How to Play: KV-1SA

Commanders,

Have you claimed your Well-Deserved Reward for 2022 yet? Depending on the age of your account, you'll receive different items. Commanders who have been around since 2018 get to claim Premium Vehicles. Among the five free vehicles is the KV-1SA, a brand-new Tier V Soviet heavy tank!

Let's see how the KV-1SA can serve you in battle.

Contents

Overview

The KV-1SA's main feature is its reverse autoreloading gun. What that does, is load the last shell fastest. After the clip is empty, you can get a shot in every 4 seconds. Its full clip stores up to 5 shells and can deal an incredible 550 damage in 4 seconds. Do note, however, that patience is needed when unloading all 5 shells as it takes around 2.4 seconds to aim. It has an accuracy of 0.43. Some shots may not land properly, but it will surely hurt an enemy who makes the mistake of getting too close.

When it comes to mobility, this tank is not like its Tier VI counterpart. The only way to achieve its top speed is when it goes downhill. But it gets compensated with better traverse speed that you can use to move out of sticky situations and onwards to more favorable opportunities.

Its armor is a bit thinner than the KV-1's but it can work against some enemies when angled properly. Combined with traverse speed, you can bait an enemy into hitting your side armor when it is effectively angled.

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KV-1SA | Image gallery

Firepower

A 76 mm canon, only 110 damage per shot, an average penetration value of 120 mm with standard APCR shells, and just over 1,500 DPM–there doesn’t seem to be anything outstanding about this Soviet heavy tank. Or is there?

However, the name indicates that the KV-1SA has an ace up its sleeve. Equipped with a reverse auto-reloader similar to an IS-3A, the newcomer earns its place with an impressive 550 HP burst damage potential. Enough to take out light tanks and tank destroyers with one clip or take big HP bites out of enemy medium and heavy tanks.

Unlike a regular autoreloader, the reverse mechanic loads the first shell in about 4.3 seconds, while loading the fifth shell for a fully loaded clip takes 10.5 seconds. The more shells remain in the clip, the longer they reload. Take advantage of the short 2.3 seconds intra-clip reload time and always let an enemy feel your full force. The heavy tank also has APCR as standard and special ammunition with an excellent 950 m/s shell velocity.

Survivability

The KV-1SA has one of the lowest hit point values of its tier, with only 800 HP. It is a decent amount, but also something to keep in mind, especially as turret and hull armor leave things to be desired. They are thick enough for the occasional bounce but do not rely on it.

It is better to increase your chances of reaching the end of the match by properly angling the tank and utilizing the side armor.

The view range of the KV-1SA is better than its fellow KV peers, but with 320 meters below the class and tier average.

Mobility

The KV-1SA is a heavy tank and comes with the mobility of one. Although it leads the charge of its tier with a 43 km/h top speed, gravity needs to be on your side to achieve these numbers. The true performance in the field is closer to that of a KV-220-2 because of the low power-to-weight ratio.

Let your fellow tank commanders lead the charge and roll up after to hold the line.

Slot Category: Survivability

When you install an equipment of matching type in this slot, the equipment's performance will be boosted.

Slot Category: Mobility

When you install an equipment of matching type in this slot, the equipment's performance will be boosted.

Slot Category: Firepower

When you install an equipment of matching type in this slot, the equipment's performance will be boosted.

Slot Category: Scouting

When you install an equipment of matching type in this slot, the equipment's performance will be boosted.

Improved Ventilation

+5% / +6% to all crew skills.


※ The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.


※ The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Gun Rammer

-10% / -11.5% to loading time.


※ The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Enhanced Gun Laying Drive

+10% / -11.5% to aiming speed.


※ The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Vertical Stabilizer

-20% / -23% to dispersion during vehicle movement and traversal.


※ The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Improved Aiming

-5% / -7% to the aiming circle size.


※ The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Improved Rotation Mechanism

-10% / -12.5% to dispersion during vehicle movement and traversal, as well as during turret rotation.

+10% / +12.5% to hull and turret traverse speed.


※ The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Spall Liner

+50% / +60% to HE-shell and ramming damage.

+50% / +60% to to protection of crew from injuries.

-10% / -15% to stun duration.

-20% / -25% to additional stun duration.


※ The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Improved Hardening

Fully restores suspension hit points after repairs.

+8% / +10% to vehicle hit points.

+50% / +65% to suspension durability.

-50% / -65% to hull damage caused by suspension damage during impact.

+15% / +20% to suspension repair speed.


※ The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Modified Configuration

Prevents one fuel tank fire, ammo rack explosion, or engine destruction in one battle.

+100% / +150% to ammo rack, fuel tank, and engine durability

-50% / -65% to the damaged ammo rack penalty and damaged engine penalty.

-50% / -65% to the chance of engine fire.

+25% / +35% to repair speed.


※ The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Additional Grousers

+15% / +20% to hull traverse speed.

+10% / +15% to maintaining speed.

※ The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Turbocharger

+7.5% / +10% to engine power.

+4km/h / +5km/h to top forward speed.

+2km/h / +3km/h to reverse speed.


※ The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Binocular Telescope

・=+25% / +27.5% to view range of a stationary vehicle


※ The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Coated Optics

+10% / +11.5% to view range of a stationary vehicle


※ The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Camouflage Net

・Reduces the detection chance of a stationary vehicle:

+5% / +7.5% to heavy tanks and SPGs.

+10% / +12.5% to light and medium tanks.

+15% / +17.5% to tank destroyers.


※ The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Low Noise Exhaust System

・Reduces the visibility of a stationary or moving vehicle:

+3% / +4% to heavy tanks and SPGs.

+6% / +8% to light and medium tanks.

+5% / +6% to tank destroyers.


※ The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Improved Radio Set

+1.5s / +2s to the duration an enemy vehicle is visible.

-1.5s / -2s to the duration your vehicle is visible to the enemy.


※ The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Commander's Vision System

-10% / -12.5% to concealment of moving enemy vehicles.

-15% / -20% to concealment of enemy vehicles behind foliage.


※ The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Field Modification

Module Durability Increase

・Damaged ammo rack penalty and damaged engine penalty:-50%

・Dispersion of the damaged gun:-20%

・Hull traverse speed:-4% 

・Turret traverse speed:-4% 

Light-Alloy Mounting Points

・Hull traverse speed:+4% 

・Turret traverse speed:+4% 

・Damaged ammo rack penalty and damaged engine penalty:+50% 

・Dispersion of the damaged gun:+20% 

Suspension Arm Tuning

・Dispersion during movement and hull traversal:-3% 

・Accuracy:-3% 

Improved Sight

・Accuracy:+3% 

・Dispersion during movement and hull traversal:+3% 

Turbocharger Tuning

・Reverse speed:+2km/h

・Suspension repair speed:+5%

・Concealment:-3%

Anti-Reflective Headlights Coating

・Concealment:+3%

・Reverse speed:-2km/h

・Suspension repair speed:-5%

Loading Mechanism Tuning

・Reload time:-3%

・Accuracy:-5%

Aiming Mechanism Tuning

・Accuracy:+5%

・Reload time:+3%

PTO Tuning

・Engine power:+5% 

・Aiming time:+5% 

Electric Aiming Drive

・Aiming time:-5% 

・Engine power:-5% 

Heavy-Gauge Nozzles

・Top speed:+2km/h 

・View range:-3% 

Sensitive Optics

・View range:+3% 

・Top speed:-2km/h 

Reinforced Support Rollers

・Suspension durability:+30% 

・Suspension repair speed:-10% 

・Hull traverse speed:-5% 

Lightweight Support Rollers

・Suspension repair speed:+10% 

・Hull traverse speed:+5% 

・Suspension durability:-30% 

All-Terrain Suspension

・Effectiveness of maintaining speed when crossing all terrain types:+7% 

・Hull traverse speed:-5% 

・Suspension durability:-10% 

Lightweight Suspension

・Effectiveness of maintaining speed when crossing all terrain types:-7% 

・Hull traverse speed:+5% 

・Suspension durability:+10% 

Parallax Adjustment

・Accuracy:+3% 

・Aiming time:+5% 

Aiming Gears Lapping

・Aiming time:-5% 

・Accuracy:-3% 

Additional Noise Insulation

・Stun duration:-10% 

・Additional stun duration:-15% 

・View range:-3% 

Periscope Electric Drive

・View range:+3% 

・Stun duration:+10% 

・Additional stun duration:+15% 

Reinforced Turret

・HE damage:-15% 

・Stun duration:-8% 

・Protection of the crew from injuries:+20% 

・Hull traverse speed:-5% 

・Top speed:-2km/h 

Lightweight Turret

・Hull traverse speed:+5% 

・Top speed:+2km/h 

・HE damage:+15% 

・Stun duration:+8% 

・Protection of the crew from injuries:-20% 

Auxiliary Safety System

・Durability of internal modules:+30% 

・Repair speed:+5% 

・Turret traverse speed:-5% 

・Dispersion during turret traverse:+5% 

Lightweight Mounting Points

・Turret traverse speed:+5% 

・Dispersion during turret traverse:-5% 

・Durability of internal modules:-30% 

・Repair speed:-5% 

Reinforced Suspension

・Suspension durability:+30%

・Terrain crossing capacity:+15%

・Hull traverse speed:-5%

Lightweight Suspension

・Hull traverse speed:+5%

・Suspension durability:-30%

・Terrain crossing capacity:-15%

Aiming Gears Lapping

・Aiming time:-5%

・Accuracy:-3%

Parallax Adjustment

・Accuracy:+3%

・Aiming time:+5%

Ejector Tuning

・Concealment after firing a shot:+6%

・View range:-2%

Right-Angle Periscope

・View range:+2%

・Concealment after firing a shot:-6%

Equipment

Recommended Setup
Improved Ventilation Gun Laying Drive
Improved Aiming

A setup to maximize firepower.

Alternative Setup
Improved Hardening Improved Ventilation Gun Laying Drive

For a general boost to tank stats for survivability and gun handling.

Hover your cursor over the images for more information on each piece of equipment.

Crew Skills

Commander
Gunner
Driver
Radio Operator
Loader

Hover your cursor over the images for more information about each crew skill or perk.

Additional Grousers

Increases the mobility on soft and medium terrain.

Increases hull traverse speed.

Greater ability to maintain speed.

Adrenaline Rush

Decreases the gun reload time by 10% if your vehicle's HP drops below 10%.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Brothers in Arms / Sisterhood of Steel

Increases the training level of your crew members by 5%.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100% for every single crew member.

Band of Brothers

Increases the training level of your crew members by 5%.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100% for every single crew member.

Also works if other crew members have Brothers in Arms / Sisterhood of Steel.

Call for Vengeance

Reports the enemy vehicles' location for two more seconds after the destruction of the own vehicle.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Clutch Braking

Increases the traverse speed of your vehicle.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Commander's Vision System

Reduces the concealment of moving enemy vehicles.

Reduces the concealment of enemy vehicles behind foliage.

Concealment

Increases the camouflage value of your vehicle.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Controlled Impact

Increases the ramming damage dealt and decreases damage taken by ramming.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Deadeye

Increases the chance of landing a critical hit.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Designated Target

Keeps targetes vehicles visible for two more seconds.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Eagle Eye

Allows you to identify damaged/destroyed modules as well as injured crew members of an enemy vehicle by hovering your mouse over it for several seconds.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Firefighting

Reduces the duration and damage taken by fire.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Intuition

Grants a slight chance of changing the shell type without having to reload again.

Doesn't work with autoloaders. Works also while reloading.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Improved Aiming

Smaller aiming circle size.

Improved Hardening

Fully restores suspension hit points after repairs.

Increases suspension load capacity.

Increases vehicle hit points.

Enhances suspension durability.

Reduces hull damage caused by suspension damage during impact.

Faster suspension repair speed.

Improved Radio Set

Increases the time an enemy vehicle is visible.

Reduces the time your vehicle is visible to the enemy.

Improved Rotation Mechanism

Reduces dispersion during vehicle movement and traverse, as well as during turret rotation.

Improves hull and turret traverse speed.

Jack of All Trades

Reduces the performance penalty of wounded crew members.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Low Noise Exhaust System

Reduces the visibility of a stationary or moving vehicle.

Mentor

Increases the Crew XP gained for each member apart from the commander.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Modified Configuration

Prevents one fuel tank fire, ammo rack explosion, or engine destruction in one battle.

Increases capacity of ammo rack, fuel tank, and engine durability.

Reduces the damaged ammo rack penalty and damaged engine penalty.

Reduces the chance of engine fire.

Increases repair speed.

Off-Road Driving

Increases the mobility on medium and soft terrain.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Preventative Maintenance

Reduces the chance of taking fire.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Recon

Increases the view range of your vehicle.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Relaying

Increases the signal range of your allies' vehicles within your signal range.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Repair

Reduces the repair time of destroyed modules.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Safe Stowage

Increases the durability of your vehicle's ammo rack.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Signal Boosting

Increases the signal range of your vehicle.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Situational Awareness

Increases the view range of your vehicle.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Sixth Sense

Shows a lightbulb three seconds after you've been spotted.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Smooth Ride

Reduces the dispersion penalty while driving.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Snap Shot

Reduces the dispersion penalty of traversing the turret.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Spall Liner

Decreases damage taken by ramming and high-explosive splash.

Turbocharger

Increases engine power.

Increases top forward speed.

Increases reverse speed.

Binocular Telescope

Increases the view range of your vehicle by 25%.

Your hull must stand still for at least 3 seconds.

Camouflage Net

Increases the camouflage value of your vehicle tremendously.

Your hull must stand still for at least 3 seconds.

Enhanced Gun Laying Drive

Reduces the aiming time of your gun by 10%.

Coated Optics

Increases the view range of your vehicle by 10%.

Tank Gun Rammer

Reduces the reload time of your gun by 10%.

Toolbox

Decreases the repair time of destroyed modules.

Cumulative with the Repair skill.

Improved Ventilation

Increases the training level of your crew members by 5%.

Vertical Stabilizer

Reduces the dispersion penalties of hull and turret traverse, as well as driving by 20%.

"Wet" Ammo Rack

Increases the module HP of your ammo rack.

Play the New Tank With Us!

Our team of World of Tanks Evangelists and Community Contributors will be rolling out in the KV-1SA. Tune in to their streams to see the tank in action!

Channel
(Linked Below)
Stream Starts

WORLDOFTANKS_SEA

NOV 30 (WED) 20:00 UTC+8
WARGAMINGKR NOV 30 (WED) 18:00 UTC+8
WARGAMING_JAPAN NOV 30 (WED) 18:00 UTC+8
WORLDOFTANKSANZ NOV 30 (WED) 20:30 AEDT
WARGAMING_MANDARIN NOV 30 (WED) 20:00 UTC+8
Wargaming_TH NOV 30 (WED) 20:00 UTC+8

Enjoy watching World of Tanks gameplays? Check Tanks.tv for vehicle guides and more!

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Roll Out!

Adrenaline Rush

Decreases the gun reload time by 10% if your vehicle's HP drops below 10%.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Brothers in Arms / Sisterhood of Steel

Increases the training level of your crew members by 5%.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100% for every single crew member.

Band of Brothers

Increases the training level of your crew members by 5%.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100% for every single crew member.

Also works if other crew members have Brothers in Arms / Sisterhood of Steel.

Call for Vengeance

Reports the enemy vehicles' location for two more seconds after the destruction of the own vehicle.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Clutch Braking

Increases the traverse speed of your vehicle.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Concealment

Increases the camouflage value of your vehicle.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Controlled Impact

Increases the ramming damage dealt and decreases damage taken by ramming.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Deadeye

Increases the chance of landing a critical hit.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Designated Target

Keeps targeted vehicles visible for two more seconds.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Eagle Eye

Allows you to identify damaged/destroyed modules as well as injured crew members of an enemy vehicle by hovering your mouse over it for several seconds.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Firefighting

Reduces the duration and damage taken by fire.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Intuition

Grants a slight chance of changing the shell type without having to reload again.

Doesn't work with autoloaders. Works also while reloading.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Improved Rotation Mechanism

Reduces dispersion during vehicle movement and traverse, as well as during turret rotation.

Improves hull and turret traverse speed.

Jack of All Trades

Reduces the performance penalty of wounded crew members.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Mentor

Increases the Crew XP gained for each member apart from the commander.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Off-Road Driving

Increases the mobility on medium and soft terrain.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Preventative Maintenance

Reduces the chance of taking fire.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Recon

Increases the view range of your vehicle.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Relaying

Increases the signal range of your allies' vehicles within your signal range.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Repair

Reduces the repair time of destroyed modules.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Safe Stowage

Increases the durability of your vehicle's ammo rack.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Signal Boosting

Increases the signal range of your vehicle.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Situational Awareness

Increases the view range of your vehicle.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Sixth Sense

Shows a lightbulb three seconds after you've been spotted.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Smooth Ride

Reduces the dispersion penalty while driving.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Snap Shot

Reduces the dispersion penalty of traversing the turret.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Additional Grousers

Increases the mobility on soft and medium terrain.

Binocular Telescope

Increases the view range of your vehicle by 25%.

Your hull must stand still for at least 3 seconds.

Camouflage Net

Increases the camouflage value of your vehicle tremendously.

Your hull must stand still for at least 3 seconds.

Enhanced Gun Laying Drive

Reduces the aiming time of your gun by 10%.

Coated Optics

Increases the view range of your vehicle by 10%.

Tank Gun Rammer

Reduces the reload time of your gun by 10%.

Spall Liner

Decreases damage taken by ramming and high-explosive splash.

Toolbox

Decreases the repair time of destroyed modules.

Cumulative with the Repair skill.

Improved Ventilation

Increases the training level of your crew members by 5%.

Vertical Stabilizer

Reduces the dispersion penalties of hull and turret traverse, as well as driving by 20%.

"Wet" Ammo Rack

Increases the module HP of your ammo rack.

Turbocharger

Increases the maximum forward and reverse speed of your vehicle, as well as engine power by 7.5%.

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