WoT: Another New Map on Supertest. BZ-176 for Sell?

You certainly remember when I recently introduced the adjustments to the tested map featuring elevators and rockets. This battlefield doesn’t even have a name yet, but information is already leaking about another upcoming map called Junction. And while the Supertest is buzzing with another new map, the community is alive with speculations about the approaching Black Market. To make matters worse, WG introduced another novelty for Supertesters, the Tier X medium tank Durendal. I bring you a summary of the most important news from the past few days.

Trains that Change the Battlefield

A brand-new summer map called Junction is entering the Supertest phase. It is set in an Eastern European environment and has a standard size of 1000 × 1000 meters. From the images, it appears flat, meaning you will be at risk almost everywhere.

The main dominant feature of the map is a large railway junction in the middle of the battlefield. However, what makes this map truly unique is a new dynamic mechanic. Just like with the already tested map, in this case, we can also look forward to mechanics triggered by players. Unlike the rocket support that lands on camper positions on the other map, this mechanic is seemingly harmless. However, it can have a major impact on the course of the battle.

There are three train sets on the map that are not just static objects. The trains set in motion the moment a tank approaches them. Wagons can thus create temporary cover for attacking vehicles or, conversely, reveal previously safe positions after moving away. The aforementioned movement of trains will occur in areas numbered 5 (see image).

Battles in the central part will therefore require constant vigilance, as your “bulletproof” cover can literally drive off the scene. Further layout of the battlefield is apparent from the image below.

Area number 2 is intended as a heavy tank area. It connects to the medium tank direction and to the center of the map via the “balconies” in the park zone.

Medium tanks can use their mobility to get to area number 3. It is possible to fight inside the tunnel or on top of it, but there are only a few options for cover from enemy fire on the surface. We can see two large piles of sand, a few bushes, and several buildings.

Tank destroyers with lower durability can use positions 4, where they can hide behind existing buildings. However, too few bushes will not provide much camouflage.

For light tanks, the central area 6 with the castle “balcony” is prepared. Let’s hope that during the testing of this map, we will see the addition of some „greenery“.

Another Frenchman

In addition to the new map, another interesting addition to the French vehicle family has appeared on the Supertest, the Tier X medium tank Durendal. The Durendal looks like a “Frankenstein.” If its silhouette seems familiar to you, you are not mistaken. The turret comes from the Italian medium tank Carro da Combattimento 45t, and the base is a chassis from the Tier X French artillery B-C 155 58. This machine relies primarily on mobility, but the most interesting feature of the Durendal is its gun, as it combines the styles of two different tanks.

The classic autoloader is supplemented by a “burst damage” mechanic, which we know, for example, from the MBT-B or Char Mle. 75. With one click, two shots fire from the gun in succession. Between these two shots within a single burst, there will likely be a similarly short delay of approximately 0.5 s, just like the MBT-B and Char Mle. 75 have. This is followed by a 4-second intraclip, after which you can fire another two shots. The entire magazine reloads in 25 seconds.

The alpha damage is 350 HP, and 440 HP in the case of HE shells. In 5 seconds, you can theoretically deal 1400 damage (assuming you hit all 4 shots), which is a very solid value for a medium tank. Unfortunately, this will be complicated by the miserable penetration, and not only of the standard shells, as the AP has a penetration of only 242 mm and the APCR only 300 mm. With a maximum speed of 60 km/h and good agility, it is a typical support tank that does not possess strong armor – although 200 mm on the turret may trouble some small calibers – but it can deal significant damage very quickly and disappear.

Mysterious Teaser

Over the weekend, a short teaser appeared on the official World of Tanks Twitch channel, immediately stirring the waters of community discussions. The main protagonist of the video was a raven – an unmistakable symbol associated with the legendary Black Market event.

According to available leaks and indications, the upcoming event could follow the auction format, similar to last year.

According to community estimates, the event could start after the end of January, as it should smoothly follow the conclusion of the Trade-In event. As for the format itself, a system of auctions for credits or gold is expected again, supplemented by time-limited offers.

The main attraction will likely be content in the form of rare Tier VIII premium tanks, unique 3D styles, or legendary Tier X machines, with the biggest discussions and speculations revolving around the possible return of the powerful BZ-176.

In my opinion, however, we will not see this vehicle, as WG has already had several more suitable opportunities to return this tank to sale. They are well aware of how much the arrival of the BZ-176 disrupted the game balance, especially in Tier VIII and lower battles.

I’m curious to see how the situation on the Supertest evolves and what final parameters the Durendal and the Junction map will eventually have when they hit the live servers. I will, of course, keep you updated on any further changes. Make sure to follow my website so you don’t miss any World of Tanks news. Have you already heard about the other machine currently roaming the Supertest? And what are your thoughts on the new line of American medium tanks after nearly 14 days of gameplay?