The Russian, or more accurately USSR, tech tree is one of the most expansive in World of Tanks, with a huge variety of play styles and power levels. In this article we’ll be taking a look at some of the higher-end vehicles when it comes to their strength, or how fun they are to play.
KV-1S
Starting off at Tier 5 we have the KV-1S, a vehicle that spawned after the once Overpowered Tier 6 KV-1S was split into two different vehicles – an entirely different Tier 5 (this), and a much more balanced Tier 6; the KV-85. A good call on Wargaming’s part, as the change was desperately needed and welcome.
The new Tier 5 KV-1S is somewhat similar to a KV-1, but with greater advantages in my opinion. You unfortunately lose quite a lot of gun depression and armor, but gain improved mobility and gun handling on your choice of two guns. The first an 85mm with incredibly high DPM and punchy alpha damage, and the second a brutal 122mm howitzer.
Personally, I’d only recommend the latter if you plan on firing the HEAT rounds, which bear very high penetration and alpha damage capable of one-shotting many vehicles around Tier 5, and think the 85mm is far more consistent aside from that. Then again, to each his own.
The armor of the KV-1 is useful when hull down and side scraping, but the front remains disappointingly weak. In all other situations, solid mobility and maneuverability takes precedent in my mind.