The “Honeymoon phase” of Tier XI is over. After short period of domination by the T803 and Taschenratte, Wargaming brings the first major rebalance to the new era tech tree vehicles in Update 2.1.1. coming mid-January 2026. Update also delivers a brand-new US Medium Tank line with unique mechanics and introduces two Asian Tier XI giants. Let’s dive into the buffs, nerfs, and new toys. Actually, there are no nerfs coming at all!
The American Tech Tree Expands
A full branch of 4 brand-new American medium vehicles is coming, starting from the T20 (Tier 7) and leading up to Tier 11. They are equipped with a next-generation autocannon featuring a heat-management system. Wargaming promises “a whole new way to think about shooting in World of Tanks“.
- The Lineup:
- Tier 8: ARES 75
- Tier 9: ARES 85
- Tier 10: ARES 90
- Tier 11: ARES 90 C
The new meds combine 2 mechanics. The already known reserve tracks – which you might remember from Yoh HT line, but medium vehicles should move faster without tracks than heavy tanks do. And brand-new overheating autocannons. Unlike standard autoloaders or the Czech lights, these guns have no clip. You will have to manage a heat bar. If you shoot for too long, the gun overheats, loses accuracy, and eventually locks until it cools down.
Tier XI Rebalance: 6 Tanks Getting Buffed
Wargaming is finally addressing the worst-performing Tier 11s. No nerfs are planned, only buffs to bring these tanks up to par. For now, the exact stats remain unknown. WG has only outlined the general areas of improvement for each tank.
The most welcomed changes will be delivered for German Leopard 120, probably the biggest disappointment among 11s as it is currently worse—or at least far less enjoyable—than the X Leopard 1. Leopard 120 gets better accuracy, shell velocity or penetration (it is unclear which one exactly, but i would say velocity), higher durability and better dispersion on the move.
We continue with an infamous Hirschkäfer, arguably the worst Tier 11 of them all for part of the community. German TD can expect better reload time, higher alpha damage and better dispersion during turret/gun rotation. Combo of first 2 buffs can be quite dangerous on the battlefield.
Swedish tank destroyer Strv 107-12 only gets the special ability adjusted. A well deserved faster entry and exit times for siege mode, because now you are able to go grab a coffee before you can play in the special mode. It will also likely have better accuracy and better reload time than before in pillbox mode.
Russian Object 432 is in desperate need of a buff for its ability. You don´t have a chance to use it in close 1v1 fight – or you can, but will probably lose. That´s why the Obj 432 gets a better reload time, higher durability and better armor. The armor buff makes sense, as it currently has noticeably worse armor than the X Object 430U. Suggested faster ability charging (or faster alpha damage ramp-up) might mean more time to take the shot, or that the gun won’t lock (or will lock for a shorter duration) if you don’t fire.
A quirky French medium tank AS-X 40 T still feels more like an upgraded Tier 10 rather than a true Tier 11. Even so, it is a surprise how many buffs WG prepared for this vehicle – almost every parameter is being improved. Better reload time, higher durability, velocity and mobility, better dispersion on the move and during turret rotation and finally, better accuracy.
The biggest surprise on the list is Polish medium Shakal, because this tank is already well-balanced, so my concern is that WG might overpower it. Current fast reload time will be lowered and mobility increased. Alongside better dispersion and higher accuracy, it will be a deadly opponent.
Two New Tier XI Challengers
And Wargaming isn´t slowing down, the lineup of XI vehicles keeps growing! Together with rebalance they introduced two new Tier 11 tanks.
First is the PTZ-78, a new Chinese tank destroyer based on the WZ-113 tank, equipped with advanced solid-fuel boosters that provide not only powerful acceleration but also faster turning and even the ability to execute a quick U-turn to reposition in battle.
The second one, the STK-2, is a Japanese heavy tank with a hydropneumatic suspension and an enhanced active gun-cooling system. And you guessed it! It´s the same “useless” mechanic the Type 71 has. In my opinion, it doesn´t affect the gameplay of this HT line much, but we will see what WG brings to the battlefield, since the gun cooling system will apparently operate on multiple levels.