26 replies to this topic

[Ignii]

I recently got the T-34 in the holiday sale, and I'm not really sure what to make of it. I was attracted to playing Russian mediums because I heard they were the line to take for brawling, which would be a good change of pace from my flankers and snipers. But all I seem to be doing in the thing is... flanking and sniping. I imagine part of it is because of how my matches have been set up (MM seems convinced that I should be fighting no less than 3 Type-59s or IS3s in every battle), but I feel I just spent 13k XP to get a tank I don't need. Should I have gone elsewhere for up-close fighting? Am I just playing the tank wrong?

[cptnknipples]

no you did not waste exp, and you cant base one role on 8 tanks. russian tanks in gereral are brawlers, meds are just faster. the T-34 is no different,its fast has good armor for a med of its tier. mabye you find yourself flanking and sniping because its a habit

[kurgen22]

You gotta know your limitations with it, you arent going to be able to duke it out with a type 59 with a t34. Its good within its tier like any other tank in the game. I really liked playing it and the t34/85.

[ClockWorkHound]

I love my T-34.......it is a little brawler and with the 57mm gun it can perform many roles.....just remember you are not the main effort.....support the heavies with scouting, sniping, flanking....and arty killing. It is a fun tank

[AsianRanger98]

Playing the T-34 right will help you play pretty much all of the other Russian mediums right. The Russian guns aren't exactly renowned for their accuracy, thats the Germans job, Russians love their big guns and cloe brawling play style. Sniping is not the generally preferred play style for Russians tanks. Flanking is however, and you should always seek to track bigger boys for the arty and heavies to take out. This will probably keep you from getting destroyed in some bigger matches. The fast firing 57mm is very ideal for taking anything Tier V and below, and damaging Tier VI, but it also acts as a tracking device. If you miss your first shot, stay there, wait two seconds, and pop another one off. The truth is, the T-34 cant effectively take anything above Tier VI, so you have to get on their sides while your heavies and engaged and seek cover after damaging them or tracking them. The T-34 leads to the whole Russian med tree which I hear is very good, and if you end up playing it right and enjoying it, the Russian tree is right for you! I hope this helped and that you get it all figured out!

[Sittingduck75]

I don’t think the T-34 is a brawler or the T-34-85, maybe the T-43 or KV-13.  You need armor and they don’t have enough to truly brawl.  The jumbo is a good medium brawler for its tier.  

Truth be told I don’t think there is a medium tier 5 brawler.  

I like the T-34 a lot, but I play it very similar to my M4.  Get into the side or rear of an enemy and blast away.  Move if they look at me.

[Scaevola]

Think I've mentioned it before but I can't find my old post.

Anyways the T-34 is purely a flanker. The Zis-4's accuracy allows you to snipe decently with it but you won't be using its strongest trait. You can't use the T-34's best ability, DPM, when you reload faster than you can fully aim.

The T-34 outshines its competition in one thing only, straight up Damage per Minute (DPM.) The T-34 has around 2500 DPM, higher than even tier 6 mediums. That's saying a lot as even the E8 only hits roughly 2400ish. Good E8s can defeat the T20, and defeating a medium that's higher tier than you is typically impossible.

Getting back on to the point. What you should aim to do with the T-34 is to maximize that DPM. You'll be in tier 8 fights occasionally (occasionally meaning often with tier 8 premiums everywhere.) Learn the art of flanking enemies HERE. If you try to do so later on you'll be in ever more pain, as the T-34-85 and T-43 in particular cannot really be played in any other way. T-34-85 can be a support tank, but 175 pen with that accuracy is unreliable frontally at tier 7+ and using the 100mm results in a paltry 1600ish DPM.

Unlike other Soviet mediums you have outrageously high DPM compared to your peers (other mediums,) so you can actually play flank defense. Any enemy flankers come and you can engage them while they try to take pot shots at your heavy's sides. Since they'll be distracted it'll be much easier to maneuver to flanker's flanks and start shooting their sides/rear. The Zis-4 has enough pen that shooting tier 8s in this area is still a sure pen. For the KV-5 shoot the bottom rear plate if you get the chance, otherwise avoid like the plague.

For other situations you will probably need to flank, as 112 penetration is unreliable frontally versus anything above tier 5. This is the hardest part, as flanking requires high situational awareness and the foreknowledge that you are essentially scouting while flanking. You're moving to the sides of the main engagement you're planning to help and the enemy MAY have tanks there sniping at your lead heavy. Just keep in mind that flanking is not a surefire thing, you will be smoked occasionally before you can do any good for your team. It's a calculated risk and something you'll learn to tip to your odds only through experience.

The trick is to wait at least half a minute for people to start getting tunnel vision. Meaning most people will be scoped at where all the action is. Once everyone is distracted you should begin your flank/scout about a square away from the main engagement. Any closer and you're in their peripheral vision; any farther and the Zis-4 will not reach maximum DPM (balance this out with survivability of course, don't always go a square out). Be sure you have some sort of cover to quickly hide behind in case they have people actually paying attention to flankers. The T-34 has enough speed to dart behind cover if they're being shot at. Your first priority in a flanking spot would be something that would allow you to at least hit the lead heavy's sides while mimimizing your exposure to enemy fire. Second priority would be a good escape route. A good escape route would typically be on higher ground, as you can use the hill to pick up speed and make a run for it while using said hill as cover.

When you get to those flanks start nailing vulnerable targets but ALWAYS watch the enemy. If a big gun or multiple guns turn your way it's time to leg it. Don't stay there cause they can send a fast higher tier medium after you, like the E8. You can try again (and oftentimes to the exact same place) when you think you've lost their attention.

If you run into an enemy while flanking he'll tend to have his turret focused on the main engagement and not on you, you may be able to get away. If not well...there's always next game. Again, it's a calculated risk. The payoff is big DPM and a large contribution to the team, the failure? Well you're only tier 5 not really valuable outside of support. Tier 6 and above is where losing any sort of medium starts to begin hurting the team.

On a side note, if you're in a tier 5 matchup you do not need to follow these rules as often, although it still greatly helps your gameplay in these tiers. The key to flanking is not drawing attention to yourself for as long as possible. This is pretty silly since high tiers (you at a tier 5 match) automatically draw more attention to themselves. Just play tier 5 matches knowing that your DPM outdamages EVERYONE and that you can tear apart a whole front if you're close enough. Again, Zis-4 reloads faster than it fully aims.

[Magic_Foe1]

Spoiler

 Scaevola, on Dec 22 2011 - 01:13, said:

Think I've mentioned it before but I can't find my old post.

Anyways the T-34 is purely a flanker. The Zis-4's accuracy allows you to snipe decently with it but you won't be using its strongest trait. You can't use the T-34's best ability, DPM, when you reload faster than you can fully aim.

The T-34 outshines its competition in one thing only, straight up Damage per Minute (DPM.) The T-34 has around 2500 DPM, higher than even tier 6 mediums. That's saying a lot as even the E8 only hits roughly 2400ish. Good E8s can defeat the T20, and defeating a medium that's higher tier than you is typically impossible.

Getting back on to the point. What you should aim to do with the T-34 is to maximize that DPM. You'll be in tier 8 fights occasionally (occasionally meaning often with tier 8 premiums everywhere.) Learn the art of flanking enemies HERE. If you try to do so later on you'll be in ever more pain, as the T-34-85 and T-43 in particular cannot really be played in any other way. T-34-85 can be a support tank, but 175 pen with that accuracy is unreliable frontally at tier 7+ and using the 100mm results in a paltry 1600ish DPM.

Unlike other Soviet mediums you have outrageously high DPM compared to your peers (other mediums,) so you can actually play flank defense. Any enemy flankers come and you can engage them while they try to take pot shots at your heavy's sides. Since they'll be distracted it'll be much easier to maneuver to flanker's flanks and start shooting their sides/rear. The Zis-4 has enough pen that shooting tier 8s in this area is still a sure pen. For the KV-5 shoot the bottom rear plate if you get the chance, otherwise avoid like the plague.

For other situations you will probably need to flank, as 112 penetration is unreliable frontally versus anything above tier 5. This is the hardest part, as flanking requires high situational awareness and the foreknowledge that you are essentially scouting while flanking. You're moving to the sides of the main engagement you're planning to help and the enemy MAY have tanks there sniping at your lead heavy. Just keep in mind that flanking is not a surefire thing, you will be smoked occasionally before you can do any good for your team. It's a calculated risk and something you'll learn to tip to your odds only through experience.

The trick is to wait at least half a minute for people to start getting tunnel vision. Meaning most people will be scoped at where all the action is. Once everyone is distracted you should begin your flank/scout about a square away from the main engagement. Any closer and you're in their peripheral vision; any farther and the Zis-4 will not reach maximum DPM (balance this out with survivability of course, don't always go a square out). Be sure you have some sort of cover to quickly hide behind in case they have people actually paying attention to flankers. The T-34 has enough speed to dart behind cover if they're being shot at. Your first priority in a flanking spot would be something that would allow you to at least hit the lead heavy's sides while mimimizing your exposure to enemy fire. Second priority would be a good escape route. A good escape route would typically be on higher ground, as you can use the hill to pick up speed and make a run for it while using said hill as cover.

When you get to those flanks start nailing vulnerable targets but ALWAYS watch the enemy. If a big gun or multiple guns turn your way it's time to leg it. Don't stay there cause they can send a fast higher tier medium after you, like the E8. You can try again (and oftentimes to the exact same place) when you think you've lost their attention.

If you run into an enemy while flanking he'll tend to have his turret focused on the main engagement and not on you, you may be able to get away. If not well...there's always next game. Again, it's a calculated risk. The payoff is big DPM and a large contribution to the team, the failure? Well you're only tier 5 not really valuable outside of support. Tier 6 and above is where losing any sort of medium starts to begin hurting the team.

On a side note, if you're in a tier 5 matchup you do not need to follow these rules as often, although it still greatly helps your gameplay in these tiers. The key to flanking is not drawing attention to yourself for as long as possible. This is pretty silly since high tiers (you at a tier 5 match) automatically draw more attention to themselves. Just play tier 5 matches knowing that your DPM outdamages EVERYONE and that you can tear apart a whole front if you're close enough. Again, Zis-4 reloads faster than it fully aims.

This man is correct! Couldn't say it better than that! +1 to you, Sir!

I only have one thing to add. If you happen to find a lone tank that has trouble pivoting its turret, you can easily beat it by circling and spraying them with the 57mm. KV-2 and PzIV come to mind. Don't engage KV-3's, you will be risking your life for nothing, since you have a pretty low chance of penetrating, except at perfect 90 degree angles.

[PanzerHyeena]

The T-34 is probably my favourite tank in the game. It needs to be played very aggressively and done right the T-34 can lay a lot of hurt on things that would surprise you with the 57mm and a lot of luck. I've duked it out with a Tiger and came out on top moments after killing a Ferdie. I've also laid hurt on stuff like the Type 59, Tiger II, IS-4, T-20, T-29 and the Lowe; the T-34 is probably the best overall Tier 5 in my experiences because if anything, it's a tank with teeth and nuts the size of ball barrings made from pure brass. I've even had the wonderfully hilarious experience of bouncing a shot from a T-29 and three from a KV-3 and killing an SU-85 while under fire from those two heavies. Also the only tier 5 I've thrown into dogfights with a Sherman with the demo gun and an M7 and killed both and then waltzed into an enemy base killing two TD's and a light tank before getting jibbed by arty fire.

No, if you want a brawler the T-34 is pretty much the top dog in that category.

[Arminius18]

The T-34 is deadly against enemy scouts (T-50, T-50-2) trying to take out your arty because of it's ROF with the 57mm.  That is a role (admittedly not the most fun) that can really help your team if there are a lot of tier 8's and arty.

[TheOldGuardian]

T-34 is probably one of the most fun T5 tanks out there (along side the KV, Panzer IV and Sherman) and it's probably one of the best Multirole tanks out there. I personally loved it when it had a 57mm Gun, it won't do too much damage per shot, but even with just a 75% loader it's a fast-firing weapon, with a max crew and a rammer it is a freaking autocannon and don't threat about bad penetration, because the 57mm has surprisingly good penetration even against some serious armor, also it's accurate meaning you can hang back behind your main line while screaming DAKKA DAKKA DAKKA at the top of your lungs and effectively support your team.

This is what I love most about this tank, it can do basically anything quite well. Sloping armor gives it good chances of bouncing shots from anything bellow a 152mm High Explosive shell, it's fast and can effectively counter scouts and go on scout duty rather well in it's own right, it's guns are generally awesome and it's even a decent earner.

So yeah, if you're stuck with this, don't feel too bad, because you've stuck yourself with an excellent tank.

[Silty]

If you want to brawl, you want the Soviet heavy line.

[Rorn]

Find a nice spot to snipe early game.  Use binoculars.  Mid game you can flank heavys or head after arty.  Your speed is awsome and if you get the consumable that removes govenor, you'll fly uphill too.  That consumeable seems to never go away.

You can punch thru most T8 heavys rear ends and many on the side with decent results.  T59's are about 20% chance to score a hit on a side shot at max range.  Not bad considering  your tier and fire rate.  Angle your hull about 30degrees in a low tier fight and you'll bounce most lesser shells.  However your best bet is to stay on the move.

You'll have some rough games.  T5 tanks don't live long in high tier games.  This tank shines as a money maker and is fun.  100% crew makes all the difference too.  Once you start shooting, they won't even have time to make cover before you toast em.

Avoid KV 5's.  There is just nothing u can do to them that i know of.  Even their baby turret will bounce everything.

Besides the ammo is cheap.  Keep pounding them even for bounces.  Its darn irritating and can throw off their aim.  I often net around 12k a game.  A bad loss will net you 1k to 4k.

[Naum_Nurgle]

I love my T34 exactly for that versatility

[Sgt_John]

I love my T-34, of all the tanks I have it is probably the most fun to play. And with the 57 is break down higher tanks one little shot at a time.

[Rorn]

Another piece of advice for this awsome tank.  Your armor is equal on front and sides... angle yourself just less than 45 degrees to enemy fire and you become much more bouncy.  At over 400 meters angled like this you will have a good chance of bouncing guns around 120 pen, such as the easy 8.  

Awsome lil tank.  Good moneymaker that is also fun.  Also get binoculars.  They are a must on this one.  

One of the best scout hunting tanks out there.

[ExiledZebra]

Alright, i'll add more tips for you if ever you need: 1 thing u need to know, ur turning may not be amazing, but ur speed is the greatest asset on this tank. So if ever u encounter a group of enemies you dont want to face, use your map and get the living hell out of there. Also if say ur facing a tier 8 wait till his turret isnt facing u!! this is important, hit ur enemy when he leasts expects it. Also if ever u come across a lone heavy tank or TD, remember to take the tracks out! This is vital to your success and to every other soviet mediums u'll end up using. A tracked tank cannot turn it's frontal hull to face you, nor can it chase you down or ram u while turning around him, and remember to only attempt this in an open field environment, or at least sumwhere that leaves you enough space to turn around sum1 without running into a rock or obstruction which will force you to stop dead in your tracks, leaving u vulnerable.

These tips will not insure u getting a top gun in high tier matches, u got to know that if u dont contribute to the fight and ur team slowly dies off, a lone T-34 doesnt fare well against multiple enemies...

[destruya]

The 57mm makes the T-34 an ideal anti-scout tank.  Hang back a bit to use it to dust off lights, then move to support either weak spots or pushes.

[Ignii]

Been putting more time into the T-34 recently, I think I'm starting to get the hang of it.

Spoiler

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[Redmach]

I definitely think you are getting the hang of it. For some reason, the T-34 is my favorite tank so far. I am looking forward to the '85 as well, but I'm going to miss being able to put storms of bullets into an enemy. I've also found that if you hang behind a heavy tank, such as a KV-5 or Lowe, things become much easier, because you don't have to take the enemy fire. Fun tank for all roles.