The holiday season is approaching fast, and the first Common Test of Update 1.19.1 is coming your way, Commanders!

Take this chance to test-drive Chinese brawlers from the upcoming heavy branch—featuring the new jet booster mechanic!

Chinese Heavy Tank Line With Jet Boosters

This new branch consists of four researchable tanks from Tier VII through Tier X.

All the new tanks feature strong hulls, well-sloped turret armor, and powerful guns with convenient depression angles. These advantages are counterbalanced, however, by their mediocre accuracy and long reload times. But the main gameplay hallmark of these new Chinese heavies is the jet booster mechanic, which is available for Tier VII–X vehicles. Let’s see how it works.

Jet Booster Mechanic

At the start of battle, the jet booster will take five seconds to prepare for use. You’ll be notified of this in a corresponding indicator bar. After that, you can activate the booster using the X key. Once activated, your tank will receive a brief boost to its engine power, top forward speed, and initial momentum, allowing the heavy combat vehicle to accelerate faster.

When used correctly, this mechanic will allow you to quickly cross dangerous areas at critical moments in battle, ram lightly armored targets more efficiently, or occupy key positions faster.

 Branch Composition

The new line kicks off with the BZ-58 at Tier VII. Its gameplay is comparable to that of the Chinese IS-2. This is a menacing assault tank with a tough turret, good damage per shot, and great penetration values. You will have a choice between two guns—85 mm and 100 mm—which offer different gameplay, so it all depends on your individual playstyle.

The next newcomer at Tier VIII is the BZ-166, which embodies all the finest qualities of Chinese heavies. It features a strong hull, well-sloped turret armor, and convenient gun depression angles. The BZ-166’s mobility is relatively low due to its decent armor, but you can always improve your top forward speed by activating the jet booster.

Now for the top-tier tanks, starting with the menacing Tier IX BZ-68. This tank is always ready to shock enemies in frontal attacks with its powerful gun. On the other hand, its long reload time and poor accuracy are valid arguments against engaging in close combat with fast-firing opponents. Luckily, it can make the most of the terrain thanks to tough turret armor and excellent gun depression angles.

As the top vehicle of the new line, the Tier X BZ-75's key battle parameters are similar to those of the other Chinese heavy tanks. Like its brothers-in-arms, this vehicle has solid armor, respectable alpha damage, and great gun depression angles. You can rely on its jet booster when you need to make a tactical retreat or cross a dangerous area on the battlefield.

We'll share more details about the Chinese heavies and their gameplay in an upcoming dedicated article. In the meantime, join the Common Test and take these unusual brawlers for a spin!

Join the Common Test and share your feedback about these changes, Commanders!