World of Tanks (WoT), developed by Wargaming, has been a staple in the gaming community for over 15 years. Its journey has been marked by numerous changes, both positive and negative. My own introduction to the game came during its beta phase, spurred by the unfortunate demise of my graphics card, which led me to seek out free gaming options while saving for a new GPU. Since then, I have consistently engaged with WoT, even as I explored various other armoured-combat games that sought to replicate its success, each with varying degrees of effectiveness.
For those interested in diversifying their gaming experience, I’ve compiled a list of alternatives that may offer a refreshing change of pace. If you share my passion for armoured warfare games, you might already be familiar with some of these titles. I encourage you to share your experiences on social media.
War Thunder
War Thunder stands as a formidable competitor to World of Tanks, presenting an existential challenge to Wargaming. This game encompasses a broad spectrum of warfare, including tanks, planes, ships, helicopters, and soon, submarines, all within a single platform. Its commitment to realism sets it apart, offering a unique gameplay experience that even extends to its Arcade mode, which boasts a level of realism that WoT has yet to achieve.
In contrast to WoT’s health pool system for tanks, War Thunder introduces a more intricate approach where players must target specific modules and crew members to incapacitate their opponents. This encourages a deeper understanding of each tank’s internal layout, allowing for strategic targeting that can lead to explosive results, particularly when aiming for an ammo rack. The thrill of taking to the skies in a plane to bomb unsuspecting campers adds an exhilarating layer to the gameplay.
However, War Thunder is not without its drawbacks. Players who found artillery fire overwhelming in WoT may find the aerial assaults in War Thunder even more daunting. Additionally, the grind for modern Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) can be lengthy, requiring patience and dedication. Yet, many players find the most enjoyment at the lower and mid-tiers of the game.
What I appreciate most about War Thunder includes the ability to respawn multiple times within a single match, expansive maps that evoke a sense of real battlefields, and the option to engage in aerial combat to counter pesky campers.
Armored Warfare
Armored Warfare aims to fill a gap that remains unaddressed in WoT: the inclusion of modern vehicles. Shifting focus from World War II tanks to Cold War-era MBTs, this game appeals to players who prefer a more contemporary combat experience. It retains a health-based combat system similar to WoT, where players must reduce an enemy’s HP to zero to secure a victory.
The pace of progression in Armored Warfare feels quicker compared to both WoT and War Thunder, especially for those opting for a premium account. While the selection of tanks is somewhat limited, players transitioning from WoT will find familiar mechanics, such as crew improvements and vehicle upgrades. Combat dynamics also mirror those of WoT, with damage affecting tank modules in various ways.
One notable challenge for Armored Warfare is its relatively low server population, particularly when juxtaposed with the larger player bases of WoT and War Thunder. Nevertheless, matchmaking remains efficient, often forming parties in under a minute.
Armored Warfare’s standout feature is its PVE mode, which offers a more relaxed gaming experience. With over 40 missions available, players can enjoy engaging gameplay without the pressure of competitive matches.
PANZERKAMPF
PANZERKAMPF, a newer entrant in the market, has been available for about a year, with its Steam release occurring just four months ago. While it still has room for improvement, this title presents an intriguing take on WWII-era combat.
The gameplay in PANZERKAMPF is notably fast-paced, minimizing downtime as players seek out opponents. Its user interface bears similarities to WoT, making it accessible for players transitioning between titles. However, the gameplay leans towards a more arcade-like experience, characterized by rapid tank acceleration that may seem unrealistic for heavy vehicles.
During my limited playtime, I noted that the maps felt somewhat barren compared to WoT, a concern compounded by the limited number of available maps. Nonetheless, the variety of tanks offered is commendable for a nascent game.
Tank Force
Tank Force merges elements from both Armored Warfare and WoT, designed for seamless play across PC and mobile platforms. This title emphasizes a faster-paced experience, focusing on Cold War-era tanks. The familiar menu layout will resonate with WoT players, while the gameplay is more forgiving, catering to newcomers. Players can respawn multiple times during a match, fostering a learning environment rather than prolonged waiting periods.
One feature I found particularly appealing was the opportunity to earn Gold coins, a rarity in many games, alongside tournaments that offer enticing rewards. The straightforward nature of Tank Force encourages close combat, immersing players in the action right away. However, the smaller maps may not appeal to everyone, depending on personal preferences.
Final thoughts
As we reflect on the current state of World of Tanks, it’s worth noting the significant improvements being made. For those who may have stepped away from the game due to past frustrations, Wargaming is actively addressing many of its shortcomings, particularly in matchmaking, which now aims for more balanced +1/-1 games.
Additionally, numerous tanks have been reworked and buffed in the recent 2.0 update. Perhaps most surprisingly, Wargaming has generously offered gifts such as a month of premium access, 15,000 Bonds, and 2,500 Gold—an unexpected gesture that many players never anticipated.
This holiday season presents an excellent opportunity to revisit the game, as players can take advantage of these gifts along with various specials for December celebrations, including a special Tier VII premium tank. The question remains: what are you waiting for?
Ultimately, if you seek a gaming experience closest to World of Tanks, PANZERKAMPF may be your best bet. However, for those looking for a different and potentially superior experience, War Thunder could be the way to go. If modern vehicles are your preference but the grind of War Thunder feels daunting, Armored Warfare offers a more accessible alternative. Regardless of your choice, the thrill of armoured combat awaits.
