8.4 Update Release and Server Downtime

Tankers!

The big 8.4 update is nearly upon us! In fact, it's so close that we'll be bringing down the servers late on Wednesday, March 6 and bringing them back online in the early morning hours of Thursday, March 7. Once they're back up we'll have a whole bunch of new tanks to play with. To get an idea of all of the changes coming in the 8.4 update, be sure to read over the 8.4 update notes (below).

Cluster Downtime Begins: 23:00 PST (02:00 EST on March 7, 2013) on March 6, 2013

Cluster Downtime Ends: 07:00 PST (10:00 EST) on March 7, 2013

Premium Players: You'll be given one extra day of Premium time as compensation for the significant downtime.

8.4 Update Notes

• Battle tutorial for new players has been added. The tutorial mission will have its own map
• Added a branch of tank destroyers to the British tech tree:
  
  • Universal Carrier QF 2 pounder, Alecto, Valentine AT, АТ 2, АТ 7, Gun Carrier Churchill, АТ 8, АТ 15, А39 Tortoise, and FV215b(183)
• Added three new German light tanks:
  • Pz.I, Pz.I Ausf.С , and Pz.II Ausf.G
• The following German light tanks have been moved to tier IV, V, and VI to match their rebalanced characteristics:
  • Luchs, VK 1602, and VK2801
• New Soviet premium tier VI tank destroyer is available in the in-game shop:
  • SU-100Y
• The following maps were reworked for improved graphics:
  • Steppes, Fisherman's Bay, Ensk, and Live Oaks
• Dragon Ridge and Serene Coast maps have been temporarily removed from the "Random Battle" for balancing
• Game and visual fixes for the following maps:
  • Cliff, Prokhorovka, and Abbey
• "Assault" mode has been temporarily disabled for the following maps:
  
  • Malinovka and Westfield
• Smoothed the road and crater textures for the Ruinberg map
• Game supports NVIDIA SLI configurations

Balance Changes & Various Fixes

• Changed slope of the lower nose plate of the PzV Panther, PzV/IV, Panther M10, and JagdPanther to 55 degrees
• Changed thickness of lower frontal hull armor of PzV Panther, PzV/IV, Panther M10, and JagdPanther to 50 mm
• Reduced slope of the lower nose plate of the T-44 to 45 degrees
• Fixed minor bugs with the damage model of the following tanks: AT-15А, Matilda Black Prince, Matilda (USSR), Grille, AMX 13-75, AMX 13-90, AMX 12t, Churchill I, VK 4205B, M12, M41, Object 212, Caernarvon, M46 Patton, Maus, and Е-100
• Improved the protection offered by the joint between lower and higher nose plates on Caernarvon, Conqueror and FV215b tanks up to 203, 203 and 254 mm accordingly
• Fixed bugs in visual models: IS-3, Churchill LL, М41, Т69, KV-3, TOG-2, SU-14, S-51, and Hetzer
• Fixed left and right tracks on the damage model of the WZ-131 tank
• Fixed camouflage costs for Chinese T-34-2
• Fixed appearance of the final drive cover for Т-34 and vehicles built on its hull
• Tanks with auto loader system will reload the whole cassette/drum instead of one shell when the “Intuition” skill is triggered.
• Fixed the loss of performance on some configurations while using server reticule in sniper mode
• The FPS rate in hangar is forcibly limited to 60 FPS
• Reworked and optimized tank engine exhaust effect
• Fixed the FPS drop for some configurations during the rendering of fire and explosions effects while in a sniper mode
• Fixed most cases causing the game client crash during the loading of a battle when  Alt +Tabbed out of the game
• Fixed some bugs in the display and update rate of dynamic shadows
• Returned the option to train crew members for tanks missing in the hangar. A separate warning window has been added for this purpose
• Fixed the ammo order during a turret or gun change
• Fixed barrel scoring in some cases when targeting a nearby obstacle
• Fixed the omission of damage randomization with HE shells when hitting the ground near a tank
• Removed the restriction of the "external view" button for vehicles with incomplete crew
• Added the option to choose who you address in battle chat: with or without auto save of the previous option
• Added a windowed full-screen option (maximize button in the right top corner)
• Fixed barrel scoring and turret turning after a hit
• Fixed after-shot static in the left speaker for some configurations
• Fixed some bugs in the visual models of surrounding objects and building damage
• Fixed client crash when pressing "Update Device" in the settings menu
• Fixed incorrect output for FPS values, ping and lag indication for the Logitech G19 keyboard
• Added new pictures to the login screen
• Improved the description of commemorative medals
• Fixed a bug which mixed up the command order "Affirmative!" and "Negative!" for tank destroyers in some situations
• Added additional effects for destroying large tanks
• Added the ability to remove heavy equipment and modules and replace them with lower weight ones when the chassis is overloaded
• Added the display of the drowning timer and module repair indicator in the postmortem observation mode
• Fixed a rare client crash after fast-quitting and then connecting back to the game
• "Damage upon detecting" in the after-battle statistics renamed into "Damage upon your detecting"
• Fixed audio interruptions during the voice chat  test
• Implemented restoration of voice chat after disconnection
• When a client is minimized its icon will now blink five seconds before the start of battle
• Fixed rewarding of the Sniper achievement medal when damaging allied tank with HE shell
• Fixed incorrect amount of credits received for selling a vehicle being displayed in both vehicle selling window and following system notifications
• Fixed report system in the post-battle statistics for players not involved in the platoon
• Fixed camera panning close to some objects
• Fixed the failure of "10 calibers rule" for internal ricochets
• Fixed some bugs in achieving Kolobanov's medal for the cases when the members of both teams quitting to the hangar before the end of a battle
• Fixed the display of a sold tank as not researched in the tech tree
• Fixed a rare client crash when going to the tank research window
• Added information on "potentially received damage" to the post-battle statistics. Considered all the potential damage that a tank could receive with ricocheted or not-penetrating shells (including side skirts armor)
• Fixed damage from falling received by absent turret  for TDs and SPGs
• Fixed display of team damage and team kill for the post-battle statistics window when allied tank was destroyed by your shot
• Fixed descriptions of the "Sniper" and "Steel Wall" achievements
• Implemented new function of loading the necessary shell type within the countdown before the battle start
• Completely re-worked tracers effect.

Vehicle Changes

Chinese Tanks

Type 2597 Chi-Ha

• Cost of 57 mm Gun Type 97 gun is changed from 3,000 to 2,000
• Cost of 57 mm Gun Type 97 gun is changed from 3,000 to 2,000

WZ-132

• Cost of the engine 8V135 is changed from 43,000 to 49,000
• Reloading time for 100 mm 59-100T gun is changed from 8.6 sec. to 9.1 sec.

French Tanks

AMX M4(1945)

• Depression angle of 105 mm Canon 13TR gun changed from 5 degrees to 10 degrees
• Depression angle of 90 mm DCA 30 gun changed from 5 degrees to 10 degrees
• Depression angle of 90 mm DCA 45 gun changed from 5 degrees to 10 degrees
• Depression angle of 90 mm F3 gun changed from 5 degrees to 10 degrees

RenaultBS

• Load capacity of RenaultBS M17 chassis changed from 7,800 kg to 5,000 kg
• Load capacity of RenaultBS M26/M27 chassis changed form 8,200 kg to 7,000 kg
• Body weight changed from 2,750 kg to 2,714 kg

German Tanks

PzKpfw 35 (t)

• Cost of 2 cm KwK 30 L/55 gun changed from 2130 to 1910
• Cost of 2 cm KwK 30 L/55 gun changed from 2130 to 1910

PzKpfw II

• Cost of 2 cm KwK 30 L/55 gun changed from 2130 to 1910
• Cost of 2 cm KwK 30 L/55 gun changed from 2130 to 1910

PzKpfw II Luchs

• Camouflage cost increased to 33%
• Load capacity of Luchsketten Ausf. A chassis changed from 12,250 kg to 12,500 kg
• Traverse mechanics changed for Luchsketten Ausf. A chassis
• Traverse speed of Luchsketten Ausf. A changed from 35 to 30
• Dispersion on move for Luchsketten Ausf. A chassis reduced by 4%
• Dispersion on turn for Luchsketten Ausf. A chassis reduced by 4%
• Resistance of Luchsketten Ausf. A chassis for solid grounds increased by 9%
• Resistance of Luchsketten Ausf. A chassis for moderately soft grounds reduced by 24%
• Resistance of Luchsketten Ausf. A chassis for soft grounds reduced by 19%
• Research cost of Luchsketten Ausf. B chassis changed from 750 to 1950
• Load capacity of Luchsketten Ausf. B chassis changed from 15,850 kg to 15,500 kg
• Cost of Luchsketten Ausf. B chassis changed from 4,650 to 9,650
• Traverse mechanics changed for Luchsketten Ausf. B chassis
• Traverse speed of Luchsketten Ausf. B chassis changed from 38 to 33
• Dispersion on move for Luchsketten Ausf. B chassis reduced by 4%
• Dispersion on turn for Luchsketten Ausf. B chassis reduced by 4%
• Resistance of Luchsketten Ausf. B chassis for moderate terrain reduced by 20%
• Resistance of Luchsketten Ausf. B chassis for soft terrain reduced by 8%
• Power capacity of Maybach HL 66 P engine changed from 200 to 180
• Body weight changed from 7000 kg to 6830 kg
• Tank tier changed from III to IV
• Tank cost changed from 39,000 to 155,000
• Repair cost increased by 21%
• Max reverse speed changed from 20 km/h to 22 km/h
• View range for PzKpfw-IIL-Großturm turret changed from 330 m to 360 m
• Reload time of 2 cm Flak 38 L/112 gun changed from 3.4 sec to 2.7 sec
• Reload time of 2 cm KwK 38 L/55 gun changed from 3.4 sec to 2.7 sec
• Dispersion on turret turn for 3,7 cm KwK 36 L/46.5 gun reduced by 29%
• Elevation angle of 5 cm KwK 38 L/42 gun changed from -17 degrees to -20 degrees
• Depression angle of 5 cm KwK 38 L/42 gun changed from 8 degrees to 10 degrees
• Dispersion on turret turn for 5 cm KwK 38 L/42 gum reduced by 25%
• Added new 3 cm M.K.103 gun
• Added new 5 cm KwK 39 L/60 gun
• PzKpfw-IIL-Großturm turret tier changed from 4 to 5
• Cost of PzKpfw-IIL-Großturm turret changed from 4700 to 10500
• Turret traverse speed for PzKpfw-IIL-Großturm changed from 26 deg/sec to 38 deg/sec
• Turret weight changed from 2500 kg to 2000 kg
• View range of PzKpfw-IIL-Luchsturm turret changed from 320 m to 330 m
• Aiming time for 2 cm Flak 38 L/112 gun changed from 1.6 sec to 1.5 sec
• Reload time for 2 cm Flak 38 L/112 gun changed from 4.3 sec to 3 sec
• Dispersion on turret turn for 2 cm Flak 38 L/112 gun reduced by 20%
• Aiming time of 2 cm KwK 38 L/55 gun changed from 1.6 sec to 1.5sec
• Reload time for 2 cm KwK 38 L/55 gun changed from 4.3 sec to 3 sec
• Dispersion on turret turn for 2 cm KwK 38 L/55 gun reduced by 20%
• Elevation angle of 3,7 cm KwK 36 L/46.5 gun changed from -20 degrees to -16 degrees
• Depression angle of 3,7 cm KwK 36 L/46.5 gun changed from 10 degrees to 8 degrees
• Added new 3 cm M.K.103 gun
• Turret traverse speed for PzKpfw-IIL-Luchsturm changed from 39 deg/sec to 42 deg/sec
• Total HP with PzKpfw-IIL-Großturm turret mounted changed from 230 to 340 points
• Total HP with PzKpfw-IIL-Luchsturm turret mounted changed from 190 to 310 points

 VK 1602 Leopard

• Camouflage price increased by 25%
• Load limit for suspension on Leopardketten Ausf. A changed from 22,250 kg. to 21,900 kg.
• Changed reversal mechanism for suspension Leopardketten Ausf. A
• Traverse speed for Leopardketten Ausf. A changed from 30 to 33
• Gun dispersion on movement with Leopardketten Ausf. A decreased by 4%
• Gun dispersion on turning with Leopardketten Ausf. A decreased by 4%
• Maneuverability for suspension on Leopardketten Ausf. A on moderately soft terrain decreased by 29%
• Passability for suspension Leopardketten Ausf. A on soft terrain decreased by 8%
• Research cost for suspension Leopardketten Ausf. B changed from 2,615 to 5,100
• Load limit for suspension on Leopardketten Ausf. B changed from 25,550 kg. to 24,000 kg.
• Price for suspension on Leopardketten Ausf. B changed from 10,740 to 12,740
• Changed reversal mechanism for Leopardketten Ausf. B
• Traverse speed for Leopardketten Ausf. B changed from 33 to 36
• Maneuverability for suspension on Leopardketten Ausf. B on moderately soft terrain decreased by 27%
• Maneuverability for suspension on Leopardketten Ausf. B по on soft terrain decreased by 9%
• Hull weight changed from 10,000 kg to 12,320 kg
• Tank price changed from 210,000 to 355,000
• Repair costs increased by 7%
• Max reverse speed changed from 20 km/h to 22 km/h
• Max forward speed changed from 68 km/h to 60 km/h
• View range for turret Leopardturm changed from 350 m. to 380 m.
• Aiming time for 5 cm KwK 39 L/60 changed from 2.3 sec. to 1.7 sec.
• Elevation angle for 5 cm KwK 39 L/60 gun changed from -17 degrees to -20 degrees
• Depression angle  for 5 cm KwK 39 L/60 gun changed from 6 degrees to 10 degrees
• Reloading time for 5 cm KwK 39 L/60 changed from 2.5 sec. to 2.1 sec.
• Dispersion for 5 cm KwK 39 L/60 changed from 0.4 м to 0.39 м
• Added 3 cm M.K.103 gun
• Removed the following gun: 3,7 cm KwK 36 L/46.5
• Removed the following gun: 5 cm KwK 38 L/42
• Turret rotation speed for Leopardturm changed from 42 deg/sec to 40 deg/sec
• Turret weight changed from 3000 kg to 2000 kg
• HP changed from 390 to 440.

VK 2801

• Camouflage cost increased by 20%
• VK-2801-Ketten Ausf. A suspension load capacity changed from 22,500 kg. to 26,500 kg.
• Gun dispersion on move with VK-2801-Ketten Ausf. A suspension increased by 33%
• Gun dispersion on hull turning with VK-2801-Ketten Ausf. A suspension increased by 33%
• VK-2801-Ketten Ausf. A suspension performance on solid ground decreased by 9%
• VK-2801-Ketten Ausf. A suspension performance on moderately soft terrain decreased by 15%
• VK-2801-Ketten Ausf. A suspension performance on soft ground decreased by 9%
• VK-2801-Ketten Ausf. B suspension load capacity changed from 28,800 kg to 29,000 kg
• Gun dispersion on move with  VK-2801-Ketten Ausf. B increased by 64%
• Gun dispersion on hull turning with VK-2801-Ketten Ausf. B increased by 64%
• VK-2801-Ketten Ausf. B suspension performance on soft ground decreased by 10%
• Hull weight changed from 10,500 kg to 13,438 kg
• Tank tier changed from V to VI
• Tank price changed from 705,000 to 945,000
• Maximum speed changed from 72 km/h to 60 km/h
• View distance of VK-2801-Turm Ausf. A turret changed from 350 m to 370 m
• Elevation angle of 5 cm KwK 39 L/60 gun changed from -17 degrees to -20 degrees
• Depression angle of 5 cm KwK 39 L/60 gun changed from 6 degrees to 8 degrees
• Dispersion of 5 cm KwK 39 L/60 gun on turret traverse decreased by 33%
• Elevation angle of 7,5 cm KwK 37 L/24 gun changed from -17 degrees to -20 degrees
• Depression angle of 7,5 cm KwK 37 L/24 gun changed from 6 degrees to 8 degrees
• Reloading speed of 7,5 cm KwK 37 L/24 gun changed from 4 sec to 3.8 sec
• 7,5 cm KwK 37 L/24 gun dispersion on turret traverse decreased by 17%
• Dispersion of 7,5 cm KwK 37 L/24 gun changed from 0.54 m to 0.55 m
• Elevation angle of 7,5 cm KwK 40 L/43 gun changed from -17 degrees to -20 degrees
• Depression of 7,5 cm KwK 40 L/43 gun changed from 6 degrees to 8 degrees
• Reloading time of 7,5 cm KwK 40 L/43 gun changed from 4 sec to 3.8 sec
• Dispersion of 7,5 cm KwK 40 L/43gun on turret traverse decreased by 17%
• Elevation angle of 7,5 cm KwK 40 L/48 gun changed from -17 degrees to -20 degrees
• Depression angle of 7,5 cm KwK 40 L/48 gun changed from 6 degrees to 8 degrees
• Reload time of 7,5 cm KwK 40 L/48 gun changed from 4 sec to 3.8 sec
• Dispersion of 7,5 cm KwK 40 L/48 gun on turret traverse decreased by 17%
• Turret weight changed from 3,000 kg to 2,800 kg
• Aiming time of 10,5 cm KwK 42 L/28 gun changed from 1.7 sec to 2.3 sec
• Elevation angle of 10,5 cm KwK 42 L/28 gun changed from -17 degrees to -20 degrees
• Depression angle of 10,5 cm KwK 42 L/28 gun changed from 6 degrees to 8 degrees
• Dispersion of 10,5 cm KwK 42 L/28 gun on turret traverse increased by 33%
• Dispersion of 10,5 cm KwK 42 L/28 gun changed from 0.54 m to 0.55 m
• Elevation angle of 5 cm KwK 39 L/60 gun changed from -17 degrees to -20 degrees
• Depression angle of 5 cm KwK 39 L/60 gun changed from 6 degrees to 8 degrees
• Elevation angle of 7,5 cm KwK 37 L/24 gun changed from -17 to -20 degrees
• Depression angle of 7,5 cm KwK 37 L/24 gun changed from 6 degrees to 8 degrees
• Reloading time of 7,5 cm KwK 37 L/24 gun changed from 3.7 sec to 3.4 sec
• Dispersion of 7,5 cm KwK 37 L/24 gun changed from 0.54 m to 0.55 m
• Elevation angle of 7,5 cm KwK 40 L/43 gun changed from -17 degrees to -20 degrees
• Depression angle of 7,5 cm KwK 40 L/43 gun changed from 6 degrees to 8 degrees
• Reloading time of 7,5 cm KwK 40 L/43 gun changed from 3.7 sec to 3.4 sec
• Elevation angle of 7,5 cm KwK 40 L/48 gun changed from -17 degrees to -20 degrees
• Depression angle of  7,5 cm KwK 40 L/48 gun changed from 6 degrees to 8 degrees
• Reloading time of 7,5 cm KwK 40 L/48 gun changed from 3.7 sec to 3.4 sec
• Turret weight changed from 4,000 kg to 3,000 kg
• Durability with VK-2801-Turm Ausf. A turret changed from 560 to 550 hit points

British Tanks

Crusader

• Cost of Nuffield Liberty Mk. V engine changed from 11,500 to 12,500

Cromwell

• Cost of Nuffield Liberty Mk. V engine changed from 11,500 to 12,500
• Cost of 183mm HESH shell for British TD FV215b(183) raised to 20 gold.
• Cost of 20pdr HE Mk3 shell raised to 170 credits.

American Tanks

M4A2E4 Sherman

• Elevation angle of 75 mm Gun M3 L/37 gun changed from -25 degrees to -20 degrees
• Depression angle of 75 mm Gun M3 L/37 gun changed from 10 degrees to 5 degrees

Ram II

• Body weight changed from 12600 kg to 12670 kg

T57 Heavy Tank

• Elevation angle of 120 mm Gun T179 gun changed from -15 degrees to -12 degrees

Soviet Tanks

Object 212

• Load capacity of Object 212 chassis changed from 55,000 kg to 55,500 kg

Object 261

• Load capacity of Object 261 chassis changed from 59,200 kg to 59,900 kg

S-51

• Load capacity of S-51 chassis changed from 50,500 kg to 52,000 kg