Guide [Issue 54] The Mid Ranker's Handbook: Gameplay

GoldRock · June 19, 2016

Welcome, tankers, to the first article in the much anticipated Mid Ranker's Handbook series! We've taken all of your feedback into account to try and provide the best reader experience we can. To kick off the series, we'll be taking a look at gameplay through the mid-ranks, and how to successfully cope in a variety of battle situations. Enjoy!

The Video

Here's this entire topic in a nutshell:

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Credit to and @Pizzarrific for the video

I think it's important to consider the different approaches to playing style in battle modes throughout the mid-ranks. That's why I'll be taking a chronological approach, starting from the lower mid-ranks and up to the top end. Read on for comprehensive details and analysis!

For ease of reading, I've split this article into sections most relevant for the different rank groups. That means this topic technically consists of 3 articles, dedicated to 3 different rank groups. You could still pick up some valuable advice by reading below or above your rank as per the other sections and contemplating the points there too, but the section for your rank is likely to be most relevant to dealing with the gameplay situations you face (and it would take a while to read all the articles!).

If you want, you could even take advantage of this article's structure and use it as a 'career planner', reading through the sections and trying to apply the tips given as you progress through the ranks. I hope you find the information useful!

► Click here to read advice for the M1 ranks ( - ) ◄
► Click here to read advice for the M1 to M2 ranks ( - ) ◄
► Click here to read advice for the M2 ranks ( - ) ◄
► Click here to read our Tips from The Pros ◄
► Click here to check out our Mini Contest (crystals on offer!)◄

GoldRock · June 26, 2016

The M1 Ranks

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This is actually the only picture I still have from these ranks. It was when I first met @eragon33, who is now our Newspaper designer and creates the wonderful pictures at the top of these articles. Note that it was all the way back at the start of April 2013, so things have definitely changed since then!

The actual gameplay... well, doesn't look particularly high-paced in the above screenshot, and things haven't changed much. Undoubtedly, the experience at these ranks is slower than at the more intense higher ranks, and the vast majority of tankers play on a relatively even level with their acquired M1 combinations. Don't get me wrong - there are still some really fun battles to be had at these ranks - but many tankers have acquired the basics, and battles are fair without much 'domination' by those with better equipment. Unfortunately, this easygoing part of your career won't last for much longer.

Deathmatch (DM)
These tend to be quite similar in intensity to DM battles in the ranks leading up till this point. The only real difference is that the number of very weak opponents tends to be at least somewhat lower, since the vast majority of players will have learnt to rotate their turrets and play fairly competently now. This means that DMs aren't super easy, and you're generally up against other players quite like you.

Protection paints used tend to have low protections, and a few more players than previously may begin to make use of Garage supplies in order to gain an advantage in this competitive environment. Overall, however, DMs are generally not as common as CTFs at this stage, and so many players aren't very experienced with the different approach it requires.

My advice:
► With most combinations, I'd recommend that you try to make use of cover and not openly expose yourself to enemy fire as much.
► Similarly, pick a playing style (e.g. hit-and-run, camping) and stick with it. If you're able to be more aware of how you play, you'll be a step ahead of most of your opponents.
► Using supplies isn't necessary at this stage, but the odd Supply (Double Armor when taking enemy fire, Mines and Double Power to protect a camping spot) wouldn't hurt at all.

An example of a tanker just about to reach the mid-ranks, but already having picked up the skill of choosing a tactical approach (in this case, camping behind cover). Note her use of a Mine to protect the spot, as well as having picked up a Double Damage box to increase the damage she deals.

Team Deathmatch (TDM)
Again, this is largely an even playing field. The most annoying aspects of TDMs here are being outnumbered (which does happen as players might not stay throughout the game or may go inactive), and facing a team full of Shaft and Railgun snipers. Due to the lower speed of hulls as well as lower health for those which are faster, this can be quite annoying for those with shorter-ranged weapons to combat.

Apart from this, TDM gameplay at these ranks is generally balanced, though it can vary depending on the map. At this rank, there are a lot of different maps played in TDM mode rather then there being noticeably popular ones (this may be because TDMs aren't played much overall). You can use this to advantage by taking your playing style and adapting it to various terrains. In larger maps, players tend not to have a set approach to TDMs, which can lead to less focused gameplay.

My advice:
► Once again, making use of proper tactics such as moving between spots behind cover or a hit-and-run approach can greatly increase your success here.
► In addition, remember that you have back-up in the form of teammates, try not to be short-sighted and instead think about prioritising targets.
► Therefore, a good approach is to wait for back-up, move with your teammates but let them go first to draw enemy fire while you subsequently move in to deal damage.

► When focusing on dealing the most damage you can, it helps to stay alive as long as possible!

Capture The Flag (CTF)
By far the most popular mode at these ranks, many players (with the exception of dedicated defenders) tend to have a more aggressive here playing style, while not actually being too successful. This is often because they don't co-ordinate attacks, but are most successful when they manage to enter the enemy base collectively and/or pick up supply drops. Players tend to make use of Garage supplies and supply drops more often in CTFs, since these can be very useful in taking and capturing flags.

The main CTF maps at this stage can actually be larger than CTF maps that are more popular at the later ranks. Rio and particularly Aleksandrovsk are good examples, with the latter also being a popular choice throughout the M0 ranks. This is despite the fact that players at this rank may have less map awareness. It's possible their popularity is due to the more interesting and wide-open gameplay they can provide. (Island is a popular CTF pick too, but there's not much to be said there!)

My advice:
► To start, I would suggest creating empty battles and just wandering around between both flags at first, thinking about different routes you can take.
► If you're more aware of how you approach the map itself, you'll have a much better chance of avoiding taking as much damage and so you'll be more successful here.
► Moving around the map in a tactical way will help you to pick off enemies one by one, and even give you a chance at capturing alone or with teammates (using a supply or two can help).
► The key thing is not to get distracted or overwhelmed by multiple enemies as you move across the map.
► Instead, prioritise targetting defenders if you're an attacker and vice-versa. This will help you to save your shots and your health for when it really matters.

While the light grey routes tend to be most popular, trying a more scenic red route between the flags can often
work really well, both in terms of avoiding enemy fire along the way and picking up lots of drops.

Control Points (CP)

CP battles are not played too often at these ranks - and when they are, the single-point map Polygon tends to be played the most. In this situation, it often ends up just being a lot of tankers rushing towards one point and attacking opponents, or spawning and destroying whoever's in front of them. This highlights an opportunity for the more aware tanker to try to take control here.

However, gameplay can still be pretty decent, and the variety of (fairly equal) equipment used at this stage makes for some fun battles. Players do tend to be more focused, too, since they have specific points at which to converge and battle. It's a good battle mode for earning experience and for slightly faster gameplay.

My advice:
► Rather than just asking "how do I attack this CP in order to take it?", ask questions such as "which areas of the map should I focus on so we control the CP?"

► The vast majority of players don't think about such overall strategy at these ranks, attacking CPs without thinking about the overall battle.
► As a result, think about what you should plan to do next and how to keep control of certain areas of the map. You'll find yourself doing better than many of your opponents.
► Also, staying at a CP after capturing it isn't advisable, as you become a magnet for the strategy-lacking enemy hordes.
► Instead find a place nearby where you have more cover, and where you can focus on protecting the point or move onto attacking other points if necessary.

► Click here to read our Tips from The Pros ◄
► Click here to check out our Mini Contest (crystals on offer!)◄

GoldRock · June 26, 2016

The M1 to M2 Ranks

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The comment I wrote beneath that picture at the time: "Poor Goldy and UAA got thrashed by le Russian druggers :(". Again, while this was a while ago, it's a good example of the challenges that begin to face mid-ranked players as they hit the Lieutenant ranks. More regular supply users, players with more crystals having been able to buy some powerful M2s early on and higher protection paints start to be seen in many battles. This inevitably leads to less balanced gameplay as players have to battle hard to keep up with the competition.

Deathmatch (DM)
In these ranks, DMs start to get more popular, with Polygon becoming the main map of choice for this battle mode (a theme which continues right until the highest ranks). As players obtain M2s, gameplay becomes considerably faster and more competitive, especially in DMs. This can mean battles are more dynamic and fun. Those who have saved wisely or bought the crystals will be able to afford good M2 equipment, maybe even a product kit, and more players are likely to make use of supplies.

What this means is that some players now have significantly better equipment than others, and so can start to dominate DM battlefields. All players become more skilled and, importantly, more tactically aware of their surroundings. Overall, these battles are more of a challenge for any mid-ranker moving up through the Lieutenant ranks.

My advice:

► When it comes to equipment, don't get left behind. Aim to get hold of an M2 turret/hull combination by the end of this rank range (crystal management will be covered in the next article of this series!).
► Start to think about where supply drops are located, and don't be afraid to tactically use your own Garage supplies if needed.
► I would recommend tankers make use of cover even more than previously here, including those with short-ranged weapons. Be patient, and you'll be rewarded.
► Begin to focus on improving your own skills beyond the basics. Practice going around empty maps and aiming at targets while moving, or just driving more fluently to be able to sneak up on opponents.
► Determine a strategy for the maps you play. If you have a long-ranged weapon, keep your favourite camping spot(s) in mind.

An example route across an empty map with 'targets' that you can try to shoot as you drive.

Team Deathmatch (TDM)

Similarly, TDMs become more dynamic as players upgrade their equipment from M1 to M2. Again, maps player remain rich in variety, while TDM battles are still not relatively played that much at all. This means there still isn't any single approach you can take across this battle mode, with small and large maps both played here. However, supplies do play a bigger factor, particularly the use of Double Powers by those pesky longer-ranged weapons. This can allow some players to rack up kills and terrorise their opponents.

Players also gain tactical awareness of their surroundings, and so are able to deal more damage while taking less themselves. The use of cover is even more important than in DM battles here. Overall, players are more focused on trying to maximise the kills for their team, and some often have markedly better equipment with which to achieve this.

My advice:

► Start to focus more on the balance of kills between your team and your opponents, and react accordingly. It may sometimes be better to attack and risk getting killed to get more kills of your own near the end of the battle.

► Don't forget that supplies start to become more significant here. If you don't prioritise targeting enemies with supplies, the enemy team will gain the upper hand.
► Therefore, making use of a few supplies yourself can be handy if the battle is closely fought. If not, aim to take supply drops and back up those who do.
► Remember that cover is your best friend. More players are more accurate now, so don't expose yourself to enemy fire unless you can deal damage yourself.

► Go back to the basics and practice your own skills. This is a crucial point in your Tanki career, and you need to be able to out-compete opponents.

Capture The Flag (CTF)
This battle mode remains very popular, and probably experiences the biggest increase in competitiveness. Regular supply users become a problem here, and players need to be able to deal with them in order to be successful. The maps played actually get smaller in size on average, with Noise, Kungur and Sandbox among others replacing maps such as Aleksandrovsk. This makes for more intense gameplay, with more focus on grabbing flags and attacking/counter-attacking the enemy team.

Like with DMs, having good equipment is quite important, as you'll be more likely to be under fire as opponents have an incentive to enter the normally safe haven of your base. Players do become more skilled and tactically aware in terms of how to approach individual battle situations, but overall strategic awareness of the tide of the battle still lacks. This presents an opportunity for the better players to dominate these battles.

My advice:
► Good equipment really does help you to keep up with the competition - but also keep in mind how to use it effectively. What playing style suits your combination most?
► Supplies are as important as in TDMs here, if not more so. Make sure you aim to take supply drops (and keep the spots in mind) as well as using your own Garage supplies tactically (see below).
► At this point, I will point out that some players start to 'drug' quite a lot, which can make battles difficult to win. Don't ignore or try to run away from druggers!

► Instead, focus on repetitively dealing damage to these more dangerous opponents. If your team (esp. defenders) focus on these players too, trust me, they will get frustrated as their efforts fail.
► Play smart. You can win using supplies occasionally or just taking drops. If you wait for the right moments (e.g. Double Armor when taking the flag, Double Damage when returning your flag), it's more effective than randomly using supplies all the time.

► Finally, your most important point to remember here is overall strategy. If you keep in mind map routes, where both flags are, attacking with your teammates rather than alone and so on, you will do well with or without supplies.

Control Points (CP)

CP battles become slightly more popular at this stage but remain quite similar to previously, with Polygon the most popular map and a few Island and Arena CP battles scattered across the servers. Note that all of these are single-point maps, and so the added strategic complexity of multiple CPs continues to be largely avoided. Nevertheless, players obtain better equipment and generally get better at staying alive for longer!

Supplies can also start to play more of a role here, although the use of supply drops is still important. Players also start to become more tactically aware, and may try to control certain areas of the map as well as just rushing towards the CP. Cover is also used more, rather than remaining exposed right next to the CP. This can make it more of a challenge to take out opponents. However, players often still don't consider overall strategy too much, with attacks remaining fairly random.

My advice:

► The key point here is to stay one step ahead of your opponents and consider overall strategy. Make sure you attack the CP alongside teammates, that you pick spots near the CP from where you can protect it and so on

► Multiple-CP battles, while still less common, may start to appear more often here. Make sure you keep strategic questions such as "if I take this CP will they take the other one?" in mind.

► At this more intense level of gameplay, avoid situations where you're overwhelmed by multiple opponents at once where possible.

► Instead, make sure you use surrounding cover to your advantage, both near the CP itself and (if you have a longer-ranged weapon) further away with a direct line of fire towards the CP.

► Garage supplies can help, but you're more likely to be destroyed more frequently than in other battle modes and so waste them. Use them carefully with the above strategic points in mind, and recognise the importance of supply drop points.

Making use of the surrounding areas of the map and controlling them can be vital. Above are a blue-circled
key sniper spot, two more red-circled sniper spots and a green-circled spot right next to the CP which actually
provides great cover after taking the point. Firing ranges are indicated - note how all can fire near the CP.

XP/BP Battles

For those of you who aren't yet aware - XP/BP battles are battles where you can use Hornet/Railgun (Хорнет/Рельса in Russian) and Wasp/Railgun (Васп/Рельса in Russian) only. SImilarly, XP battles are for Hornet/Railgun (Хорнет/Рельса) only, and BP battles are for Wasp/Railgun (Васп/Рельса) only.

Anyway, now that intro's out of the way - if you haven't played them much, the reason they're so popular in the server RU1 (which is where they're almost always found) is because the gameplay can be very fast and involving, as well as stretching your skills. However, there aren't too many battles around just yet for this rank and practically all of them are Sandbox games, which a great map to learn how it works, the gameplay and the sort of skills it uses. Just a note: general etiquette for such battles dictates that you shouldn't start playing until both teams are full, but many mid-ranked tankers are unaware of this etiquette.

If you want to get ahead (especially if like me at this stage, your main weapon of choice is Railgun) and have either Hornet/Railgun or Wasp/Railgun at M1/M1, I would recommend joining some of the battles and giving it a shot. You'll see what I mean about it having unique but challenging gameplay. However, there's no huge need to concern yourself about this game mode just yet. It's often better to improve your accuracy and driving ability in normal battles first. I will cover how to approach these battles for the M2 Ranks ( - ) analysis below which is when they start to become quite relevant, so feel free to have a read!

► Click here to read our Tips from The Pros ◄
► Click here to check out our Mini Contest (crystals on offer!)◄

GoldRock · June 26, 2016

The M2 Ranks

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I've dug up some slightly more impressive images now. In these screenshots, I was making use of favourite equipment of mine at the time: the 'Medium Tank M2' product kit available from onwards, which contained Thunder/Viking M2/M2, Prodigi, Emerald, Sandstone and some supplies for just under 300,000 crystals. This highlights my point about the struggle to get the best equipment becoming rather important at these ranks, although product kits are decidedly less overpowered nowadays!

However, highly effective equipment still can give you a big advantage at these ranks, and product kits are actually cheaper too. In fact, the two current product kits for this rank range both contain M3 equipment! But let's assume you're not loaded with crystals. Having a solid M2/M2 combination (and by this stage, a decent paint) is still a must, and now many of your opponents will have the same if not better. But how you approach gameplay is equally important. This is where your career could either really take off or grind to a halt, and regardless of your crystals or equipment, your effectiveness as a player really matters.

Deathmatch (DM)
The most popular map for DM battles, Polygon, is played alongside a mix of other maps such as Rio or less common ones like Gravity. Gameplay is fairly quick and all players should have mastered the basic skills by now, with quite a few good players making use of their own tactics for various maps that they have developed. This means you'll often find long-ranged weapon users camping in their chosen spots, making use of Mines and other supplies to retain their position - or short-ranged weapon users criss-crossing the map and targeting quick kills.

On the other hand, some players will likely have markedly less powerful equipment than others by now, especially as prices for more advanced equipment start to rise significantly. Those with the best equipment and good skills can be hard to combat. Players will have also learnt the tactical use of Garage supplies and the importance of supply drops, making supply users more dangerous. However, because most players tend to be reasonably skilled, it can conversely be difficult to dominate. This can make it both a challenge to take control of a battle, and a challenge to defeat a player who manages to do so.

My advice:

► Use a solid M2/M2 combination. Anything less and you'll likely be outgunned by most other players at this stage!

► Keep in mind that other players are likely to be fairly skilled and know how to use supplies effectively by this stage. Don't underestimate your opponents.
► To be successful, you have to try and outwit them instead. Most players will be tactically aware, so think your tactics through more carefully. Time your shots to 'steal' easier kills where possible.
► Further along these lines, start to keep track of your opponents more closely. Be aware not only of the routes and map areas you take/control, but also of other players nearby, how much of a threat they pose and how damaged they're likely to be.
► You've likely been keeping an eye on the leaderboard already, but for close matches where you're near the top, try to target players which are the biggest threat on the leaderboard. Being destroyed will cost them valuable time.

► Finally, don't forget to make use of cover where possible. While you should be well practised at this already, too many players right into the high-ranks fail to do so effectively. Make sure you know when to hide and when to strike.

Team Deathmatch (TDM)
These battles are still not very popular, and stay that way right through the high ranks. However, when they are played, the gameplay can be pretty involving. Once again, Polygon tends to be the chosen map (this is a recurring theme at this stage), along with a few others such as Sandbox and Island. Interestingly, these picks make for more intense gameplay than TDMs would be elsewhere, for bases are not very well protected by map cover and are often infiltrated on both sides. This is likely why they're popular - to provide a bit of a challenge for players right across the battlefield.

Aside from this, these battles can be rather challenging to play due to high-damage equipment, especially if one or more opponents have Shaft M2. This modification receives a huge boost in damage compared to M1, and is able to destroy Hunter M2s and even Hornet M3s in one shot. Railgun M2 is similarly good at dealing a fairly high amount of damage. This can sometimes allow snipers to dominate the battlefield, making it more difficult to play using shorter-ranged weapons here. Overall, gameplay steps up another notch - though if you approach these battles in the right way, you can have a lot of fun racking up kills yourself.

My advice:

► Perfect your tactical approach to this battle mode. For the maps you play, you should definitely have chosen camping spots or attack routes by now - but also consider where enemy spawn points are, as well as drop box locations.

► As with previous ranks, don't ignore opponents who are actively making use of supplies. They are the biggest threat in terms of the enemy team gaining kills, so try to minimise the damage they deal while maximising your own.

► Become really aware of what your teammates are doing. Provide cover for your team's offensive players, or if you're attacking yourself, wait for back-up and attack in a wave to benefit from strength in numbers.

► By now, you should have some decently skilled friends on your friend list. Invite them! If you can talk in the team chat and decide who's doing what to take out opponents, even better.

► Overall strategic awareness can make the difference between a good player and a great player. Keep an eye on the battle score, plan attacks and consider using Garage supplies accordingly. You can push your team to victory.

Capture The Flag (CTF)
This is perhaps the most intense experience of all so far. CTFs start to get even faster and more action-packed as players battle their way towards the M3 ranks. Battle situations such as stalemates (where both teams hold each others' flags), while also taking place at lower ranks, become more tactical as players more closely guard their own flag-holder and launch offensive waves at the enemy base. There is less room for error, as a missed shot can make the difference between a return or an enemy capture. Overall, battles become more dynamic and explosive as things begin to get serious.

Noise remains a popular map choice for this battle alongside Rio, with Hill, Sandbox and Kungur also featuring as more common CTF maps like previously. This means there really isn't much change from the familiar maps. The main difference is the level of gameplay, with more intense offensive play challenging both offensive and defensive players. And at this point, supplies are most certainly a part of the game, with both Garage supplies and drop boxes coming in handy in taking control of CTF battles and trying to gain the upper hand over the enemy team.

My advice:

► Try to get very good at the tactical use of both Garage supplies and drops e.g. Double Armor and a Repair Kit when taking damage in attacking the enemy flag, or Double Power when trying to take out an opponent holding your own flag.
► Supplies are part of the game, so while you don't need to use them non-stop, don't be afraid to use them when they can help!

► As with TDMs, working with your team can be really helpful. Support flag-taking attempts, protect players holding the enemy flag, try to return your own by attacking from more than one route simultaneously. This can turn the tide of a battle.

► Again, having friends does help a lot, especially if you can communicate with each other about where flags are, when you're attacking and when your own flag is in danger. Start to get familiar with such communication as a way to increase success.
► Remember to focus on the end objective. Often, players still forget this and are unwilling to adapt their approach, which can cost them. Sometimes it's worth sacrificing yourself to block opponents from dealing damage against a flag-taker, or allowing yourself to be destroyed as a distraction if you're unlikely to be able to take a flag yourself.

► The main objective is not to get as many kills as possible while not being destroyed - being a team-player and focusing on flag captures will benefit everyone. A lower score on the winning team can earn you more than a higher score on the losing team.

Supplies are a really important aspect of gameplay. Here, this mid-ranked player has timed his counter-attacking getaway to perfection, making his way down to his own base just as drop boxes fall along the way.

Control Points (CP)

Polygon. It's still the most popular CP map, and with Island and Arena, make up almost all the CP battles on offer. For some reason, multiple CP battles stay less popular right through into the higher ranks, too. This means the major point of action remains centred at the single CP found in many of these battles. However, by now, players are pretty competent at camping or controlling spots around the CP as opposed to rushing into it straight away, as well as attacking and counter-attacking in waves. Along with supply use, this makes for some close and involving battles.

The CP in these battles will never be held for long, often switching hands between the two teams due to better equipment increasing the pace of gameplay. Clearly defined roles become second nature for players, with short-ranged weapons ruling the CP itself contrasted with long-ranged users keeping back and shooting into the centre. Equally, players are also experienced enough to switch up their tactics depending on the situation, with huge last-ditch assaults on the CP at the end of battles becoming common. Ultimately, players begin to realise the importance of overall battle strategy much better now.

My advice:

► Focus on developing your overall strategy approach. Most players will be tactically aware about battle situations by now, so get ahead by really thinking about how you play, enemy spawn points and when to build momentum and strike the CP.

► Think about more specific tactical approaches to a variety of situations. What should you do first when you spawn on the map? Find safe cover or head straight for the CP? What do you do once you've captured the CP?
► Similarly, don't lose sight of the end goal. You need to keep an eye on the CP score in the corner, and rather than focusing on kills, again be willing to sacrifice yourself for the benefit of your team's score.

► As with the other two team-based battle modes, communication helps, so playing with friends and making use of the team chat in co-ordinating attacks and roles wouldn't hurt.
► Supplies can help at this faster-paced stage of gameplay, but as mentioned previously, drop boxes may be more valuable than Garage supplies. However, if you use your supplies tactically, they will aid you in keeping control of the CP.

► Ultimately, CP battles are about map awareness. Don't forget about this point. If you keep in mind factors such as where your opponents are on the map and more important areas of the map to control, you'll be more successful than if you don't!

XP/BP Battles

Don't know too much about what these actually are? If you want some background and basic information about XP/BP battles, scroll up to the previous section of this article ('The M1 to M2 Ranks') to fill yourself in on the basics.

Below, I've selected a couple screenshots from XP/BP battles I played at the end of this rank range, to demonstrate an interesting point...

Pay attention to the ranks. As you can see, I managed to outgun players much more highly ranked than myself with style. And unlike with the DM scenario above, I didn't have to pay for highly-expensive equipment or a product kit. This is essentially because, well, everyone uses the same combinations. The only real disadvantages to using an M2/M2 combination as opposed to an M3/M3 combination in these battles is a. your reload speed is slightly slower (be careful to use cover to make up for this!), and b. you're slightly slower. Apart from this, XP/BPs are a pretty even playing field for many ranks!

This focus on skill over equipment is one of the attractive features of this game mode, and they also have a huge focus on both tactics in individual battle scenarios and overall strategy. This means that these battles can be a great training ground for perfecting basic skills such as accuracy and timing, right up to developing more advanced skills such as co-ordinated attacks and flag captures. For this rank range, Sandbox becomes a popular choice, with Polygon XP/BP CPs also opening themselves up to players. Other, more advanced XP/BP maps (such as the eSports maps) aren't usually around until the higher ranks, however.

Even so, gameplay is still intense and quite fast-paced, and players new to this game mode have to learn quickly or be left behind. It's a great challenge for any player to improve their skill level and gameplay awareness. Now is the time to try these battles out. Once you've played these battles and have a feel for how much you enjoy them, you can focus on XP/BP, aim for balance and get an XP/BP combo with other equipment, or ignore XP/BP entirely as your career advances. Thanks to the merits of XP/BP, most players choose one of the first two options. If you're one of them, these basic tips should come in handy...

► Your skills are really important here. You need to work on your ability to fire while moving and turning your hull at the same time, your short-and-long-range aim, the fluency of your driving, knocking off opponents' aim by aiming for the corners of enemy tanks and even trying to line up 'double-shots' where you shoot more than one tank at once.

► Tactics, strategy, tactics, strategy. Even more so than all of the above battle modes. You need to really think about where your opponents are, and so the routes you take to the enemy flag or when you stay back to defend.

► Don't waste your shots. Every shot matters here, and you need to try and be as accurate when you can in dealing damage to your opponents.

► Prioritising is a must. For example, you need to save your shot for the enemy with your flag as opposed to destroying the enemy next to you, or equally it may be better to damage a non-flag-holder rather than destroying the flag-holder in the enemy base if their base is full of opponents when trying to return your flag. Else, the flag-holder would just respawn soon after.
► Don't stop moving. Probably the worst thing you can do in a Sandbox CTF XP/BP is to think there are specific 'roles' and stay in your own base the whole time. The gameplay requires you to attack or defend depending on what's best based on where you've spawned and the current situation.

► At the same time, make use of cover as you move across the battlefield. You'll often need to dodge or hide from enemy fire, so cover is vital when making moves across the battlefield terrain.

► Be forward thinking. This will probably push your ability since you won't have done so as much up till this point, but if you can try to predict what your opponents are going to do and when they'll attack, you can pick the right moments to capture flags.

If you'd like to read more detailed advice for playing these sorts of battles as you move beyond the mid-ranks, here's a comprehensive guide to XP battles for further reading: click me!

eSports

Guess what? Yet another aspect of Tanki's diverse gameplay opens its doors to you at this rank. Tanki eSports, in particular the clans system, is a central part of gameplay as you move into the higher levels. Below is an example of an eSports tournament I played in at the end of the mid-ranks along with my friends:

Although tournaments for mid-ranked players are less common now (though sometimes official tournaments for this rank range are held with much fanfare), there's a lot of clan activity that you can start to get involved in. The gameplay of these battles tends to be much more advanced and fluent, because players regularly communicate with each other throughout and work very closely together on strategy to beat their opponents. Therefore, getting involved in Tanki's clans is definitely worth a try. In fact, here are Ten Reasons Why.

To get involved, search through the clan forum topics that you'll be able to find in the Newcomers and Tier 2 forum sections. Don't worry about the titles of the forum section - these simply tend to refer to newer and/or lower-ranked clans, which are open to players not only from the highest game ranks but to mid-ranked players, too. Once you've logged into your forum account (using your normal username/password), read the clan forum topics to determine if you suit them and they suit you, and you can post to apply to join them. You can read here about how to approach trying to join a clan by posting in their forum topic: click me!

Anyway, enough about introducing the clans system. Moving onto how to approach the rather unique eSports gameplay, I do have a few final tips in my collection to offer to all you mid-ranked tankers out there who have already launched into clans and want to improve your success:

► Making use of pre-decided equipment combinations and roles on a team is a good place to start. Play to the strengths of your team, and you'll be sure to have a better chance of doing well.
► Communication is very important here - keep each other updated on what's happening where, any potential threats or short-term battle plans. Calling using microphones during battles can really boost this aspect of clan playing.

► However, communication is useless if a clan still plays like a team of random players. Co-ordinated play is necessary to take advantage of communication, such as by planning attacks by multiple teammates during a battle.

► WIth this in mind, a general game plan should be determined beforehand (how to approach the overall battle and map? how to react to different scenarios?) which can be adapted during the match.
► Don't lose sight of your overall objectives. Are you aiming to win, or to scrape a draw against a normally superior clan? Think about how you and your team should play in order to effectively reach the objectives you want to achieve.

► Finally, drops are really important here. Make sure you keep track of where drops are located, when drops are taken and think about when they could next fall, and how to react and take advantage if you or a teammate gets hold of them.

An example of a pre-planned strategy for the popular eSports map Red Alert. The red circles represent dedicated defenders, the yellow circles midfielders and the green circles with the routes indicate a potential path to be taken by attackers. Drops along these routes are indicated - it is possible these two attackers could communicate and get into position when it's safe, and then launch the attack along these drop-box heavy routes when the time is right. The midfield players can cover the attackers as they escape.

► Click here to read our Tips from The Pros ◄
► Click here to check out our Mini Contest (crystals on offer!)◄

GoldRock · June 26, 2016

Tips from The Pros

Want to hear from the professionals? We asked some of the top eSports players of the EN Community the following questions...

How would you describe mid-ranked gameplay?

@Lankbouv (All Kind): Mid-ranked gameplay is much the same as all Tanki gameplay. Even at Generalissimo level, there are only a few players really playing in a team.., the rest are just multing. A player is basically useless unless they use supplies, this applies at mid ranks and high ranks especially. At mid ranks if you use supplies you can capitalise far more easily than at high ranks as there tend to be less druggers.

@The.L-E-G-E-N-D (Devastation): Basically, this is the stage with the biggest variety of options available to the player in the game, from which he will build himself and get experience with some guns and tanks. He will get to know the game better, with lower chances of playing with non-druggers. In many cases. it's more fun to play as a mid-ranked player. Players must pass this stage with experience from playing.

@Skillz_In_Blood, edited by @alifarhan (OutLaws): Mid-ranked gameplay is one of the most amusing, challenging and significant phases in your Tanki career. It gives exposure to both future gameplay of high-ranked levels, and facile battles against low or evenly ranked tankers. In the maiden stages of mid-ranking, the battles bid for tough competition as players are at crucial point in deciding combos to upgrade; with few M2/M3s in their pockets, most tankers adhere to the same gear. In latter stages after acquiring sufficient M2/M3s, skills and teamwork plays a vital role in winning a battle.

How did you approach the gameplay of the mid-ranks to try and be a successful player?

@Lankbouv (All Kind): I was a mid-ranker years ago as I now have over 4 mil exp. But my advice for mid-rankers would be to aim to LEAVE mid ranks. Buy Premium and use supplies non stop. However, for those who can't afford Premium, I suggest a careful conservation of supplies. Reserve them for battles where your team has a good chance to win AND you have a good chance to finish top of your team, but not just top - several hundred points above your fellow teammates. For the games that you do not use supplies, your aim should be to use Isida and heal others as this is the only effective way to get experience without supplies.

@The.L-E-G-E-N-D (Devastation): When I was a mid-ranked player a long time ago, I used to play on the small maps and tried to stick with people around my rank, not too high and not too low. It was wonderful gameplay and was also fair at the same time, and as I was in a good clan back then, whenever I needed help I got it. That's why most of the games were a win for me, and the most important thing was that I didn't rush with the guns and tanks. I tried to focus on 1 or 2 combos and save my crystals well so I could get my first M3 as soon as possible, and not to use my drugs all the time unless it was needed or it was a 'take over' game. So yeah, it's an important stage in this game.

@Skillz_In_Blood, edited by @alifarhan (OutLaws): During my mid-ranking days, I was fortuitously recruited by the best EN clan which instilled the core elements in me to be a successful player. By developing a good vibe with my friends/clanmates, it was easier for me to complete the mid-ranks. Middle ranked gameplay of many tankers nowadays is not efficient due to various reasons. Some of them are: many tankers play solo, and playing solitary does not really help the team to win. Moreover, getting accustomed to general gameplay is important, 'specially to the tank movement/physics and maps. Subsequently, managing time and anticipating enemy moves and drop boxes is the key. Many tanker don't focus on drops, which are the main and most important part of Tanki Online eSports.

And finally, sum up your main advice for mid-ranked players in one sentence!

@Lankbouv (All Kind): Main advice: Don't waste supplies - gold box = waste of supplies.

@The.L-E-G-E-N-D (Devastation): Players should focus on 1 thing only, because crystal earnings at this stage are not high - so focusing on little things will help them be better Generalissimos in the future!

@Skillz_In_Blood, edited by @alifarhan (OutLaws): I would like to suggest mid-rankers play with friends/teammates, master drop spot control and tank movement.

So there you have it, a variety of opinions from some of this community's experienced eSports players. A big thanks to all of them for taking part! You don't have to agree with all of them, but it's definitely interesting to listen to their perspectives and take the points they make into account. After all, they have the know-how to succeed in the heat of some of Tanki's most challenging gameplay!

► Click here to check out our Mini Contest (crystals on offer!)◄

GoldRock · July 1, 2016

Mini Contest

What have you learnt from this article? Can you answer the questions above using your knowledge and expertise? All you have to do is to post in this topic with your answers to the above questions!

Requirements:
- Entrants must be ranked between and .

- Entries must be posted in this topic.
- The contest closes on 25th July 2016.

Entries will be judged based on their quality (i.e. the quality of advice), depth and grammar/syntax.

Prizes:
1st place - 20,000 crystals.
2nd place - 15,000 crystals.
3rd place - 10,000 crystals.

Small consolation prizes of 5,000 crystals may be offered to any other deserving entries.

Good luck!

Coming Soon...

Now, I know a lot of you are probably hoping for articles on crystal management and equipment... and we won't disappoint! Having analysed the results of our survey, we plan to publish a crystal management article next and something related to equipment (you're welcome for being intriguingly vague) soon after.

However, don't forget the importance of being aware of how to approach general gameplay. Hopefully, this article provided some useful advice and background about this for you to take away and apply in your own battles. If you play smart, you'll be successful even without lots of supplies or the best equipment!

Thanks for reading, and we hope you enjoyed this article! Please do let us know if you have any thoughts, feedback or suggestions for future articles in this series.

need.higher.rank · July 1, 2016

Bro well done never read something like this before

Well 1 post 1 entry

Well I learned is how to take control of players I learned everything I was afraid of TDM and DM well I always did parkour in DM never play very less in it also ehat difficulties i am hoing to face in the next m2 ranks and how to face them and learned how to write a pro article :)

GL to me

Edited July 1, 2016 by need.higher.rank

Destrod · July 1, 2016

*Looks at the sheer length of the article. Faints.*

Quarks · July 1, 2016

Amazing job Goldy, very, very well done.

Sighting of hog and fen, runs away from possible chicken attacks

Zenyth · July 1, 2016

well written admin sahib

Naughtyface2 · July 1, 2016

@eragon33 was only WO1 and you were WO5 in your screenshot and you still have 2 ranks to go to get to @eragon33's rank ;)

Hex · July 1, 2016

Well written!

BatmanX9 · July 2, 2016

Well written. I loved it and can't wait for more!:D This will help me as I get to the mid-ranks.

TTK_229 · July 2, 2016

Is it just me, or did they make the banner out of the exact combo dragon of storms uses? Illuminati confirmed

The.L-E-G-E-N-D · July 2, 2016

Good Job!! :wub:

Lethal_Injection · July 2, 2016

Kinda sad, but in the warrant officer ranks, and even sometimes in the lieutenant ranks, the most important piece of advice? Turn that gosh darn turret of yours, noob!

Skillz_In_Blood · July 2, 2016

Well written :)

iiHasTaPower · July 2, 2016

Très bien fait!

DragonOfStorms · July 2, 2016

Is it just me, or did they make the banner out of the exact combo dragon of storms uses? Illuminati confirmed

That was my favorite M1 combo... but at M2 I like my Viking-Twins better.

anti-tanker-GT · July 2, 2016

Usually, any article is judged by the CONTENT, and NOT the CONTEXT. However in this post it's brilliantly seen that both the content, and the context have been used appropriately to obtain a successful result. NOW,COMING INTO YOUR QUESTION... Being at the very end of the mid ranks, I found this post extremely useful and strategic. Even after hitting the high ranks, most of the strategies mentioned in this post can still be implemented into battle. So, what I can say in a nutshell is that this article is beneficial for any rank of players, whether it be low-rank, mid-rank or even high-rank. My experience playing this game so far, proves so. WELL DONE GOLDROCK!!!

Edited July 2, 2016 by anti-tanker-GT

i..AlphaWolf · July 2, 2016

How would you describe mid-ranked gameplay?

Mid-ranked game play can be very mixed. Clear distinctions are often obvious between those players who can afford to buy top of the range equipment, including product kits, and those that are still struggling along with under powered M1s. Game play and outcomes of battles is also largely determined by the presence of supply users (aka druggers), as these give a clear advantage to said people who are fortunate enough to have an extensive garage.

That being said, during mid-ranked game play the core skills of players are developed, which will determine their success in higher ranks. One is forced to be a smart, strategic player to succeed, and the importance of cooperating with team-mates, and good communication, becomes obvious.

In general, mid-ranked game play is highly enjoyable, and with the presence of quality opposition, battles can be very intense and even. It is then that the teams are distinguished by their communication and teamwork skills.

How did you approach the gameplay of the mid-ranks to try and be a successful player?

As I am approaching the end of my mid-ranker period, I have learnt many skills that are needed to succeed in game play. As has been mentioned, it is critical to be a good communicator with your team, and develop an ability to predict battle scenarios, and take precautionary action accordingly.

It is a good idea to join battles in which you are one of the top ranks. This will increase your teams chances of winning, and hence you will (with sufficient skill levels) earn more experience points, and gain a greater reward in crystals at the end. It is important to complete chains of daily missions, as these will greatly add to your supplies and crystals.

In the early stages of your Tanki career, one must develop a skill set for their hull and turret of preference, and be able to use it to the best of its ability. For example, making use of the splash damage of a Thunder, or camping and pre-warming a Railgun, are essential to being able to succeed with said weapons, and in game play in general.

Also, supplies should be used wisely, only drugging in situations that it would be clearly helpful to the success of the team / yourself.

Finally, crystals should be saved as much as possible, in order to buy a powerful M2 combination (possibly in a product kit). This may mean persisting with older equipment for a while, in order to save enough to buy the turret or hull that best suits your game play style.

And finally, sum up your main advice for mid-ranked players in one sentence!

Develop your skills, read Pros Advice and watch Youtube game play videos, learn from the tactics used by top players, and save your crystals to buy the M2 combination that best suites your game play style.

Thankyou.

signing out.

Edited July 2, 2016 by i..AlphaWolf

DireFlyer · July 2, 2016

I think I learned that you shouldn't drug unless you need to (for a tactical advatage) Before, I was a full out drugger except in pro battles, I also really enjoyed the XP/BP topic, as that is more of a hobby of mine. Thank you so much!

~DireFlyer

Concodroid · July 2, 2016

"How would you describe mid-ranked gameplay?"

I would describe it as more 'trying to team up against the M1 Twins/Hornet and M1 Isada/Wasp than easy. Unless you have a lot of skill, then you are out of luck. I think most players leave Tanki about this time, and It's not as easy as you think. It's actually pretty hard.

How did you approach the gameplay of the mid-ranks to try and be a successful player?

I really just upgraded, I really liked Rail/Wasp, and it was easy to win with it. But then people got M1 equipment, and it was SUPER hard to get farther. I then bought paints, and it somehow worked. But now I'm aiming to get rail M1, and I'm almost halfway there!

And finally, sum up your main advice for mid-ranked players in one sentence!

SAVE CRYSTALS- look at videos- ask people-find one combo and stick with it- and finally, choose either the UPGRADE path or the immediate M0-M1 path.

That's it! Although I just begun playing in the mid-ranks, I can use my combo really well. OH- and always either have a twins and rico for backup so you aren't flooded by twins users. I find that kits are useful- Rail m1, Dictator M1 and a really good paint for less than the price of the rail itself! (that kit disappeared- too OP?)

This is Concodroid

Be careful out there

Edited July 2, 2016 by Concodroid

Zenyth · July 2, 2016

That's it! Although I just begun playing in the mid-ranks, I can use my combo really well. OH- and always either have a twins and rico for backup so you aren't flooded by twins users. I find that kits are useful- Rail m1, Dictator M1 and a really good paint for less than the price of the rail itself! (that kit disappeared- too OP?)

I don't think Hero kit was removed.

BatmanX9 · July 2, 2016

Well, Mid Ranks won't be much hard for my alt @Total_SkiIl as I have bought 2 M1/M1 kits soon, gonna save more Crystals and buy More kits :3 I really think that Mid-Ranks won't be hard for my alt.

I get your happy for your alt and all. But lately, don't you think you've been showing off just a tad too much? -_- (Don't take it personally. :()

Edited July 2, 2016 by BatmanX9

Challenge	Start Date	End Date
1	15.08	29.08
2	29.08	05.09
3	05.09	12.09
4	12.09	19.09
5	19.09	26.09
6	26.09	3.10
7	3.10	10.10
8	10.10	17.10

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