War Thunder: Best Tanks in the Game [2025 Update]

With the huge range of tanks present in War Thunders, choosing the best one can be quite a daunting task. But I am here to help and today I’m sharing the best tanks to choose in War Thunder in 2025.

Here are my top picks, based on real gameplay (hundreds of hours, at least), balance changes, and the highest-performing vehicles for their nations:

• M1A2 SEP v2 (USA)
• Leclerc SXXI (France)
• Strv 122B+ (Sweden)
• ZTZ-99A (China)
• Challenger 2 TES / Black Night (Britain)
• T-90M (USSR)
• Object 906 (Soviet. Unique light tank, still a blast)

Let’s get a bit more in-depth now and see what makes each of the choices above stand out (plus find a few more highlighted picks), how to play them to get the most out of them, and everything else you should know about these tanks.

M1A2 SEP v2 – United States

The M1A2 SEP v2 is the tank I keep coming back to when I want a dependable top-tier performer. Building on the already impressive M1A2, seen above, and ranked as my top one for years, the SEP v2 brings modern tech upgrades that make a huge difference in battle.

With composite and depleted uranium armor, cutting-edge thermal imaging, and one of the best active protection systems in the game, this tank is a beast.

It’s also very mobile for such a heavy tank, and its 120mm cannon handles any type of enemy with ease. The fact that it’s good for both beginners and veterans makes it my top choice for tanks in War Thunder!

Leclerc SXXI – France

For those who appreciate a little style with their firepower, the Leclerc SXXI is France’s answer to top-tier meta, and just the right sprinkle of style.

This tank is all about speed and advanced technology. With lightweight composite armor and best-in-class thermals, the Leclerc SXXI can zip around the battlefield and catch slower tanks off guard.

The autoloader means that it has a fast rate of fire, letting you deal with threats before they can even react.

The gun on the Leclerc SXXI is accurate, punchy, and stable even on the move. What I like most is its agility, giving you a bit of extra freedom in any game. It must be played very aggressively though, otherwise you won’t last too long in battle.

Strv 122B+ – Sweden

Sweden’s Strv 122B+ is one of the most complete MBTs in the game today, in my opinion. It combines the legendary reliability of the Leopard 2 family with Swedish upgrades that give it both massive protection and top-tier electronics.

With extra modular armor, spall liners, and laser warning receivers, the Strv 122B+ is a real fortress. Yet it doesn’t handle like a lumbering heavy – mobility is still impressive, although not comparable (and understandably so) with the Leclerc above, and its gun performance is consistently excellent.

This is the tank you bring when you want to win the long-range sniping matches. It’s no wonder you see so many of them in high-ranking battles.

ZTZ-99A – China

China’s ZTZ-99A has slowly but steadily become one of the most well-rounded MBTs in War Thunder. This tank gets top marks for mobility, protection, and firepower – three things you rarely get in one package.

What stands out to me is how quickly it can reposition or push an advantage, and with its ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) and an advanced fire control system, it can take on almost anything at its BR.

It’s not the flashiest tank in terms of looks, but don’t judge a tank by its paint job! The ZTZ-99A surprises opponents again and again, so if you want to try something that’s a little under-the-radar but every bit as deadly as the classics, it’s a top-tier pick.

Challenger 2 TES / Black Night – Britain

The Challenger 2 family has always had a reputation for toughness, and this year, the TES and Black Night variants bring it firmly into the meta spotlight.

Its 120mm gun has relatively quicker reload speed and extreme precision, which makes it quite useful to eliminate enemies from a distance. It can also act as a great cover for the light tanks that rush in towards the start.

Moreover, the angled positioning of the gun aids in turret protection. The L37A2 machine guns do a great job with high ammunition and fire rate as well.

The Challenger 2 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to defensive attributes either. Similar to the T-80U, it features smokescreen and smoke bombs for distraction.

The chemical protection in its armor boosts its defenses as well and helps to hold back flanking enemies.

However, the relatively lower speed of Challenger 2 makes it quite vulnerable in the battlefield. Playing it as a Support tank is the perfect way to bring out its maximum potential!

T-90M – USSR

The T-80U had a great run, and was on my list for a few years, but the T-90M is now the undisputed champion of the Soviet MBT line and the new entry this year.

Russia’s T-90M packs everything you’d want from a modern main battle tank: excellent armor, a punchy gun with great ammo selection, active protection systems, and surprisingly agile handling for its size.

So, no matter if you want to push aggressively, protect an objective, or engage in long-range combat, this tank can handle it. It’s also a good choice for newer players, while more experienced ones can still get a lot from it when they learn how to use all its strengths. Basically, in the hands of a good player, it can swing matches all by itself.

Object 906 – Soviet Light Tank (The Wild Card)

Moving to the Soviet region, the Object 906 tank is one of a kind! If you’re looking to flank the enemies, this rank V tank can be an excellent choice.

Since it’s a light tank, it can be easily penetrated in the battlefield. But, only if it’s not used right.

The amazing mobility of this tank enables it to move at the same speed both forwards and backwards. This can be extremely useful while dodging enemy attacks in both close and long ranges. Furthermore, you can attack the enemies while moving at high speeds with the help of the plane-stabilized guns and catch them by surprise.

Adding to the mobility is its ability to move on any sort of water body. You can cross lakes and rivers with ease, further boosting the flanking potential of this tank.

The APHE feature strengthens Object 906 to take down enemies from the side as well. The only weakness of this tank seems to be head-on combats.

Finally, the astonishingly fast reload speed is yet another feature that aids the Object 906 as a powerful flanker. I run it when I want to change the pace or get creative, and it’s still a blast – and extremely fun to play, especially when it comes to catching slower, heavier enemies unaware.

Other Tanks Worth Trying (Honorable Mentions)

These are mostly my favorites from the past, and even though they’re not as amazing this year, in the right hands, they can be truly lethal. If you have time, definitely give this ones a try too:

• Tiger H1 (Germany): Once a legend, now outclassed at high BR, but still worth playing for nostalgia and its unmatched long-range sniping.
• M50 Ontos (USA): More of a meme pick this year, but those six recoilless rifles can still surprise and delight if you play it right – which you won’t, most of the time, but it’s still fun trying.
• Vickers Mk.7 (Britain): Good handling and fun for collectors, but no longer a top meta choice.
• BMP-2M (Russia): If you enjoy IFVs and scouting, this vehicle offers incredible utility, firepower, and flexibility at its BR.

Wrapping Up

Ready to take your War Thunder game to the next level? Pick one of these tanks and give it a try – you will see that they can change the game in an instant.

And if that’s not enough for you, make sure to also check out my article sharing the best War Thunder planes.

I’ll keep updating this list as new patches roll in, but if you’ve got a favorite tank that’s been carrying your team, let me know in the comments. Sometimes the real “best” tank is the one that just feels right in your hands.

[Note: Some photos in this article via War Thunder Wiki page].