With the arrival of Wednesday, January 14, World of Tanks battlefields will see the major Update 2.1.1. In addition to the expected Tier XI tanks and the American autocannon line, several “hidden” newcomers will enter the game, which we will encounter in the hands of Supertesters. Let’s look at where these new predators have weaknesses and how the offer in the bond shop is changing.
Update 2.1.1 brings a surge of new technology to World of Tanks. Along with two new Tier XIs, it also brings seven new machines that will appear in battles in the hands of Supertesters. Although you won’t encounter them often, it’s better to be prepared than surprised. Therefore, we bring you a few tips on how to effectively fight against these machines.
Ogar (Czechoslovakia, MT)
Among the Tier IX newcomers, the Czechoslovak medium tank Ogar, which relies on turbo mode mechanics, is drawing a lot of attention. Although it has solid gun stabilization on the move, its armor is very deceptive.
The listed value of 210 mm on the turret only applies to a very small area and drops to as low as 160 mm towards the edges, making it an easy target right next to the gun. Looking at the hull, it is necessary to avoid shooting at the central polygon with a thickness of 240 mm and aim rather below it or at the weaker sides, where the armor decreases to an average of 175 mm. Even in hulldown, the Ogar remains vulnerable due to the hittable driver’s hatch and two cupolas on the turret. It also suffers from a specific weak spot when attempting to side-scrape.
KB-52 (USSR, MT)
Another interesting hybrid is the Soviet medium tank KB-52, which combines the turret from Object 752 and the hull from Object 777. An experienced player can hide the two large cupolas on the turret by simply raising the gun, but the hull is significantly weaker than the original 777.
In its weakest point, it has only 75 mm, which prevents effective angling, and when side-scraping, it reveals a critical spot with an effective thickness of 187 mm that can be easily penetrated.
Buryan (USSR, HT)
An even greater disappointment for lovers of Soviet steel is the heavy tank Buryan. Its turret is decorated with a huge cupola, which cannot be hidden even in terrain due to low gun depression (only 6 degrees).
The front plate of the turret is also relatively weak, as it can be penetrated with standard ammunition with a fifty percent chance. Burian’s hull is equally poor – the lower plate is huge and almost unangled, while the tank absolutely cannot side-scrape because it reveals the side before it can aim.
A curiosity is the “shot trap” under the turret, where shells can bounce directly into the weak hull roof.
French reinforcements
Terrifiant (IX, HT)
The strongest French representative is the Tier IX heavy tank Terrifiant, whose turret is almost impenetrable and reliably hides its single cupola in hulldown. Against its hull with 250 mm of armor, most opponents will already have to reach for premium ammunition.
Lorraine 120 Alby (VIII, TD)
In contrast, the Tier VIII tank destroyer Lorraine 120 Alby has its strongest part in the semi-traversable turret, which is not worth shooting at. A better strategy is to aim at the superstructure or the cupola, though you won’t see the cupola in hulldown. Attention is also warranted for a model error where there is armor of only 25 mm above the left track, allowing for an easy overmatch.
Leox (IX, MT)
The trio is closed by the Tier IX medium tank Leox, a purebred sniper without armor. The only thing that can occasionally bounce a shell is the gun mantlet, while the hull with a thickness of 35 mm is subject to the overmatch rule for any caliber above 105 mm.
Kame (Japan, MT)
Similarly fragile is the Japanese Tier IX medium tank Kame, which features unique gun cooling mechanics, but its armor is practically “green” everywhere except for the turret edges, and its 40mm sides are easy targets for guns of 120 mm caliber and more.
Tier XI News
STK-2 (Japan, HT)
The Japanese heavy tank STK-2 is the first machine that can truly effectively side-scrape even against the strongest HEAT ammunition. If you are facing it, the only chance is precise shooting at the turret cupola or exploiting its huge lower plate if the driver carelessly reveals it. Given its extreme length, it is also easier to surprise it from the side.
PTZ-78 (China, TD)
The turretless tank destroyer PTZ-78 represents an almost insoluble problem in hulldown because its frontal structure can withstand shells with penetration over 400 mm. The only weakness in this position remains the track area, where an overmatch is possible, or a lucky hit next to the gun.
RS-90C (USA, MT)
Conversely, the American RS-90C with an autocannon relies on a high-mounted gun, thanks to which it doesn’t have to drive out too high in hulldown. Although its turret is susceptible to premium ammunition, it is a dangerous opponent in terrain, where the weakest point is the plate above the gun with only 25 mm of armor.
Bond Offer
The January Update 2.1.1 also brings news to the bond shop in World of Tanks. Wargaming did not proceed with removing older models this time, so players do not have to worry about losing access to existing vehicles. Instead, the offer is expanding by five machines covering a wide range of playstyles from Tier V to Tier IX.
The biggest attraction for experienced tankers is undoubtedly the French Tier IX light tank Char Mle. 75, available for 11,000 bonds. This machine is unique for its combination of turbo mode and an atypical magazine that fires three rounds in quick succession with one click. It is a tank that requires a high level of concentration, but in the hands of an experienced player, it can cause absolute chaos on the battlefield. If you prefer raw power and reliability, there is the Somua SM for 8,000 bonds. This Tier VIII heavy tank is famous for its five-round magazine, which can take out even a fully healthy opponent of the same tier in a short time. Although its hull armor is not impenetrable, its firepower potential makes it one of the best machines for earning credits in the current offer.
For lovers of lower tiers and historical machines, the offer includes the Soviet tank destroyer ISU-122S at Tier VII for 6,000 bonds, offering extreme damage per minute. It is complemented by the British Tier VI light tank A46 for 4,000 bonds and the American Tier V veteran T14, costing a symbolic 1,500 bonds. While the A46 will please collectors due to its mobility, the T14 remains a solid choice for beginners learning to work with armor angling.
Options for spending bonds do not end in the bond shop, however. Players who reach Gold rank in Onslaught will gain access to the new exclusive American Tier IX light tank LTC II. For those who reach at least Bronze tank waits a new generation of improved bond equipment. Among the most interesting items are the Tactical Concealment Net and the Telescopic Observation System. These activate after only 1.5 seconds of standing still, drastically changing the dynamics of passive scouting and sniping.
Finally, visual additions cannot be overlooked. For 3,000 bonds, you can now purchase prestigious 3D styles previously available only through lootboxes. New additions include the majestic Major Ram for the T110E4, the technological-looking Sekhmet for the Object 140, or the elegant Vipère Noire for the AMX 13 105. Together with a new set of 2D styles, the bond shop in January 2026 offers a comprehensive package for both performance and aesthetics.
Have you already tried any tank from the new line or one of the two new Tier XIs? Let me know in the comments. And don’t forget that starting tomorrow, you can look forward to the first Battle Pass of this year.
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