Tank tactics

WWII Online Germany · Training

Tank tactics & tank formations

Modern online manual with newly constructed formation graphics. The vehicle positions, orientation and direction of travel follow the template; the vehicles shown were replaced by PzKpfw III Ausf. F.

A NOTICE: The images used here are deliberately chosen as schematic representations instead of in-game screenshots in order to convey tactical connections clearly and understandably.!

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Firepower Clearly assign fire areas and DO not overlap fields of fire.

Movement Maintain distances, direction of travel and terrain coverage.

Protection Pay attention to the flanks, back area and your own silhouette.

coordination Ensure leadership, radio discipline and joint action.

Squadron formation

March / flank protection

Tactical purpose

The stagger left or stagger right formation is usually used along a protective side, for example on a rock face, the edge of a forest or the edge of a house.

The first tank secures the front area with its gun.
The second and subsequent tanks secure to the left or right side, depending on the squadron shape.
The side firing range extends to around 90° to the front.
There is only limited provision for backward protection in this formation.
This behavior applies to relay links as well.

protected flank Edge of the forest Street advance

A NOTICE: DO not use if enemy contact is likely from the rear or from both flanks. Keyword: hostile MSPs!

Formation row

March / narrow paths

Tactical purpose

The formation row is used when moving through unsafe areas, usually on roads or dirt roads.

The front armor secures the area to the front.
The second tank secures the area on the left.
The third tank secures the area on the right.
The last tank takes over the security to the rear.

streets Dirt roads Constrictions Convoy journey

A NOTICE: The line is vulnerable to fire because the vehicles are tied behind one another.

Formation line

Forward attack/firepower

Tactical purpose

The line formation is an attack formation. All tanks have the same forward firing area.

All tanks point the turret and firing area forward.
The advance is taking place across a broad front.
Side flanks must be secured by reconnaissance or other forces.

Frontal attack open terrain Fire superiority

A NOTICE: Side attacks are particularly dangerous when there is no flanking protection. Enemy PPOs in the backcourt are particularly dangerous

Formation wedge

Breakthrough/direction of thrust

Tactical purpose

In the Wedge formation, an advance occurs with a breakthrough through the enemy line.

The front tanks are responsible for the breakthrough and the firing area forward.
The following tanks secure laterally to the left and right.
The formation combines impact force and flank protection.

breakthrough Shock troop mobile combat

A NOTICE: If the distance is too close, bombardment, AT Gun or artillery fire can tie up several vehicles at the same time and possibly disable them.

Double row formation

Massed attack

Tactical purpose

The double row formation represents a massive attack formation in which a breakthrough occurs without lateral flank protection.

Two rows increase pressure and firepower.
The tanks in the second row can move laterally offset from the first row.
Staggered driving improves visibility, distance and angle of fire.

wide paths open area concentrated attack

A NOTICE: Without side flank protection, the double row is vulnerable in ambushes.

Optimal use of the terrain

Camouflage/Cover/Line of Sight

Hills and elevations

Terrain edge/height advantage

Flanking and attacking the rear

Side armor/mobility

Angle tank

Meal position/rebound

Angle the tub and use it depending on the position

Position reference defense

Hull bottom / firing position