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VK3002DB

How To Play This Abomination

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skorpion777 #1 Posted Jun 12 2012 - 03:20

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Well... I got my VK3002. Finally, I am ready to get my Panther, but I tried the 3002 and I have no idea how to play it. It seems whatever I do, I end up dying. I have a few battles in it, and I do like it. Its just that I end up getting my ass handed to me on a gold platter before i'm able to do some serious damage. I have the 88 and the other good stuff, I free XP'd it, but I really am kinda lost here.

Any suggestions?

Wenkel #2 Posted Jun 12 2012 - 03:24

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I haven't played it but I think it is a flanker.  That sloped armor should get you a few bounces, but the 132 pen will really hurt you.

Sadly artillery hinders this tanks (like every tank in the game).

Edited by Wenkel, Jun 12 2012 - 03:27.


MagusGerhardt #3 Posted Jun 12 2012 - 03:30

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In my experience the VK3002DB (Indicating it's a Daimler-Benz, but my platoon-mates and I have a more amusing nickname for it.  Use your imagination.)  is a very handy little tank when used properly.

The trick to this tank is all the previous training you've had in german mediums actually works against you in this tank.  It is not really a sniping vehicle like the Panther I, but can be forced into the role if necessary with the right guns.

I am running mine for the second time now, the first try I had at it was in closed beta where it had a horrible reputation.  Even completely stock save for the second 75mm cannon which had been researched in a previous vehicle I ran it has performed very well as a close-in brawler supporting a larger medium or heavy.

The armor's strong angles and the agility of the chassis allows for near maximum chances for getting a bounce even while street fighting.  At long range the most surprising rounds will bounce from you, even with the stock turret.

While I'm mentioning it, you may want to try the stock turret over the schmallturm for close in fighting for its faster traverse.  It can be a life saver and even though you lose some alpha from not mounting the 88 for the kind of work you'll find yourself doing in this tank the lost damage won't be missed.  Rely on the 75mm's fast reload times to pepper your enemy in weak side and rear armor.  I cause fires in this tank all the time with that "little" gun.

1.  So, in short, don't play like a Panther if you don't have to.
2.  Brawl like a T-34 when given the chance and a good partner to tag with.
3.  Don't assume that the upgrades for this tank really make it better.  (Especially the derpy schmallturm)
4.  Oh, and ramming.  It's a 45-50 ton tank and you're fighting at close quarters; ramming your opponent is often like putting another shell into him in terms of hp damage.  Rely on this when fighting at top of tier to clear the field of lower tiered opponents and save your shells for the big guys as your ammo is rather limited.

skorpion777 #4 Posted Jun 12 2012 - 05:57

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View PostWenkel, on Jun 12 2012 - 03:24, said:

I haven't played it but I think it is a flanker.  That sloped armor should get you a few bounces, but the 132 pen will really hurt you.

Sadly artillery hinders this tanks (like every tank in the game).
If you don't have any experience with something, don't open your mouth about it...

Schozzbot #5 Posted Jun 12 2012 - 07:58

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Magus makes excellent points but I will say I still play mine like a sniper a lot - when at the low end of the tier. Upper tier, I'll mix it up a bit more, this is a pretty solid all around tank, just shy away from those that are much tougher than you or bring a buddy ;)

Wenkel #6 Posted Jun 12 2012 - 14:08

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View Postskorpion777, on Jun 12 2012 - 05:57, said:

If you don't have any experience with something, don't open your mouth about it...
Sorry for trying to help you.

Tank_Frank #7 Posted Jun 12 2012 - 15:44

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Note: I just got my Panther built this last weekend so my opinion is still biased in favor of the VK3002DB. I admit I have the Panther simply because I think it is the best looking tank in my garage. The Pz4 would get the nod but not with that bobblehead turret and 7,5 cm KwK 42 L/70 sticking out of it; it's all function, no form.  Sadly the poor VK3601 is the ugly child in the nursery.  It has no chance in a beauty contest but it does swivel quite nicely.  Sound familiar?

Panther Highs - First, I'm amazed at the view I get in sniper mode.  Just incredible; it's like being a LOT closer to the target.  Of course, this is not much help if the target is that pesky AMX right next to you. But for sniping, WOW !  The 75mm L70 & 8,8 cm KwK 36 L/56 seem as good as the pair on the VK3002, so no complaints there.  

Panther Lows - But that brings up the other topic.  AS I've read elsewhere, Panther best serves as a sniper. That's partly because the viewfinder and guns are both up to the job.  Also, you just don't want to be too close to target because the armor seems or is THIN.  Another description might be DELICATE.  This could be from using the stock turret (much better looking in my opinion).  

Time and experience will help sort out the differences for me just as with the Pz3/4 which I still have and enjoy. In the meantime, I will continue to use the VK3002 & VK3601 as my top end winners while using the Hetzer, Pz3/4 & Pz4 for hard times. The VK3002DB will remain in first place as my best all around tank with 2nd place going to the deadly Hetzer.

Tank_Frank

skorpion777 #8 Posted Jun 12 2012 - 16:54

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View PostWenkel, on Jun 12 2012 - 14:08, said:

Sorry for trying to help you.
When you guess, you don't give much help. Refer to my previous post.


As for what Magus said, I have to say it definitely helped. Thanks broseph!

iadreamer #9 Posted Jun 12 2012 - 21:08

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View Postskorpion777, on Jun 12 2012 - 03:20, said:

Well... I got my VK3002. Finally, I am ready to get my Panther, but I tried the 3002 and I have no idea how to play it. It seems whatever I do, I end up dying. I have a few battles in it, and I do like it. Its just that I end up getting my ass handed to me on a gold platter before i'm able to do some serious damage. I have the 88 and the other good stuff, I free XP'd it, but I really am kinda lost here.

Any suggestions?

What I would suggest is to play it like a VK3601H while you are getting used to the pluses and minuses of the DB.  It has the same gun as the 36, so play offensively the same way.  It has more armor, it's faster, and more maneuverable so this should only be a plus.

Although it has good armor, try to avoid getting hit.  Use your speed and maneuverability to keep people guessing and present angles, especially against bigger guns.  Don't sit and let yourself get shot by big guns while trying to aim.

Once you get a better feel for what the tank can and can't do, and what tanks it can and can't directly compete against, you can start getting more aggressive.  Getting and keeping initiative matters with the DB.  Try not to sit in a passive role as it's not really well suited for that.  It can snipe, and scout (using a camo net), so it has multiple uses.

It can be an absolute terror to tier 5 lights and other scouts, so look for those opportunities.  The 75 and small turret work really well when you feel like playing those games.

You will wind up in more than your share of tier 8-9 games so try to play in a support role to the heavies.  It's great when flanking in this role because it usually can survive one or more direct hits

It's also a tank where using a vent and BIA skill really combine noticeably well.  You might also consider high repair skills to help get it on the move quickly if tracked.

Edited by iadreamer, Jun 12 2012 - 21:11.


ostwar #10 Posted Jun 12 2012 - 21:12

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View PostMagusGerhardt, on Jun 12 2012 - 03:30, said:

In my experience the VK3002DB (Indicating it's a Daimler-Benz, but my platoon-mates and I have a more amusing nickname for it.  Use your imagination.)  is a very handy little tank when used properly.

The trick to this tank is all the previous training you've had in german mediums actually works against you in this tank.  It is not really a sniping vehicle like the Panther I, but can be forced into the role if necessary with the right guns.

I am running mine for the second time now, the first try I had at it was in closed beta where it had a horrible reputation.  Even completely stock save for the second 75mm cannon which had been researched in a previous vehicle I ran it has performed very well as a close-in brawler supporting a larger medium or heavy.

The armor's strong angles and the agility of the chassis allows for near maximum chances for getting a bounce even while street fighting.  At long range the most surprising rounds will bounce from you, even with the stock turret.

While I'm mentioning it, you may want to try the stock turret over the schmallturm for close in fighting for its faster traverse.  It can be a life saver and even though you lose some alpha from not mounting the 88 for the kind of work you'll find yourself doing in this tank the lost damage won't be missed.  Rely on the 75mm's fast reload times to pepper your enemy in weak side and rear armor.  I cause fires in this tank all the time with that "little" gun.

1.  So, in short, don't play like a Panther if you don't have to.
2.  Brawl like a T-34 when given the chance and a good partner to tag with.
3.  Don't assume that the upgrades for this tank really make it better.  (Especially the derpy schmallturm)
4.  Oh, and ramming.  It's a 45-50 ton tank and you're fighting at close quarters; ramming your opponent is often like putting another shell into him in terms of hp damage.  Rely on this when fighting at top of tier to clear the field of lower tiered opponents and save your shells for the big guys as your ammo is rather limited.

Excellent statement.  I currently run a T-25, which although I don't have a high win rate, I really enjoy playing.

I consider this tank the baby brother to the VK 3002 DB.  It is a bit faster, but lighter armoured and armed.  I consider my time in it to be valuable training for when I get my VK 3002 DB (just waiting on the next special). I have been studying game play for this tank and I know I will really enjoy it once I have earned it.  Besides I always look for the diamond in the rough.

THExxxAssasinator #11 Posted Jun 12 2012 - 23:18

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i love my 3002db. its a bona-fide brawler. close quarter killer. spall liner, gun rammer, camo....works well.


i use the 88L56.

use angles to deflect. make it a habit. sloped armor tanks can deflect a lot of shots.

Harkonen_siegetank #12 Posted Jun 13 2012 - 06:58

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My only gripe with the stock turret is it carries so little ammo.