Steel Hunter

Welcome to Steel Hunter, one of the most exciting modes in World of Tanks. In this last-man-standing battle, you or your Platoon will fight in special vehicles on dynamic maps. In the latest version of this mode, we have added several new mechanics and features to the existing rules, aiming to make the game even more dynamic while remaining comfortable for both beginners and veterans.

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Event Summary

Steel Hunter is a battle royale mode. Your main goal is to survive at all costs, becoming the last Steel Hunter or the last Platoon standing in battle.

  • Course of Battle
  • Enemies and Balance
  • Rewards
  • You can join the hunt in one of the eight special vehicles with unique abilities.
  • In solo mode, you are one of 15 players fighting for victory. It's every Hunter for themselves!
  • You can create a Platoon with your friends or join a random Platoon. When you play in a Platoon, the total number of players is 20.
  • The total battle time is up to 15 minutes.
  • Battles will unfold on three huge maps, where you can select your initial spawn point before the battle starts.
  • The playable areas shrink with time, first becoming Danger Zones, then Destruction Zones. In a Danger Zone, a timer appears indicating how long until it turns into a Destruction Zone. Escape it as quickly as possible before the timer ends, as Destruction Zones will gradually cause damage to your vehicle until it is destroyed.
  • You'll be able to upgrade your vehicles while in battle and get stronger with Combat XP earned and new tiers reached. Enemy vehicles display their upgrade tier, allowing you to better assess your capabilities. To get Combat XP, damage the enemies and collect loot.
  • Loot randomly spawns on the map (Consumables and Supplies) but also remain after destroyed vehicles (Spoils of War). These objects contain resources, Combat XP, Combat Ability charges, HP, and repairs for modules.
  • The most valuable loot type is the Airdrop. Many players will want to get their hands on Airdrops, so you'll have to push yourself to the limit to get to them first.
  • In the early stages of battle, you have a chance to respawn.
  • All special vehicles in this mode are equipped with the lock-on (auto-aim) feature—signature to wheeled vehicles. This will make it easier to cause damage on the move and against moving targets.
  • The shell velocity is also higher in this mode for the same purposes.
  • There is a special type of AI-controlled opponent in the mode called Marauders. They yield Combat XP and Spoils of War when destroyed.
  • Your mastery will be taken into account. The matchmaker aims to provide opponents of similar combat effectiveness.
  • Completing daily missions and fighting in battles will earn you Progression Points, and the higher your position at the end of the battle, the more you'll earn. Each new Stage will bring you various rewards.
  • Apart from Progression Points, daily missions and battles will bring you Steel Seals. This special currency can be exchanged for various customization items in the in-game Store.

How to Start Playing

To enter the game, select the appropriate option (Solo Battle, Random Platoon, or Platoon with a Friend) by clicking the event banner under the Battle! button.

If you chose to play in a Random Platoon, the game will find you a teammate with the most suitable skill level according to your own statistics in this game mode.

If finding a Platoon partner takes longer than usual, the skill requirements may be relaxed.

You can also offer to convert your Random Platoon into a regular one. This option is available on the battle results screen.

Communication with the Platoon

Voice Chat

To use this feature in the game, you need to do the following:

  1. Enable Voice Chat in the game settings.
  2. Assign a Voice Chat key in the key bindings menu.

Voice Chat works for both Random and Regular Platoons.

If you are in a Regular Platoon, then you can also use the Voice Chat in the Garage.

Quick Commands Menu

This feature is designed to improve communication with your Platoon mates in case you are unable to use the Voice Chat. By default, the radial quick command menu is activated by pressing Z.

Special Vehicles

All eight special vehicles available in Steel Hunter: Evolution have different tactics, gameplay, and Abilities. Each of them can be upgraded from Tier I to Tier VII while in the heat of battle.

Combat Abilities

Each vehicle has one regular and one ultimate Combat Ability unique to it:

  • Germany
  • U.S.A.
  • U.S.S.R.
  • France
  • U.K.
  • China
  • Poland
  • Sweden

Walküre
Turbocharger
Temporarily increases the engine power, top speed, and traverse speed of your vehicle.
Repair Zone
Creates a temporary static area that repairs all damaged modules, removes the stun effect, and restores hit points.

Raven
Target Tracking
Temporarily reduces gun dispersion and aiming time, improves gun stabilization and fire rate.
Trap
Creates an area that reduces the dynamic characteristics of enemy vehicles.

Varyag
Minefield
Deploys an active minefield in the selected area for a certain period of time. Enemies can destroy your mines by shooting them.
Recovery Zone
Creates an area around the vehicle. Within this area, both the player and Platoon members restore a certain percentage of their vehicle's hit points each second.

Arlequin
Airstrike
Stuns enemy vehicles and causes damage with bomb explosions in the selected area.
Fireball
Deploys a self-propelled mine that will chase the nearest enemy and cause damage to it upon detonation. Enemies can destroy your Fireball by shooting it.

Harbinger
Corrosive Mist
Adds a concealment bonus to all vehicles within range of the consumable. Also damages all vehicles within its range.
Berserker
Significantly boosts your vehicle characteristics and penetration, but deducts the hit points of your vehicle for a certain period of time.

Bái Láng
Acid Shell
Adds corrosive properties to the shell. Upon causing damage to an enemy's vehicle, the shell applies a temporary effect to it, causing additional damage over time. Repair Kit removes the effect.
Battlefield Robot
Calls in an autonomous tank equipped with an Identification Friend or Foe system that will pursue and attack the nearest enemy. This tank can be destroyed.

Huragan
Electric Discharge
Creates a zone where a series of electric discharges strike with high frequency. Each discharge causes damage and reduces vehicle mobility within the ability's area of effect.
Surging Fervor
As the aiming and stabilization values decrease for a certain period of time, each penetrating hit increases damage done to enemy vehicles with shells. Damage can be increased up to five times. Hits with no damage and misses reset the damage parameter to its base value.

Beowulf
Ring of Fire
Envelops the enemy vehicle in a fiery aura that causes damage and reduces vehicle mobility within the ability's area of effect.
Adaptive Armor
Instantly restores a portion of the vehicle's hit points. Throughout the ability's duration, all incoming damage from shells and combat abilities will be accumulated and converted into hit points. Once the ability runs out, it will restore a portion of the player's and allied vehicles' hit points within a certain radius, which depends on the damage received.

Additionally, there are two Combat Abilities that are common for all vehicles, as follows:

Recovery: Gradually recovers a fixed percentage of the vehicle's HP, but stops working if you take damage.
Repair Kit: Repairs vehicle modules (analogous to Large Repair Kits) and reduces stun duration.

Vehicle Upgrade System

To upgrade your vehicle, you need to earn Battle XP by picking up loot and damaging enemies. Don't forget that you can also choose Marauders as your opponents. They happen to be easier prey than real players.

Each vehicles has different modules available, and at each level you will have a choice of two options.

Go wild and choose the configuration that best suits your play style!

  • Germany
  • U.S.A.
  • U.S.S.R.
  • France
  • U.K.
  • China
  • Poland
  • Sweden

Walküre
Engine Power
870h.p.
Top Speed
35km/h
Detection Radius
350m
Radio Detection Cooldown
30s
Hit Points
800HP
Hull Armor
95/75/20mm
Hit Points
500HP
Armor
165/90/60mm
Penetration
115/144mm
Damage
300/240HP
Damage per Minute
2,682HP/min
Dispersion at 100 m
0.38m
RESET

Raven
Engine Power
620h.p.
Top Speed
50km/h
Detection Radius
390m
Radio Detection Cooldown
30s
Hit Points
800HP
Hull Armor
80/40/25mm
Hit Points
400HP
Armor
105/65/65mm
Penetration
130/163mm
Damage
215/170HP
Damage per Minute
3,364HP/min
Dispersion at 100 m
0.43m
RESET

Varyag
Engine Power
800h.p.
Top Speed
40km/h
Detection Radius
350m
Radio Detection Cooldown
30s
Hit Points
800HP
Hull Armor
105/75/20mm
Hit Points
500HP
Armor
120/80/40mm
Penetration
115/144mm
Damage
270/215HP
Damage per Minute
2,816HP/min
Dispersion at 100 m
0.38m
RESET

Arlequin
Engine Power
600h.p.
Top Speed
72km/h
Detection Radius
450m
Radio Detection Cooldown
25s
Hit Points
750HP
Hull Armor
20/15/10mm
Hit Points
300HP
Armor
20/20/10mm
Penetration
100/125mm
Damage
155/125HP
Damage per Minute
3,031HP/min
Dispersion at 100 m
0.43m
RESET

Harbinger
Engine Power
590h.p.
Top Speed
45km/h
Detection Radius
390m
Radio Detection Cooldown
30s
Hit Points
800HP
Hull Armor
70/40/25mm
Hit Points
400HP
Armor
115/80/40mm
Penetration
130/163mm
Damage
190/150HP
Damage per Minute
3,397HP/min
Dispersion at 100 m
0.43m
RESET

Bái Láng
Engine Power
630h.p.
Top Speed
65km/h
Detection Radius
430m
Radio Detection Cooldown
25s
Hit Points
850HP
Hull Armor
20/15/10mm
Hit Points
300HP
Armor
60/20/10mm
Penetration
110/135mm
Damage
180/145HP
Damage per Minute
3,129HP/min
Dispersion at 100 m
0.4m
RESET

Huragan
Engine Power
600h.p.
Top Speed
58km/h
Detection Radius
410m
Radio Detection Cooldown
30s
Hit Points
800HP
Hull Armor
60/40/25mm
Hit Points
400HP
Armor
70/40/40mm
Penetration
130/163mm
Damage
210/170HP
Damage per Minute
3,475HP/min
Dispersion at 100 m
0.38m
RESET

Beowulf
Engine Power
830h.p.
Top Speed
43km/h
Detection Radius
350m
Radio Detection Cooldown
30s
Hit Points
800HP
Hull Armor
85/60/20mm
Hit Points
500HP
Armor
110/60/40mm
Penetration
115/144mm
Damage
240/190HP
Damage per Minute
3,004HP/min
Dispersion at 100 m
0.38m
RESET

Crew

Crew members are exclusive to the vehicle they come in and can't be dismissed, injured, or sent to the Barracks. They do not earn Crew XP. Also, the commander of each vehicle has access to the following set of skills and abilities:

Germany

Designated Target
Intuition

U.S.A

Smooth Ride
Snap Shot

U.S.S.R.

Designated Target
Intuition

France

Deadeye
Off-Road Driving


U.K.

Smooth Ride
Snap Shot

China

Deadeye
Off-Road Driving

Poland

Smooth Ride
Snap Shot

Sweden

Designated Target
Intuition

Maps and Danger Zones

The hunting will take place on three maps—Dreamland, Arzagir 4.04, and Firnulfir. Each of them has a different setting and a unique game atmosphere. The scale of the battlefield is far bigger compared to Random Battles.

Dreamland is a dangerous abandoned town with plenty of space for hiding. Arzagir 4.04 is a vast desert laced with sand dunes and dried-out rivers. Firnulfir is a picturesque Scandinavian tundra that will enchant you with its northern landscapes, frozen ponds, and small abandoned settlements.

All three maps shrink with time, leaving less space to play and survive. If you're in an area that turns orange, that means it is about to become a Danger Zone and you need to leave it as soon as possible. A special countdown will indicate how much time you have before it turns into a Destruction Zone. The fewer players on the battlefield, the less time you'll have to escape the Danger Zone. When a Danger Zone turns red, it becomes a Destruction Zone.

You will have very little time to escape from it, as shown in the countdown. Once the countdown ends, your vehicle will receive continuous damage until it is destroyed or until you have left the Destruction Zone. However, don't worry too much: The boundaries of the zones are clearly displayed, and you can easily identify each of them.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RED: CLOSED ZONE

In a closed zone, your vehicle will receive continuous damage. You will have little time to leave a red zone.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
YELLOW: ZONE CLOSING SOON

In a yellow zone, your vehicle does not receive damage. But beware: A yellow zone can close at any moment. Think about your escape routes.

Airdrops

The most valuable type of loot. It contains a larger amount of Combat XP, restores HP, and repairs damaged modules. It also gives you one charge for all your Abilities. Remember that collecting this loot takes 5 seconds. It is marked by blue smoke.

Enemy Within View Range

Another Hunter entered your view range! Note: Enemy vehicles and loot points become visible only when they are within your view range.

Marauders

AI-driven enemy models that are weaker opponents than real players. Destroy them to get additional Combat XP and loot. There are three different types of Marauders: Hares, Wolves, and Bears.

Airdrops

The most valuable type of loot. It contains a larger amount of Combat XP, restores HP, and repairs damaged modules. It also gives you one charge for all your Abilities. Remember that collecting this loot takes 5 seconds. It is marked by blue smoke.

 
Enemy Spotted With Radio Detection

A Hunter you spotted with Radio Detection. Be aware that using Radio Detection will reveal your current position on the minimap at the time of activation to all players within Radio Detection range of your position.

Consumables

Restores HP and contains Combat XP and shells. Also provides one Recovery charge with a certain drop chance. It is marked by green smoke.

Supplies

Repairs damaged modules and contains Combat XP (but less than in Consumables). Also gives you a Repair Kit or one Ability charge. It is marked by yellow smoke.

Supplies

Repairs damaged modules and contains Combat XP (but less than in Consumables). Also gives you a Repair Kit or one Ability charge. It is marked by yellow smoke.

Consumables

Restores HP and contains Combat XP and shells. Also provides one Recovery charge with a certain drop chance. It is marked by green smoke.

Spoils of War

Contains half of the resources of a destroyed vehicle, repairs damaged modules, and restores some of your HP. Collecting this loot only takes 2 seconds, but when you do, all players will be able to see Spoils of War on their minimaps. It is marked by red smoke.

Enemy Spotted With Radio Detection

A Hunter you spotted with Radio Detection. Be aware that using Radio Detection will reveal your current position on the minimap at the time of activation to all players within Radio Detection range of your position.

Enemy Spotted With Radio Detection

A Hunter you spotted with Radio Detection. Be aware that using Radio Detection will reveal your current position on the minimap at the time of activation to all players within Radio Detection range of your position.

 
Radio Detection. This system displays loot points and enemy vehicles on the minimap within its coverage area. Be aware that using Radio Detection will reveal your current position if you are within range of ​​another player's Radio Detection.

Looting

You can upgrade your vehicle with the help of special loot that contains Battle XP, shells, charges for your Abilities, and more. You can pick up two or more items of loot at the same time. There are four types of loot available, as follows:

Consumables

Restores hit points and contains a Recovery charge, ammo, and experience for improving your vehicle.

Supplies

Repairs damaged modules. Contains Battle XP but less than Consumables. Can contain either a Repair Kit or one Combat Ability charge.

Spoils of War

These appear after destroying enemies, including Marauders. They restore modules and vehicle hit points, and also provide ammo and experience. Can contain some Combat Ability charges. Reduces your Abilities' cooldowns.

Airdrop

If you get your hands on an Airdrop, you will get a Respawn charge—and a huge advantage over your opponents. This is the most valuable drop. It restores modules and vehicle hit points, and it also provides ammo, experience, and charges for all Abilities.

You can pick up two or more items of loot at the same time.

Respawn Mechanics

In the early stages of the battle, you have a chance to take revenge on your opponents. When playing solo, you'll be able to automatically respawn in a safe location after your vehicle's destruction—but only during the first 5 minutes of the battle.

Platoon players will have two respawns per Platoon. You will be able to respawn next to your Platoon mate within the first 8 minutes, but to do so, your ally must remain out of battle for 10 seconds.

When you respawn, the following happens:

  • You retain your vehicle tier.
  • You return to the game with the default set of shells and Abilities, like you had at the start of the battle.
  • If your respawn has been spent, you can get a recharge of this ability by collecting Airdrop loot.

Marauders (AI-Driven Opponents)

Steel Hunter features AI-driven enemy models—Marauders. They are weaker opponents than real players. They spawn at certain points on the map and are marked with a square icon. Destroy them to get additional Combat XP and loot.

There are three different types of Marauders, which demonstrate individual behaviors and react differently to your presence as follows:

  • Hares are small and dynamic vehicles that try to flee from you after being spotted.
  • Wolves are aggressive, versatile opponents that will attack you from a distance.
  • Bears are the most powerful enemies guarding the loot. They will engage you in close combat but will stop fighting when you move away from them.

Destroying the more powerful Marauders will bring you more valuable rewards. As you advance through the battle you will encounter more Bears and less Wolves and Hares.

Matchmaker

In Steel Hunter, your experience and individual mastery have always been your main advantages. But in the battle royale format—where only the best contender wins—it may be challenging for new players to compete with more experienced Hunters.

To make the gameplay fairer for both newcomers and veterans, we use specific matchmaking rules. These rules will take your performance in the mode into account and help the game to try and find opponents close to your battle results. The rules apply both when playing solo and as part of a Platoon.

Vision/Aiming Mechanics

The vision system uses Vision Cones. Here's how it works:

  • Enemy vehicles and loot that appear inside your Vision Cone will be depicted on the minimap.
  • Enemies can be spotted from afar only in the 120° sector according to your turret position. Consider this when sneaking up on an opponent and when trying to prevent them from doing the same. Proximity spotting works, but at a very close range.
  • During the battle you may receive damage with no opponent in sight.

Progression

Steel Hunter features a Progression system comprising of successive Stages. The Progression Stages are completed with Progression Points which you earn In Steel Hunter battles and for completing special missions in the mode. Based on your performance, battles also yield credits, Battle Pass Points, and Steel Seals, which can be exchanged for customization elements.

SOLO PLATOON
Position Reward Position Reward
1 25 1 25
2–4 15 2–3 15
5–7 10 4–5 10
8–11 5 6–8 5
12–15 1 9–10 1

If you leave a battle before it ends, you won't receive any rewards and won't progress through the missions.

Missions

Completing the missions will reward you with Progression Points, as well as a number of other valuable items.

Destroying the Marauders won't help you to progress through these missions.

  • Destruction Ranch
  • Warm-Up
  • Skilled Hunter
Destruction Ranch

Conditions:

  • Cause 12,000 HP of damage over any number of battles in the mode
  • Can be completed once a day.

Reward:

  • 10,000
  • 30 Progression Points
Warm-Up

Conditions:

  • Be among the top 8 players when fighting solo 3 times

    OR

    Be among the top 6 Platoons when fighting in a Platoon 3 times
  • Can be completed once a day.

Reward:

  • 15,000
  • 40 Progression Points
Skilled Hunter

Conditions:

  • Be among the top 4 players when fighting solo 1 time

    OR

    Be among the top 3 Platoons when fighting in a Platoon 1 time
  • Can be completed once a day.

Reward:

  • 20,000
  • 50 Progression Points

Post-Progression Missions

You can continue doing special missions after you max out the mode Progression, scoring more Steel Seals and bonds.

  • Good Chance Comes at Once
  • Liquidator
  • Veni, Vidi, Vici
Good Chance Comes at Once

Conditions:

  • Destroy 3 enemy vehicles over any number of battles in the mode
  • Can be completed once a day.

Reward:

  • 250 Steel Seals
Liquidator

Conditions:

  • Destroy at least 4 enemy vehicles in one battle in the mode
  • Can be completed once a day.

Reward:

  • 25
Veni, Vidi, Vici

Conditions:

  • Win a battle in the mode
  • Can be completed once a day.

Reward:

  • 25

Battle Pass Points

Steel Hunter will also bring you Battle Pass Points. The number of Points awarded depends on your rank in the post-battle statistics. There is no Point Limit for vehicles in Steel Hunter. To learn more about Battle Pass, refer to our dedicated guide.

SOLO PLATOON
Position Reward Position Reward
1 10 1 10
2–6 8 2–4 8
7–10 6 5–7 6

Steel Hunter also has a permanent bonus to credits and Combat XP from WoT Premium Account and allows you to earn 50% more Steel Seals. Additionally, you can now take advantage of the following:

  • Personal and Clan Reserves for extra Combat XP and credits
  • A 15% bonus to credits and XP when playing in a Platoon

Event Shop

Here you can exchange your Steel Seals for unique vehicle customization elements. The Shop is available from the beginning of the event and some time after its completion.

Statistics

You can track your battle effectiveness in Steel Hunter via the Service RecordStatistics tab in your Garage. Select Steel Hunter from the dropdown menu of available game modes to see the number of vehicles you have destroyed, as well as your average damage per battle, number of wins, and other stats.

Performance in Steel Hunter

Steel Hunter will require more system resources than regular Random Battles. This is due to several key factors that are specifically related to this mode, including the large map sizes and the significant number of objects on them.

Computers with low RAM may experience some performance issues while running this mode. To avoid any problems and ensure you play with maximum comfort, change the graphics settings of your game client in accordance with the capabilities of your CPU and graphics card.