Having given up in frustration WT air combat, I've had a punt at this. It's great fun if you don't take it too seriously.

Which I can't because I am totally rubbish at it.

Though many years 'flying' (still with IL2'46 online) I have hardly any knowledge of and no gaming experience with being down and dirty in the mud and dust world of armoured combat.

I presume (hope so for my own wounded self-esteem) that the servers are populated by chaps who have been playing ground forces since early access. Because there are some amazing marksmen out there.
Because of the awards and economy element, it tends to be everyman for himself so there are no real tactics in random battles. Either everybody rushes pell-mell into the enemy or camps near spawn bases. 'Tis early days yet though.
Maps are unsuitable for even medium tanks really(except Kursk) but graphics and effects are terrific (on my aged system anyway)


Have d/l'd 'Panzer Elite' to learn some tactics in the less frenetic S/P mode.

In my time zone selecting any server I have not had to wait more than a few minutes for a game; more often much less.

When I stick with other leading tanks (not too close because of the artillery fire), I generally perform better than alone on my own... even if there are ambushed enemies, they can't take us all at the same time, so it's easier to mark their position and keep moving until you get a good firing position on them.

I think "keep moving" is the best options for medium and light tanks that can speed up around 50-60 kph... of course few seasoned master-of-deflection warriors could still be able to pin you down but there are generally on higher levels (3-5) by now, if you stay on the lower level 1-2, it's more manageable.

Anyway, great fun once you get a decent tank (T-50 - all updated - for level 1 for example)

yeah, Kursk is a great map... amazing to play... Funny, the first time I played I did not see the little blue mark on our AI tanks so I blew up one before I could identify it!!! ;-) so for the noobs out there: when there is a allied name on it, it's one of ours 9obviously) but when you see a small blue rectangle on them it's also one of own, but just a AI.

Too bad at the moment (same with the aircrafts), the SB mode maps are not swarming with tanks like they show in the launch Ground force trailer... it would be crazy awesome to see that many tanks engaged in a map like Kursk.

@Staniol: About your question, I think SB mode will always be the poor parent in this game... people like VERY easy arcade gameplay and even if SB is not that hard, they prefer to have a big red names on the enemies and lots of firing clues to shoot at them... unfortunately.

I don't think we will ever see great combined operations in this more realistic mode just because most hardcore gamers (like the ones populating these forums) will play other specific games because they find WT too easy, and general masses only like their fast food arcade fix.

Yeah I understand, its just strange, that there are too few of us.
Well, I have no issues to fight with AI tanks, as long as they are good (and not godlike), with players flying above me.
I do like the plane part too, but without trackir, I have not much SA, which is a must in SB.

see you online, Staniol... I will befriend you when I can play tonight... generally between 6 and 9 pm during week days (Canada Toronto GMT).

I'm having a blast with Ground Forces so far.

KV-1 is my favorite tank so far. I managed to get 9 assists, 10 kills and 58 hits with it in one battle. Dunno how many dozen rounds I withstood. Lived through the whole battle.

I've racked up 62 kills in my Stug-A, 52 in the T-50.

Only got Tier 2 tanks so far, with my favorites being KV-1 L-11, T-50, T-34 1940 L11 and PzKpfw. IV Ausf. F2.

This IS some major fun. The tanks have a heavier feel than they do with WOT. I don't want to put down that game, cause I still enjoy it, but there is a better feeling to the WT tanks.
I've made it to the T-34 and I'm about ready to get my KV-1. Only playing Russian tanks, right now. 10 kills? Geez. My best fight was a 5 kill battle with the T26. Had a quick fight in the T34 last night before hitting the sack and I think I'm gonna like it. Can't wait for the American line up.

I am like you Pooch, just got my T-34 1940 and in research for the KV-1, but it needs a big upgrade before it is battle ready, because at the moment this is more cannon fodder for the German tanks level 2 than a good tool of combat... so for now, I get all my fun with my fully upgraded T-50: great mobility, nice reloading time, and with the highest munition, a very good machine of war for level 1... Like you I always play soviet right now.

What I love to do on Kursk is go sneaking behind the line to the German artillery and trucks and make havok of them with artillery fire calls and my canon until one of the human player decide to defend his precious assets...
I really love Kursk, the best map in the game for tanks.

love this game!

A T34/76 with the French flag?????

Ok, so tried some simulator battles.

Man, the Kursk map is a PITA. I'm having much difficulties finding the enemy tanks

But a very enjoyable mode

Well, at the end the fight will go for point A, you'll find the nme there for sure.

you can put any decoration you want... Mine was a bit like the free french air corp (Normandie Niemen) battling the german along with the russians... I colored my tank gray to confuse the first sight for the enemy (their German tanks are all gray), and few seconds of confusion is sometimes a matter of life and death with tanks! ;-)

Dammm... these German F2 are seriously killing the fun with their one shot kill on any of the Russian counterpart on level II, I was thinking that it would be cool to get my hand on a T-34 ot a KV1... but even upgraded they are completely powerless facing a German F2... you move they see you, 1 shot you are dead... I went to get back my fun with my T-50 in level I, at least the balance is a bit better.

T-50s are overpowered on tier I :P insane armor and a nasty gun which can easily one-shot most things (but serious awesome fun to drive one).

I enjoy the F2, the first really fun german tank in my eyes. But I'm having just as much fun in the KV-1 or the T-34 1940/41s.

combined arms is there!!! Air vs Air vs Ground vs Ground!!! it's raining shells and bombs!!! ;-)

update: ATM it's just unplayable, planes have literally few seconds over the tank areas because their maps are so small, in these few seconds, they have to acquire dot-sized tanks on the grounds and avoid a MURDEROUS flak that have the skill of a sniper.

Still fun

I did manage to kill an aircraft with my 20mm german Flak-tank. woo.

First order of business for tanks should be to take out any AAA they can see at start.

I killed a plane with my BT-7! Lucky as hell shot. He was flying overhead so I said, "Ah, why not?" Took a shot. Bam! "Enemy Aircraft Destroyed." I got a "Terror Of The Skies" award in a tank. Lol!

I love the game in simulation mode. And yes, the F2 is super deadly. Learn how to fight it.

I like that WT isn't as balanced as WoT. It sets it apart, makes you have to think about what you're doing instead of blindly charging into the fight. Panzer IVFs are hard to fight, so learn how to flank 'em and shoot them in the sides. Or shoot their guns. Or their commanders. They have weak spots.