Tanks are massive iron machines designed to crush enemies, and are among the most important military equipment. It’s no surprise that these giants have captured the attention of video game developers, as many players dream of commanding a tank, and we can bet that you haven’t heard about all the titles, even if you are into gaming. Let’s explore the best tank games for PC.
War Thunder
In War Thunder, tanks aren’t the only form of transport, but they remain one of the main ones alongside planes, helicopters, and other military vehicles. The key task, as in previous projects, is to destroy enemies in team battles, but the variety of modes spices up the routine. From arcade mode (with simple controls and respawns) to realistic mode (with detailed damage simulation), War Thunder offers it all. Developers are actively updating the game, which already boasts more than two thousand units of equipment.
World of Tanks
Battles take place in forests, fields, and other spacious locations with sparse structures. Ongoing events with rewards encourage players to continue fighting in team battles and beyond. Additionally, World of Tanks features unique elements, as the developers host crossovers with stars, brands, and even other games, including the visual novel Endless Summer.
Armored Warfare
In Armored Warfare, players not only control tanks but also command infantry, setting this simulator apart from similar games. Most vehicles are modeled after real designs from various eras, from the 1950s to the near future. Currently, Armored Warfare features over 300 types of tanks. Cooperative modes add extra variety, complementing team battles. The fights take place in diverse locations: from Chinese mountains and African deserts to modern urban jungles.
ShellShock Live
ShellShock Live is an unusual tank game for children on PC. It features arcade-style gameplay, simple controls, and vibrant graphics. The arena is viewed from the side, and players move back and forth in two-dimensional space. You can play solo against bots or in battles with up to eight people. Despite its simple appearance, ShellShock Live has a progression system with experience, levels, and rewards for reaching new heights. For example, players can buy new weapons and upgrade their tank’s characteristics, all without any in-game purchases.
Tank Force
Tank Force is for those who are tired of World of Tanks or Armored Warfare. The gameplay is similar — fight in tank battles on realistic maps. The graphics may not be top-tier, but the developers still pushed the engine to its limits, which is evident not only in the landscapes but also in the detailed tank models. A major advantage of Tank Force is its cross-platform compatibility, allowing players from different platforms to battle together, from smartphones to Steam.
Tokyo Warfare Turbo
At first glance, Tokyo Warfare Turbo seems like another tank simulator, but the picture is deceiving. Instead of frequent updates and tank upgrades, there’s a one-time purchase, giving players a set of tanks from different eras for arcade battles. The key mechanic is the ability to switch between an “anime” visual style and a realistic one at the press of a button. One of the few downsides of Tokyo Warfare Turbo is the small number of online players — it’s best to jump in with friends to avoid waiting for random opponents.
Tank Battle Heroes
Despite its multiplayer focus, Tank Battle Heroes didn’t manage to attract a large audience but remains a unique game due to its unusual style and top-down view. Small futuristic tanks move across simple maps, with the sole objective being to shoot enemies. If you lack friends or opponents, you can play in solo mode. Even then, you’ll get the full experience with both battles and the ability to upgrade your tank.
ExoTanks
Tanks will likely remain a key military asset even in the future — a vision the creators of ExoTanks tried to bring to life. The battlefield is a colonized Mars, where futuristic tanks with unique designs and advanced weapons now roam instead of Mars rovers. In other aspects, ExoTanks isn’t much different from other similar games. You participate in team battles, destroy enemy tanks, and stand out with the customization system, allowing you to tailor your tank to your liking.
Find & Destroy: Tank Strategy
Here, the emphasis is not on reaction and agility, but on strategy and tactical planning. In five-on-five team-based, turn-based battles, all moves are made simultaneously, adding more dynamism, while short sessions keep things exciting. The goal is to eliminate all opponents or capture the base. Variety comes from the different tank types, each with unique playstyles: from fast but fragile tanks to slow yet incredibly powerful machines.
Tanks VR
How about stepping into virtual reality? Tanks VR makes that possible, as you fight in team battles while wearing VR headsets. This feature adds even more depth to the immersion, allowing you to explore the tank’s interior and controls from a first-person perspective. However, Tanks VR has two major drawbacks: the lack of substantial tank upgrades and mediocre graphics, making the simulator fun for only a few evenings.