Choosing the Best Tank in War Thunder: T-80 vs. T-72

When choosing between the T-80 and T-72 tanks in War Thunder, it's important to consider your preferred playstyle and the overall performance of each tank. Both the T-80 and T-72 have unique advantages, making them suitable for different roles within the game.

Overall Performance and Playstyle

Overall, the T-80 is a superior choice compared to the T-72 due to enhanced mobility and greater offensive capabilities. The T-80 boasts a significant reverse speed and superior armor, making it an excellent choice for forward thrusts and aggressive gameplay. In contrast, the T-72 is better suited for defensive strategies.

According to multiple players, 9 out of 10 times, the T-80 is the better option. This makes it a highly competitive tank, especially when grinding through the T-80BVM line. The T-80BVM is particularly impressive with its incredible reaction speed, armor, and exceptional backward speed.

T-80: The Ultimate Offensive Tank

The T-80 series, particularly the T-80BVM, is considered one of the best tanks in War Thunder. Its standout features include a faster backward speed compared to the T-72 series. The maximum backward speed for the T-72 is around 4 km/h, which is significantly slower and less effective in evading dangerous situations. This drawback can be especially detrimental when you make a mistake in the game.

T-72: Defensive and Less Aggressive Tank

The T-72, including the best variant T-72B3 UBH with Relikt ERA, is more suited for defensive gameplay. While it can be more aggressive with better models like the T-72B3, it generally requires a more cautious approach. The T-72's reverse speed is less than optimal for quickly escaping sticky situations.

Despite its defensive strengths, the T-72 is not as mobile or resilient as the T-80, especially in higher-tier gameplay. However, players using T-72B3 UBH can achieve results comparable to the T-80, thanks to the added Relikt ERA and improved mobility.

Specific T-80 and T-72 Features

The T-80 series, particularly the T-80BVM, is notable for its incredible mobility. It can race against tanks like the M1 Abrams on flat terrain and has a decent traverse speed of 11 km/m. This ability to quickly position and reposition makes the T-80 an excellent choice for both offensive and defensive gameplay.

Furthermore, T-80 players are known for their aggressive playstyle due to the tank's balance of mobility and armor. The T-80 can take significant punishment, even in high-tier gameplay. The T-80B and T-80BVM are particularly resilient, with some players experiencing near-impossible survival scenarios in battle.

Conclusion and Recommendation

When deciding between the T-80 and T-72 in War Thunder, you should primarily consider your playstyle and the role you want to assume in the game. If you prefer an all-rounded, highly mobile and resilient tank, the T-80 is the clear choice. However, if you enjoy a more defensive and tactical approach, the T-72 could be more suitable.

Overall, my recommendation is to grind the T-80BVM line first, starting with the BVM model due to its superior reaction speed and armor. The T-80BVM is a powerhouse with Relikt ERA, making it a formidable opponent in both offensive and defensive scenarios.

If you are the less aggressive type, you might want to go for the T-72, but my pick would always be the T-80 as it is truly an all-round tank that can fit into any role.

Written by T. Pickel