Tankers!

We're bidding adieu to the tier V T-50-2 once the 8.7 Update arrives; it will be replaced with the tier VI MT-25. So we wanted to take some time and shed some light on what the MT-25 is bringing to World of Tanks, some of the other changes happening to the Soviet tech tree, as well as what you can expect to happen to your crew for those of you who already have invested a significant amount of time into the T-50-2. To help us break all of this information down, our resident light tank expert Yoott was kind enough to author this preview: Introducing the MT-25.

First Impressions of the MT-25

The first thing a player will notice once they log in will be the sheer size difference in the tank compared to the T-50-2. I would estimate width wise the MT-25 is 20 to 25% wider with much thicker tracks and a much beefier turret and hull design. The tank itself weighs in approxmatly 10 tons heavier with thicker armor in the hull on all sides and sides and rear for the turret and this shows in the look of the tank. This tank's profile is not a thin racecar like the T-50-2.

The next thing a player will notice is that the MT-25 has an extra crew member: a Radio Operator (the Operator perks and skills will not train through the Commander any longer). This is not a bad thing, as now you can stack sight skills and use the Commander for other important perks like Sixth Sense.

Playing the MT-25

Playing with the tank is much different then the T-50-2. Since it's larger and heavier, it takes more time to reach full speed. However, it's still a nimble tank with increased traverse speed so it turns well despite its larger size and can zip around corners. Players who have a lot of experience with the German lights, especially the Leopard, will find this a very easy tank to drive.

I found the tank performs better as a passive scout (hiding in holes, behind rocks, etc.), rather than the speedier and more aggressive playstyle because I had to take into account the vehicle's larger size. On a positive note, I've had more shots bounce off me than I did in the T-50-2 -- likely due to the increased sloped armoring.

Overall, T-50-2 players will need to adjust their style of scouting from aggressive to passive and take advantage of that extra armor to counter-scout and support your medium and heavy teammates. MT-25 players will need to become more map aware and adjust their tactics to the battle at hand.

Overall Stat Changes From the T-50-2 to MT-25

Increased from tier V to tier VI

No longer researched on the T50 line; now branches off the KV-1S line

Cost is 24,400 XP and 880,000

Increased by one crew member (Radio Operator)

Increased hit points from 560 (T-50-2) to 570 (MT-25)

Increased weight to a maximum of 28 (t)

Increased Engine Power from 550 h.p. (T-50-2) to 600 h.p. (MT-25)

Speed limit remains at 72 km/h

Increased hull armor from 37/37/37 (T-50-2) to 45/40/40 (MT-25)

Increase turret armor from 45/40/40 (T-50-2) to 45/45/45 (MT-25)

Rate of fire increased from 20.69 to 22.22 rounds/min

Increased turret traverse speed from 46 to 48 deg/sec

View range remains the same

Signal range remains the same