What sets the TBT apart is its exceptional burst potential relative to its protection. Unlike many premium tanks that trade armor for firepower, this Czech heavy maintains consistent survivability whether you’re pushing aggressively, holding defensive positions, or trading fire on the frontline.
The tank’s 490 damage per shot with solid turret armor allows it to engage effectively at close range, while its two-shell autoloader provides the confidence to finish off opponents when necessary.
The TBT truly shines through its raw hitting power characteristics. With an aiming time of just 2.68 seconds and an accuracy of 0.39 at 100 meters, this tank can reliably deliver its payload where it hurts. The 130mm gun delivers reliable performance against all tier opponents, making the TBT a tank you can take into any heavy brawl with confidence.
Firepower
Let’s dive into the numbers that make the TBT such a formidable opponent. The tank is equipped with a 130mm gun that delivers 490 damage per shot with 247mm of base penetration (290mm with APCR). This puts it directly ahead of the TNH T Vz. 51 in terms of raw alpha damage.
| Spec | TBT | TNH T Vz. 51 |
|---|---|---|
| Damage per Shot | 490 HP | 440 HP |
| Base Penetration | 247 mm | 252 mm |
| APCR Penetration | 290 mm | 294 mm |
| Rate of Fire | 3.37 rpm | 3.81 rpm |
| Damage per Minute | 1,685 HP | 1,676 HP | Shell Velocity | 980 m/s | 930 m/s |
| Magazine Size | 2 rounds | 2 rounds |
The damage per minute of 1,685 puts the TBT in a specialized spot. While it doesn’t have the sustained pressure of single-shot heavies or the raw DPM of the Vz. 51, it provides massive, front-loaded damage output that forces enemies into cover. The 32.6-second reload time is long enough to encourage thoughtful positioning, but the 1,000-damage clip is devastating enough to maintain pressure on enemies.
Shell velocity of 980 m/s is alright for a large-caliber 130mm gun, giving the TBT suboptimal ballistics compared to many heavy tank competitors. This translates to hard shots at moving targets and more lead compensation when engaging at mid-range. The limited ammunition capacity requires discipline, as every miss hurts your potential impact on the battle.
Gun Handling
The TBT’s gun handling characteristics are balanced by its high alpha and represent a classic heavy tank trade-off. WG has given this Czech warrior workable gun handling parameters that, while not sniper-like, are sufficient for its brawling role, though slightly behind the Vz. 51.
| Spec | TBT | TNH T Vz. 51 |
|---|---|---|
| Aiming Time | 2.68 seconds | 2.88 seconds |
| Accuracy at 100m | 0.39 | 0.38 |
| Moving/turret dispersion | 0.20 | 0.18 |
| Gun Depression | 7 degrees | 7 degrees |
| Gun Elevation | 20 degrees | 20 degrees |
| Turret Traverse | 26.07°/sec | 26.07°/sec |
| Alpha Advantage | +50 HP | – |
The 2.68-second aiming time is standard for 130mm guns and requires stabilization equipment. Combined with 0.39 accuracy, this means the TBT is best used at close-to-medium ranges where you can ensure your shells connect. The 7 degrees of gun depression is standard for the nation and allows for
solid hull-down play and effective use of gentle terrain.
Dispersion values are even worse than on the Vz. 51, the vertical stabilizer is a must-have on this tank, but even with that, your reticle will bloom out a lot. The gun’s good elevation angles provide flexibility when engaging targets on elevated positions, though the 7-degree limit means you cannot work extreme ridgelines like Western heavies.
Mobility
Mobility-wise, the TBT strikes a balance closer to a true heavy tank compared to the faster Vz. 51. While the Vz. 51 is a “heavium” capable of 50 km/h, the TBT provides steady, reliable mobility that keeps it in the heavy fight.
| Spec | TBT | TNH T Vz. 51 |
|---|---|---|
| Top Speed | 36 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Reverse Speed | 15 km/h | 15 km/h |
| Power-to-Weight | 14 hp/t | 14.37 hp/t |
| Hull Traverse | 29.20°/sec | 33.38°/sec |
| Engine Power | 700 hp | 750 hp |
| Weight | 50 t | 52.21 t |
The 36 km/h top speed is the main limiting factor, preventing quick cross-map rotations, but it allows for controlled advances.15 km/h reverse speed is standard for the class.
29°/sec hull traverse is respectable and makes the TBT capable of angling decently in close quarters. Terrain resistance values are standard, but quite a bit better on hard and a lot better on soft terrain than the tech tree counterpart. The lower top speed is the price you pay for the increased stability and armor layout.
Armor
Here’s where the TBT really starts to shine compared to the Vz. 51. This heavy tank has genuinely formidable turret armor that improves upon the Vz. 51 by removing the prominent cupola weakspot, allowing it to bounce shots from higher-tier opponents reliably.
| Spec | TBT | TNH T Vz. 51 |
|---|---|---|
| Hull Front Armor | 120 mm | 130 mm |
| Hull Side Armor | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Hull Rear Armor | 70 mm | 80 mm |
| Turret Front Armor | 240 mm | 300 mm |
| Turret Side Armor | 100 mm | 150 mm |
| Turret Rear Armor | 70 mm | 80 mm |
| Health Points | 1,850 HP | 1,900 HP |
| Armor Advantage | No Cupola Weakspot | – |
The 280mm frontal turret armor is a significant upgrade over the Vz. 51’s layout and can reliably bounce Tier X gold rounds. The
130mm frontal hull armor features a V-shape nose (pike nose style), which, when combined with proper positioning, can provide surprising survivability.
The biggest difference is the amount of protection you have when using the full 7 degrees of gun depression. The TBT’s lack of a cupola makes it nearly invulnerable in this state.
Side armor of 80mm is standard for heavy tanks and allows for sidescraping, though the V-hull requires you to be careful not to over-angle. The 1,800 HP health pool is competitive, almost matching the tech tree equivalent.
The rear armor of 80mm is surprisingly thick, offering decent protection against HE rounds from smaller calibers, so you are less vulnerable to light tanks than expected.
Conclusion: The tank’s strong turret geometry and lack of weakspots contributes to its high effective armor values. When properly positioned and angled, the TBT can trade shots effectively with higher-tier opponents, making it suitable for both aggressive and defensive playstyles.
Miscellaneous
The TBT’s auxiliary characteristics round out its profile as a focused brawler, with premium benefits that give it an edge in economy.
| Spec | TBT | TNH T Vz. 51 |
|---|---|---|
| View Range | 380 m | 380 m |
| Stationary Camo | 6.78% | 6.84% |
| Moving Camo | 3.42% | 3.45% |
| Signal Range | 670 m | 850 m |
| Shell Cost | 1,116 silver | 1,020 silver |
380m view range is average and provides basic spotting capability for a heavy tank. The camouflage values are poor as expected for a heavy, giving the TBT little to no stealth capability. This performance means the tank must rely on hard cover rather than concealment.
Shell cost is standard for the alpha damage, and won’t break the bank. The premium status ensures good credit income, and the overall economy of the TBT is favorable due to its high alpha, allowing for efficient trading.
Tips
Playing the TBT effectively requires understanding its strengths and playing to them consistently:
• Leverage the 490 alpha damage – Force trades where you fire one shot for one shot. You will win the trade against almost any Tier IX heavy.
• Use the clean turret confidently – Don’t be afraid to sit hull-down. The lack of cupolas means you don’t need to wiggle frantically to survive.
• Maintain close-range positioning – The TBT excels at brawling range, where its 0.39 accuracy is less of a liability, and its armor works best.
• Don’t overextend during reload – 32 seconds is a long time. Always have an escape plan or a rock to hide behind before you empty your clip.
• Use the burst for finishers – Save your second shell for low HP enemies to remove their gun from the game instantly.
• Aim fully – With low DPM, every miss is painful. Use the good shell velocity, but let the reticle settle.
• Manage ammunition wisely – With limited rounds and a long reload, ensure you are firing at targets you can penetrate.
Conclusion
The TBT represents a powerful evolution in the Czech heavy tank style in World of Tanks. It’s a genuinely dangerous brawler that doesn’t require the player to master complex mechanics to be effective, provided they respect the reload timer. While it may not have the speed of the Vz. 51, it provides superior survivability.
The combination of high alpha, excellent turret armor, and burst potential makes the TBT a tank that
consistently influences the battle regardless of map, provided you can reach the frontline. It’s the kind of tank you can take into any city map with confidence, knowing that your armor will hold up.
For players seeking a reliable, high-alpha Tier IX heavy tank that can serve as both a credit maker and a carry vehicle, the
TBT delivers exactly what it promises.
