Every World of Tanks player, at some point, considers buying a premium tank. The allure of faster credit earning, crew training, and unique playstyles is undeniable. But with dozens of options available, choosing the right vehicle can be overwhelming, especially for the average player who may not have the reflexes of a unicum or the patience for quirky specialist machines. This guide cuts through the noise and recommends premium tanks that are forgiving, effective, and genuinely fun to drive, even if you are still learning the ropes.
We have evaluated tanks based on ease of use, consistent performance, and overall value. Whether you want to bulk up your silver reserves, train a specific crew, or simply enjoy a reliable vehicle that won’t let you down, the following picks are tailor-made for the everyday tanker.
What Makes a Premium Tank Great for an Average Player?
Before we dive into the list, let’s establish what separates a solid pub tank from a frustrating purchase. The best premium tanks for average players share a common set of traits:
- Favorfavor matchmaking: Vehicles with preferential matchmaking see a narrower spread of opponents, so you rarely face enemies two tiers higher. This dramatically reduces the feeling of being helpless and keeps the playing field more balanced.
- Good standard penetration: Shelling out credits for gold ammo defeats the purpose of a premium tank. A high base penetration value lets you deal reliable damage without breaking the bank.
- Workable armor: While you should not rely on bouncing shells perfectly, having some armor that can occasionally shrug off poorly aimed shots gives you a margin for error and boosts your survivability.
- Comfortable gun handling: A gun that aims quickly, stays accurate on the move, and reloads at a reasonable pace is far easier to use than a derpy high-alpha cannon that misses half the time.
- Decent mobility: You need to be able to relocate, retreat from bad positions, or flex to support a crumbling flank without feeling like a brick.
Top Premium Tanks for Average Players
1. T-34-85M (Soviet Medium)
The T-34-85M is widely regarded as one of the best all-round premium mediums in the game. It takes the already excellent T-34-85 tech tree tank and adds a noticeably stronger hull armor profile. You can actually bounce some shots when angled correctly. The gun offers solid alpha damage, good penetration, and workable gun handling. It is mobile enough to reposition and flanks well. This tank forgives minor mistakes, rewards good positioning, and prints credits reliably. It is an ideal trainer for Soviet medium crews and a must-own for any player seeking a comfortable Tier VI experience.
2. Strv S1 (Swedish Tank Destroyer)
If you enjoy sniping and want a brain-dead simple playstyle, the Strv S1 is a standout. Its siege mode mechanics are easy to learn: press a button to switch between mobile and firing mode. In siege mode, the gun becomes a laser beam with insane penetration and shell velocity. You can penetrate almost anything you meet, even Tier X heavy tanks frontally, with standard APCR rounds. The S1’s amazing camouflage values let you stay hidden while dealing damage. Its complete lack of meaningful armor is offset by the fact that you rarely get spotted if you play patiently. For an average player who enjoys the tactical sniper role, this tank is a credit-earning monster that requires minimal mechanical skill.
3. Lowe (German Heavy)
The Lowe has been around forever, and it remains one of the most reliable Tier VIII premium heavies. Its turret armor is very strong, especially when using gun depression on a ridge. The gun is the star: superb accuracy, excellent penetration, and decent alpha damage make it a consistent performer. The hull armor is weak, but a smart player can hide it using terrain. The Lowe is slow, but that actually helps average players avoid rushing into trouble too quickly. Its credit multiplier is among the highest in the game, and it excels at earning silver even in messy matches. If you want a heavy tank that rewards careful play and punishes opponents who aim poorly, the Lowe is a classic choice.
4. Progetto M35 mod. 46 (Italian Medium)
The Progetto 46, often called the Spaghetto, is a Tier VIII Italian medium with an autoreloader. Unlike typical autoloaders, you can fire single shots or burst three shells quickly. The gun has fantastic handling, good penetration, and excellent burst potential. The tank is fast and has decent gun depression, making it extremely flexible. While the armor is negligible, the mobility and firepower allow you to control engagements. Average players will love the ability to clip out an unsuspecting enemy in seconds or poke ridges with a single shot. It does require some map awareness, but its forgiving gun handling and quick reload between shots make it more accessible than fragile tanks like the Bourrasque. The Progetto is a credit-making powerhouse that teaches you the rhythm of autoreloaders without being punishing.
5. AMX 13 57 (French Light Tank)
For the more adventurous average player, the AMX 13 57 is a tiny Tier VII light with a seven-shot autoloader. It fires quickly, packs a decent penetration, and can delete equal-tier targets in seconds. The small size makes it hard to hit, and its mobility is outstanding. The downsides are a long clip reload and no armor, meaning mistakes are costly. However, the sheer fun factor and credit-earning potential make it worthwhile. It teaches light tank fundamentals like spotting and flanking without being overly punishing because you can always relocate and fire off a clip before enemies react. If you want a peppy scout that can also fight, this tank is a gem.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Premium Tank
Owning a good premium tank is half the battle. Use these strategies to maximize your investment:
- Conserve your hit points: The longer you stay alive, the more damage and credits you earn. Never trade your HP for low-value early shots.
- Load mostly standard ammo: Premium rounds eat into your profits. Only carry a few for those really tough targets, and rely on your gun’s base penetration 95% of the time.
- Prioritize damage over kills: Damage is the primary driver of credits and experience. Finishing off low-health tanks is fine, but focus on farming hit points from high-health enemies.
- Use boosters wisely: Combine credit boosters with your premium account time and the tank’s innate bonus to supercharge your earnings.
- Train crews effectively: Premium tanks can house any crew of the same nation and type without a penalty. Use them to cycle through multiple tech tree crews and keep them training skills continuously.
- Learn from your replays: Even a forgiving tank can teach you bad habits. Watch your replays to see where you overextended or missed opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy a Tier VIII premium tank first?
Typically, yes. Tier VIII premiums offer the best credit multipliers and see the most action in frontline and grand battle modes. They also train crews for the most commonly played tiers. If you are still struggling at lower tiers, consider a Tier VI or VII to learn the ropes before committing to the more expensive Tier VIII machines.
Are light tanks good for average players wanting to earn credits?
Light tanks can be profitable but require stronger map knowledge and survival instincts. The AMX 13 57 is exceptional because it can fight back, but pure scouts like the ELC EVEN 90 are harder to master. If you are an average player, start with a medium or heavy before diving into light tanks.
How important is preferential matchmaking?
Very. Tanks like the T-34-85M see a more limited tier spread, meaning you are top tier more often. This makes the tank feel consistently competitive and less frustrating. For average players, avoiding frequent bottom-tier battles is a huge quality-of-life improvement.
Can I just buy the most expensive tank and expect good results?
Absolutely not. Some of the most expensive bundles include tanks with quirky playstyles like the Caliban or T77 that require specific skills. Do your research before purchasing. Sticking to the well-rounded options listed above will give you a much better experience.
With the right premium tank, your credit balance will soar and your crew skills will advance faster than ever. Remember that the best tank is the one you enjoy driving. Pick one of these proven performers, take it into battle, and watch your account grow without the grind.
