14 DAY TRIAL // Wargaming has just confirmed that patch 8.6 for World of Tanks, its popular free-to-play tank sim, is now available for download for the European zone, bringing a new map, a new tank, as well as fresh SPGs and other improvements.
World of Tanks is one of the most popular online games available for the PC and will soon make the transition onto the Xbox 360 through a dedicated version of the free-to-play experience.
Until then, developer Wargaming has confirmed that World Of Tanks Version 8.6 is now available for download, updating the title with plenty of new things.
These include a fresh map called Sacred Valley, a new British Premium Heavy Tank, the Excelsior, as well as plenty of new SPGs (Self-Propelled Guns) for the Soviet, German, American, and French factions.
Check out the full list of changes for World of Tanks patch 8.6 below, via the official website.
- New Map: “Sacred Valley” This new Asian autumn map offers a good balance in terms of terrain shape: there are open areas in which you need to be careful not to be shot by the enemy artillery, as well as hills, narrow passages and other terrain providing cover and ambush opportunities. Playing on this map will require flexibility and a good strategic sense.
- New Tier V British Premium Heavy Tank: Excelsior
The Excelsior is a nice all-rounded tank; it has a good frontal and turret armor, decent rate of fire and good aiming time. Whilst its top speed isn’t breath-taking, the Excelsior can accelerate at a decent rate and has a pleasant traverse speed. Also, don’t forget that you can use this tank to train crews from other British heavy tanks!
- SPG Balancing
This new version introduces overall reworking of all available SPGs and expands their tech lines up to Tier X. From now on, the gameplay will be more balanced and the teams in random battles more harmonious in terms of vehicle type distribution.
Two New Soviet SPGs: - SU-122A (Tier V) The SU-122A is a decent SPG in its tier; it has a good damage potential and range. Even though it is not the fastest mobile artillery out there, it is small enough to sport decent camouflage values.
- SU-14-1 (Tier VII) This SPG is a real beast! When fully upgraded, it can deliver an average damage of 1 850 points per shot. The high alpha is balanced by an extremely narrow gun arc and horrible reload time. Still, the SU-14-1 has the potential of bringing down many vehicles with just one well-placed shot.
Three New German SPGs: - G.Pz. Mk. VI (e) (TierII) This low-tier SPG is very cumbersome in terms of mobility. However, it compensates for its sluggishness with a decently accurate gun and a very good range for its tier. The G.Pz. Mk. VI (e) can be left behind and still effectively support the team from afar.
- Pz.Sfl. IVb (Tier IV) The Pz.Sfl. IVb is quite similar to G.W. Panther in playstyle; it also has a semi-turret which gives it an exceptionally wide gun arc. The gun is also quite accurate and has a quite decent rate of fire. This SPG will make it rain shells!
- G.W. Tiger (P) (Tier VIII) This SPG is very similar to the regular G.W. Tiger. The main difference is the much thicker armour on the (P) version. If you enjoyed playing the G.W. Tiger, this SPG won’t disappoint you.
Two New American SPGs: - M44 (Tier VI) The M44 is a well-rounded self-propelled gun. It has a decent mobility, rate of fire, aiming time and damage. Its trump card is the very wide gun arc which allows it to cover a wide area of the map without having to readjust its hull’s position. All in all, it’s a very pleasant vehicle to play.
- M53/M55 (Tier IX) This new vehicle sports a more than decent mobility, good alpha damage and a wide gun arc. These traits are evened by the gun’s rather long aiming time and lack of accuracy. It will take some getting used to, but when mastered, the M53/M55 will be a fearsome opponent!
Two New French SPGs: - AMX 105 AM mle. 47 (Tier IV) This French SPG is characterized by a good aiming speed, decent damage and rate of fire, and a pleasantly wide gun arc. Even though its mobility isn’t that great, the small size of the vehicle makes it difficult to detect.
- Bat.-Châtillon 155 55 (Tier IX) The Bat.-Châtillon 155 55 is an exceptional vehicle, because unlike many other SPGs, it has a fully functional turret which allows it to aim at any point on the map without changing its hull’s position. In addition, it has a decent mobility and aiming time. Even though the accuracy can disappoint at times, especially if firing at a faraway target, this vehicle will not be taken lightly!
In Addition: - Tier X vehicles (except SPGs) will have their credit income permanently increased. For Tier IX, VIII, VII and VI vehicles (except SPGs) income will also be increased but for less than the Tier X vehicles. - Spall liners have been generally reworked. From now on, these pieces of equipment will provide better protection against ramming and explosions! - There are also great many improvements in terms of sound, visuals and game mechanics, which will definitely improve your general playing experience!
You can download the EU version of World of Tanks patch 8.6 right now from Softpedia.