World of Tanks Artillery guide

Want to learn how to play the artillery class in World of Tanks? Then we got you covered with this quick guide to help you get started.

Artillery, also known as self-propelled guns (SPGs), is a unique class of tank in World of Tanks. Unlike other tanks, SPGs provide a wide view of a selected portion of the map rather than a dedicated sniper mode.

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Naturally, SPGs are not the first line of defence in WoT, serving as support units for the frontline. While it may seem like a more passive role, you'll still be a key component of your team's path to victory.

How to play artillery in World of Tanks

Credit: Wargaming

In this guide, we'll aim to provide you with some essential tips to play the role of artillery or self-propelled guns in World of Tanks. We recommend you check our general beginner tips article as well.

Positioning is key

Just because you'll have to play a more defensive role doesn't mean you won't be actively trying to reposition yourself. Remember that enemies will try to scout you out and target you as soon as they spot you.

It's important to note that as an artillery player, being able to target important enemies will increase your value to the team. Keep in mind that although SPGs can shoot over terrain, your positioning plays a crucial role in ensuring that you hit your target with accuracy and avoid any penalties. Inaccurate shots can be costly, so it's best to be in a good position before taking your shot.

Make every shot count

If you're looking for high-octane action, then the artillery role might not be for you. SPGs are deadly, but they tend to reload extremely slowly and are even slower when it comes to switching targets on the fly.

This means you'll have to be methodical with your decision-making and commit to a target with no last-minute changes, otherwise your chances of completely whiffing a shot increase tenfold.

You are not built for close-quarters combat

As a general rule of thumb, artillery units are best played from safer positions, always trying to be one step ahead of enemies trying to spot you. You'll have to strike a balance between playing from safer angles and being readily available when your team calls for backup.

Artillery units are not suited for close-quarters combat not only for the reasons we've already listed (slow fire rate and reload time) but also because generally they tend to be on the lighter side in terms of HP, meaning just a handful of shots and you can be gone from the battlefield.

Become a ninja

As soon as you start engaging the enemy, they'll try to hunt you down, so keep repositioning, but make it hard to find you. Don't go for the obvious hiding spots, keep them guessing by mixing where you're going to attack next.

The right tool for the job

A lot of nations have artillery worth using depending on your tier. Our quick recommendations include the soviet SU-18 in tier 2, the French AMX 105 AM and 105 LEFH18B2 in tiers 4 and 5 respectively, and the British Conqueror Gun Carriage in tier 10.

These are general suggestions but see the specs for all arty's you wish to try out and see which one fits you the most.

And that's it for our artillery guide in World of Tanks. It's time to take what you've learned and dominate the battlefield.