▲“F系弹夹头子”AMX 50B
Hello World of Tanks players, have you ever heard of the legend of the "F-series magazine boss"? This is because after the addition of the F-series, the Chadilon 25t, AMX 50B, and AMX 13 90 tanks with their high speed and high burst characteristics have completely suppressed the S, D, and M series of slower tanks. Years after they were added to the game, are the "Magazine Maniacs" still so powerful? In this article, we will introduce you to the evolution of the AMX 50B, the "F-series big B".
F Department Big B Brother
▲ The AMX 50B, which has just joined World of Tanks
At the beginning of 2012, the AMX 50B was added to World of Tanks alongside the F-series medium tank route as the top-of-the-line tank for the F-series heavy tank line. In version 0.7.1, when they were first added to the game, the tanks of the other classes had been fighting in the game for some time, but they were still mostly using guns that could only fire single shots. However, the AMX 50B has a 120mm cannon capable of firing in 4 bursts, which can cut 1600 HP from the enemy in a short time. What's more, its excellent mobility allows it to burst out and flee before the enemy can only sigh.
▲3 F-series premium heavy tanks
The AMX 50B's 120mm caliber cartridge gun originally had a penetration depth of 351 mm for its original special ammunition, and as long as it was willing to buy special ammunition for it, it could penetrate all the enemies it could encounter at the time. Even the Rat and E-100, which is in the limelight, are very clumsy and unable to adapt to the fierce offensive of the AMX 50B. Tanks such as the IS-7, IS-4, and T30 usually choose to move in groups to avoid being destroyed by the AMX 50B's magazine explosion. The AMX 50B has been performing well for several years, roaming the battlefield and has been dubbed the "Magazine Maniac" by gamers. However, with the passage of time and the change of version, the value of the AMX 50B has also changed a lot.
The evolutionary path of the tank
▲ AMX 50B in an old garage
Over the years that the AMX 50B has been added to World of Tanks, it has also received a number of modifications, so let's take a look:
- In version 0.7.1, the AMX 50B joined World of Tanks alongside the F-series Tier X heavy tank.
- In version 0.7.2, the AMX 50B's health has been reduced by 100 points, the turret rotation speed has been slightly increased, but the gun expansion coefficient has been weakened when the tank moves/rotates, the tank's field of view has been reduced by 2.5 meters, the gun depression angle has been changed from 8 degrees to 6 degrees, and the main gun reload time and aiming time have been reduced.
- Version 0.8.0: AMX 50B hull rotation speed increased, gun circle expansion coefficient increased when the tank moves/rotates, main gun depression angle changed from 6 degrees to 8 degrees, turret rotation speed changed to 36 degrees per second, gun circle expansion range reduced by 20% when the turret is rotated.
▲Adjustments to the AMX 50B exterior model
- Version 0.8.6: In this version, the penetration depth of special ammunition for all tanks has been uniformly compressed. The AMX 50B's 120 mm caliber main gun special ammunition penetration depth has been reduced from 351 mm to 325 mm, and the repair cost of the tank has also been reduced by 10%.
- Update 0.9.2: In order to enhance the tank's long-range support capabilities, the aiming time of the main gun has been changed from 3 seconds to 2.5 seconds.
- Update 0.9.17: The AMX 50B's exterior has been improved to a high definition, while the depression angle of the main gun has been changed from 8 degrees to 10 degrees.
Version 0.9.17 was the most recent change to the AMX 50B, and it remained unchanged for several years.
"Big B"
▲Interrupt the enemy's tracks, and then output
Since the current version of the battle is dominated by heavy tanks with heavy armor and high-penetration large-caliber guns, it would be unwise for the AMX 50B to confront them head-on. The AXM 50B is the most demanding tank that needs to "play to its strengths and avoid its weaknesses", and its burst output capability is very strong. A 120mm gun with a 4-round magazine can deal 1,600 damage in just 7.5 seconds, which is enough to instantly seriously damage a tank of the same level with full health, or take away a tank of the same level with residual health, and it is extremely powerful for low-level tanks. This makes the gameplay of the AMX 50B self-evident – with the help of terrain and mobility, you can use the advantages of depression angles and bursts to strike enemies.
▲ Rely on mobility to move and grab points
However, the problem with the AMX 50B is that the tank's defense is poor, and at the same time, the tank's large size makes it easy to be hit by the enemy in real combat, and the tank's own concealment value is relatively poor. The turret aft compartment and hull of the tank will even be penetrated by various high-explosive shells and ammunition of self-propelled guns with high penetration depths, and even explosive ammunition racks in actual combat. Therefore, the AMX 50B had to take advantage of its high mobility, which was close to that of a medium tank, and moved flexibly. Give full play to the advantages of high horsepower and high speed, and make full use of the guerrilla tactics of "hit and run." In addition, players should also avoid "greedy artillery" during the battle, so as not to evacuate in time due to greedy damage and be surrounded by the enemy.
▲ Past, present and future F series big brother
While the AMX 50B doesn't have superior survivability, it strikes a decent balance of mobility, defense, and firepower. The AMX 50B is limited by the issue of defense, which requires players to make more use of the tank's mobility, weaving back and forth on the battlefield, trying to hit the enemy's flanks and backs, or sniping the enemy's frontal weaknesses from medium and long distances. Only the most specialized players who are familiar with the map can easily control this "F-series big brother".