Wargaming has rolled out the second common test for World of Tanks Update 1.38, signaling the imminent arrival of a significant overhaul to the popular tank combat simulator. Players eager to experience the future of armored warfare can dive into these changes until October 8th, with the full update slated for release on October 15th. This patch promises a robust array of new features and critical reworks, designed to refresh gameplay and address long-standing community feedback.
The Rift: A New PvE Challenge Emerges
Among the most anticipated additions is the new PvE event, “The Rift.” While details remain somewhat under wraps, a dedicated player-versus-environment mode suggests a departure from the traditional PvP grind, offering cooperative challenges or unique single-player scenarios. This could provide a valuable avenue for players to practice new tactics, earn rewards, or simply enjoy a different pace of gameplay without the pressures of competitive multiplayer.
Balancing the Scales: A Reworked Matchmaker
The battle balancer, a perennial topic of discussion within the World of Tanks community, is also receiving a significant overhaul. The goal of such a rework is invariably to create more equitable and enjoyable matches, reducing instances of uneven team compositions, severe tier imbalances, or repetitive tank matchups. A finely tuned matchmaker is crucial for long-term player engagement, ensuring that every battle feels like a fair contest of skill and strategy, rather than a foregone conclusion dictated by algorithms.
The End of Stun: SPG Rework Takes Center Stage
Perhaps the most impactful change for the broader player base is the comprehensive rework of Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs), specifically the removal of their stun mechanic. For years, SPG stun has been a contentious feature, capable of immobilizing and significantly debuffing multiple enemy tanks, often from across the map. This mechanic frequently led to frustration, particularly for front-line tanks that bore the brunt of artillery fire. The decision to remove stun is a monumental shift, promising to fundamentally alter battlefield dynamics. SPG players will undoubtedly need to adapt their playstyles, focusing more on direct damage and area denial, while their targets may finally breathe a collective sigh of relief, no longer fearing the incapacitating effects of a well-aimed artillery shell. This change has the potential to make aggressive play more viable and reduce instances of being helplessly locked down.
Introducing HORS: A New Shell Type
Adding another layer of tactical depth, Update 1.38 introduces a new shell type: HORS (presumably High-Explosive Rocket Shells, though precise terminology may vary). The introduction of a novel ammunition type suggests new tactical possibilities and counters. Depending on their characteristics—such as damage profile, penetration values, flight trajectory, or potential splash radius—HORS shells could alter engagements significantly, providing specific tank classes with new tools for dealing with certain opponents or fortified positions. Commanders will need to thoroughly understand these new projectiles to leverage their advantages or mitigate their threats effectively.
Refined Battlefields and Returning Favorites
In addition to these major mechanical changes, several existing maps are undergoing reworks. Map revisions often aim to improve flow, create new strategic points, or balance gameplay for different tank classes, ensuring that the battlefield remains fresh and engaging. Complementing these technical updates, players can also look forward to the return of popular game modes: “Frontline” and “Ranked Battles.” Frontline offers large-scale, epic engagements with a focus on objectives, while Ranked Battles provide a highly competitive environment for players to test their skills against others and climb the leaderboards. The reintroduction of these modes will undoubtedly be welcomed by veterans seeking diverse and challenging gameplay experiences.
Looking Ahead: A Refreshed World of Tanks
Update 1.38 for World of Tanks appears to be more than just a routine patch; it’s a strategic effort to evolve the game, addressing key player concerns and introducing innovative content. From the tactical implications of the SPG rework and HORS shells to the fresh challenges of “The Rift” and the refined balance of the matchmaker, these changes are poised to deliver a significantly refreshed experience. Players are encouraged to participate in the common test to provide feedback and get a head start on mastering the new battlefield before the official release on October 15th. The future of armored combat in World of Tanks promises to be dynamic, challenging, and, for many, a considerable improvement.
Nathan Blackwood 
Connor Westbrook