World of Tanks: HEAT

What you are actually playing

World of Tanks: HEAT is the quick, arcade take on tank battles. Matches are smaller and faster than in World of Tanks, five or ten tanks a side, and every tank is led by a hero commander with abilities of their own.

Armour and aim still matter, but the abilities change the rhythm of a fight. Knowing when to use them, and how they combine with your team's, decides more battles than careful angling.

The first hour

A short introduction, a few practice matches and then real ones. Matches are short and the action starts almost at once, so the first hour is spent fighting rather than driving to the front.

The first commanders are enough to learn on, and nothing in the first hour asks you to pay.

How progression works

You unlock more commanders and tanks, upgrade them and adjust how they play. Each commander has a clear role, from front-line brawler to support, and learning a few well beats owning many.

Progress comes from every match, win or lose, and a session of a few battles is enough to feel it.

Where the money appears

Premium time, commanders, tanks and cosmetics. The game is open to a free account, and money mostly buys speed and choice.

As with most team games of its kind, the cosmetic side is large, and offers appear in the shop and between matches.

Playing with other people

Matchmaking fills teams with other players and works well alone. Playing in a group with friends is where it shines, because commander abilities are strongest when they are used together.

How it runs

It is installed rather than opened in a tab, and it supports cross-play, so players on different devices meet in the same matches. The download is part of it, as its card says.

What it does better than the rest

• Short matches that start almost immediately.
• Commanders with abilities that make each battle different.
• Cross-play, so friends on other devices can play together.
• Easier to pick up than World of Tanks.

Where it falls short

• It needs a client and a download.
• Less depth than World of Tanks for players who want a long climb.
• Shop offers and cosmetics are prominent.

Your first week, in five moves

• Try a few commanders, then focus on one or two.
• Learn what each ability does before using it in a close fight.
• Play the 5v5 mode to learn the maps quickly.
• Team up with friends; abilities work best together.
• Buy nothing until you know which commanders you enjoy.

Who it is for

People who want tank battles without the long learning curve, in matches that fit into a short break, and who enjoy playing with friends. Not for anyone after the slow, tactical depth of World of Tanks.

The verdict

A quick, lively tank game that gets to the action fast. If World of Tanks feels like too much of a commitment, this is the easier way in.

Questions people ask

Is World of Tanks: HEAT free to play?

Yes. Premium time, commanders, tanks and cosmetics are optional.

Does it run in a browser?

No. It is installed as a client.

How is it different from World of Tanks?

Smaller, faster matches and hero commanders with special abilities. World of Tanks is slower and more tactical.

How long is a match?

Short, usually a few minutes, so a few battles fit into a break.

Can I play with friends?

Yes, in a group, and cross-play lets friends on other devices join.