World of Tanks is a free-to-play team tank battle game from Wargaming. In the main Random Battles, two teams of up to 15 players fight on one map, and you win by destroying every enemy vehicle or capturing the enemy base. Over time you research stronger tanks up the tiers, now reaching Tier XI.
What is World of Tanks?
World of Tanks is a free-to-play online tank battle game from Wargaming. Two teams of armoured vehicles meet on maps inspired by real places, and each player drives one tank per battle. Choosing the right spot, using cover and reading the map matter as much as raw firepower, so it plays more like a tactical shooter on tracks than an arcade game.
The game first launched in Russia in August 2010 and in Europe and North America in April 2011, and it marked its 16th anniversary in August 2026. The latest big update as of October 2026 is Update 2.4, released at the start of September 2026, which added a German heavy tank line topped by the Tier XI Pz.Kpfw. Neu, more Tier XI vehicles, reworked light tank roles and matchmaking, and began Onslaught's Year of the Phoenix seasons. Our Update 2.4 and Onslaught guide has the details.
| Fact | World of Tanks (as of October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Developer and publisher | Wargaming |
| First release | August 2010 (Russia), April 2011 (Europe and North America) |
| Platform covered here | PC (Windows), via Wargaming's launcher or Steam |
| Price model | Free to play, with optional premium time and vehicles |
| Genre | Team-based tank combat |
| Vehicle classes | Light, medium and heavy tanks, tank destroyers, self-propelled guns |
| Tiers | I to XI, across 11 nations, 800+ vehicles |
| Latest major update | Update 2.4, September 2026 |
Console players have a separate version called World of Tanks: Modern Armor. To see how it compares with other games, visit every game explained.
What is the objective of World of Tanks?
The long-term goal is to climb the tech trees. Each nation has lines of tanks that run from Tier I up to Tier X, with Tier XI vehicles now at the top of many lines. You earn experience and credits in battle, research the next tank, buy it and keep moving up, while also chasing skill badges such as Marks of Excellence and Ace Tanker.
In a single battle the objective is to help your team win, either by destroying the enemy team or by capturing their base. Dealing damage, spotting enemies for your teammates and surviving all add to your rewards, so a careful player who contributes all match earns more than one who rushes in and dies early.
How do you win a match in World of Tanks?
In Random Battles, the main mode, two teams of up to 15 players each fight on one map. You win in one of two ways: destroy every enemy vehicle, or capture the enemy base by staying inside its circle long enough without being damaged. Taking damage while capturing resets your progress, which is why defenders try to hit tanks sitting on their base.
| Mode | Team size | How you win |
|---|---|---|
| Random Battles | Up to 15 vs 15 | Destroy all enemy vehicles or capture the enemy base |
| Onslaught | 7 vs 7 | Win competitive battles to earn rank points and climb the seasonal ranks |
| Frontline | 30 vs 30 | Large-map battles on a big front line, as listed by Wargaming |
| Steel Hunter | Battle royale | Outlast the other players to finish first |
Beyond these, Wargaming runs themed events and clan content such as the Global Map and Strongholds. Bots fill empty Random Battle slots when there are not enough players.
How does ranked or progression work?
Onslaught is the competitive mode, with ranks and seasonal rewards, and the 2026 to 2027 cycle is called the Year of the Phoenix. Outside of Onslaught, progress means tech tree research, Personal Missions campaigns and skill badges. Our Marks of Excellence guide explains how the gun marks work, and the Update 2.4 guide covers Onslaught in detail. You can browse every article in the World of Tanks guides hub.
Beginner tips to win more
- Do not rush in first. Early deaths cost your team hit points and you earn almost nothing.
- Use cover and hull-down spots. Hide your lower hull behind ridges and rocks so only the turret shows.
- Angle your armour. Turning your hull slightly makes shells more likely to bounce.
- Learn your class's job. Lights spot, heavies hold lines, tank destroyers support from range.
- Watch the minimap. Check it every few seconds to see where the enemy is pushing.
- Do not ignore the base. Reset a capture by damaging tanks on your circle.
- Stick to one or two lines. Focused research gets you to stronger tanks sooner.
- Platoon with friends. Teammates who talk and focus the same targets turn more battles.
How can Boosting Games help with World of Tanks?
Boosting Games sells fixed-price World of Tanks services, all listed on the World of Tanks services collection. The prices below are starting prices as of October 2026, and the exact price for the option you pick shows before checkout. Not sure how an order runs? Our how it works page walks through every step.
| Service | What you get | Price |
|---|---|---|
| World of Tanks Onslaught Rank Boost | We push your Onslaught rank toward the target you pick | From $59 |
| World of Tanks Marks of Excellence | We play your chosen tank toward the marks you pick | From $25 |
| World of Tanks Tech Tree Research | We earn the XP to research the next tank in your line | From $35 |
| World of Tanks Personal Missions | We complete Personal Missions in the campaign you choose | From $19 |
| World of Tanks Platoon With Pros | Our players platoon with you on your own account | From $13 |
| World of Tanks Coaching | Live coaching or replay review | From $25 |
Honest risk note: Wargaming's terms say your account is personal and must not be shared, transferred or traded, and shared accounts can be suspended or closed. Piloted orders carry the most risk. Platooning with you on your own account carries less, and coaching carries none. Read our account safety page before you order. We never sell accounts, gold, credits, bonds, free XP, premium time, tanks, cheats or banned mods.
Get help with World of Tanks
Pick a service and option, see the exact price before you pay, and follow every session on your private order page.
See World of Tanks servicesAsk Boost Up AIRelated reading: World of Tanks Marks of Excellence guide, World of Tanks Update 2.4 and Onslaught guide, and two more beginner guides: what is War Thunder and what is Rocket League. For services, see our World of Tanks boosting page or ask Boost Up AI.
World of Tanks FAQ
Is World of Tanks free to play?
Yes. World of Tanks is free to download and play on PC. Wargaming earns money from optional extras such as premium account time, premium tanks and in-game gold, which speed up credits and experience. Every tech tree tank can be researched and bought by playing, though higher tiers take a long time without premium.
How many players are in a battle?
Random Battles hold up to 15 players per team, so up to 30 tanks on one map, and bots fill empty spots when needed. Onslaught, the competitive mode, is 7 versus 7. Frontline uses large maps with 30 players per side. Steel Hunter, the battle royale mode, works differently, with every player or small group fighting for themselves.
How do you win a battle in World of Tanks?
There are two ways to win a Random Battle. Either your team destroys every enemy vehicle, or you capture the enemy base by staying inside the base circle long enough without taking damage. Damage to a capturing tank resets its progress. Most battles end by destruction, but a well-timed capture can steal a win.
Which tank class is best for beginners?
Medium tanks are a good starting point because they balance speed, armour and firepower and teach you most of the game. Heavy tanks are forgiving if you learn to angle armour. Light tanks and self-propelled guns need more map knowledge, so leave them until you know the maps. Pick one line and stick to it at first.
What are Tier XI tanks?
Tier XI is a new top tier above Tier X, added with the 2.0 era of updates. Several nations now have Tier XI vehicles, and Update 2.4 in September 2026 added more of them, including the German Pz.Kpfw. Neu heavy. They take a long grind to reach, so beginners should focus on the lower tiers first.
What is Onslaught in World of Tanks?
Onslaught is the competitive 7 versus 7 mode with its own ranks and seasonal rewards. The current cycle, Year of the Phoenix, started with Update 2.4 in September 2026 and runs across several seasons. You earn rank points by winning and playing well. Our Update 2.4 guide explains the ranks and rewards in detail.
Sources: Steam: World of Tanks, MassivelyOP: Update 2.4, MassivelyOP: World of Tanks news, Wikipedia: World of Tanks.