Best German Tanks in World of Tanks: Which Line to Choose in 2024

German tanks in WoT are the most popular choice. It is recommended to choose them for beginners, who, for the first time, start the game and understand the basic game mechanics with the settings of their garage.

But which tank from the German line is the best? And is it true that light vehicles are the favorites in this branch?

Which Branch of German Tanks to Choose in 2024

All experienced players agree that the best line of German tanks is light. They are maneuverable and able to use armor-piercing and shaped charge shells. And they have the best-optimized balance of defense and killing power. The Rheinmetall Panzerwagen, at its tier, offers significant competition to average opponents from other branches.

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Line of Light Tanks

Light armored vehicles are the most maneuverable. But they have the least number of slots for installing additional weapons. The upgrade allows you to increase their characteristics and reloading speed only slightly. They are best in short-range battles because they enable you to bypass the enemy and shoot sideways or behind, where most vehicles have the most vulnerable parts.

VK 16.02 Leopard

The Leopard can be used as a scout or interceptor and is also good at assaults. Its frontal armor is durable.

Pros:

• an arsenal of guns to choose from;
• acceleration time to maximum speed.

Weaknesses:

• Large dimensions for its class;
• Tracks are poorly covered and destroyed, even by shrapnel shells.

One of the most popular tank among beginners.

VK 28.01

VK 28.01 of the sixth tier is distinguished by balanced armament and armor. The weakest of all is the camouflage. When hit by a shaped charge shell from the side, the machine gunners and the captain are killed in almost all cases: this area is vulnerable to critical hits by the shaped charge jet. The tank cannot continue fighting after that. Resistance to other projectiles is good.

Advantages:

• powerful frontal protection;
• fast convergence.

Weaknesses:

• susceptible to critical hits;
• slow acceleration.

When upgraded, it is recommended to focus on the engine to increase maneuverability on the battlefield.

Spähpanzer SP I C

It is positioned as a surveillance Spähpanzer that does well against lightly armored targets. One of the strengths of Spähpanzer SP I C is that it has the best camouflage mode in the light class. And it has small dimensions, which makes it difficult to detect.

Pros:

• best default camouflage in its class;
• can use large caliber projectiles.

Minuses:

• low HP;
• low total damage per minute is not an option against heavy opponents.

For training, it is ideal because the characteristics are well balanced.

HWK 12

The main feature of the HWK 12 is its gun-pointing speed and accelerated reloading. This allows you to attack almost non-stop throughout the battle. It supports over ten variations of shells, including those designed against concrete, reinforced bunkers. But at the same time, there is almost no armor.

Pros:

• quick targeting of the enemy;
• wide range of weapons.

Minuses:

• defense is feeble;
• does not pass through rugged terrain well.

The optimal attack tactic for the HWK 12 is to flank it and inflict maximum damage in a short period of time.

Spähpanzer Ru 251

Tank of 9th rank. It is one of the fastest in the light branch, generally found in the game. Its cloaking is above average. The best strategy for it is to attack from reinforced cover. It also has good armor on its sides, and flank attacks do not cause critical damage.

Pros:

• rapid acceleration;
• ammunition;

Minuses:

• perks are ineffective;
• a small selection of weapons.

And it has a slow reload on default characteristics. When upgrade – you should bet on it.

Rheinmetall Panzerwagen

The tank’s main difference is the improved balancing of the gun. Aiming takes a minimum of time, ensuring effective target retention even when moving. The tank has medium-class armor plates. It can be equipped with 90- and 105-millimeter guns.

Pros:

• gun stabilization;
• accelerated reloading by default.

Minuses:

• turret rotation by 180 degrees takes longer than the others;
• there are vulnerable parts where a single hit is enough to disable.

Rheinmetall Panzerwagen is recommended for experienced players.

Line of Medium Tanks

However, the medium tanks from the German branch are considered the most overrated in WoT. Decent models are few. But for a change – you can try. Leopard and its variations are favorites in this branch.

PZ.KPFW. IV AUSF. H

IN PZ.KPFW. IV AUSF. H can be equipped with a 105 mm cannon or a “high-explosive” cannon of the user’s choice. The second option is more lethal but requires precise aiming, and its effective range for attack is inferior to that of other German Tanks.

Pros:

• powerful launch armament;
• chassis protection.

Minuses:

• Slow gun rotation;
• Poor stabilization and shots are inaccurate while moving.

PZ.KPFW. IV AUSF. H is better suited for beginners in training battles.

VK 30.01 (D)

The VK 30.01 (D) is one of the best mid-range machines, but armor plates are only installed in the turret area. The side part has neither passive nor active protection. The maneuverability is excellent, and upgrading the camouflage mode significantly increases the probability of keeping the armored vehicle until the end of the battle.

Pros:

• one of the most maneuverable;
• assortment of implements to install.

Minuses:

• slow stabilization makes aiming difficult;
• rear caterpillars are open; this area must be protected at all times.

The weak point is the caterpillars. A hit by even a normal shell destroys them instantly, after which the VK 30.01 (D) becomes an easy target for the enemy.

VK 30.02 (D)

VK 30.02 (D) is a modernized variation of the 30.01 with well-upgraded frontal armor. However, the arsenal and chassis are vulnerable to crits. On the battlefield, it is recommended to actively use the advantage in turning speed.

Pros:

• comfortable for shooting on the move;
• on-target.

Cons:

• choice of guns;
• acceleration.

Best use is as a support vehicle.

PANTHER II

The PANTHER II is better suited for the second line of support. It uses small caliber weapons, but its rate of fire is very high. Therefore, it is ideal for battles with already-hit enemies, where most armor plates are missing.

Pros:

• rate of fire;
• damage per minute.

Minuses:

• slow turn of the cannon;
• slow reloading.

It is better not to put it on the first defensive line, because in case of massive fire – instantly loses all the reserve of strength.

LEOPARD PROTOTYPE A

Armored vehicle of the ninth rank, with the highest single damage in the class. This is complemented by excellent acceleration dynamics, the highest for its branch. However, the armor is only partial, and the turret is vulnerable even to simple armor-piercing hits.

Pros:

• high alpha damage;
• there is stabilization in the starter kit.

Minuses:

• fixation on the opponent is slow;
• dimensions.

It is recommended to put it on the first line of fire to fight with heavy opponents.

LEOPARD 1

LEOPARD 1 has the best dynamics and is suitable for complex maneuvers. However, the armor plates are located at a low angle, so all the shrapnel fragments hit the turret with weak armor.

Superiority:

• fastest in its branch;
• instant reload.

Weaknesses:

• machine guns do minimal damage to enemies;
• vulnerable armor, hitting this area causes detonation.

It is better to put it on the first line of defense.

Line of Heavy Tanks

Heavy German vehicles have excellent armor and can use large caliber guns. However, in terms of maneuverability, they are often inferior to machines from other factions.

VK 30.01 (P)

Although the acceleration speed is excellent, it turns slowly. And there is no gun stabilization in the default configuration. Therefore, it is difficult to attack a whole group of targets with VK 30.01 (P).

Pros:

• accelerates well;
• fast reloading.

Minuses:

• slow to turn;
• armor penetration is aimed at weak enemies.

Can be attributed to medium-heavy in terms of characteristics.

VK 36.01 (H)

The VK 36.01 (H) uses a conical cannon, which provides excellent armor penetration. And the range of weapons that can be put on the VK 36.01 (H) is enormous.

Advantages:

• quickly destroys enemy armor;
• good all-around visibility.

Disadvantages:

• dimensions;
• armor is placed without slope.

Large health reserve, but many vulnerabilities.

TIGER I

Using it to maintain an attacking edge is recommended, as it deals a lot of damage to enemies. However, armor is the same as that of a medium class. When leveling up, immediately emphasize stabilization.

Benefits:

• high alpha damage;
• can use a high-explosive cannon.

Disadvantages:

• slow through rugged terrain; it is difficult to shoot on the move;
• large size compared to its analogs.

The engine of the TIGER I is also prone to fire.

VK 100.01 (P)

It’s super heavy and has the best defense in WoT in general. But due to its vast mass, it is clumsy. It can be used to protect the main frontier from the flanks. And when upgrading it, you should focus on improving maneuverability.

Advantages:

• the safety of HP is enormous;
• can use weapons of any caliber.

Disadvantages:

• all maneuvers are slow;
• 128-millimeter cannon with a low rate of fire.

But thanks to the huge ammunition reserve – can stay in battle for a long time.

E 75

A mass of 100 tons allows the vehicle to ram opponents, regardless of the class of tanks used by the enemy. And the E75 has an extended vertical guidance range.

Advantages:

• has top-down pointing;
• comfortable stabilization.

Disadvantages:

• a small assortment of guns to install;
• slow acceleration.

For connoisseurs of heavy armored vehicles – an unequivocal favorite.

MAUS

The most survivable, with powerful armament. But it takes a long time to load a new shell. It is best used in the first shockwave to take out the most ranked enemies.

Advantages:

• great single damage;
• can be used as a battering ram.

Disadvantages:

• slow to reload;
• it’s time-consuming to aim.

The main thing is to cover from artillery strikes.

Line of Tank Destroyers

These vehicles are often referred to as “snipers.” This is because they are designed to attack rarely but do maximum damage. They can also use high-explosive rounds.

JAGDPANZER IV

It has excellent camouflage but poor maneuverability. Armor is practically absent; even shrapnel shells can completely turn it off. It is better to place it only behind the cover.

Advantages:

• good camouflage on essential characteristics;
• large selection of projectile types.

Disadvantages:

• low hit points;
• poorly overcomes rugged terrain, only at low speed.

JAGDPANZER IV is suitable for those who have never played with such rigs before, for honing initial skills.

STURER EMIL

Its powerful armaments and aim angle allow attack even on a parabolic trajectory. However, it has an open deckhouse, so it is necessary to reliably “hide” behind cover in skirmishes.

Advantages:

• deals high damage to enemies with any class of armor plate;
• compact size.

Disadvantages:

• limited ammunition;
• too vulnerable deckhouse area.

Fires rarely, but can take out any enemy with a couple of hits.

Rhm.-Borsig Waffenträger

The rotating turret with increased caliber combined with a reasonable rate of fire allows for rapid reduction of enemy numbers. Camouflage is present, but the frontal area has no active protection.

Advantages:

• rapid target acquisition;
• increased ammunition.

Disadvantages:

• vertical adjustments when aiming are minor;
• susceptible to critical hits.

Low silhouette has a positive effect on camouflage.

Waffenträger auf Pz. IV

The weapon can be rotated 360°. This tank destroyer can also use any impact projectiles. When upgrading, pay attention to camouflage. There is no armor.

Advantages:

• can take out any vehicle in one hit;
• fast turret rotation.

Disadvantages:

• frequent motor damage;
• slow acceleration.

For those who bet on sniper tactics – an excellent choice.

JAGDPANZER E 100

Self-propelled howitzer for 170 millimeters with heavily armored deckhouse. Among artillery, it is the most destructive. Increased ammunition, but at the same time, it is an oversized howitzer.

Advantages:

• 170-caliber gun;
• fast target acquisition when using the 170-caliber gun.

Disadvantages:

• long reloading time of the armament;
• thin NLD.

Not for dynamic combat, but the JAGDPANZER E 100 is a threat to all heavy armored vehicles.

SPG Line

SPGs are optimized for attacks from closed positions. They shoot slowly, but their fire damage is excellent. The armor is thin, so it is recommended that the camouflage be upgraded.

Grille

The armament of the unit is similar to the SU-122A. But it has limited pointing angles and takes longer than usual to lock on to the target. It should be used as a unit to support the main line of fire.

Advantages:

• low landing, making it less visible to enemies;
• long-range radio.

Disadvantages:

• gun spread increases the chances of a miss;
• small turret mobility when aiming.

It is recommended to use it for training battles.

G.W. Panther

A rank seven unit with balanced parameters. It is distinguished from the others by its small radius of flying fragments. Its deckhouse defense is mediocre, withstanding only a few hits.

Advantages:

• fast reloading;
• there is an extended horizontal pointing angle.

Disadvantages:

• shrapnel dispersion is minimal;
• high SPG, more visible to the enemy.

It should be installed on the auxiliary defense line.

G.W. Tiger (P)

THE G.W. Tiger (P) has monstrous firepower. If used to attack at the beginning of the battle, it can drastically reduce enemy health. But it has one of the worst camouflages.

Advantages:

• strong base damage;
• huge fragmentation radius.

Disadvantages:

• open chopping type;
• spread does not allow you to target enemies accurately.

It is necessary to take into account the very limited ammunition.

G.W. Tiger

The camouflage is weak, but this is compensated for by fast aiming. The splintering allows for untargeted shooting on the battlefield. The ammunition is minimal, so you need to appreciate every shot.

Advantages:

• Spread of OF projectiles;
• Stock weapons need not be upgraded; they are already being killed.

Disadvantages:

• ammo;
• low turning speed.

In a single skirmish, it does not take more than 10 hits, but each of them is capable of incapacitating a couple of opponents at once.

G.W. E 100

The G.W. Tiger’s killing power matches this SPG’s, but the armor is much better. This makes this SPG the most dangerous for enemies. The camouflage is poor, as it is an oversized unit.

Advantages:

• significant dispersion of fragmentation projectiles;
• increased HP.

Disadvantages:

• not maneuverable mounting;
• vertical aiming of the gun before firing is limited.

When upgrade, you should choose “Battle Brotherhood”: it speeds up maneuvers.

What Premium Tank to Buy in 2024

Premium tanks in WoT can only be obtained through purchases or special events. If you follow the discounts on the battle pass, you can get such a machine at a favorable price. But in battles, they are more effective than others.

Light Tank – HWK 30

This version of Ru 251 is modernized, utterly devoid of the latter’s shortcomings. Lower ground clearance and a more extended base make the HWK 30 less conspicuous but worse at crossing rugged terrain.

Pros:

• visibility among the JT-8 is comfortable;
• naked shells are extremely effective.

Minuses:

• lock-on is slower in horizontal aiming;
• no chassis armor.

But the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

Medium Tank – Pz.Kpfw. IV Schmalturm

It does mediocre damage, but its rapid-fire rate allows it to blow up armor all over the hull quickly. If aimed well, even heavy vehicles can be taken out quickly.

Pros:

• good damage per minute;
• easy visibility.

Minuses:

• less than average alpha strike;
• vulnerable to crits.

The result of a match on this machine largely depends on the player’s experience.

Heavy Tank – Löwe

Although it provides plate penetration of 234 millimeters, it has an average health reserve for a medium armored vehicle. However, the extended muzzle offers an excellent initial velocity for the projectile.

Pros:

• alpha damage;
• wide range of guns to install.

Minuses:

• not maneuverable;
• dimensions.

It is better to send into battle from the flanks, with obligatory cover.

Tank Destroyer – Rheinmetall Skorpion G

Chopping with 360-degree rotation and accelerated target fixation at any distance makes a dangerous opponent. However, the defense is mediocre. When upgrading, it is better to pay attention to maneuverability.

Pros:

• excellent camouflage;
• the deckhouse rotates in all directions.

Minuses:

• on the move firing is not convenient;
• rate of fire.

No enemy can withstand a direct hit.

3 Best German Tanks in WoT

Focusing on player reviews, we can highlight the following machines in WoT as the best:

• Rheinmetall Panzerwagen;
• LEOPARD 1;
• MAUS (prototype).

These tanks can be recommended for purchase. However, it is essential to consider the crew’s specialization when upgrading. The selected skill line depends on the future optimal strategy in skirmishes.