Tank Wars: How to Play the Jagdpanzer IV and M18 Hellcat

HOW TO PLAY THE JAGDPANZER IV | HOW TO PLAY THE M18 HELLCAT | CONTENT CREATOR VIDEOS

Commanders!

The VI Jagdpanzer IV and VI M18 Hellcat are now fully engaged in Tank Wars Round 2. They saw action head-to-head during the Second World War, but now they are fighting for supremacy on the virtual battlefield.

Learn how to command these formidable tank destroyers today, and then see you in heated Tank Wars battles! Take a look at our top tips and pointers, then register in-game, choose your side, and start wreaking havoc!

Tank Wars: Round 2

Both registration and the event last until June 7 at 07:00 CEST (UTC+2).

How to Play the Jagdpanzer IV

FIREPOWER | SURVIVABILITY | MOBILITY | EQUIPMENT | CREW

A mighty World War II sharpshooter, a total of 1,699 VI Jagdpanzer IV s made it beyond the factory doors between January 1944 and March 1945. Thanks to its low silhouette and great gun, this versatile German proved to be an effective weapon at supporting both attack and defense. This dark horse could become your new favorite in World of Tanks with its fantastic accuracy and impressive mobility.

Firepower

With a 7,5cm L/70 gun mounted, the Jagdpanzer IV is one of the most accurate and efficient snipers in the game with 0.33 dispersion at 100 m. This should be your gun of choice as it boasts greater accuracy, penetration, and a solid 2,131 DPM compared to the other available gun options. It relishes the chance of taking on same and lower-tier tanks, and it stands a much better chance of penetrating the armor of Tier VII–VIII tanks.

Top tip: If tracking and striking targets from afar isn't your thing, creep towards enemies and try to outflank them so that you can use the quick rate of fire in a supportive role. Just be aware that you are also highly susceptible to being flanked, so always make sure to have your team guarding your back.

Survivability

Originally conceived as a well-armored TD using the Panzer IV chassis, the Jagdpanzer IV is a little nose-heavy given the 80 / 40 / 22 mm armor distribution, but it offers better protection for its crew than the M18 Hellcat. But that advantage is certainly not much to write home about.

The frontal armor will provide reasonable protection when facing enemies. However, it’s still best to play a somewhat subdued role and back away from early confrontations.

Top tip: Playing with caution can get a little dull. Don't be afraid to brawl towards the end of battles if you have a healthy HP pool. The frontal armor and quick-firing gun will see you through to the end of the battle.

Mobility

While it may not match the M18 Hellcat’s impressive mobility, the Jagdpanzer IV is still a fantastic mobile sniper. It embodies the favored hallmarks of a great TD: a solid gun, good speed, and decent maneuverability.

Top tip: Flank enemies and try to peer at their side and rear armor, make good use of the 40 km/h top speed and great camouflage values, and chip away at enemy HP.

Equipment

Recommended Setup
 

Hover your cursor over the images for more information on each piece of equipment.

You can also mount Improved Aiming in your first slot to decrease the aiming circle size by between 5-7%.

Crew Skills

Commander
Gunner
Driver
Loader

Concealment is crucial, while Repair is highly recommended for heated battles. You don’t want to be caught in a compromising position with your tracks down. The additional skills improve your gun and general performance in battle.


How to Play the M18 Hellcat

FIREPOWER | SURVIVABILITY | MOBILITY | EQUIPMENT | CREW

One of the most iconic vehicles of World War II, the VI M18 Hellcat proved itself a worthy adversary in battle. While it was known for having relatively thin armor, the gun was still capable of knocking out and destroying heavily armored Panzers and Tigers. Developed to counter the threat of German tanks on the front line, 2,500 were produced between July 1943 and October 1944 to act as a mobile reserve force that could plug gaps in the line.

At the Battle of Arracourt in September 1944, a handful of Hellcats pounced on and held back the German 113th Panzer brigade. The M18 Hellcat saw action in Korea after the war and remained in service until the 1990s. Now it's your turn to prove your battlefield skills and command this steely sniper.

Firepower

The M18 Hellcat packs some great striking power, especially with the 90 mm brute gun. The 1,694 DPM and standard AP rounds will be effective against most same-tier vehicles. It's also worth loading up some APCR and HE shells so that you’re ready to (cautiously) hunt higher tiers.

Top tip: As a feared sniper, you may find yourself on the receiving end of frequent artillery barrages. Make sure to dart away from danger and get yourself behind cover pronto. Otherwise, you risk being destroyed early on before even firing a shot.

Survivability

Sadly, the 12 mm of hull armor and 25 mm of turret armor are about enough to stop shrapnel and not much else. So stay out of sight and range for as long as possible! The standard view range is 370 m, but this can also be increased with the right equipment. Meanwhile, the Camouflage Net remains active when turning the turret, so be sure to equip it.

Top tip: It’s best to stay hidden once you’ve found a vantage point. Play passively at the beginning of the game and simply spot targets for your team. Once things are settled, emerge from cover to finish off enemies towards the end of the battle.

Mobility

The M18 Hellcat’s top trump card is in the rapid acceleration and the ability to outmaneuver enemies when stopping and turning. The top speed of 72 km/h makes it the fastest TD in the game and a fantastic cross-country vehicle. You’ll often be able to outsprint and outmaneuver opposing vehicles. The Hellcat’s mobility arguably gives it more protection than its armor as it can flee potentially devastating encounters with ease.

Top tip: Use the top speed to reach key positions before opponents. Then bide your time before unleashing hell with the powerful gun from a superior vantage point.

Equipment

Recommended Setup
 

Hover your cursor over the images for more information on each piece of equipment.

You can also mount Improved Aiming in your first slot to decrease the aiming circle size by between 5-7%. Another alternative would be to use Binocular Telescope to increase the view range by 25%, which is ideal for more stationary gameplay.

Crew Skills

Commander
Gunner
Driver
Radio Operator
Loader

Concealment is crucial, while Repair is highly recommended for heated battles. You don’t want to be caught in a compromising position with your tracks down. The additional skills improve your gun and general performance in battle.


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Additional Grousers

Increases mobility on soft and medium terrain.

Increases hull traverse speed.

Increases the ability to maintain speed.

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 the Brothers in Arms / Sisterhood of Steel perk.

Call for Vengeance

Reports the location of enemy vehicles for two more seconds after the destruction of your 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 stronger the effect.

Commander's Vision System

Reduces the concealment of moving enemy vehicles.

Reduces the concealment of enemy vehicles behind foliage.

Concealment

Increases the camouflage value of your vehicle.

The higher the skill progress, the stronger the effect.

Controlled Impact

Increases the ramming damage dealt and decreases damage taken by ramming.

The higher the skill progress, the stronger the effect.

Deadeye

Increases the chance of landing a critical hit.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Designated Target

Keeps targeted 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 damage and duration of fire.

The higher the skill progress, the stronger the effect.

Intuition

Grants a slight chance to change 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%.

Improved Aiming

Smaller aiming circle size.

Improved Hardening

Fully restores suspension hit points after repairs.

Increases suspension load capacity.

Increases vehicle hit points.

Enhances suspension durability.

Reduces hull damage caused by suspension damage during impact.

Faster suspension repair speed.

Improved Radio Set

Increases the time an enemy vehicle is visible.

Reduces the time your vehicle is visible to the enemy.

Improved Rotation Mechanism

Reduces dispersion during vehicle movement and traverse, as well as during turret rotation.

Improves hull and turret traverse speed.

Jack of All Trades

Reduces the performance penalty of wounded crew members.

The higher the skill progress, the stronger the effect.

Low Noise Exhaust System

Reduces the visibility of a stationary or moving vehicle.

Mentor

Increases the Crew XP gained for each crew member apart from the commander.

The higher the skill progress, the stronger the effect.

Modified Configuration

Prevents one fuel tank fire, ammo rack explosion, or engine destruction in one battle.

Increases engine durability and the capacity of the ammo rack and fuel tank.

Reduces the damaged ammo rack penalty and damaged engine penalty.

Reduces the chance of engine fire.

Increases repair speed.

Off-Road Driving

Increases mobility on medium and soft terrain.

The higher the skill progress, the stronger the effect.

Preventative Maintenance

Reduces the chance of engine fire.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Recon

Increases the view range of your vehicle.

The higher the skill progress, the stronger the effect.

Relaying

Increases the signal range of allied vehicles within your radio coverage.

The higher the skill progress, the stronger the effect.

Repair

Reduces the repair time of destroyed modules.

The higher the skill progress, the stronger 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 stronger the effect.

Situational Awareness

Increases the view range of your vehicle.

The higher the skill progress, the stronger the effect.

Sixth Sense

Shows a light bulb 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 stronger the effect.

Snap Shot

Reduces the dispersion penalty when traversing the turret.

The higher the skill progress, the stronger the effect.

Spall Liner

Decreases damage taken by ramming and high-explosive splash.

Turbocharger

Increases engine power.

Increases top forward speed.

Increases top reverse speed.

Binocular Telescope

Increases the view range of your vehicle by 25%.

Your hull must be stationary for at least 3 seconds.

Camouflage Net

Significantly increases the camouflage value of your vehicle.

Your hull must be stationary 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%.

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 when moving and during hull and turret traverse by 20%.

"Wet" Ammo Rack

Increases the module HP of your ammo rack.

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