New Premium Tank: T-54 First Prototype

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Although it's not part of the tech tree, the tier VIII T-54 first Prototype is very much the middle child of the Soviet medium line in looks, temperament and armament. Not as quick as the T-44, and without the brawling madness of the T-54, the First Prototype is a "happy medium" between the two which retains enough armor and maneuverability to survive and can train a Crew for either of them while teaching you just what you can do in high-tier Soviet mediums.

We looked toward the community for some real-world opinions on this new T-54 and our players did not disappoint!

RocketBrainSurgeon, an ace tanker known for his informative articles, comments on its speed and armor:

Top speed isn't necessary when you are controlling a moving brick that is meant to impede an advance. The speed is good enough to keep pace with the superior T-62A for some time, but not enough to relocate across the battlefield at short notice. Pick the area of conflict carefully.

Even meeting tier 10 tanks, the T-54 first prototype manages more damage blocked per game than the Type 59 ever did - Soviet steel obviously takes the top spots.  It's only right.  The T-54 First Prototype, while a medium, acts very much like a heavy in tier VIII games.  It blocks an average of almost 700 damage per game!" 

While not invulnerable at 1,300 HP, and able to see tier X tanks in battle, a streamer famed for his excellent breakdowns of game mechanics, Zeven, notes that the armor is still excellent:

The frontal armor of the T-54 First Prototype is fantastic for the class/tier, and is heavy-level armor. The upper glacis is 120mm sloped at 60 degrees, giving you 240mm effective armor.  The lower glacis is sloped at 45 degrees, giving you 170mm effective armor. The turret is well armored and the cupola is small and difficult to snipe.  The closer you get to your enemies (or at a lower elevation than them), the more you reduce your more vulnerable lower glacis.

If you are looking for a Russian medium Crew trainer, it can fill the role well (I was able to average ~1100 premium experience per game over ~80 mostly solo random battles, YMMV).You can bully in tier 8 games, but may struggle a bit in tier 9 and 10 games.  However, if you look to utilize the strengths of the tank when you can, you will reap the benefits."

RatZ1LLa, a helpful and informative streamer appreciated the tank's ability take punishment:

As far as Credit earning I found it was ok, I was making roughly 60-70k on a 2k damage game...1,300 hit points in a tier X match disappears quickly. Having said that, I like the ability to Crew train my Russian medium Crews in tier VIII strongholds. Seeing a tier VIII random battle match is like a dinner bell going off on your turret and hull, you get a lot of confidence bouncing shells and being able to output good damage. I have a feeling i’ll be putting a ton of battles on it even with the above cons, since I did have a lot of fun just playing the tank for what it is and challenging myself to do better each match with it."

In short, The T-54 Prototype is an excellent support tank. It can take one heck of a beating while delivering fire in support of an advance, or  when engaging in a fighting retreat. It's a good Crew trainer, and it can earn you quite a lot of Credits and XP as well.

Interactive 3D Model

Vital Stats

Don't forget about all the advantages of a Premium tank! Add your Russian medium Crews to the T-54 First Prototype to leverage their skills, accelerate their training, and earn lots of Credits!

Gold F.A.Q. | Gold Benefits | Medium Tanks