Greetings, Commanders!
Spring is in full swing, and we’re actively working on new World of Tanks features! These items are off to Supertest* for evaluation; later, these additions will be available to all Commanders in the Common Tests for the upcoming Update 1.9.1.
One of this update's main highlights is a new, picturesque map for Random Battles — Berlin. We're also working on new customization mechanics. You can try these new features during the Common Tests. We'll also have other notable additions in this update, so stay tuned for more details.
Let’s take a closer look at the new map and latest customization updates.
With the release of Update 1.9.1, Berlin, a breathtaking new locale, will be introduced to Random Battles. This 1050×1050 meter map of the German capital during the final moments of World War II in Europe was recreated with great historical accuracy. You can easily spot its most famous landmarks and even take a virtual drive through the city.
The Berlin map will be available for Standard and Encounter Battles. It's roughly divided into four main areas. Each vehicle type can find its place in the battle and unleash its combat potential. There is enough space for active maneuvers, long-distance sniping, and other tactics.
More detailed information about the new Berlin map will be available in a dedicated article. You can also explore this atmospheric map during the Common Tests of Update 1.9.1.
In Update 1.9.1, vehicle customization gets three new changes that allow you to make your tanks look even more unique.
First, there will be projection Decals (including rectangular ones that can be applied to the entire side of the tank) for all Tiers and all nations.
We’re also introducing progressive customization Decals for almost all styles. This customization element will give you the chance to challenge yourself and let others know of your high battle effectiveness. They change appearance as you progress through certain objectives (such as accomplishing specific combat achievements) in Random Battles using specific tanks.
All progressive Decals have their own progression system and they will be tied to the vehicles they were applied to. After Update 1.9.1 is released, there will be progressive Decals with 3 and 5 different levels available. When your Decal level increases, the decal will automatically change. At the same time, the Decals of all previous levels will remain available and you can apply them manually via the decal menu.
You can get the first progressive Decal free by achieving certain conditions in Random Battles. Additional Decals will be available for Gold in the game client.
Last but not least, new tweakable Styles will be available for Gold in the game client with the release of Update 1.9.1. These are custom looks that you can modify, remove, or add individual elements to.
Certain Styles (rental or special partner styles) will remain unmodifiable.
The most competitive mode in World of Tanks returns in 2020-2021 with three (3) exciting Seasons and new gameplay mechanics. Some of them we can already send for testing. These new mechanics will first head to the Supertest of Update 1.9.1 for the initial testing iteration and they will be available to all Commanders in Common Tests at a later date. They will also be part of the mechanics for the upcoming Seasons of Ranked Battles 2020-2021.
So, what’s new? To get you more engaged in playing in Ranked Battles, we’ll introduce:
Keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming Common Tests highlighting some fresh Ranked Battles mechanics featuring changes you’ll experience in future Ranked Battles Seasons!
Supertest is the process of testing a project during the early stages of implementation, if necessary. The test involves checking the concept of a new feature or version and searching for the most critical issues. In World of Tanks, Supertests are divided into production tests of individual features during feature development (such as testing a new map or balancing a new vehicle) and version tests of full releases.
The purpose of Supertests is to test game content in a live environment with a limited number of players (supertesters) before the final release. If the Supertests prove that the content is ready, Common Tests are then conducted.
There’s a lot of interesting content ahead, so stay tuned and good luck on the battlefield!