Tactical maneuvers, close-quarters combat, long-distance shootouts… this lush, diverse landscape has it all.
In Update 1.10, Pearl River, a map that was removed from the game in 2015, will be returning to World of Tanks Random Battles with a significantly revamped design.
The Return of Pearl River
Pearl River was one of several maps that were removed from World of Tanks before the Update 1.0 milestone hit the live servers. The maps were removed because there were certain issues that didn’t allow players to fully unleash the combat potential of different vehicle types. In particular, players complained about Pearl River’s excessive linearity and convoluted routes.
Nevertheless, because of its unique setting, Pearl River remained one of the most popular maps among the removed locales, and many players asked us to bring it back. Now it’s been redesigned and given new life, and it’s time for this fan favorite to make its triumphant return!
The Beauty of Nature
This 1000x1000-meter summer map was inspired by the beautiful scenery of Southern China’s Yangshuo county. The map’s current climate is now much warmer and more tropical compared to the previous version.
We wanted to give players the opportunity to battle in one of China’s most picturesque corners while also preserving the nostalgic hallmarks of the old map: the bridge, the traditional Chinese temple complex, and the instantly recognizable watermills. All these landmarks were recreated from scratch.
Driving through this scenic locale will allow you to witness the wonders of nature:
- A bamboo grove
- Luscious rice terraces
- A magnificent waterfall home to regal water birds
- A verdant grotto covered in vines
- The karst hills that are so famous in the region that they’re even depicted on China’s 20 yuan banknote
Specially for the revamped map, we recreated the unique vegetation typical for the region. Bamboo thickets, osmanthus, lianas, and many other species of plant previously not in the game can be found at Pearl River.
To make the location more authentic, we’ve introduced over 20 small environmental objects, such as stone lanterns, bamboo rafts, and many more.
Special attention was given to the glistening, majestic waterfall whose rippling waters will surely capture your imagination. And, of course, there’s the Pearl River itself, whose emerald water flows across the entire map.
We reworked this map in full HD. Just take a look at how much Pearl River has changed and how stunning it’s become!
![](http://eu-wotp.wgcdn.co/dcont/fb/image/1_base_after.jpg)
![](http://eu-wotp.wgcdn.co/dcont/fb/image/1_base_before.jpg)
![](http://eu-wotp.wgcdn.co/dcont/fb/image/2_gorge_after.jpg)
![](http://eu-wotp.wgcdn.co/dcont/fb/image/2_gorge_before.jpg)
![](http://eu-wotp.wgcdn.co/dcont/fb/image/3_gorge_bridge_after.jpg)
![](http://eu-wotp.wgcdn.co/dcont/fb/image/3_gorge_bridge_before.jpg)
![](http://eu-wotp.wgcdn.co/dcont/fb/image/4_base_after.jpg)
![](http://eu-wotp.wgcdn.co/dcont/fb/image/4_base_before.jpg)
![](http://eu-wotp.wgcdn.co/dcont/fb/image/5_town_after.jpg)
![](http://eu-wotp.wgcdn.co/dcont/fb/image/5_town_before.jpg)
![](http://eu-wotp.wgcdn.co/dcont/fb/image/6_crossing_after.jpg)
![](http://eu-wotp.wgcdn.co/dcont/fb/image/6_crossing_before.jpg)
![](http://eu-wotp.wgcdn.co/dcont/fb/image/7_medium_tanks_direction_before.jpg)
![](http://eu-wotp.wgcdn.co/dcont/fb/image/7_medium_tanks_direction_after.jpg)
Gameplay Features
Pearl River will only be available for Standard and Encounter Battles in vehicles Tier III and higher. There are six main battle zones.
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/river_map_zone2.141d72.png)
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/river_map_zone2_3.3f07a0.png)
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/river_map_zone2_1.abce3d.png)
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/river_map_zone2_2.d8b3d7.png)
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/river_map_zone3_2.5159a4.png)
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/river_map_zone1.8a1606.png)
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/river_map_zone3.ea7721.png)
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/river_map_zone1_2.460351.png)
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/1.d6a515.jpg)
A favorable position to support your team in the center and engage the enemy coming from the central zone, as well as from direction 6. This is a good area for tank destroyers that can effectively stop attacks through the center.
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/1_1.d0dbde.jpg)
A favorable position to support your team in the center and engage the enemy coming from the central zone, as well as from direction 6. This is a good area for tank destroyers that can effectively stop attacks through the center.
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/2.03bacd.jpg)
From here, you can support your allies in direction 3 and control the central mountain and the village. This position is also great for tank destroyers.
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/2_1.c5b8c5.jpg)
From here, you can support your allies in direction 3 and control the central mountain and the village. This position is also great for tank destroyers.
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/3.6eed70.jpg)
A direction for fast and maneuverable tanks, as well as vehicles with tough, sturdy turrets. When breaking through this direction, you can easily reach the area where SPGs are hiding.
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/4.45bc14.jpg)
The central village. Holding this zone will allow you to control almost the entire map, including direction 3, the enemy base, and your base. Light tanks should rush here first.
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/5.87747a.jpg)
A narrow area at the foot of the mountain where medium tanks will find out who’s strongest. You can also mass your forces here to attack through the center or go behind the enemy line to surprise heavy tanks in direction 6.
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/6.72c349.jpg)
In this area, heavy tanks will fight face-to-face. Also, you can rush the enemy base or attack vehicles in direction 5 from here.
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/temple.41c8d7.png)
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/d1.9b9ec6.jpg)
The waterfall captures the imagination with its complex, stepped terrain and large number of unique visual and sound effects. Cormorants, rare exotic birds that live in this region, bathe nearby.
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/temple.41c8d7.png)
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/d2.011c29.jpg)
Each building and each individual element is fully consistent with real architectural prototypes. The high degree of historical authenticity further immerses players in China's mysterious and exotic atmosphere.
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/temple.41c8d7.png)
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/d3.9515ce.jpg)
In this picturesque grotto that smoothly descends to the water, you can hear truly unique sounds. The rustling of the green vines hanging over your vehicle is complemented by the sounds of dripping water.
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/temple.41c8d7.png)
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/d4.dce6cd.jpg)
On this picturesque promenade, you'll see another authentic corner of Yangshuo County, featuring a small traditional market, colorful lanterns, and bamboo rafts.
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/temple.41c8d7.png)
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/d5.172b15.jpg)
These picturesque hills are the hallmark of the entire region and are even depicted on China's 20-yuan banknote. We've recreated them with stunning accuracy using modern photo-scanning technology.
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/temple.41c8d7.png)
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/d6.8333f5.jpg)
Meow! Several cute kittens are hiding on the Pearl River map. Can you spot them all? But wait, there are more cool "easter eggs" that you have yet to find! Cats are not the only "secret elements" of this place, so be sure to carefully explore the map and write on the forum if you manage to find all its secrets!
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/flag_green.50c842.png)
![](https://content-wg.gcdn.co/locdoc/map-ui/river/img/flag_red.e3b4b6.png)
Music of the East
The Pearl River soundtrack features traditional Chinese flutes like the dizi and xiao, stringed instruments like the pipa, erhu, and guzheng, and lilting female vocals that reflect the beauty and grandeur of this captivating map.
Get ready for intense battles surrounded by gorgeous views, Commanders! Share your feedback on the reworked Pearl River map!