Did you know that the KV-122 used to be one of the most feared vehicles on Tier VI? That's right, until Update 9.3, it was a researchable Tier VI heavy tank under the name of KV-1S. Eventually, it was split into the new KV-1S, the KV-85, and this meanie on Tier VII - yes, it's still a powerful machine.
Gameplay
As the name suggests, the KV-122 is based on the KV heavy tank hull. While it is considered strong on Tier V, it can barely withstand shots from similar vehicles, let alone higher-tier tanks. Its turret isn't very thick either, but it can bounce incoming fire occasionally thanks to its rounded shape. With all of this in mind, it's clear that this tank isn't made to lead the charge into the enemy's defence.
It does have surprisingly good mobility though, which helps it move faster than your average heavy tank. You can either go with your heavy tanks as support or bully enemy medium tanks. However, keep in mind that your view range isn't as good, so you risk getting spotted way before you see any opponents.
Let's take a look at its gun, the 122 mm boomstick. If you're familiar with Soviet heavy tank guns, you will know how to handle this one. Of course, there are some downsides to its huge damage per shot, and that would be the accuracy, aiming time, and rate of fire. So it's very important to make each shot count. Stay close to your targets for the highest hit chance, but have allies around to cover you while you reload.
Equipment
Recommended Setup | ||
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The gun is what you mainly need to focus on. With this set of equipment, you'll make it shoot faster, aim quicker, and hit more reliably. We don't recommend using any other piece of equipment apart from these as you'll sacrifice too much of your gun's performance.
Crew Skills
Commander | |||
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Gunner | |||
Driver | |||
Loader |
To keep your tank rolling, make sure to teach Repair to your trusty tankers. Afterwards, Snap Shot and Smooth Ride will make it easier to aim while moving or when turning your turret. Safe Stowage gives you some protection from ammo rack damage – something that many Soviet vehicles are struggling with. To top it off, Brothers in Arms gives you a neat bonus to many characteristics.
Adrenaline Rush
Decreases the gun reload time by 10% if your vehicle's HP drops below 10%.
Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.
Brothers in Arms / Sisterhood of Steel
Increases the training level of your crew members by 5%.
Works only if the skill progress has reached 100% for every single crew member.
Band of Brothers
Increases the training level of your crew members by 5%.
Works only if the skill progress has reached 100% for every single crew member.
Also works if other crew members have Brothers in Arms / Sisterhood of Steel.
Call for Vengeance
Reports the enemy vehicles' location for two more seconds after the destruction of the own vehicle.
Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.
Clutch Braking
Increases the traverse speed of your vehicle.
The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.
Concealment
Increases the camouflage value of your vehicle.
The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.
Controlled Impact
Increases the ramming damage dealt and decreases damage taken by ramming.
The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.
Deadeye
Increases the chance of landing a critical hit.
Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.
Designated Target
Keeps targetes vehicles visible for two more seconds.
Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.
Eagle Eye
Allows you to identify damaged/destroyed modules as well as injured crew members of an enemy vehicle by hovering your mouse over it for several seconds.
Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.
Firefighting
Reduces the duration and damage taken by fire.
The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.
Intuition
Grants a slight chance of changing the shell type without having to reload again.
Doesn't work with autoloaders. Works also while reloading.
Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.
Jack of All Trades
Reduces the performance penalty of wounded crew members.
The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.
Mentor
Increases the Crew XP gained for each member apart from the commander.
The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.
Off-Road Driving
Increases the mobility on medium and soft terrain.
The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.
Preventative Maintenance
Reduces the chance of taking fire.
Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.
Recon
Increases the view range of your vehicle.
The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.
Relaying
Increases the signal range of your allies' vehicles within your signal range.
The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.
Repair
Reduces the repair time of destroyed modules.
The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.
Safe Stowage
Increases the durability of your vehicle's ammo rack.
Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.
Signal Boosting
Increases the signal range of your vehicle.
The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.
Situational Awareness
Increases the view range of your vehicle.
The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.
Sixth Sense
Shows a lightbulb three seconds after you've been spotted.
Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.
Smooth Ride
Reduces the dispersion penalty while driving.
The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.
Snap Shot
Reduces the dispersion penalty of traversing the turret.
The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.
Additional Grousers
Increases the mobility on soft and medium terrain.
Binocular Telescope
Increases the view range of your vehicle by 25%.
Your hull must stand still for at least 3 seconds.
Camouflage Net
Increases the camouflage value of your vehicle tremendously.
Your hull must stand still for at least 3 seconds.
Enhanced Gun Laying Drive
Reduces the aiming time of your gun by 10%.
Coated Optics
Increases the view range of your vehicle by 10%.
Tank Gun Rammer
Reduces the reload time of your gun by 10%.
Spall Liner
Decreases damage taken by ramming and high-explosive splash.
Toolbox
Decreases the repair time of destroyed modules.
Cumulative with the Repair skill.
Improved Ventilation
Increases the training level of your crew members by 5%.
Vertical Stabilizer
Reduces the dispersion penalties of hull and turret traverse, as well as driving by 20%.
"Wet" Ammo Rack
Increases the module HP of your ammo rack.