Introduction
In the high-stakes world of “World of Tanks Blitz,” mastering armor and angling tactics is essential for maximizing your tank’s defensive capabilities. Whether you’re maneuvering a heavily armored behemoth or a more agile medium tank, understanding how to use your armor effectively can make the difference between survival and swift destruction on the battlefield. This guide dives into the intricacies of armor mechanics and angling techniques, providing a comprehensive look at how to optimize your defense in “World of Tanks Blitz.”
Understanding Armor Mechanics
To fully grasp the significance of armor and angling in “World of Tanks Blitz,” it’s crucial to understand how armor mechanics work. Armor in the game is represented by several key factors:
- Armor Thickness: This is the raw thickness of your tank’s armor. Different tanks have varying armor thicknesses on their front, sides, and rear. Heavier tanks generally boast thicker armor, while lighter tanks trade armor for speed.
- Armor Angling: The angle at which your tank’s armor plates are positioned relative to incoming shots. Proper angling can increase the effective thickness of your armor, making it more difficult for enemy shells to penetrate.
- Sloped Armor: Some tanks have naturally sloped armor, which automatically increases the effective armor thickness without additional angling.
- Spaced Armor: Certain tanks feature spaced armor, which consists of two layers of armor separated by a gap. This setup can mitigate the damage from HEAT and HE shells.
The Importance of Armor Angling
Angling your armor is one of the most effective ways to enhance your tank’s survivability. By positioning your tank at an angle relative to incoming fire, you can increase the effective armor thickness. This technique reduces the likelihood of enemy shells penetrating your armor, even if the actual armor thickness remains the same. Here’s how to effectively angle your tank:
- Optimal Angling: Position your tank at approximately a 30-45 degree angle to the enemy. This angling maximizes the effective armor thickness without exposing your tank’s sides too much.
- Side-Scraping: This tactic involves reversing your tank around a corner at an angle, exposing only a small portion of your side armor. Side-scraping is particularly effective with tanks that have strong side armor and tracks that can absorb shots.
- Hulldown Positioning: Utilize the terrain to hide your tank’s hull while exposing only the turret. Tanks with strong turret armor benefit greatly from hulldown positioning, as it minimizes the area exposed to enemy fire.
Types of Armor and Their Impact on Angling
Different tanks in “World of Tanks Blitz” come with various types of armor, each requiring specific angling strategies:
- Heavy Tanks: These tanks typically have thick frontal armor and benefit the most from angling. Heavies like the IS-7 or E 100 can use their robust front armor to bounce enemy shells effectively when angled correctly.
- Medium Tanks: With their balanced armor and mobility, medium tanks like the T-54 or M48 Patton can use angling to enhance their survivability while retaining the flexibility to flank enemies.
- Light Tanks: Light tanks generally rely on speed and agility rather than armor. However, in situations where engagement is unavoidable, angling can still help mitigate some damage.
- Tank Destroyers: These tanks often have strong frontal armor but weak sides and rear. Tank destroyers like the Jagdpanzer E 100 can use their powerful guns and frontal armor to hold positions, utilizing angling to protect their vulnerabilities.
Practical Angling Techniques
Here are some practical techniques to help you effectively angle your tank in various combat scenarios:
- Engagement Initiation: When approaching an enemy, avoid driving straight at them. Instead, angle your tank slightly to one side. This reduces the chance of a frontal penetration and makes it harder for the enemy to target weak spots.
- Corner Fighting: When fighting around corners, use side-scraping techniques. Position your tank at an angle where only the toughest parts of your armor are exposed. Fire when the enemy shoots, then quickly retreat back into cover.
- Reverse Angling: In situations where reversing is necessary, angle your tank’s rear armor. This can surprise enemies expecting an easy shot at your rear and increase the chance of bouncing their shells.
- Positioning in Cover: Use the terrain to your advantage. When using hulldown positions, find ridges or hills that allow you to expose only your turret. Tanks with strong turret armor, like the T110E5, can dominate in these positions.
Case Study: Angling in Different Tanks
Let’s look at specific examples of how angling can be effectively used in different types of tanks:
- IS-7 (Heavy Tank): The IS-7’s thick, sloped frontal armor can deflect most incoming fire when angled properly. By keeping the tank at a 30-45 degree angle to the enemy, you can increase the effective armor thickness and reduce penetration chances. Side-scraping with the IS-7 is also effective due to its strong side armor.
- T-54 (Medium Tank): The T-54’s well-rounded armor allows for flexible angling tactics. Use its mobility to flank enemies while maintaining an angled position. When engaging frontally, keep the tank at a slight angle to maximize armor effectiveness without compromising its agility.
- AMX 13 90 (Light Tank): While the AMX 13 90 relies more on speed than armor, angling can still play a role. In ambush scenarios, position your tank at an angle to increase the chance of bouncing enemy shells. Use hit-and-run tactics, leveraging your angled armor during brief engagements.
- Jagdpanzer E 100 (Tank Destroyer): This tank destroyer’s formidable frontal armor benefits greatly from angling. Position yourself hull-down behind cover, exposing only the heavily armored front. Angling slightly can further increase your armor’s effectiveness, making it nearly impenetrable from the front.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced players can make mistakes when it comes to angling their armor. Here are some common pitfalls and tips to avoid them:
- Over-Angling: Angling too much can expose your tank’s side armor, making it vulnerable to penetration. Keep your angles moderate to maintain a balance between deflection and exposure.
- Tunnel Vision: Focusing too much on one enemy can leave you vulnerable to flanking attacks. Always be aware of your surroundings and adjust your angling as new t
