World of Tanks is Wargaming's free-to-play tank battle game, now in its 2.0 era. Start here for the systems that matter, then dive into our guides on economy, premium tanks and the new HEAT spin-off.
By Mobile Games Guide EditorialUpdated
DeveloperWargaming
PlatformPC (Wargaming Game Center, Steam)
Team size15 vs 15
Spin-offWorld of Tanks: HEAT
How a battle works
Two teams of fifteen fight on a map for about seven to fifteen minutes. You win by destroying every enemy vehicle or by capturing their base. Each player has one vehicle, one life, and the choices you make in the first two minutes decide most of the match: where you go, who you spot and whether you stay alive long enough to matter late.
The loading screen shows both teams, their vehicles and the map. Read it before the countdown ends.
Vehicle classes
Five classesLight tanks scout, mediums flex, heavies hold the line, tank destroyers snipe or ambush, artillery supports from the back.
Tech treesTen nations, each with tiers I to X. You research modules and the next vehicle with experience earned in battle.
BlueprintsBlueprint fragments cut the research cost of vehicles. Collect them from battles and events.
Crew, equipment and consumables
CrewEvery vehicle has a crew. Crew skill level changes your real accuracy, view range and reload.
Crew trainingTrain crew with free and premium training, then pick perks. Sixth Sense and Brothers in Arms are the classics.
EquipmentGun rammer, vents and vertical stabilizer are the default picks on most vehicles.
ConsumablesRepair kit, first aid kit and fire extinguisher. Never leave a slot empty.
DirectivesSingle-battle boosts for crew or equipment, bought with bonds or credits.
CustomizationCamouflage gives a small concealment bonus, the rest is cosmetic.
Economy
Credits pay for vehicles, modules, ammo and repairs. Experience researches new tech. Gold is the premium currency. Tiers VIII to X cost more to run than they earn for most players, which is why premium vehicles and premium time matter. Read the economy mistakes guide before you spend anything.
CurrenciesCredits, experience, free experience, gold, bonds and crew books.
Premium accountMore credits and experience per battle, plus daily bonuses. Buy it when you play several battles a day.
Bonus codesWargaming hands out bonus codes at events and streams. Redeem them on your account page.
Personal reservesTimed boosters for credits, experience and crew experience. Activate them when you have time to play.
In-game storePremium vehicles, gold and bundles. Discounts rotate weekly.
Game modes
Battle PassA seasonal progression track with rewards for playing your best vehicles.
FrontlineThirty versus thirty on huge maps with respawns, tier VIII only.
OnslaughtRanked tier X mode with roles and a seasonal ladder.
Steel HunterA battle royale with upgradable vehicles, back for limited seasons.
World of Tanks: HEAT
HEAT is a new hero-based tank shooter from the World of Tanks team, set in an alternate post-war world with modern vehicles, agents with abilities and 5v5 or 10v10 fights. It is a different game, with a different account. We cover it in full on the World of Tanks: HEAT page.
Yes. You can research every tech tree vehicle without paying. Premium time and premium vehicles speed up credit income.
What is the difference between World of Tanks and World of Tanks: HEAT?
World of Tanks is the classic 15 vs 15 game with historical vehicles. HEAT is a new hero shooter with modern tanks, agents with abilities and smaller teams.
How do I redeem a World of Tanks bonus code?
Log in to your Wargaming account on the official site, open the bonus code page in your account settings and paste the code.
