World of Tanks HEAT preview: Adding a pinch of hero shooter to the recipe

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A small feeling of disappointment washed over me when I learned that Wargaming’s next game would be a hero shooter, given that their previous entry in the genre, Steel Hunters, was closed down shortly after its Early Access launch. However, after sampling a bit of World of Tanks HEAT at Gamescom 2025, I must admit that my hope for its success has been somewhat restored.

To begin with, it’s not a typical extract-oriented shooter, and that’s a significant advantage in my opinion. Instead, you can delve into classic game modes, such as the longstanding Conquest mode where you battle for strategic positions on the map. This is a style that every shooter enthusiast will instantly recognize.

As a game enthusiast diving into new experiences, I can’t help but notice the advantage that familiarity brings in this case. You see, World of Tanks already has a thriving community, and its successor, HEAT, is running under the same intellectual property. This gives HEAT an edge over Steel Hunters, which is entirely fresh and new, as it can leverage the developers’ understanding and connection with the existing fanbase.

Instead of piloting advanced mech machines across the battlefield, you’ll be operating the classic tanks that form the core of our company’s success. Unlike the original game, which emphasizes historical accuracy, HEAT is set in an alternate reality where the Cold War escalated into a full-blown conflict immediately following World War II. The technology in this alternative timeline differs slightly from our own, offering the developers more creative freedom when designing vehicles.

In simpler terms, the creators shared that the design of vehicles in HEAT will maintain a balance of 70% realism and 30% creativity. The primary means of earning money is through customization of these tank designs, and the game itself will be available for free to play.

In addition, the game offers customizable vehicles for strategic gameplay. Each tank within the game can be tailored by interchanging parts to alter their fundamental attributes, thus allowing you to adapt them according to your preferred gaming approach – as long as it falls within the game’s class structure, which significantly influences playstyles.

As a dedicated gamer, I’d say in the world of tank warfare, we’ve got three main categories: Assault, Defender, and Marksman. Defenders are all about toughness and shine brightest in close-quarter battles. On the other hand, the Marksmen are designed to unleash long-range firepower, but they can be a bit fragile. The Assault tanks, though, strike a balance between both worlds – delivering power while maintaining a decent level of durability. This setup is quite typical in hero-based shooter games.

In the world of HEAT, drivers play an essential role in defining a hero. Each driver possesses their unique tank, and while alternatives can be obtained for several drivers, each comes with distinctive abilities that become active during battle. However, it’s important to note that not every tank can be paired with any driver.

During my gameplay sessions, I controlled Hound, a marksman tank driver, using the Leopard 1A6A1. This isn’t the toughest tank around, but it excels at eliminating enemies from the backline. Hound’s skills align well with these traits; he can deploy a decoy version of his tank on the battlefield to confuse enemies and draw fire away, and he can also load a shell that temporarily incapacitates targets. His ultimate skill boosts the tank’s sensor suite, highlighting weak points on enemy tanks and increasing the reload speed of his own vehicle, allowing him to unleash a rapid series of powerful shots.

Let’s talk about two crucial elements of the game. The first one is related to the modules I discussed earlier when we were discussing vehicle customization. During a game, you can aim for these modules and it can significantly impact the outcome. When you hit an opponent’s tank’s ammunition, it causes additional damage because the ammo explodes upon impact.

In the second point, World of Tanks HEAT follows similar combat rules, much like WoT, that are physics-based. This implies that the angle and velocity of a fired projectile, the type of shell employed, and the exact spot of impact all significantly influence whether the shot successfully penetrates a vehicle or is instead deflected by its armor.

The creators aim for HEAT to match the depth of World of Tanks (WoT), yet remain easier to grasp concurrently. Considering WoT’s age, veterans may hold an advantage over novice players, but HEAT aims to level this playing field with a more accessible approach by default.

The assortment created a rather delightful experience overall. The players’ potent and significant skills avoid being excessively over-the-top, maintaining the authentic tank fantasy the game aims for. I must say, the controls and shooting felt quite competent, especially when striking an enemy tank’s vulnerable spot, which was undeniably rewarding.

Even though I played against bots in a 10 versus 10 matchup, it was clear that a well-coordinated team could leverage their diverse vehicles and special skills to target strategic locations on the map effectively. Proper positioning is indeed essential for success.

Visually, the Wargaming’s engine is undeniably on target, offering a spectacle that doesn’t hinder the gameplay and maintains a sharp view, even during intense or heated scenes.

My main concern after observing is that the drivers’ design seems quite ordinary at best. While it’s acceptable since they aren’t often in view, even ordinary designs are preferable to really poor ones. For instance, the character Hound, whom I played, sports a Call of Duty cosplay that I find the most awkward yet. This includes sunglasses, a questionable ghillie suit hood (considering you’re driving a tank, what’s the need for camouflage?), and a skull face mask.

World of Tanks HEAT is coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

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2025-08-28 17:17