Unveiling the Armored Behemoths: Which Tank Reigns Supreme in War Thunder’s Armor Race?

In the explosive, high-stakes world of War Thunder, survival hinges on two crucial factors: firepower and protection. While a powerful gun can obliterate enemies, nothing beats the confidence of knowing you’re piloting a nearly impenetrable fortress. So, which tank boasts the thickest armor in War Thunder? The answer, like many things in armored warfare, is a bit more nuanced than it initially seems.

While the infamous Panzerkampfwagen VIII Maus often comes to mind due to its sheer size and notoriety, it doesn’t necessarily hold the title for the tank with the absolute thickest armor everywhere. However, it is fair to say that the Maus has one of the largest and most consistently thick armor profiles in the game. Certain areas of its armor plating reach thicknesses of up to 300mm. The Maus’s sheer size also means there’s more of it to be armored, providing a large surface area of heavily protected steel.

The Maus’s armor layout, while thick, isn’t always the most efficient in terms of angling or composite materials. Some modern tanks in War Thunder employ more sophisticated armor arrangements that, while potentially thinner in certain spots, offer superior effective armor protection due to their design.

Therefore, while the Maus is a very strong contender and a fantastic example of raw, thick steel, judging by the pure thickness of the armor in milimeters, one could consider the British Challenger 2 to have some of the thickest armor in the game due to its utilization of the second generation Chobham armor.

Ultimately, the “best” armor depends on the specific situation, the enemy you’re facing, and your own playstyle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Armor in War Thunder

1. What is “effective armor” and why is it important?

Effective armor is the armor’s resistance against penetration, taking into account not just the physical thickness but also the angle of impact and the material composition. Angled armor deflects shells more easily, and composite armor provides superior protection compared to rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) of the same thickness. A tank with thinner physical armor but superior angling and composite materials can have higher effective armor.

2. How does angling affect armor effectiveness in War Thunder?

Angling your tank increases the effective thickness of your armor. A shell striking armor at an angle has to travel through more material, increasing its chance of deflection or shattering before it penetrates. Understanding angling is crucial for maximizing your survivability.

3. What are the different types of armor in War Thunder?

War Thunder models various types of armor, including rolled homogeneous armor (RHA), cast homogeneous armor (CHA), composite armor, and spaced armor. Composite armor, found on more modern tanks, combines different materials like ceramics and steel to offer superior protection against various threats. Spaced armor creates air gaps to disrupt the penetration of shaped charges.

4. What is the most heavily armored area on the Maus?

The turret front of the Maus is one of its most heavily armored areas, boasting up to 240mm of armor plating. The hull front is also well-protected at 220mm.

5. Does the Challenger 2 really have the “best” armor?

The Challenger 2 is renowned for its Chobham armor, a composite matrix of ceramic and metal. While it might not be the thickest physically in every location, this advanced armor offers exceptional protection against a wide range of threats, making it one of the best-protected tanks in the game.

6. How does the FV4005 Stage II’s armor compare to other tanks?

The FV4005 Stage II is infamous for its massive 183mm gun but known for being a glass cannon. Its armor is relatively thin and offers little protection, making it extremely vulnerable to enemy fire. Survivability is not its strong suit!

7. Can a Maus survive an encounter with a modern Main Battle Tank (MBT)?

In War Thunder, an experienced player in a Maus can certainly give modern MBTs a run for their money, but it’s an uphill battle. While the Maus’s armor can bounce some shots, modern rounds can penetrate it with relative ease. The Maus’s slow speed and large size also make it an easy target.

8. Why was the Maus removed and then re-added to War Thunder?

The Maus was initially removed due to balancing issues and its perceived status as a “meme tank.” However, popular demand led to its reintroduction as an event vehicle, available periodically.

9. What are the weaknesses of the Maus?

The Maus’s main weaknesses are its extremely slow speed, large size, and relatively weak side armor. It’s also vulnerable to air attacks and artillery strikes.

10. Can an RPG-7 penetrate a modern tank’s armor in War Thunder?

In War Thunder, most RPG-7 rounds are ineffective against the frontal armor of modern MBTs like the M1 Abrams or Leopard 2. However, they can still damage lightly armored vehicles and inflict critical hits on tracks or engines.

11. Is armor more important than firepower in War Thunder?

Both armor and firepower are essential for success in War Thunder. A balance between the two is ideal. However, depending on your playstyle and the vehicle you are using, you may find that focusing on one aspect over the other is more beneficial.

12. How does War Thunder simulate armor penetration?

War Thunder uses a complex algorithm to calculate armor penetration based on shell type, impact angle, armor thickness, and material properties. The game takes into account factors like normalization (the shell’s tendency to correct its angle upon impact) and ricochet chance.

13. What’s the difference between kinetic energy penetrators (AP) and chemical energy rounds (HEAT)?

Kinetic energy penetrators (AP) rely on their high velocity and density to punch through armor. Chemical energy rounds (HEAT) use an explosive charge to create a superplastic jet of molten metal that penetrates armor. Each type of round has its strengths and weaknesses against different types of armor.

14. Where can I learn more about tank armor and War Thunder?

There are many online resources available, including the War Thunder Wiki, forums, and YouTube channels dedicated to War Thunder strategy and vehicle analysis. You can also learn a lot by experimenting in the game itself. Don’t forget to check out GamesLearningSociety.org for insights into how games like War Thunder can enhance learning and strategic thinking.

15. What other factors besides armor contribute to a tank’s survivability in War Thunder?

Besides armor, a tank’s mobility, crew skill, repair speed, and smoke grenade launchers can significantly impact its survivability. A skilled player can use these factors to evade enemy fire, repair damage quickly, and reposition to avoid being flanked.

Mastering the intricacies of armor in War Thunder is crucial for dominating the battlefield. Understanding armor thickness, effective armor values, angling, and shell types will give you a significant advantage over your opponents. So, get out there, experiment, and find the armored behemoth that suits your playstyle!