War Thunder: The Best Tanks In The Game, Ranked

It might be hard to believe if you're an FPS gamer, but war also exists in glorious vehicular carnage where man-made metal mass murder machines duke it out in an ultimate test of engineering, tactics, and grit. Such a facet of modern warfare has no better representation in gaming than War Thunder.

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The free-to-play vehicular combat simulator has been around for quite a while now and has enjoyed its own niche. Of course, it wouldn't be as successful or as stable as it is right now without its impressive selection of tanks that ought to make any tank enthusiast drool. Which of them are worth your generous serving of salivation? Here are some of the best tanks in War Thunder.

Updated on October 8, 2021, by Reyadh Rahaman: Before climbing into one of the metal beasts within War Thunder, players can approximately gauge which tanks are the best for their playstyle by checking out their stats as well as giving them a test drive through at least a few battles. The make and models matter quite a bit, due to each nation possessing different engineering traits that sometimes prioritize a particular trait (such as firepower, speed, or more) over others--sometimes heavily. As such, the right balance can take some time to find.

15 Crusader MK II

Now, if you're aching for more mobility in your tanks, then the Crusader MK II might just be the best choice. It's a low-tier tank that comes in at a free price tag but don't let that put you off. The Crusader is a tank that's not easy to put into submission.

This one's incredible at surprising enemies because of its low stature and quickness in the field. The Crusader can harass or annoy enemy tanks that are slower and distract targets while also dishing out its own healthy serving of shells. The main gun isn't that impressive for kills though, so you'll have to get resourceful.

Crusader MK II Stats

14 T-50

It's not high-tier nor anything you can brag about but a significant portion of War Thunder's player base or free-to-play players who are reluctant on spending anything on the game. Some of them might just be starting out or don't have much time to grind for higher-tier tanks. In that case, the T-50 is a good choice for those who are new-ish but still want the best tank out of their selection in War Thunder.

The T-50 is fast and a perfect choice for flanking enemies while other beefier tanks soak up the gunfire and attention from the enemy who can also be outmaneuvered with ease. This scout tank is also great for something as high as BR 2, though, at that point, don't expect to get as many kills.

T-50 Stats

13 Pz.Kpfw. VI Tiger Ausf. E

Tiger tanks were feared in battle back in WWII for their superior firepower as well as armor and history nuts will be pleased to know that War Thunder retains the Tiger's historical merit. The Pz.Kpfw. VI Tiger Ausf. E or simply Tiger E is a tier 3 or rank III improved variant of the Tiger H1.

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It's capable of taking out other tanks with as little as one hit assuming the BR is appropriate. For a heavy tank, the Tiger E's mobility is surprisingly decent and can even shrug off some glancing fire coming from the side. Watch out for this one on the field.

Pz.Kpfw. VI Tiger Ausf. E Stats

12 Type 90

The Type 90 Japanese tank has a B variant but apart from the 10 mm plate where a minefield roller can be attached, they're practically the same. You can't go wrong with either barring minefields. Regardless, the Type 90 is not the best, but a decent all-around tank for the later tiers or BR of War Thunder.

Like most tanks here that have decent or exceptional mobility, the Type 90 suffers from having a weak side or fragile rear armor and mostly makes up for it with an automated 120 mm cannon and serviceable front armor. You would have to be vigilant about your flanks and that makes Type 90 players more skilled.

Type 90 Stats

11 T-80U

As a contemporary successor to the highly ingenious T-34 of the Soviets in WWII, the T-80U has all the positive qualities of its granddaddy tank. Where it shines is its exceptional armor as the sloped turret and front facade of the tank are near-invincible.

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Coupled with the low-stature and impressive mobility, the T-80U can be used to flank and circle enemy tanks even in close engagements. The main cannon is accurate enough for shelling at considerable and safe distances.

T-80U Stats

10 Challenger 2

Are you less of a frontliner or flanker and more of a sniper? Then the Challenger 2 has something to offer for you. With the length of its main cannon, you could even mistake it for a howitzer or an artillery unit; aptly enough, the Challenger 2 can actually function more like a support or sniper tank.

This baby right here can rack up kill after kill quite easily and at a comfortable engaging distance due to its accurate main cannon that has a fast reload speed. You're also less likely to get cornered by frustrated opponents because the Challenger 2 is a War Thunder tank that can retreat fast, and, it also should as it doesn't have the best armor.

Challenger 2 Stats

9 CV 90120

Competing with the Challenger 2 when it comes to being one of the best sniper or support tanks in the game is the CV 90120. It was introduced in update 1.97 or nicknamed Viking Fury because the CV 90120 is a Swedish invention.

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Meanwhile, the tank's main cannon performance is stellar and can easily dispatch targets from afar. Reload times are also excellent and competitive enough. It's more of a mobile turret, however, as the armor on the CV 90120 is lacking and even borderline scarce. It does make up for it by being evasive with its mobility--just avoid the frontlines.

CV 90120 Stats

8 Ariete PSO

One of the finest medium tanks introduced in the game, the Ariete PSO is a well-rounded combatant in the field with its formidable penetration. It can quickly shift from target to target in quick succession because of its scary firepower.

The best part is that there's plenty of room for mistakes in the Ariete PSO--especially on the frontlines as the armor of this tank can withstand up to 105mm APFSDS shells and the turret can also take a beating. Where it lags behind is mobility.

Ariete PSO Stats

7 ZTZ96A

When it comes to killing other tanks, the ZTZ96A can become relatively unmatched as it boasts one of the strongest kinds of ammunition in the game. The ZTZ96A also protects its assets well and has an impenetrable turret so you can forget about shooting off its main gun when facing off against it.

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The protectiveness of its armor is also top-notch, making it an awesome frontliner that can sustain fire and look after itself. Much like tanks that focus on being effective frontliners, the ZTZ96A sacrifices some of its mobility.

ZTZ96A Stats

6 Leopard 2K

Germany is already one of the most desirable factions to pick in War Thunder thanks to its all-around great selection of the best tanks. Even in contemporary times, it also gave the world some impressive tanks, namely the Leopard 2K.

This one's a Rank IV medium tank with a 9.7 battle rating, making it a solid choice for when players are nearing the late game. It's quite a slick machine with its ability to reverse out of combat with the same speed as its forward push. For an agile and fast tank that doesn't sacrifice much firepower, this one delivers.

Leopard 2K Stats