WoT: Update 1.21 Common Test – New Events and Improvements

We’re launching the first Common Test of Update 1.21, featuring a new interpretation of the Steel Hunter mode with friendlier and simpler rules. You can also explore a new Frontline desert map and experience other improvements to this epic mode. Additionally, we’ve redesigned the Service Record page in the Garage for a better visualization of your performance statistics and combat achievements. Let’s roll out!

Feature Availability During the Common Test

Steel Hunter: Reborn

Our exciting battle royale mode returns with a revamped format and big gameplay changes, making it more enjoyable than ever!

Steel Hunter: Reborn is a new variation on the classic Steel Hunter but with friendlier rules. It features respawns, reworked vehicle balancing, and even situational AI-driven opponents. It is still competitive and even more dynamic, but it’s easier to get involved and play—especially for newcomers. As for Steel Hunter veterans, they will surely notice fresh game mechanics and experience the standard rules from a different perspective. Let’s dig deeper into the details.

Respawn Mechanics

Now you will have a second chance to take revenge on your opponents at an early stage of battle! When playing solo, you’ll be able to automatically respawn in a safe location after your vehicle’s destruction—but only during the first five minutes of the battle.

Platoon players will have two respawns per Platoon. You will be able to respawn next to your Platoonmate within the first eight minutes, but to do so, your ally must remain out of battle for 10 seconds.

When you respawn, the following happens:

• You retain your vehicle tier.
• You return to the game with the default set of shells and abilities, as at the start of the battle.
• If you use up your respawn(s), you can get more when collecting Airdrop loot.

Marauders (AI-Driven Opponents)

Steel Hunter: Reborn features AI-driven enemy models called Marauders, which are weaker opponents than real players. They spawn at certain points on the map—destroy them to get additional Combat XP and loot, thereby boosting your progress in battle.

There will be three different types of Marauders that demonstrate individual behaviors and react differently to your presence, as follows:

• Hares are small and dynamic vehicles that try to run away from you after being spotted.
• Wolves are aggressive, versatile opponents that will attack you from a distance.
• Bears are the most powerful enemies guarding the loot. They will engage you in close combat but will stop fighting when you move away from them.

Matchmaking Changes

In Steel Hunter, your experience and individual mastery have always been your main advantages. But in the battle royale format—where only the best wins—it may be challenging for new players to compete with more experienced Hunters.

To make the gameplay more enjoyable for both newcomers and veterans, we’ll implement new matchmaking rules that will take your performance in the mode into account and try to automatically find opponents close to your battle results.

Progression System

Steel Hunter: Reborn will have its own progression system with enjoyable in-game rewards. To get them all, you need to complete easy daily missions in the mode.

Vision System

The vision system that uses Vision Cones will be retired. Instead, Steel Hunter: Reborn will have a standard all-round vision system that works in Random Battles and other modes. It will help you better spot enemies and collect loot.

Other Gameplay and Balance Changes

• We also reduced the gap in power between vehicle tiers. If you are playing in, for example, a Tier V vehicle and you are opposed by a Tier VII tank, you have a better chance of defeating it.
• Now it’s easier to cause damage in Steel Hunter. All special vehicles in the mode have less armor and fewer spaced screens, so you’ll have a better chance at penetrating your opponents. We’ve also increased shell velocity and implemented the lock-on (auto-aim) feature—which wheeled vehicles have—on all the mode’s special vehicles to make it easier to cause damage on the move.
• Collecting loot is now faster. It will take you three seconds to collect standard loot and five seconds to grab Airdrops.
• We decreased the cooldown time of the healing ability called Recovery. Now you can use it more frequently. Also, this ability will always be contained in every Consumables loot marked with green smoke.
• The number of players in solo battles will decrease from 20 to 15. You can also enter battles as a two-player Platoon. There can be a maximum of 10 Platoons per battle.
• We reduced reload time by 50% when upgrading your vehicle’s gun, including autoloading ones.
• Finally, all special vehicles will be available from the start, and there will not be any vehicles for rent.

The reworked Service Record page provides a better visualization of the WTR rating system and displays your performance progress in the game in a more understandable way. This will also make it easier for you to compare your own rating to other players’ ratings.

You’ll also have the ability to customize your combat achievements on the main statistics page in a few clicks. Show off your favorite medals and other rare achievements that you are most proud of—and spark envy in other Commanders!

During the Common Test, you will see your current WTR rating, but it won’t change after the test ends. This is due to the fact that your battles on the Common Test server do not affect your WTR rating.

Battle Pass 2023: Season XI

A new Season of Battle Pass will enter the live server soon, but before we roll it out for everyone, we’re putting the next iteration to the test.

In Season XI, all Battle Pass core mechanics remain unchanged, but we’ve updated both Reward Tracks: Base Rewards will include pieces of Experimental Equipment, while Improved Rewards will contain gold.

As always, you’ll be able to earn Tokens, a special reward currency exclusive to Battle Pass. They accumulate over the course of the year from all the Seasons of Battle Pass you take part in throughout 2023. In Season XI, you can already earn enough Tokens to redeem rare Tier IX vehicles, including  IXthe BZ-58-2   and  IXthe KPz 3 Projekt 07 HK .

Join the Common Test and give your feedback, Commanders!