The era when World of Tanks was clearly distinct from its competitor, WarThunder, is definitively over. We are even entering an era of “inspiration”. Wargaming is currently testing a rapid-fire machine on the Supertest that has long been roaming the battlefields of WarThunder. To make it less obvious, the developers have introduced it under a different designation – the PGZ-70. In addition to this vehicle, a new map featuring an interactive environment has been introduced!
And I can’t help myself, but even the new planned map strikingly reminds me of a battlefield from WarThunder. In any case, you can’t deny Wargaming’s effort when it comes to creating new battlegrounds for World of Tanks. If I’m counting correctly, this is already the fifth map tested within the first two months of the new year! I’m curious to see if any of these maps will actually be finished and added to the live servers.
However, do you also remember when WG talked about us getting a map with a dynamic environment, where the sea would gradually flood an area, making it impassable? They’ve probably forgotten all about that in their offices. But what Wargaming never forgets is the development of new OP Russian tanks…
PGZ-70
The Ares line has seriously stirred the waters, not only within the World of Tanks community but especially in the battles themselves, where the Ares has completely upended established orders and tactics. Wargaming therefore contemplated how to quell the outrage of their loyal players. And they couldn’t have come up with anything better than creating another autocannon.
The PGZ-70, a new Chinese Tier IX medium tank, has been added to the Supertest phase of World of Tanks. Interestingly, this vehicle was originally tested as a tank destroyer, but due to its high mobility, it was reclassified as a medium tank.
The primary armament of the PGZ-70 consists of twin 57mm autocannons. Unlike the recently introduced American tanks from the Ares line, these weapons do not overheat. Instead, much like the Czechoslovakian light tanks, it utilizes a magazine mechanic. This medium tank can empty its 40-round clip in approximately 4 seconds (thanks to a delay of just 0.1 seconds between shots) and deal an average damage of around 1,400 HP.
In contrast to the Ares line and the Czech lights, the PGZ-70 will be able to rely on its penetration. Standard AP ammo penetrates 236 mm, while special APCR penetrates as much as 288 mm of armor. The equipment also includes HE shells with 50 mm of penetration, which can push the damage per clip up to 2,000 HP. The gun offers a solid depression of -8° and a surprisingly high elevation of +40°.
Once the tank empties its magazine, a 30-second reload follows, during which the vehicle is practically defenseless. This is especially critical because the vehicle’s protection is almost non-existent for Tier IX. The frontal armor of both the hull and turret is only 15 mm, the sides are 13 mm, and the rear is 8 mm, making it easily penetrable even by HE shells.
The tank relies on its maximum speed of 60 km/h forward and 20 km/h in reverse, supported by a specific power of over 24 hp/t. Its vulnerability is partially compensated for by an above-standard health pool of 1,800 HP and a very good base view range of 400 meters.
Inspiration from WarThunder?
If this tank seems somewhat familiar to you, you are probably right. Firstly, the PGZ-70 is based on the real-life Chinese self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, but more importantly, I’d bet most of you have seen it in connection with the rival game WarThunder, where it is known as a very formidable opponent (ZSU-57-2).
I don’t quite understand what WG is aiming for by adding another autocannon to the game, especially since the Ares line has impacted battles even more than the BZ-176 once did. However, the entire concept is still in its early stages, and as is typical with Supertest novelties, we might still see some changes. At least compared to the Ares tanks, the PGZ-70 seems balanced by its long clip reload and zero armor, so playing it might actually require some actual thinking and skill.
Moreover, the tank is being widely discussed by the community on Reddit. While some players praise the addition of a realistic and relatively balanced vehicle, others criticize Wargaming for their lax approach to solving the problematic Ares line and for unnecessarily creating yet another autocannon.
Into the Supertest: PGZ-70
by u/Pan_Praga in WorldofTanks
Empty Road
The latest addition to the tested maps is a 1,200×1,200 m desert map Empty Road set somewhere in the Middle East. It has an open layout with tactical opportunities for different vehicle classes. The new location features rolling terrain, several small villages, and a compact oil refinery. The map introduces a special interactive element – oil tanks. When destroyed, they create a 15-second fire zone that damages all vehicles inside it.
The oil refinery in zone number 1 is primarily intended for heavily armored vehicles. The dense buildings and industrial objects of the refinery provide ideal cover for static face-to-face combat, where armor thickness and striking power decide the outcome.
The open space in the blue zone number 2 will be a paradise for light and medium tanks. This zone serves as a strategic connecting hub that allows players to control several directions at once. However, it is highly dangerous due to its exposure around a small village. It is an ideal spot for agile tanks that can use their speed for quick strikes and timely retreats. On the screenshot, we can also see hilly terrain in the third area, which is tailor-made for medium tanks and fast “heavies”. Dominating this sector provides a huge tactical advantage, as it allows for the control of a significant part of the map and sniping at enemies from a safe position.
As I mentioned at the beginning, this map also strongly reminds me of content from WarThunder, specifically the Middle East map. This has also been pointed out by people on Reddit under a post by one of the WG employe.
Conclusion
Looking at the pace at which Wargaming has been churning out one tested map after another in recent weeks, it is clear that the developers are trying to revitalize the game environment. If they actually manage to bring maps like Empty Road to fruition and successfully implement them on live servers, we definitely have something to look forward to. Interactive elements could bring a fresh breeze of tactics that the game has needed for years.
As for the new Chinese autocannon, the PGZ-70, it is likely that its current parameters are not final. Given its unique twin-gun mechanic and zero armor, WG will probably continue to fine-tune the balance so the vehicle doesn’t feel as controversial in battles as the recent Ares line. The question remains in what form this “greeting from WarThunder” will enter the game—whether as a reward vehicle for a specific campaign or as part of loot boxes. The least likely option seems to be that the PGZ-70 would become part of a new tech tree branch.
If you missed the previously tested maps, you can check out my earlier articles dedicated to the maps “131_rust_ish“, Junction, Jungle, and Peaceful Atom.
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