A Noob's Thoughts on the Soviet Medium Line

How can anyone dislike this tank? With its charming 'hat' and 'tail', diminutive size, and a gun that can kick in the faces of all but the heaviest Tier 2 tanks. There can be nothing more satisfying at Tier 1 than sitting patiently in a bush with Binocular Telescope and Camouflage Net equipped, watching and waiting for your next unsuspecting victim...

Mobility
Decent mobility. It's no T1 Cunningham, but it will get the job done, and it doesn't fell that slow. Turning is quite good, although the MS-1 can be a bit sluggish climbing hills.

Armour
It's Tier 1. Everything and everyone can penetrate each other even with the weakest of guns. Having said that, tthe MS-1 has the second best armour of Tier 1 (18 mm), second only to the Renault FT. Incidentally, it's also actually more thickly armoured than the Tier 2 T-26 and BT-2, which only have 15 mm of armour. Just don't expect the armour to bounce much.

Firepower
That 45 mm mod. 1932. One of the hardest hitting guns of Tier 1, after the 6-pounder on the Vickers Medium Mk I, it will have no trouble against Tier 1 tanks, and the vast majority of Tier 2 tanks, with a few notable exceptions. And those that do give you trouble, well, we got APCR for that. It is also fairly accurate for a Tier 1 gun (0.46), but the aim time is on the slow side (2.5s).

Playstyle
The MS-1 excels as a sniper. With a Camouflage Net and behind a bush, it is nearly invisible. It can also fight on the frontlines with good amounts of success, although it can't afford to take many hits.

Upgrade Order
It's Tier 1. One good battle and you will have enough XP to unlock nearly everything at one go.

Skills/Perks
I went with Camouflage on both crew members, for added sneaky-sneaky.

Equipment
If you are serious about your MS-1 (and I know a lot of people who are), get Improved Ventilation. A Camouflage Net and Binocular Telescope will be very helpful, and can be used later down the line. If you are really serious about your MS-1, consider an Enhanced Gun Laying Drive.

Fun Value
Oh hell yes this tank is loads of fun. My first tank in the game, and I will never, ever, ever sell it.

Additional Comments
- The MS-1 is tied with the Renault FT for worst view range at Tier 1, so ideally let other tanks like the Leichttraktor do the scouting for you. There's always a few [s]suicidal[/s] brave scouts in every game to take advantage of.
- The MS-1 has the lowest HP of all the Tier 1 tanks, so don't expect any Steel Walls in it any time soon.

The BT-2 has something of a reputation as one of the Tier 2 seal-clubbers' tanks of choice, along with such infamous tanks as the T18, the Tetrarch, the Hotchkiss H35 and PzKpfw 38H 735(f), and the PzKpfw II. With the limited matchmaking it gets at Tier 2, it is very powerful for its Tier.

Mobility
Long story short: fast in a straight line, absolutely atrocious turning.

Armour
Complete crap. Don't expect to bounce anything ever. The MS-1 has (slightly) thicker armour.

Firepower
The top 37 mm ZiS-19 is an absolutely fantastic gun at Tier 2. It will have no trouble penetrating and damaging even T18s from the front, and is accurate enough to snipe if necessary. The 23 mm VJa (incorrect Russian transliteration, it should be VYa) autocannon is also available if you prefer spray-and-pray "tactics". The 45 mm 20K offers better damage, but worse accuracy, and is basically identical to the 45 mm on the MS-1.

Playstyle
The BT-2 is very well-suited to the fast and fluid battles of Tier 2. With its speed, the BT-2 excels at moving between flanks to support collapsing teams, or as a raider, penetrating deep behind enemy lines to attack from unexpected directions. On the rare occasion that you can group up and wolf pack with other BT-2s or fast tanks, you can dominate the game.

Upgrade Order
BT-2 turret ---> 37 mm ZiS-19 ---> M-17T engine ---> BT-2 bis suspension ---> 71-TK-3 radio ---> 45 mm 20K ---> BT-7

Skills/Perks
I have not played the BT-2 since I first started the game, but I would recommend either all Camouflage, or Situational Awareness/Snap Shot/Smooth Ride.

Equipment
Improved Ventilation. Binocular Telescope and Camouflage Net if you are feeling cheap. If you are serious about your BT-2, consider an Enhanced Gun Laying Drive and Coated Optics.

Fun Value
I have not played the BT-2 on this account since my early noob days, but I found it quite fun to play while regrinding on the EU server. I'll probably revisit it some day.

Additional Comments
- The BT-2 has poor view range (280 m) to compensate for its speed, something to be mindful of it when advancing into unknown territory.

The BT-7 is one of my favourite tanks in the game, and in real life, thanks to its looks. Unfortunately, it is a fairly disappointing tank to advance to from the BT-2: in exchange for some HP, soft stat, and mobility upgrades, it must now face tanks up to Tier 5 with the same guns that the BT-2 had. In comparison, the other Soviet Tier 3, the T-46, receives far better guns, and also has access to the rare Medium Caliber Tank Gun Rammer. The BT-7 has one of the worst win rates of all the Tier 3 tanks, and I have some faint hope that it may receive some buffs some day. In the mean time, I take it out for crew experience events, and also use its crew on my T-127. Funnily enough, the BT-7 has my second most kills in a game (9), which ain't bad at all for it.

Mobility
The BT-7 is much faster and agile than the BT-2, with significantly better turning properties. If nothing else, it is fun to zip all over the map.

Armour
Same as the BT-2, ie. very thin. Except now you will be facing Tier 5 tanks that can and do one-shot you. Your armour is effectively irrelevant.

Firepower
Same guns as the BT-2. Still good at Tier 3, mediocre at best against Tier 4s, and completely useless against most Tier 5 tanks unless aimed carefully at weakspots. Be sure to carry some APCR just in case you happen to be in a situation to take advantage of it (you never know, you might get lucky; I've set fire to a KV-1 before using APCR).

Playstyle
The BT-7 plays similarly to the BT-2 in Tier 3 matches. It can act as a support sniper with the pretty accurate ZiS-19. It is essential that you know weakspots in order to be able to damage some of the more formidable tanks at Tier 4 and 5 (Matilda, KV-1, B1, AMX 40, Churchill). You can also use the BT-7 to hunt down and chase scouts, although the T-50 is a very formidable opponent.

Upgrade Order
M-17F engine ---> BT-7 conical turret ---> BT-7 suspension ---> 12LL radio ---> V-2 engine ---> A-20

Skills/Perks
My BT-7 crew members all have Camouflage, so that I can scout in a pinch in Tier 5 matche.

Equipment
Improved Ventilation. Binocular Telescope and Camouflage Net if you are feeling cheap. If you are serious about your BT-7, consider an Enhanced Gun Laying Drive instead of the Camouflage Net (which is what I have). Coated Optics provides minimal benefits with the BT-7's poor view range.

Fun Value
I like my BT-7 and find it fun to drive in Tier 3 or even 4 matches. Tier 5 matches are painful, however.

Additional Comments
- The BT-7 has poor view range (280 m), something to be mindful of it when advancing into unknown territory. This seriously hinders its scouting abilities, especially since Tier 5s have view ranges of up to 350 m.
- The V-2 engine provides 20 hp less power than the M-17F and is significantly heavier. Don't equip it. Just research it to get the A-20.

Ah, the A-20. I sold it as soon as I unlocked the T-34 without eliting. Now I have to play it again on the EU server. Sigh. The problems of the A-20 can be summed up in two words: Atrocious Matchmaking. It would be a fine Tier 4 light tank if it got the same regular Tier 4 matchmaking as the British Tier 4 Covenanter light tank, and I hope it someday gets the matchmaking it deserves.

Mobility
BT-2 Syndrome: very fast in a straight line, bleeds speed like crazy in a turn.

Armour
What armour? 20 mm of sloped armour can bounce an occasional round from Tier 3 tanks in the very very rare Tier 4 matches where the A-20 is top tier. Everything, and I mean everything else will cut through the A-20 like butter.

Firepower
There are 3 viable guns: the 37 mm SH-37 autocannon, the 76 mm L-11, and the 45 mm VT-42. The SH-37 is for running and gunning but is useless against anything other than light tanks or the most thinly armoured tanks. The VT-42 is if you like to be a fast sniper or just prefer more accurate guns. The 76 mm L-11 is for derping other light tanks. You will need to shoot into the flanks and rear of most tanks higher than Tier 4.

Playstyle
If you don't know how to scout, you'd better learn how to on the A-20 or you will be in for a very, very painful grind. You will be meeting tanks up to four tiers higher than you, since you get "scout matchmaking". On the very rare occasion where you are top tier or in a Tier 5 match, you can play it more aggressively as an actual damage dealing tank.

Upgrade Order
V-2-34 engine ---> A-20 bis turret ---> 45 mm VT-42 ---> A-20 bis suspension ---> 76 mm L-11 ---> 37 mm SH-37 ---> T-34
(SH-37 and VT-42 may be skipped, only the L-11 is required for the T-34)

Skills/Perks
All Camouflage. This is non-negotiable.

Equipment
Improved Ventilation, Camouflage Net, Binocular Telescope. Medium Caliber Tank Gun Rammer can replace the Camouflage Net.

Fun Value
Are you serious? Maybe one day if it gets better matchmaking, but as it is, no bloody way.

Additional Comments
- The A-20's view range is 330 m. Many Tier 8 tanks have view ranges up to 400 m. This, combined with the A-20's poor agility means that it must act as a passive scout. Active scouting in the A-20 is a recipe for much pain.

The T-34 is the tank that I first truly began to learn to play World of Tanks. She was a harsh mistress, but tough love is still love. Stock, the T-34 is horrible, but once she is fully upgraded, and the crew gets to 100%, she becomes an excellent medium tank. Even in an era where 105 mm derp PzKpfw IVs and M4s dominate Tier 5, I still find the T-34 to be an excellent tank, and I quite like her challenge.

Mobility
The T-34 starts off fairly sluggish, but once fully upgraded, she is as mobile as the other main tier 5s, the M4 and the PzKpfw IV. Her mobility is easily enough for the traditional medium tank role of flanking, with a good top speed but slightly sluggish acceleration.

Armour
Don't expect to bounce anything above Tier 4, although it does not hurt to angle your armour to help encourage some lucky bounces.

Firepower
There is only one gun that I find worth fitting: the 57 mm ZiS-4. Good accuracy, decent aim time, superb rate of fire, and high penetration make it the most versatile weapon in the T-34's arsenal. It can snipe at decently long distances, and has the rate-of-fire to make up for its lack of alpha damage while brawling. If you prefer more alpha damage, the 76 mm S-54 remains an option, although I consider it an inferior weapon in all other respects.

Playstyle
More so than any of the Tier 5 mediums, you must know the weaknesses and strengths of your own tank and your possible opponents in order to succeed. Unlike the M4 and PzKpfw IV, who can abuse their powerful derp guns against even Tier 7 tanks, the T-34 must stay out in the open to do her full damage, which is very hard to do with her thin armour at higher tiers. The T-34 rewards an adaptable playstyle, tailored for her opponents in each match. In general, what she cannot outgun, she can outmanoeuvre, and vice versa.

Upgrade Order
76 mm F-34 ---> 57 mm ZiS-4 ---> T-34 mod. 1942 turret ---> Mod. 1942 (5-speed gearbox) suspension ---> 9RM radio ---> 76 mm S-54 ---> T-34-85/SU-85

Skills/Perks
I currently have:
Commander/Gunner: Sixth Sense, Snap Shot
Loader: Camouflage, Repair
Radio Operator: Situational Awareness, Camouflage
Driver: Smooth Ride, Off-Road Driving

Equipment
The holy trinity: Improved Ventilation, Enhanced Gun Laying Drive, Medium Caliber Tank Gun Rammer.

Fun Value
I will never get tired of the T-34, and I will never sell her. She makes good credits, even in the very dangerous current Tier 5 environment.

Additional Comments
- Why does the inferior Chinese copy, the Type T-34, carry 23 more rounds of ammunition than my "true" T-34?
- You can transition to the Soviet tank destroyers via the SU-85.
- The T-34 has good camouflage values for a medium tank, and can scout in a pinch.

A highly versatile medium tank, the T-34-85 is a worthy successor to the T-34. Like the T-34, she's an excellent credit maker, and a horrible tank while stock. Once fully upgraded, however, she matures into arguably one of the best Tier 6 medium tanks. While on paper, she may not look like too much, the T-34-85's excellent soft stats (for a Soviet tank) more than make up for it.

Mobility
Comparable to the T-34. Good enough for the job, though not as good as the Cromwell.

Armour
The hull armour is exactly the same as the T-34's, so don't expect it to bounce anything at your tier or above. The turret armour is deceptively thick, however. I have bounced rounds that should not have bounced, up to and including the 8.8 cm KwK 43 L/71 on the Tiger II. Going hull-down when top tier is a very viable option.

Firepower
There is only one gun really worth using: the 85 mm D5T-85BM. The 85 mm ZiS S-53 is alright for grinding, but the D5T-85BM is what truly makes the T-34-85 shine. It has good accuracy by Soviet standards (0.37), excellent aim time (2.3 s), good penetration (144 mm) and a decent rate of fire (5.06 s with my current setup). I can snipe from fairly long ranges (though not as good as the German guns), and it has the DPM to allow the T-34-85 to brawl fairly effectively. It excels at medium range combat. Be sure to bring a few APCR shells (I carry 10) for the Tier 8 premium tanks and their trolly armour (the KV-5, the IS-6, etc.). You'll be seeing a lot of them. I guarantee it.

If you like derping, the 122 mm U-11 howitzer is also an option. I personally don't like relying too much on RNG, however.

Playstyle
Quite similar to the T-34.The T-34-85 rewards adaptability. She can snipe pretty well, she can brawl pretty well, and she is an excellent flanker. Your mobility and good firepower allow you to react to threats across the battlefield and help out at the schwerpunkts. She is also an excellent tank for supporting heavy tanks, and highly effective at eliminating scouts. The key to success on the T-34-85, like on the T-34, is knowing your tank's and your possible opponents' tanks' strengths and weaknesses and playing accordingly.

Upgrade Order
There are a few ways to proceed, this was my way:

85 mm ZiS S-53 --> T-34-85 extended turret ---> 85 mm D5T-85BM ---> V-2-34M engine ---> V-54K engine ---> T-34-85-60 suspension ---> 122 mm U-11 ---> T-43 ---> KV-13

The D5T-85BM is also the top gun on the T-43 and KV-13; unlocking it on the T-34-85 will save you a lot of pain. It is also one of two guns available at the start of the IS grind. Happily enough, the V-54K is also the T-43's top engine.

Skills/Perks
These are mine:
Commander: Sixth Sense, Recon
Gunner: Snap Shot, Camouflage
Loader: Camouflage, Repairs
Driver Smooth Ride, Off-Road Driving
Radio Operator: Situational Awareness, Camouflage

I like Camouflage, I feel it helps me stay hidden longer while flanking, and making me less likely to be the center of attention, always a good thing on a medium tank. I will probably go for Brothers in Arms as my third skill.

Equipment
The holy trinity: Improved Ventilation, Enhanced Gun Laying Drive, Medium Caliber Tank Gun Rammer.

Fun Value
Boatloads of fun. Play it well and watch the credits and XP flow. I'll never, ever sell her.

Additional Comments
- Your camouflage values are worse than on the T-34, and your view range is only slightly better (360 m). There are Tier 8s with up to 400 m view range, so be very careful when entering unexplored territory. It is usually far more preferable to advance behind the top tiers, letting them take the hits while supplementing their firepower or flanking to get to the softer sides and rears of enemy tank.
- You can transition to the Soviet fast heavy tanks via the KV-13.
- Off-Road Driving significantly improves the T-34-85's mobility, due to its high track friction.

Historically, the T-43 was designed to replace the T-34, with stronger armour and a new torsion bar suspension, and actually predated the T-34-85. It did not enter service because, for one thing, the armour was better, but still not good enough. It also reduced the tank's mobility significantly. Sadly, I'm finding this to also be true of the T-43 in the game. I freely admit, I'm a mediocre T-43 player. As my first Tier 7, though, I'm willing to cut it (and myself) some slack for lacklustre performance.

Mobility
This was my biggest disappointment with the T-43. It feels like a step down from my T-34-85, especially since my driver on the T-34-85 has the Off-Road Driving skill. This really shouldn't be surprising since the T-43 is a fair bit heavier than the T-34-85, while still using the same V-54K engine as its top engine. The acceleration is noticeably worse, and it definitely does not turn as well as my T-34-85. The mobility is still decent enough for flanking and repositioning as needed, and I guess that's really all I can ask for. I would not recommend circling in the T-43.

Armour
Your hull is now 75 mm thick, as opposed to 45 mm thick on the T-34-85. However, since you now face Tier 8 and Tier 9 tanks fairly regularly, it really is not much of an improvement. The turret armour is still similar to the T-34-85's, so it will get the occasional lucky bounce, but I would not rely on it in a Tier 8 or 9 game. It has a fair bit more HP than the T-34-85, which is a small consolation.

Firepower
The 85 mm D5T-85BM returns once again as the top gun on the T-43. It was very good on the T-34-85, but is now rather mediocre on the T-43. It will get the job done usually, though it has trouble going through the E-75, even from the sides. As a note, the T-43 has one of the highest DPMs of all the Tier 7 medium tanks. For me, it is getting those shots to penetrate consistently that is the hard part. You always have to keep in mind that you cannot afford to fight most same tier or higher tanks head on.

If you like derp and have lots of credits for HEAT, the humble 122 mm U-11 is also available. Don't bother with the 85 mm ZiS S-53, it is terrible at Tier 7.

Playstyle
So far, I have found it mostly plays as a support and flanking tank. I sort of expected it to play like the T-34-85, and to an extent, it seems to. You do have to take into account the lower mobility, and circling tanks hasn't really worked out very well for me. If you must do it, do it counter-clockwise to the enemy, because your turret has a large and vulnerable ammo rack on the right side.

I have also found that it gets a lot of module damage, and the increased HP will only get you so far. It is generally best not to draw attention to yourself, as you will not survive very long under enemy fire.

The T-43 is definitely not a tank that works well by itself, and generally should move with a group. Use heavy tanks to draw fire while you get around unnoticed to the weaker flanks. Use cover and camouflage to prevent yourself from being spotted as much as possible, because more often than not, the enemy tanks will target you as the easier kill.

Upgrade Order
I strongly recommend that you go to the T-43 through the T-34-85. You will be able to unlock the 85 mm D5T-85BM and the V-54K engine there, and this will make the grind far less painful. You will also learn what it takes to play the T-43 and all Soviet mediums better by playing the T-34 and T-34-85 than if you are used to the KV-1 and KV-1S.

T-43M suspension ---> T-43 mod. 1943 turret ---> T-44

You need the turret to mount the 85 mm D5T-85BM, and to mount the turret, you need the upgraded suspension. Everything else you can research on the T-34-85. Researching the V-54K on the T-34-85 also allows you to skip the V-2-44, which is unlocked automatically when you research the T-44 anyway, saving you a lot of effort.

If you are coming from the KV-13...I feel sorry for you. All you'll get is the D5T-85BM, which you can't mount without the upgraded turret.

T-34M suspension ---> T-43 mod. 1943 turret ---> V-2-44 engine ---> V-54K engine ---> 9RM radio ---> T-44

You can skip the 9RM radio if you want, it is automatically unlocked when you research the T-44. You can skip the engines if you want, though the T-43's mobility will really suck without it, and your decent mobility is your best form of protection and dealing damage.

If you're willing to spend credits for the Enhanced Torsion Bar equipment, switch the turret and suspension around in the upgrade order.

Skills/Perks
I have Camouflage on all crews except the driver, who has Off-Road Driving. I really want Sixth Sense, and this tank badly needs it, but since my crew isn't at 100% on the first skill yet, it will have to wait. Safe Stowage is also highly recommended, given how exposed the damned ammo racks are.

Equipment
Improved Ventilation, Enhanced Gun Laying Drive, Medium Caliber Tank Gun Rammer. I also used the Enhanced Torsion Bar Suspension, since I free XP'd the turret in order to mount the D5T-85BM as fast as possible. I think Coated Optics is also certainly a viable option, and it allows you to be more useful scouting (which I have had some success in), although I prefer the small all-round bonuses that Ventilation provides.

Fun Value
I've actually sort of grown to like it now. I think I'm doing much better in it now than I was when I started, but I still have a long way to go. I'm gonna keep it and try to get Ace Tanker (already got 1st Class) at least.

Additional Comments
- Gun depression is alright, slightly better than on the T-34-85.
- Historically, the T-43 used the 76 mm F-34 found on the T-34. Thank God that Wargaming did not force us to use that gun on the T-43.
- For more informative help and a detailed review, I highly recommend [url="http://forum.worldoftanks.com/index.php?/topic/210660-the-t-43-a-comparison-and-my-thoughts/"]Overlord_Primes' guide to the T-43[/url].

The KV-13 was historically the "rival" of sorts to the T-43, and represented an attempt by Zhosef Kotin (designer of the KV tanks, and later the IS tanks) to create a "Universal Tank" to replace both the KV-1 and the T-34. The suspension proved unreliable, however, and the KV-13 was later cancelled. However, through several iterations, the KV-13 eventually evolved into the IS heavy tank. Ingame, this is represented by its place in the tech tree, as a Tier 7 medium tank that leads to both the IS and the T-43. Most people will probably not play the KV-13 unless transitioning from one branch to another, and thus you don't see many KV-13s around.

My KV-13 is mostly stock, save for the turret and gun, and I don't have that many games in it, but I will give my first impressions.

Mobility
Not too bad so far, especially keeping in mind that I'm still using the stock engine and suspension, as well as the fact that it has a butt-ton of armour for a medium tank. It doesn't turn very well or accelerate very well (at least, not yet), however.

Armour
Basically the armour of an IS heavy tank. It will protect you from lower tiers, but don't expect too much in Tier 8 battles or above.

Firepower
Same 85 mm D-5T-85BM gun as the T-34-85 and T-43. Somewhat slower rate-of-fire than on the T-43, but still quite good.

Playstyle
Frankly, it's a faster and more agile stock IS. It can use the armour to bully lower tiers, but has to flank bigger tanks in order to stand a chance.

Upgrade Order
KV-13M suspension ---> KV-13M turret ---> 85 mm D-5T ---> IS ---> 12RT radio
(Unlocking the IS automatically unlocks the top V-2IS engine)

Skills/Perks
Mentor for Commander (was used to get other crew to 100%), Off-Road Driving for the Driver, Repair for the rest of the crew.

Equipment
Improved Ventilation Class 2, Medium Caliber Tank Gun Rammer, Binocular Telescope. Gun Laying Drive will be fitted later.

Fun Value
So far, it's alright. I think it has potential. Will see when everything's upgraded and fitted.

Additional Comments
- Gun depression is by far the worst among the Soviet mediums I have played so far (-5 degrees).
- Horrendous stock grind. I highly recommend free XPing the turret and using the suspension equipment until you have the upgraded KV-13M suspension. Otherwise you will be stuck using the 76 mm S-54 with 109 mm of penetration, possibly facing tanks like the E-75 and ST-I.

The T-127 is my first premium tank. I use it primarily to help train my BT-7 crew. I also have more Top Guns in it than any of my other tanks, and it has the most kills in a single game of any of my tanks (10). It is a fantastic tank at Tier 3, and quite decent even in Tier 4. Favourable matchmaking is what makes it a cut above the other Tier 3 tanks, in my opinion, and it never sees the accursed Tier 5 tanks that feed on Tier 3s. Unfortunately, I used the radio operator from the A-20, and he seems to have cursed my T-127 into being unable to win. Ever since I retrained that radio operator to the T-127, I've had more success. That and a slight change up in playstyle.

Mobility
It is not as quick as the T-46, and certainly not as agile or as much of a hot rod as the BT-7, but the T-127 still has decent mobility, which is an acceptable price to pay for its much thicker armour.

Armour
That sloped armour has saved me many times, and the T-127 is one of the few Tier 3 tanks that can obtain Steel Walls (I have at least one). It has a few weakspots, most noticeably the turret ring and view ports, however. You should also be mindful of your flanks and rear, as the armour there can be penetrated more easily. Since your armour relies on sloping rather than pure thickness to be effective, artillery HE shells can cause major damage if they land a direct hit.

Firepower
It's that same 45 mm gun that you should be used to, having played the MS-1 and the BT tanks. It's even better on the T-127, since you will never have to face the likes of tanks like the KV-1 and it is also slightly more accurate. Nevertheless, there are a few tanks that can resist the 45 mm 20KL (the M3 Lee frontally, the AMX 38 and 40, the Matilda, the Valentines (premium and non-premium), the D2 and B1, and the very dangerous Hetzer). For that, always carry some APCR (I carry 25 APCR rounds).

Playstyle
If you're at Tier 3 and there aren't too many dangerous tank destroyers around or particularly hard targets, you can have a field day and play aggressively. The armour will shrug off most Tier 3 tank guns, and proper angling makes it even better. Your own gun will easily deal with any Tier 3 tank you may face (although the Tier 2 T18 can bounce your shots occasionally). In Tier 4 games, play it more carefully and support your own Tier 4s. You do have decent mobility, so flanking hard-to-penetrate targets is an option. That, or you can just load up the APCR and hope for the best. Avoid facing tank destroyers as much as possible.

Upgrade Order
Premium tank, there's nothing to upgrade. Yay!

Skills/Perks
I run all Camouflage, mainly because it's my BT-7 crew. The T-127 radio operator also has Camouflage for maximum benefit. You could run a more specialised set or take Repairs if you are so inclined.

Equipment
Improved Ventilation, Enhanced Gun Laying Drive, Binocular Telescope. I don't feel Coated Optics is worth that much for the T-127, maybe if there's a sale next time. Toolbox is not a bad option, but I tend to find Binocular Telescope's 25% bonus to view range when stationary is more useful.

Fun Value
Hell yes. Worth every penny I spent on it.

Additional Comments
- The T-127 has a view range of 320 m, better than the T-46 and BT-7. With the Binocular Telescope or Coated Optics, you can passive scout in a pinch should you happen to be in the right place at the right time.
- There is only one light tank that completely fits the T-127's crew layout. Guess which one it is. That's right, the A-20. Sigh.

Since the Soviets currently have only one premium medium tank available (unlike the Germans, who have 6 premium medium tanks, 3 of which are currently on sale), I really did not have many options when it came to picking up one for crew training. It's a shame that the A-32 can no longer be purchased; it would have been perfect for my T-34 crew. Nevertheless, the Matilda IV perfectly suits the Tier 7+ Soviet medium tanks' crew layouts, and it will be around for crew training permanently.

Mobility
Not godawfully bad, but by no means good. It is slow and turns fairly slowly, though it actually has better mobility than the British Matilda and Matilda Black Prince.

Armour
It'll bounce stuff, especially Tier 4 and lower tier tanks, just don't go picking fights with things like StuG IIIs, SU-85s, KV-1s, and the like. Angling and sidescraping definitely help. I find that the spaced armour and tracks on the sides are great at eating up shots.

Firepower
The 76 mm ZiS-96 is essentially the KV-1's stock 76 mm ZiS-5 gun modified and fitted to the Matilda. The penetration is pretty bad, even with APCR, and it will have issues penetrating heavies from the front. Accuracy is not very good either, and the shells have a noticeable arc and fairly slow flight time, making it a bit difficult to aim at long distances. On the other hand, the rate-of-fire is phenomenally good for that caliber, and it aims very fast, unusual for Soviet tanks. The gun generally works best at medium to short range. I carry 40 AP and 20 APCR.

Playstyle
Pick a direction, stick to it, and hope the action goes your way. The Matilda IV is too slow to change flanks or flank enemy tanks. Pick a heavy tank or group to support. The Matilda IV is exceptionally good at killing light tanks, and this will allow your allied heavy tanks to focus on more difficult targets. Use the armour to bully lower tier tanks

Upgrade Order
Premium tank, there's nothing to upgrade. Yay!

Skills/Perks
I use my KV-13 crew on it for now. They don't have skills yet. Repairs or Camouflage would probably be my first choice for skills if I ran a dedicated crew.

Equipment
Improved Ventilation, Medium Caliber Tank Gun Rammer, Coated Optics. A Gun-Laying Drive is not necessary, as the aim time is already so good.

Fun Value
I found it pretty fun. It's not a bad buy if you're don't have ADHD and don't mind its low speed.

Additional Comments
- Gun depression is fantastic, one of the best in the game. It is very good at abusing hilly terrain.
- The crew slots match every Soviet medium tank from the T-43 upwards, as well as the KV-13. The Matilda IV is an excellent Soviet medium tank crew trainer.