extreme ridgelines like Western heavies.

Mobility

Mobility-wise, the TBT strikes a balance closer to a true heavy tank compared to the faster Vz. 51. While the Vz. 51 is a “heavium” capable of 50 km/h, the TBT provides steady, reliable mobility that keeps it in the heavy fight.

Spec	TBT	TNH T Vz. 51
Top Speed	36 km/h	50 km/h
Reverse Speed	15 km/h	15 km/h
Power-to-Weight	14 hp/t	14.37 hp/t
Hull Traverse	29.20°/sec	33.38°/sec
Engine Power	700 hp	750 hp
Weight	50 t	52.21 t

The 36 km/h top speed is the main limiting factor, preventing quick cross-map rotations, but it allows for controlled advances.15 km/h reverse speed is standard for the class.

29°/sec hull traverse is respectable and makes the TBT capable of angling decently in close quarters. Terrain resistance values are standard, but quite a bit better on hard and a lot better on soft terrain than the tech tree counterpart. The lower top speed is the price you pay for the increased stability and armor layout.

Armor

Here’s where the TBT really starts to shine compared to the Vz. 51. This heavy tank has genuinely formidable turret armor that improves upon the Vz. 51 by removing the prominent cupola weakspot, allowing it to bounce shots from higher-tier opponents reliably.

Spec	TBT	TNH T Vz. 51
Hull Front Armor	120 mm	130 mm
Hull Side Armor	80 mm	80 mm
Hull Rear Armor	70 mm	80 mm
Turret Front Armor	240 mm	300 mm
Turret Side Armor	100 mm	150 mm
Turret Rear Armor	70 mm	80 mm
Health Points	1,850 HP	1,900 HP
Armor Advantage	No Cupola Weakspot	–

The 280mm frontal turret armor is a significant upgrade over the Vz. 51’s layout and can reliably bounce Tier X gold rounds. The
130mm frontal hull armor features a V-shape nose (pike nose style), which, when combined with proper positioning, can provide surprising survivability.

The biggest difference is the amount of protection you have when using the full 7 degrees of gun depression. The TBT’s lack of a cupola makes it nearly invulnerable in this state.

Side armor of 80mm is standard for heavy tanks and allows for sidescraping, though the V-hull requires you to be careful not to over-angle. The 1,800 HP health pool is competitive, almost matching the tech tree equivalent.

The rear armor of 80mm is surprisingly thick, offering decent protection against HE rounds from smaller calibers, so you are less vulnerable to light tanks than expected.

Conclusion: The tank’s strong turret geometry and lack of weakspots contributes to its high effective armor values. When properly positioned and angled, the TBT can trade shots effectively with higher-tier opponents, making it suitable for both aggressive and defensive playstyles.

Miscellaneous

The TBT’s auxiliary characteristics round out its profile as a focused brawler, with premium benefits that give it an edge in economy.

Spec	TBT	TNH T Vz. 51
View Range	380 m	380 m
Stationary Camo	6.78%	6.84%
Moving Camo	3.42%	3.45%
Signal Range	670 m	850 m
Shell Cost	1,116 silver	1,020 silver

380m view range is average and provides basic spotting capability for a heavy tank. The camouflage values are poor as expected for a heavy, giving the TBT little to no stealth capability. This performance means the tank must rely on hard cover rather than concealment.

Shell cost is standard for the alpha damage, and won’t break the bank. The premium status ensures good credit income, and the overall economy of the TBT is favorable due to its high alpha, allowing for efficient trading.

Tips

Playing the TBT effectively requires understanding its strengths and playing to them consistently:

• Leverage the 490 alpha damage – Force trades where you fire one shot for one shot. You will win the trade against almost any Tier IX heavy.

• Use the clean turret confidently – Don’t be afraid to sit hull-down. The lack of cupolas means you don’t need to wiggle frantically to survive.

• Maintain close-range positioning – The TBT excels at brawling range, where its 0.39 accuracy is less of a liability, and its armor works best.

• Don’t overextend during reload – 32 seconds is a long time. Always have an escape plan or a rock to hide behind before you empty your clip.

• Use the burst for finishers – Save your second shell for low HP enemies to remove their gun from the game instantly.

• Aim fully – With low DPM, every miss is painful. Use the good shell velocity, but let the reticle settle.

• Manage ammunition wisely – With limited rounds and a long reload, ensure you are firing at targets you can penetrate.

Conclusion

The TBT represents a powerful evolution in the Czech heavy tank style in World of Tanks. It’s a genuinely dangerous brawler that doesn’t require the player to master complex mechanics to be effective, provided they respect the reload timer. While it may not have the speed of the Vz. 51, it provides superior survivability.

The combination of high alpha, excellent turret armor, and burst potential makes the TBT a tank that
consistently influences the battle regardless of map, provided you can reach the frontline. It’s the kind of tank you can take into any city map with confidence, knowing that your armor will hold up.

For players seeking a reliable, high-alpha Tier IX heavy tank that can serve as both a credit maker and a carry vehicle, the
TBT delivers exactly what it promises.

December 18, 2025

Stridsyxa Tank Review – The Swedish Precision Tool – World of Tanks

Released as part of Holiday Ops 2026, the Stridsyxa has quickly established itself as a top-tier choice for players seeking a versatile and dependable medium tank that can adapt to any battlefield situation.

What sets the Stridsyxa apart is its exceptional balance across all combat characteristics. Unlike many premium tanks that excel in one area while sacrificing others, this Swedish medium maintains consistent performance whether you’re pushing aggressively, holding defensive positions, or providing long-range support. The tank’s 350 damage per shot with excellent penetration values allows it to engage effectively at all ranges, while its solid frontal armor provides the confidence to trade shots when necessary.

The Stridsyxa truly shines through its superior gun handling characteristics. With an aiming time of just 2.21 seconds and an accuracy of 0.355 at 100 meters, this tank can consistently land shots where they count. The 105mm gun delivers reliable performance against all tier opponents, making the Stridsyxa a tank you can take into any battle configuration with confidence.

Firepower

Let’s dive into the numbers that make the Stridsyxa such a formidable opponent. The tank is equipped with a 105mm gun that delivers 350 damage per shot with 219mm of base penetration (252mm with APCR). This puts it directly ahead of the Lansen C in most key firepower metrics.

Spec	Stridsyxa	Lansen C
Damage per Shot	350 HP	320 HP
Base Penetration	219 mm	208 mm
APCR Penetration	252 mm	242 mm
Rate of Fire	6.26 rpm	6.52 rpm
Damage per Minute	2,190 HP	2,087 HP
Aiming Time	2.21 sec	2.50 sec
Accuracy at 100m	0.355	0.380
Shell Velocity	980 m/s	930 m/s
Ammo Capacity	50 rounds	65 rounds

The damage per minute of 2,190 puts the Stridsyxa in an excellent spot. While it doesn’t have the burst damage of autoreloaders or the raw DPM of some single-shot guns, it provides consistent, reliable damage output that doesn’t require risky positioning or complex magazine management. The 10-second reload time is long enough to encourage thoughtful shot placement but short enough to maintain pressure on enemies.

Shell velocity of 980 m/s is genuinely excellent for a 105mm gun, giving the Stridsyxa superior ballistics compared to most medium tank competitors. This translates to easier shots at range and less lead compensation when engaging moving targets. The 50-round ammunition capacity provides plenty of sustain for extended engagements without frequent trips to the depot.

Gun Handling

The Stridsyxa’s gun handling characteristics are genuinely impressive and represent one of its strongest selling points. WG has blessed this Swedish warrior with some of the best gun handling parameters in the medium tank category, even outperforming the Lansen C in several key areas.

Spec	Stridsyxa	Lansen C
Aiming Time	2.21 seconds	2.50 seconds
Accuracy at 100m	0.355	0.380
Gun Depression	10 degrees	10 degrees
Gun Elevation	20 degrees	20 degrees
Turret Traverse	41.72°/sec	32°/sec
Turret Traverse Advantage	+9.72°/sec	–

The 2.21-second aiming time is outstanding and among the best in its class. Combined with 0.355 accuracy, this means the Stridsyxa can consistently hit targets at medium to long ranges without extensive settling time. The 10 degrees of gun depression is excellent for a medium tank and allows for aggressive ridge-line camping and effective hull-down positions.

41.72°/sec turret traverse speed is more than sufficient for tracking moving targets and making quick adjustments during engagements. The gun’s good elevation angles provide flexibility when engaging targets on elevated positions, though the 20-degree limit can sometimes restrict engagement angles on certain maps.

Mobility

Mobility-wise, the Stridsyxa strikes an excellent balance between speed and control. While the Lansen C has a significantly better power-to-weight ratio, the Stridsyxa provides reliable mobility that’s more than adequate for most tactical situations.

Spec	Stridsyxa	Lansen C
Top Speed	50 km/h	50 km/h
Reverse Speed	18 km/h	20 km/h
Power-to-Weight	16.67 hp/t	28.39 hp/t
Hull Traverse	46.94°/sec	40°/sec
Engine Power	500 hp	680 hp
Weight	30 t	23.95 t

The 50 km/h top speed is competitive for a medium tank, allowing for reasonable repositioning and effective flanking maneuvers. 18 km/h reverse speed is adequate for tactical retreats, though not exceptional. The 16.67 hp/t power-to-weight ratio provides good acceleration, especially considering the tank’s substantial armor protection.

46.94°/sec hull traverse is excellent and makes the Stridsyxa highly maneuverable in close quarters. Terrain resistance values are reasonable, meaning the tank maintains decent mobility across different surface types. The effective top speed of 31.73 km/h on soft terrain is the only real limitation, though this is typical for most medium tanks.

Armor

Here’s where the Stridsyxa really starts to shine compared to the Lansen C. This Swedish medium tank has genuinely respectable armor that completely eclipses the Lansen C’s paper-thin protection, allowing it to bounce shots from equal-tier opponents and even provide some surprises against higher tiers.

Spec	Stridsyxa	Lansen C
Hull Front Armor	100 mm	60 mm
Hull Side Armor	40 mm	40 mm
Hull Rear Armor	35 mm	40 mm
Turret Front Armor	250 mm	70 mm
Turret Side Armor	70 mm	70 mm
Turret Rear Armor	35 mm	40 mm
Health Points	1,300 HP	1,350 HP
Armor Advantage	Massive frontal advantage	–

The 250mm frontal turret armor completely dwarfs the Lansen C’s 70mm turret armor and can reliably bounce Tier VIII gold rounds and even some Tier IX standard rounds when angled properly. The 100mm frontal hull armor is vastly superior to the Lansen C’s 60mm and, when combined with proper angling, can provide surprising survivability in brawling situations.

The biggest difference is amount of armor you have when using full 10 degrees of gun depression.

Side armor of 40mm is standard for medium tanks but can be vulnerable to overmatch. The 1,300 HP health pool is competitive, though the Lansen C has slightly more at 1,350 HP.

The rear armor of 35mm is typical and vulnerable to HE rounds, so caution is advised when reversing near enemy positions.

Conclusion: The tank’s unique frontal hull geometry (mentioned in historical references) likely contributes to its effective armor values. When properly positioned and angled, the Stridsyxa can trade shots effectively with many opponents, making it suitable for both aggressive and defensive playstyles.

Miscellaneous

The Stridsyxa’s auxiliary characteristics round out its profile as a genuinely well-balanced medium tank, with only minor advantages over the Lansen C in most areas.

Spec	Stridsyxa	Lansen C
View Range	390 m	380 m
Stationary Camo	17.04%	16.87%
Moving Camo	12.77%	~12%
Signal Range	570 m	710 m
Shell Cost	650 silver	Unknown
Suspension Repair	11.7 sec	8.02 sec
Tank Role	Versatile Medium	Sniper Medium

390m view range is solid and provides good spotting capability for a medium tank. The 17.04% stationary camouflage and 12.77% moving camouflage are both above average for the class, giving the Stridsyxa excellent passive scouting potential. This camouflage performance is genuinely impressive and allows the tank to contribute to vision control while remaining undetected.

Shell cost of 650 silver is reasonable and won’t break the bank during extended gaming sessions. The 50-round ammunition capacity ensures good sustain, and the overall credit economy of the Stridsyxa is favorable due to its solid performance and reasonable consumable costs.

Tips

Playing the Stridsyxa effectively requires understanding its strengths and playing to them consistently:

• Leverage the excellent gun handling – Take your time to aim and make every shot count. The 2.21-second aiming time means you can be more patient than with other medium tanks.

• Use the armor confidently – Don’t be afraid to trade shots when you have the advantage. The 250mm turret armor can bounce many shots, especially when hull-down.

• Maintain medium-range positioning – The Stridsyxa excels at mid-range combat where it can use its gun handling and armor effectively while remaining mobile.

• Don’t overextend despite good mobility – While the tank is mobile, it’s not a light tank. Stay with your team and avoid isolated positions.

• Use the good camouflage for vision control – The above-average camouflage values make the Stridsyxa excellent for passive spotting and vision denial.

• Aim for weak points – Despite good armor, you’ll still need to aim carefully against well-armored targets. Use the excellent accuracy to hit specific modules.

• Manage ammunition wisely – 50 rounds provide good sustain, but don’t waste shots. Each shell represents significant damage potential.

Conclusion

The Stridsyxa represents everything excellent about modern premium tank design in World of Tanks. It’s a genuinely well-balanced medium tank that doesn’t require the player to make significant compromises or master complex mechanics to be effective. While it may not have the extreme specialization of some competitors, it provides reliable performance across all aspects of medium tank gameplay.

The combination of excellent gun handling, solid armor, reasonable mobility, and above-average concealment makes the Stridsyxa a tank that consistently delivers results regardless of map, team composition, or enemy opposition. It’s the kind of tank you can take into any battle with confidence, knowing that your equipment and crew skills will be fully utilized.

For players seeking a reliable, versatile Tier VIII medium tank that can serve as both a workhorse and a showpiece, the Stridsyxa delivers exactly what it promises. It may not be the flashiest tank on the battlefield, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most consistent and dependable choices at its tier.

Category	Stridsyxa Advantages	Lansen C Advantages
Firepower	+30 damage, +11mm pen, +103 DPM	+0.26 rpm, +15 shells
Gun Handling	0.29s faster aim, better accuracy, +9.72°/sec turret	–
Mobility	Better hull traverse, heavier armor	Much better power-to-weight, faster reverse
Armor	Massive advantage – 250mm vs 70mm turret	+50 HP, slightly better rear armor
Other	Better camo, +10m view range	Better radio range, faster repairs

Check reviews of other vehicles:

Here is also a post about the best premium tanks in the game:
Best premium tanks in 2025 – Easy credit makers

December 17, 2025

Coccodrillo Tank Review – Medium Hulldown God – World of Tanks

This is a very unique medium tank in the game. We have some heavily armored mediums like the 430U, but they don’t have the gun depression of the Coccodrillo, so the closest competitor would probably be the Carro 45t with its strong turret, decent upper glacis, and great gun depression.

Firepower

Spec	Coccodrillo	Carro 45 t
DPM Base	2,451.05	2,503.20
Penetration	263	248
Reload time	11.51	15.34 / 13.42 / 11.51 / 9.59
Clip size	3	4
Clip damage	1,410 / 10s	1,600 / 12s
Intra-clip reload	5	4
Gold Pen	320 HEAT	320 APCR
Damage	470	400
Caliber	127	120
Shell velocity	1,310	960
Ammo capacity	60	60

Coccodrillo dominates when it comes to the firepower section.

It has slightly worse DPM on paper, but this is a scenario where the Carro fires only when he has the full clip, so the reload is the fastest. Coccordillo has the same reload time regardless of how many shells it has in the clip currently, which makes it a lot more flexible to unload on its opponents without losing the DPM.

You have one less shell in the clip compared to the Carro, and your intra-clip reload is slower by 1 second, but you have a lot more alpha damage, 470 compared to only 400.

Coccodrillo is a lot better when it comes to standard penetration, and it has a lot better shell velocity, which makes it a bit easier to land medium to long-range shots.

Gun Handling

Once again, the Coccodrillo has a significant advantage over the Carro.

Spec	Coccodrillo	Carro 45 t
Aim time	2.59	2.88
Dispersion	0.34	0.36
… moving	0.16	0.16
… turret traverse	0.10	0.12
… tank traverse	0.16	0.16
Elevation	20	15
Depression	8	9

Aim time is a lot lower, and when paired with lower dispersion values, you can really feel the difference in gun handling when playing both of the tanks.

Carro is a tiny touch more flexible tho, on the ridgeline due to an extra degree of gun depression, I’m actually surprised they didn’t give Coccodrillo the full 10 degrees when we consider the armor layout it has.

Mobility

Here, the Carro has the edge over the Coccodrillo, but it’s not a huge difference.

Spec	Coccodrillo	Carro 45 t
Top speed	50 km/h	55 km/h
Reverse speed	18 km/h	23 km/h
Power/weight	18.27	17.78
Weight	52 tons	45 tons
Terrain resist (hard)	0.96	0.77
… med	1.15	0.86
…. soft	1.92	1.73
Turret traverse	41.72	32.33
Tank traverse	52.15	44.85

You are losing around 5 km/h of top speed over the Carro, but most importantly, the reverse speed is a lot worse; here, you notice the lack of 5 km/h very much. It makes pulling back when in hull down position harder, and enemies will have an easier time catching your lower plate.

Power to weight ratio is almost identical, but Coccodrillo feels a lot more sluggish on all terrains due to the horrible ground resistances.

Turret and tank traverse is suprisingly good, a good 20-30% better then on Carro. So while getting into the position takes longer, holding the position with your mobility is much easier.

Armor

This is a highlight of Coccodrillo, almost unpennable turret armor.

Spec	Coccodrillo	Carro 45 t
Hull armor	110/50/45	80/70/30
Turret armor	110/80/45	230/80/50
Health	1,800	1,900

On flat ground, both of the tanks have really good turret armor, but Coccodrillo is on another level, with 90% of the turret being auto ricochet, and other parts are around 300mm of effective armor without any weak spots like commander hatches.
Hull is overall better on the Carro due to the upper plate and lower lower plate being auto ricochets. Coccodrillo’s lower plate is absolutely tragic at only 150 mm of effective armor; tier 8 lights can reliably go through the front of this thing.

If you manage to get the Coccodrillo in a hulldown position, you really become an absolute terror for your opponents, because this is what they see. Even though it has only 110mm of armor at the front, with such an aggressive angling, the whole hull and turret are an auto ricochet.

Sidescraping in this tank is not really an option, as soon as you angle a little bit, the whole part of the hull covering the tracks becomes very weak and easily overmatched by the majority of the tanks you’re going to meet.

Side armor is tragic on Coccodrillo, with only 40 mm of armor; HE rounds from any tanks will be able to go through the side of this thing. While the Carro’s armor is nothing to write home about, it still provides some protection from HE rounds.

The rear of the hulls is almost identical, while Coccodrillo has slightly more armor, but that realistically won’t make a difference in a real-world scenario.

Conclusion: While indeed godlike in a hulldown position, Coccodrillo’s armor falls apart as soon as you angle your hull or an enemy catches your side and rear.

Miscellaneous

Spec	Coccodrillo	Carro 45 t
Stationary camo	15.28	14.65
After firing	11.46	11
Moving camo	2.79	2.62
Shell cost	1,236	930
View Range	400	400

Very small differences here on miscellaneous, the only bigger one is the shell cost, but that is normal since Coccodrillo uses a higher caliber gun.

How to destroy

If on flat ground

Best best is the lower plate which is huge and incredibly weak

If below him

aim the area below the gun mantlet, you can auto ricochet into the hull or penetrate the turret straight away with any gun.

Aim for the track flaps, very thin and easy to penetrate

If above him

Aim for the upper plate, with such an aggressive angling, the upper plate becomes paper for taller tanks in face-hugging scenarios

If on the side

aim for the middle of the tank where it’s most flat

If on the rear

Fire HE at the back of the hull

Tips

Make sure to take good hull-down positions in which you can easily brawl with even heavy tanks, but you are not as flexible on ridgelines since you lack 2 degrees of gun depression. Be aware of your weak points below the mantlet; enemies can get lucky and get easy penetrations.

A lot of players won’t know that your reload doesn’t change with the number of shells left in the clip; they will either think you are a normal autoloader with long reloads or a standard autoreloader with horrible DPM without any shells in the magazine. Use it to your advantage and surprise your opponents.

Try to do everything in your power to keep your frontal armor facing the enemies; otherwise, your armor is almost useless.

Conclusion

A very fun tank to play overall, it rewards positioning and use of your armor, but at the same time does not make the tank broken with longer intra-clip reloads and horrible side armor.

Check reviews of other vehicles:

Here is also a post about the best premium tanks in the game:
Best premium tanks in 2025 – Easy credit makers

December 3, 2025

Best tier 11 tanks in 2026 – World of Tanks
Heavy Tanks
Taschenratte
- Amazing armor
- Solid gun
- Powerful special ability
While the Maus is a very solid tier 10, it’s just really easy for enemies to penetrate its turret cheeks if they load HEAT rounds. Taschenratte has that problem mostly fixed, but you should angle your turret while waiting for a reload to improve your turret armor thickness. This tank also has an incredibly strong upper plate, lower plate, and side armor. With proper angling, you will give real headaches to your opponents. Gun has received a minor alpha increase and a decent penetration boost.

Its ability is called “Auxiliary Weapons“. Pressing the activation button fires your vehicle’s auxiliary weapons at the target. This additional firepower comes with its own reload cycle, independent of the main gun. It can be very powerful to penetrate lightly armored targets or to track your opponents while the main gun is on the reload.

Mobility is the only limiting factor of this vehicle, which shouldn’t come as a surprise, coming from the Maus.

Rating: S Tier
T803
- Staggering DPM
- Great gun handling
- Snowballing special ability
Probably the best tier 11 currently in the game. It can do pretty much everything, and it doesn’t have real weaknesses. T110E5 is a decent tier 10, but this is a huge upgrade. Armor-wise, you have a lot smaller weak point at the top of the turret, better turret armor, a bit worse upper plate, and a better lower plate. While on paper the DPM seems to be the same, it doesn’t count the bonus from the special ability. With “Semi-Automatic Ammo Rack“, every time you hit an enemy with a shell, you gain a reload efficiency level, temporarily boosting your gun’s reload speed. Levels accumulate with each hit. Destroying an enemy vehicle with a shell grants additional reload efficiency levels.

This tank can murder its opponents with its DPM and snap shot like a boss while doing so. It is even better on the ridgeline because the weak spot is mostly hidden.

Rating: S Tier
KR-1
- Amazing frontal armor
- Ramming god
- Solid gun
This is a tank you can research by playing the IS-7. It has a very similar playstyle to the IS-7; you are a heavily armored and mobile heavy tank. In terms of upgrades, you got on the KR-1, your standard penetration went up by almost 20 mm, so you don’t have to spam gold all the time, as is the case on the IS-7. Your lower plate is going to be really hard to penetrate for anyone with less than 260 mm of penetration, so you are very safe against standard rounds from tier 10s and lower. Your mobility stayed the same, pretty much. The special ability is Ramming Configuration, which gives you a bonus to the ramming damage you would apply to an enemy vehicle. This makes it a hazardous tank while played in platoons.

Derpines of the gun is retained from the previous tier, unfortunately. While the extra ramming damage is nice, it’s hard to make it as effective as for example the T803’s special ability.

Rating: A Tier
FV4025 Contriever
- Powerful double shots
- Ridgeline powerhouse
- Solid armor
Contriever is the only tank that does not receive any kind of special ability compared to the tier 10 predecessor. Other than the fact that it looks similar to the Canopener, it plays the same. In terms of upgrades compared to the tier 10, you have a slightly better alpha damage, slightly better penetration, and dispersion values while in double shot mode. Contriever doesn’t have the weak spot anymore in the center of the frontal hull, but it has a very weak turret cupola and a huge lower plate, which are both easy targets for your enemies.

While the tank itself is not bad, tier for tier, it is a lot worse than the Canopener since the soft stats boost is not enough to be on the same level as the rest of the tier 11 heavies.

Rating: B Tier
BZ-79
- Infinite boosts
- Great alpha dmg gun
- Underwhelming armor
BZ-75 is one of the worst tanks at tier 10, so it would be quite an achievement not to be better than it. The successor has quite a few things going for it; it has quite a bit more DPM, 300 DPM more to be exact. Gun is a little bit less derpy and has higher alpha damage. Mobility is exactly the same if we don’t take into account the special ability. BZ-79 has Liquid Fuel Boosters, which enable it to have infinite rocket boosters. The only downside to it is that the ability has a cooldown, but here you don’t have to worry about running out of boosts until the end of the battle.

Unfortunately, the top of the turret is very weak against 151 mm guns and higher since they can overmatch its armor. Also, the lower plate is very big and not well armored. If you have BZ-75, it’s definitely worth working your way up to the BZ-79.

Rating: A Tier
AMX 67 Imbattable
- Awesome mobility
- Good gun
- Paper armor
Imbattable has the same playstyle as the AMX 50B, which means you will have to work your butt off in order to make this tank effective in combat. It has absolutely no armor; in fact, it has a lot less armor than already badly armored 50B, to the point where high penetration HE rounds will be able to go through your front armor.

While the gun is decent with the autoloader, it received very minor upgrades compared to the tier 10 in the form of a 10 alpha damage increase. Everything else is almost identical to the 50B. What gives you an opportunity to be more dangerous to your opponents is your special ability. The autoloading system automatically begins loading a new clip when one shell remains in the current one. You can still fire the final shell during this process, but doing so adds several seconds to the remaining reload time.

It’s a very niche tank and probably not worth grinding for in the current meta filled with heavily armored tanks, arty, and corridor maps.

Rating: B Tier
STK-2
- Great gun depression
- Great DPM
- Horrible lower plate and special ability
I was very excited for the tier 11 Japanese heavy since I like the tier 10 much and I expected that WG would not make the same mistake as they did with the Type 71 when they first released it, but I was wrong.

Gun received a big alpha damage increase, which is nice to see. When paired with a good reload, it really has a nice DPM for a tier 11 heavy tank. Another great thing about the tank is the extra 2 degrees of gun depression it has compared to the tier 10.

Still, those things don’t save the tank… The fact that it has an insanely big lower plate, which is horribly armored (around 200 mm of effective armor), a bigger turret weakspot than the Type 71, and the atrocious special ability make this one of the weaker tier 11 tanks in the game currently. The active gun cooling is the dealbreaker of this tank, after 2 shots in a row, the gun’s accuracy becomes unusable even in close-quarter combat. Somehow, they took the gun cooling mechanic from lower tiers and made it worse. Essentially, you are punished for using your DPM.

I would avoid getting this tank until it gets much-needed buffs to the accuracy while the gun is not cooled, or the lower plate armor, which is hard to hide when using your monster gun depression.

Rating: C Tier
Medium tanks
AS-XX 40 t
- Great clip potential
- Decent DPM
- Bad camo rating
Successor to the Bat.-Châtillon 25 t, unlike the rest of the tier 11s, this one doesn’t keep the same playstyle as the tier 10, due to the multiple differences. The biggest one is the actual size of the tank, which gives it a much lower camo rating than the BatChat has, meaning that it can’t replace the role of a light tank in a battle. BatChat works well only when it comes to assassinating tanks and then running away to reload. AS-XX doesn’t have to necessarily do that since its special ability allows it to reload shells one by one by pressing a button as long as there is 1 shell in the magazine. You can do multiple smaller engagements as well.

While the tank was mediocre, in patch 2.1.1, it got a bunch of buffs to the firepower and survivability; right now, it’s in a pretty good position.

Rating: A Tier
Leopard 120 Verbessert
- Decent DPM
- Horrible base dispersion values
- Weak armor
Leopard 120 takes the cake as the worst tier 11 tank in the game, and it’s not even close. I highly suggest that you don’t spend your credits on this tank while it has these statistics. Reason for the amount of hate this vehicle has been getting is the fact that the dispersion values outside of the ability level 3 are actually a lot worse than the tier 10 predecessor, which makes absolutely no sense. You get a very small advantage when your ability, which gives you bonus dispersion, is charged all the way, and this takes quite a while. Also, it can carry 20 fewer shells than the Leopard 1, and it’s slower.

The tank was garbage before the 2.1.1. It’s still garbage after very small buffs. Just keep the Leopard 1 until and if the 120 gets a much-needed buff.

Rating: D Tier
Object 432U
- Capable of insane trades
- Reliable armor
- Horrible base DPM
A successor to the legendary 430U provides you with better alpha damage, armor, and survivability. The playstyle pretty much stays the same; you are the most heavily armored medium in the game, and you can be very aggressive. The only difference is that you can use your special ability to trade more effectively.

The special ability that is supposed to give a big advantage to the 432U is prepping the shell. The longer you wait, the more alpha damage you will have, but if you wait for too long, you will get a lockout period when you can’t fire. In practice, it’s not that easy to use it effectively; either you will fire too soon, or your enemies will recognize what you’re doing and will force you to overheat your shell and go into the lockout.

While the tank was almost unusable before the patch 2.1.1, right now the tank is alright, the armor is much more reliable, and the changes to the special ability help you make it a bit easier to use. Still, the gun handling and horrible DPM make the 430U a better tier-for-tier tank.

Rating: B Tier
CS-67 Szakal
- The fastest medium
- Not much armor
- A monster in engagement mode
It has a great gun, amazing mobility, and pretty weak armor. The tank that is on paper is slightly better than the CS-63, but the special ability really gives it an edge over the tier 10. Over time, you increase the charge level, which you can use on either of your modes. If you use it in turbo mode, you get significantly higher top speed and overall mobility, while you sacrifice dispersion. This is the mode the CS-63 already has, but what it doesn’t have is the new engagement mode, which, when used with charge, gives you a lot better reload time, aim time, and dispersion.

Frankly, the tank is not so easy to play; you need to know when to use which mode and when to use your charge levels. If you manage to master this, you will be one of the most powerful tanks on the battlefield.

In 2.1.1. WG buffed this already great tank, and it does make it a bit too good in my opinion, together with Hacker, the best tier 11 medium in the game.

Rating: S Tier
XM69 Hacker
- Godlike gun handling
- Dependable turret armor
- Weak hull armor
Without a doubt, the best tier 11 medium tank currently in the game. The gun has been changed from the M48; it now packs a 110mm barrel with 20 extra alpha damage and around 5% DPM increase. A big change was made to the armor layout of the tank. M48 is known to make the same miracle bounces due to the boat-shaped hull armor. Hacker has a very flat hull, which makes the frontal hull easily penetrated by all the opponents this tank can meet.

Good news starts when we take a look at the turret, which doesn’t have a big turret weakpoint, which the M48 suffers from. Premium rounds will be able to go through your manlet, but overall, it’s a lot more solid and dependable turret.

The special ability really makes this tank a beast. By activating it, you get a lower aim time, better mobility, and 0 dispersion values on turret and tank traverse. Since the ability has a relatively short cooldown and decent duration, it helps you a lot in combat without you having to sacrifice any stat in return.

Rating: S Tier
Light tanks
leKpz Borkenkäfer
- Small size
- Great top speed
- Great camo rating
While Rheinmetall Panzerwagen is not really a fan favorite, you should probably get your hands on the Borkenkafer. Statistically, it is the same as the Panzerwagen, but it has a much smaller profile, which is important for camo rating and to not get hit that easily once you are spotted.

Borkenkafer features a very unique ability that improves your spotting capabilities. By activating the ability, your next shot applies an effect based on the enemy’s spotting status. Hitting a spotted enemy will mark them—they will remain spotted longer and receive more damage. Hitting an unspotted enemy will highlight their location with a special marker.

This way, you can deal damage and also provide spotting assistance at the same time. While the tank is not broken, it does offer a different playstyle for light tank enthusiasts.

Rating: B Tier
Tank Destroyers
AT-FV230 Breaker
- Impenetrable upper hull
- Really good up-slope mobility
- Amazing DPM
A very similar tank to the Badger, but with even more DPM and even more armor. Frontal hull is only possible to penetrate by the highest penetration HEAT rounds with over 400 mm of penetration, but if you use the gun depression, nobody will be able to penetrate you. It does have a weaker lower plate and a cupola at the top with around 250 mm of effective armor.

Side armor is really surprising, though. You can overangle it, and it will still be an auto ricochet, or you are going to have around 300 mm of effective armor, which is kinda crazy.

Special ability allows you to go faster and have more engine power the longer you drive in a straight line, which helps especially with climbing the hills. This negates the only weakness of the tank, and that makes it overpowered in my opinion, just people haven’t realized it yet.

Rating: S Tier
Hirschkäfer
- Horrible base alpha damage
- No armor
- Uneffective ability
A tank that doesn’t have a whole lot going for it. It seems like Wargaming overnerfed all the base stats because they thought the special ability would make such a huge difference. Compared to the Grille 15, it hasa lot lower base alpha damage, which makes it horrible as a tier 11 TD, and that is the main reason why the tank is so weak at its tier. The only areas where it was improved over the tier 10 are slightly better dispersion values and the camo rating.

Special ability is called Propellant Thermal Control System – Remain stationary or move slowly to build preheat, increasing your next shot’s damage and accuracy. At maximum preheat, penetrating an enemy with fewer HP than your average damage causes an ammo rack explosion, destroying the vehicle. Maximum alpha damage is around 820, but it takes too long to preheat the shell, and then your DPM suffers tremendously.

Personally, I would avoid buying this tank as the Grille 15 is a lot more consistent at its tier, even after the buffs in the 2.1.1, since they were negligible.

Rating: B Tier
Strv 107-12
- Pinpoint accuracy
- Decent armor
- 2 tank modes
103B is the best sniper at tier 10, the Strv 107-12 gained an additional mode in which you can be apart from the standard “Siege” mode. 107-12 has received a very subtle increase in the penetration and DPM, but the alpha stayed the same. In my opinion, the 390 alpha at tier 11 feels way too low if you are meeting health juggernauts such as the Tashenratte.

Armor layout was changed, while the 103B has only a cupola weakspot at the top, 107-12 has incredibly weak shoulders, and when you use your gun depression, your whole lower plate is completely paper. So, the armor is a lot worse than at tier 10.
The new mode, which you can activate, is the “Pillbox” mode. It completely disables you from moving forward or backward, but it gives you better gun handling and DPM boost, making you a glass cannon. In theory, this mode sounds great, but if you are spotted, you can’t move at all; it takes time to get out of this Pillbox mode, and by that time, you will be nailed by enemy tanks and artillery.

It is nice to have more options on engagements, but it feels like you sacrifice too much when it comes to armor in order to receive these options. After the buffs in 2.1.1, the tank is just so slightly better when using the pillbox mode, but still, 5 seconds to switch to pillbox mode is too long, and it makes the tank feel clunky.

Rating: B Tier
PTZ-78
- Incredibly mobile
- Great gun
- Mediocre armor
This is the latest tier 11 TD added to the game in patch 2.1.1, and it was predicted to be incredibly powerful, something like the 268v4 was once, but this is not the case.

The tank has rocket boosters, which enable the tank to have an incredible tank traverse speed, making it very hard to flank. The booster uses a solid fuel, so you have a limited number of charges, at 10. Gun is a step up compared to the 113G FT with better gun handling stats and a minor alpha increase.

The lower plate is rather weak at only 230 mm of effective armor; the upper plate can also be penetrated with HEAT rounds. When you use 6 degrees of gun depression, you become almost impenetrable, and you hide your really weak cupola on the right side of the hull.

Overall, the tank is pretty good, without some serious issues letting it down. The only thing is, this is meant to be played by skilled players because you have to use your charges in a smart way and maneuver well to bounce shots.

Rating: A Tier
Check out also these similar posts:
Best premium tanks in 2025 – Easy credit makers
Best premium tanks for bonds in 2025

Good luck on the battlefield.
October 24, 2025
Best premium tanks for bonds in 2026 – World of Tanks
Let’s explore the best tanks you can buy for bonds, focusing on premium status and those in tiers 8 or 9.

Heavy Tanks
Tiger Maus

Very good turret armor

Solid gun

Good enough gun handling

An all-around decent vehicle for making credits at tier 9. It has better turret armor than the Maus, which doesn’t make any sense at all. Gun with 246 mm of pen enables you to deal 520 damage consistently. It also does really well against tier 8s and 7s, which will have a hard time even penning your lower plate.

Mobility is limited, and your whole top deck can be overmatched easily by 121 mm guns and bigger.

Price: 11,000 Bonds
Rating: A Tier
Object 252U (Defender)
- Very good armor
- Hard-hitting gun with decent penetration
- Awful gun handling
Object 252U, or better known as the “Defender” is a tier 8 soviet heavy tank. When it was released, it was the best example of the pay-to-win tank, but it held up pretty well even to this date. It offers you a very dependable armor and a high-damage gun, which makes making trades straightforward.

You should do everything you can to improve its gun handling with crew skills and equipment, as this is the main downside of the tank. It only has 6 degrees of gun depression, so it is not very flexible on certain terrains either.

Price: 9,000 Bolds
Rating: A Tier
T26E5 (Patriot)
- Great turret armor
- Decent gun handling
- Solid mobility
If your main goal is to make a much credits as possible, Patriot may be the best tank in the game to do so. The reason is the low shell cost at only 255 credits a round with a really good standard penetration of 230 mm and DPM. Incredibly flexible tank with great turret and 10 degrees of gun depression.

It is worth investing in gun handling so you can snap shot better. The downside of the tank is the low alpha damage of only 240, so almost all the heavies at the same tier will outtrade you easily.

Price: 8,000 Bonds
Rating: A Tier
Medium tanks
122 TM
- Amazing gun
- Dependable turret armor
- Flexible with good gun depression
A pretty unique medium in the game because it gives up all the DPM for a tier 9 gun. It has a very accurate and hard-hitting gun, and you have enough gun depression also to make use of the great turret armor. It does get crushed in 1v1 scenarios because of the reload time. You should focus on long-range engagements and on supporting your allies.

Price: 8,000 Bonds
Rating: S Tier
CS-52 Lis
- Great gun
- Decent turret armor
- Weak standard penetration
A great all-around medium tank at tier 8. It packs a good, accurate gun with very good gun handling, solid mobility, and a turret that can pull quite a few bounces from the equal and lower-tier opponents. Shells are quite cheap, coming at 480 credits for 320 alpha damage, so if you’ll be able to penetrate enemies consistently, it makes great profits.

What holds the tank back is the lackluster standard penetration at 208 mm, 7 degrees of gun depression, and low ammo capacity of only 35 rounds.

Price: 8,000 Bonds
Rating: A Tier
Pz. 58 – Mutz
- Good alpha damage
- Very good DPM
- Great accuracy
Quite recently, it got buffed significantly, increasing its mobility and, more importantly, its alpha damage. It went from 250 to 300. Keep in mind, the reload time stayed the same, so it currently has one of the best DPMs for a tier 8 medium. Shell cost is really low, only 300 credits per shot.
It has little to no armor, so the gameplay should be similar to a Leopard. Most of the time, you should do long-range engagements.

Price: 8,000 Bolds
Rating: A Tier
Light tanks
leKpz M 41 90 mm
- Great gun and DPM
- Very good top speed
- Bad camo rating
One of the best damage-dealing light tanks at tier 8, it packs a nice 90 mm with over 2,2k DPM and high penetration HE rounds for those glass cannon TDs and arty.

But it will get outmatched by most of the other light tanks when it comes to spotting duties, since it is a huge tank with a bad camo rating.

Price: 8,000 Bonds
Rating: B Tier
Tank Destroyers
SU-130PM
- Great 520 alpha
- Really good camo rating
- Good mobility
A very similar tank to the Scorpion, and people are divided on which tank is better since each of them has some advantages. SU is great, a tank though, you can be very impactful even against tier 10s with 520 alpha. It has a low profile, and it’s easy to stay hidden.

Just like SFAC and Scorpion, SU130 has no armor whatsoever; it’s especially vulnerable to HE rounds.

Price: 10,000 Bonds
Rating: A Tier
T-103
- Up to the mark DPM
- Respectable turret armor
- Horrible hull armor
A weird and very niche tier 8 tank destroyer, it is a sniper tank, but it has no camo rating since it’s huge. The gun is the only good aspect of this tank, although it’s nothing special. It hits hard enough with its 440 alpha and good penetration, Turret can pull off some bounces if they don’t shoot near the manlet or its huge weakspot at the top.

Price: 8,000 Bonds
Rating: B Tier
Check out also the best premium tanks in the game overall: https://permatracked.com/post/best-premium-tanks-in-2025-easy-credit-makers-world-of-tanks/

The rest of the tanks are average or below average, and I think it’s not worth spending bonds on them.
We will try our best to update this list whenever a new premium tank is released into the bond store that is better than the listed vehicles.

Good luck on the battlefield.
October 13, 2025

Black Rock Review – Burst Doubleshots – World of Tanks

Let’s see how it stacks up against the only other high DPM American heavy tier 11, the T803, and give you some tips on how to destroy it, and or if you manage to get one, how to use it effectively..

Firepower

Spec	Black Rock	T803
DPM Base	2,503.20	2,850.87
DPM with abilities	3,276	3,167.63
Penetration	278	262
Gold Pen	330 HEAT	340 HEAT
Damage	420	410
Caliber	114	120
Shell velocity	1,100	1,100
Ammo capacity	50	46

In the base state, T803 has quite a big DPM advantage. By base DPM, we consider the DPM without any help from special abilities.

Black Rock has a special mechanic that will bring this DPM up by around 800. After penetrating 2 shots, Black Rock will load a burst a double shot, unlike the double-barreled tanks, it has a small delay between the shots, 1.5 seconds to be exact, so it can’t instantly deliver both of the rounds. While in theory it sounds great, it is quite hard to penetrate both shots while in burst mode since this 1.5 seconds gives your opponents an opportunity to change the angling and position of their vehicle.

Maintaining T803’s DPM is a lot easier, its ability is called Semi-automatic ammo rack – Every time you hit an enemy with a shell, you gain a reload efficiency level, temporarily boosting your gun’s reload speed. Levels accumulate with each hit. Destroying an enemy vehicle with a shell grants additional reload efficiency levels.

So while their max DPM is quite similar, maintaining and using it effectively is quite different.

Black Rock has a quite unique caliber of 114 mm; you will have a harder time overmatching armor, but the standard penetration is really good at 278 mm. The rest of the statistics are almost identical between these 2 tanks.

Gun Handling

This is where T803 dominates over the Black Rock.

Spec	Black Rock	T803
Aim time	2.01	1.92
Dispersion	0.33	0.34
… moving	0.17	0.14
… turret traverse	0.17	0.14
… tank traverse	0.10	0.06
Elevation	20	20
Depression	8	10

The most noticeable difference is 2 degrees of gun depression less on the Black Rock; it hurts the vehicle a lot when it comes to working a ridgeline and overall flexibility. Dispersion values when moving and turning the turret/hull are also worse on the Black Rock.

Mobility

Here is the opposite story compared to the gun handling, Black Rock feels a lot more mobile than the T803.

Spec	Black Rock	T803
Top speed	43 km/h	37 km/h
Reverse speed	14 km/h	12 km/h
Power/weight	17.27	17.17
Weight	55 tons	60 tons
Terrain resist (hard)	0.96	1.15
… med	1.15	1.25
…. soft	1.92	2.3
Turret traverse	36.50	33.38
Tank traverse	34.42	31.29

Mobility-wise, the Black Rock is one of the more mobile heavies, great top speed of 43 km/h paired with solid ground resistances and traverse speeds.

Armor

Not great news for the Black Rock.

Spec	Black Rock	T803
Hull armor	172/89/51	215/76/64
Turret armor	330/120/76	215/120/70
Health	2,400	2,350

Black Rock’s upper plate is well angled, but it has pretty big 2 weakspots on the upper hull, which will be an easy penetration for most of tier 9s and up. The lower plate is also really bad at only 200 mm of effective armor. T803 has a really strong upper plate with no weak spots, a better lower plate by about 35 mm, and only 1 smaller turret weak spot.

black rock tank front armor layout — Black Rock

The only great thing about the front of this tank is the turret, which is godlike with no weak spots. If you manage to go completely hull down, enemies will have a really hard time digging you out.

I’ve found tho some hidden weak spots with around 250 mm of effective armor, just below the manlet. This is pretty much your only chance of penetrating the turret.

While using 8 degrees of gun depression, it exposes the weak spot previously mentioned, but now it’s an incredibly easy target to penetrate for even tier 8s. This whole area below the manlet has less armor or will ricochet into the hull, which will guarantee the penetration.

black rock tank turret weakspot when using gun depression

If you angle your hull, let’s call it a hip, it will become an easy penetration for your opponents. Side scraping is almost unusable with this tank.

Side armor is also worse than the T803’s; it doesn’t have any spaced armor, and it has even less armor thickness.
Higher penetration HE rounds will be able to go through your side.

black rock tank side armor layout — Black Rock

The rear of the hulls is almost identical, while T803 has a lot more armor on the back of the turret with added spaced protection.

black rock tank rear armor layout — Black Rock

Conclusion: In every position apart from flat ground hull down, you have big weak spots.

Miscellaneous

Spec	Black Rock	T803
Stationary camo	5.59	5.30
After firing	1.01	1.01
Moving camo	2.79	2.62
Shell cost	1,317	1,246
View Range	400	400

On these stats, tanks are almost identical; most importantly, the view ranges are the same.