WoT EU – Top of the Tree Halftime: WZ-111 Model 5A

~ Sebastianul

Commanders!

We’re now almost halfway through the month, which means you still have some time to reach July’s Top of the Tree, dedicated to the fearsome WZ-111 Model 5A. Before you get there, you’ll have to go through the following vehicles, that might look similar to their Soviet inspirations for sure, but they’re still packing some important differences and capabilities. Learn them all with the guide below, and don’t forget to check our historical article about the link between Chinese and Soviet vehicles.

All values below correspond to a 100% trained crew.

TYPE T-34

Main Characteristics:
  • Hit Points: 450
  • Top Speed: 55 km/h
  • View Range: 350 m
  • Hull Armour: 45/40/40 mm
  • Turret Armour: 52/52/45mm
  • DPM: 2,312
  • Dispersion: 0.34 m
  • Damage: 85/85/95 HP
  • Penetration: 112/189/29mm
  • Reload Time: 2.21 s

Both in World of Tanks and in real life, the T-34 is a formidable machine. When the Chinese started to produce their own version of this iconic vehicle, they were after its versatility, and with a little help, they managed to make the Type T-34 as great as its Soviet cousin. Mobile, easy to hide and packing a great DPM, this tank is one hell of an all-rounder. Plus, this Chinese version has a larger ammo capacity and turns quicker. What’s not to like?

TYPE 58

Main Characteristics:
  • Hit Points: 720
  • Top Speed: 55 km/h
  • View Range: 370 m
  • Hull Armour: 45/40/40 mm
  • Turret Armour: 90/75/52 mm
  • DPM: 2,002
  • Dispersion: 0.36 m
  • Damage: 160/160/280 HP
  • Penetration: 128/172/43mm
  • Reload Time: 4.79s

This tank is the Chinese counterpart of the awesome T-34-85. When you have to live up to such a legend, life can be hard. And yet, this vehicle is pretty solid. Maybe not as balanced as its Soviet inspiration, but it makes up for it with a slightly improved mobility, a better rate of fire and a larger HP pool. If you’re into versatile vehicles, the Type 58 will surely work wonderfully for you.

IS-2

Main Characteristics:
  • Hit Points: 1280
  • Top Speed: 37 km/h
  • View Range: 350 m
  • Hull Armour: 90/90/60 mm
  • Turret Armour: 100/90/90 mm
  • DPM: 1,983
  • Dispersion: 0.44 m
  • Damage: 390/390/530 HP
  • Penetration: 175/250/61 mm
  • Reload Time: 11.79 s

Another classic, (not so) reinvented. If the IS-2 has at least two valid options when it comes to guns, its Chinese counterpart can rely on one rewarding configuration. Go for the 122 mm D-25T gun, pack some HEAT shells, and the magic will appear. With 250 mm of penetration and a massive punch, this loadout is simply frightening, even for Tier VIII tanks. Plus, the Chinese IS-2 comes with extra HP points and a slightly improved mobility, which are perfect to play aggressively.