War Thunder: Guide To The Mendeleev Tank

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a tank that's been making waves in the War Thunder community – the Mendeleev. If you're a fan of armored warfare and looking to add some serious firepower to your lineup, you're in the right place. We'll be covering everything you need to know, from its historical background to its in-game performance, loadouts, and how to best utilize this beast on the battlefield. So, buckle up, grab your favorite beverage, and let's get this tank party started!

The Historical Significance of the Mendeleev

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of gameplay, it's super important to understand where the Mendeleev tank comes from. Understanding its history gives you a better appreciation for its design and capabilities. The Mendeleev tank, officially known as the Object 775, was a Soviet experimental heavy tank developed in the late 1960s. While it never saw mass production or combat service, its design was incredibly innovative and forward-thinking for its time. It was part of a wave of Soviet tank development that pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible. The project aimed to create a vehicle that could counter emerging threats and incorporate advanced technologies. Its unique features, like the oscillating turret and autoloader, were revolutionary concepts that would influence later tank designs. The tank was named after the renowned Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev, a nod to the project's complex and scientific approach to armored warfare. The development team comprised some of the brightest minds in Soviet military engineering, all striving to create a tank that was not just powerful but also sophisticated. The design philosophy behind the Mendeleev was to create a tank that could deliver devastating firepower while remaining highly mobile and survivable. This involved extensive research into new materials, weapon systems, and crew protection. Although the Object 775 project was ultimately canceled, it left a significant legacy in the history of tank design, with many of its proposed features appearing in later vehicles. Its story is a fascinating glimpse into the intense arms race and technological innovation that characterized the Cold War era. The sheer ambition behind the Mendeleev, aiming to solve complex problems with elegant engineering solutions, makes it a standout vehicle in the annals of military history. It represents a bold step into the future of tank warfare, even if that future didn't fully materialize in its original form. So, when you're commanding this tank in War Thunder, remember you're piloting a piece of fascinating military history, a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of armored superiority. It’s not just a collection of pixels on a screen; it's a virtual representation of a real-world dream of an ultimate war machine.

Mendeleev in War Thunder: Strengths and Weaknesses

Alright, let's get down to business – how does the Mendeleev perform in War Thunder? This tank is a tier V Soviet heavy tank, and it brings a unique set of pros and cons to the table. Its primary weapon is a 125mm smoothbore gun, capable of firing powerful APFSDS rounds, which can absolutely shred through enemy armor. This gun has a good reload speed, especially considering its caliber, thanks to its autoloader system. This means you can dish out damage rapidly, which is a huge advantage in a firefight. Another major strength is its firepower consistency. You can rely on its main gun to penetrate most of the tanks you'll face at its battle rating. The autoloader ensures that even if you miss your first shot or need to quickly dispatch a second target, you're not left vulnerable for too long. Furthermore, the Mendeleev boasts decent mobility for a heavy tank. It's not a light tank, obviously, but it can keep up with the general flow of battle better than some of its counterparts. This allows for more dynamic gameplay and the ability to reposition when needed. Now, let's talk about the flip side, the weaknesses. The armor protection on the Mendeleev is… well, it's not its strongest suit. While it has some decent angling capabilities, it's susceptible to being penetrated by many high-caliber guns, especially from the front. You absolutely cannot rely on its armor to bounce shots like you might with other heavy tanks. This means situational awareness and positioning are absolutely critical for survival. You need to be smart about where you place yourself on the map. Additionally, its turret traverse speed is relatively slow. This can be a real pain when dealing with flanking enemies or fast-moving light tanks. You’ll often find yourself struggling to keep up with targets that aren't directly in front of you. The crew layout can also be a bit of a concern, with certain crew members clustered together, making it vulnerable to one-shot kills from penetrating hits. So, to sum it up: unmatched firepower and decent mobility are offset by mediocre armor and a slow turret. Mastering the Mendeleev means leveraging its offensive capabilities while minimizing exposure to enemy fire. It’s a glass cannon, guys, so play it smart!

Optimal Loadouts and Ammunition Choices

Choosing the right ammo is absolutely crucial for maximizing the Mendeleev's effectiveness in War Thunder. Since this tank is all about delivering devastating blows, you need to ensure every shot counts. For its 125mm gun, you'll primarily want to focus on APFSDS rounds. These are your go-to for penetrating the thickest armor you'll encounter. The BM-22 APFSDS is your main choice here, offering excellent penetration values that will reliably take down most opponents at its battle rating and even some higher ones. Don't underestimate the power of these kinetic penetrators; they can easily disable key components or crew members if aimed correctly. Beyond APFSDS, it’s always a good idea to carry a few HEATFS rounds, like the 3BM-25. While APFSDS is generally superior, HEATFS can be useful in specific situations, such as engaging targets at extreme ranges where kinetic energy might drop off, or against extremely well-angled armor where APFSDS might ricochet. However, be mindful of their tendency to be less effective against spaced or composite armor. For a beginner or if you're looking for a balanced approach, a loadout of 80% APFSDS and 20% HEATFS is a solid starting point. As you gain experience, you might adjust this based on the common opponents you face. Some players even opt for a few HE (High Explosive) shells for dealing with lightly armored targets or open-topped vehicles, but given the Mendeleev's primary role, APFSDS should be your main focus. Never take less than 10-12 rounds of APFSDS. You want to be absolutely sure you have enough firepower to deal with any threat. Running out of your best ammo is a recipe for disaster. Also, consider the amount of ammunition you carry. Carrying too much ammo can turn your tank into a virtual bomb if it gets hit in the right spot. The Mendeleev is already vulnerable, so it's best to stick to a reasonable amount, typically around 25-30 rounds total. This balances your offensive capability with survivability. Experiment with different ratios in the test drive or lower-stakes battles to see what feels best for your playstyle. Remember, guys, the right ammo can turn a tough fight into a victory!

Tactical Approaches and Gameplay Tips

Now that we know the Mendeleev's strengths and weaknesses, and what ammo to load, let's talk tactics. How do you actually play this tank effectively? First and foremost, play it like a medium tank, not a traditional heavy. Your armor isn't reliable enough to be at the front lines, taking and dishing out hits head-on. Instead, think of yourself as a support heavy or a sniper. Find good hull-down positions where only your turret is exposed. This minimizes your target profile and protects your weaker hull. Use terrain to your advantage – hills, ridges, and even urban rubble can provide excellent cover. Since your gun is powerful and has a decent reload, you can effectively dominate key sightlines. Identify chokepoints or common enemy routes and set up an ambush. Your autoloader means you can quickly punish enemies who overextend or make mistakes. Patience is key. Don't rush into the fray. Wait for your team to push or for opportunities to arise. Let your teammates with stronger armor take the initial hits. Your role is to provide accurate, disabling fire from a safer distance. Situational awareness is paramount. Keep an eye on your minimap constantly. Be aware of where the enemy is pushing and where your teammates are. The Mendeleev's slow turret traverse means you need to anticipate threats. If you hear or see enemies flanking, try to reposition early or call for help. Avoid engaging multiple enemies at once unless absolutely necessary. Your reload speed is good, but it's not infinite, and your armor won't save you if you're being shot from multiple directions. Focus fire on one target at a time, disable it, and then move to the next. If you find yourself in a close-quarters brawl, try to angle your hull slightly, but don't rely on it. Your best bet is often to try and back up behind cover while firing. Remember, the goal is to deal damage without taking much in return. Use your mobility to flank when the opportunity arises, but only if you're confident you can do so without getting caught out. Your objective is to be a consistent threat, a deadly accurate gun that punishes enemy mistakes from a position of relative safety. Master these tactics, and the Mendeleev will become a highly rewarding tank to play, guys!

Comparing the Mendeleev to Other Heavy Tanks

It’s always useful to see how a tank stacks up against its peers, right? When you look at the Mendeleev in War Thunder, it really stands out due to its unique blend of characteristics. Compared to more traditional heavy tanks like the IS-3 or the Tiger II, the Mendeleev trades significant armor thickness for a more potent and faster-firing gun thanks to its autoloader. Tanks like the IS-3 are designed to be brawlers, relying on their sloped armor and robust construction to absorb hits and dish them out. The Mendeleev, however, is more of a firepower-focused sniper or support tank. You can’t just angle your hull and expect to bounce everything like you can with some other heavies. On the other hand, tanks like the Maus or E 100 have vastly superior armor but often suffer from slower reload times and less effective ammunition options at their respective battle ratings. The Mendeleev fills a niche by offering a potent autoloader gun at a tier where heavy tanks are expected to be slow and heavily armored, but its protection is dialed back. Think of it this way: the Obj. 268 (a tank destroyer) has a similar gun caliber and penetration, but the Mendeleev has a turret and faster reload, making it more versatile for engaging multiple threats. Its mobility is also often better than many super-heavy tanks, allowing it to keep pace better with mediums or even push flanks when needed, something a Maus would struggle with. However, the downside is clear: if you’re looking for a tank that can lead a charge and absorb a lot of damage, the Mendeleev isn't it. You'll find vehicles like the Conqueror or the T32 offer better gun depression and turret armor for hull-down tactics, but they might lack the sheer rate of fire and penetration the Mendeleev provides with its APFSDS. Ultimately, the Mendeleev is for players who prioritize offensive capability and skillful positioning over raw armor durability. It’s a trade-off that rewards precise aiming and tactical awareness. It's not the best at everything, but its specific strengths make it a potent force when used correctly, carving out its own unique spot in the heavy tank meta.

Conclusion: Is the Mendeleev Worth It?

So, after all this talk, the big question remains: is the Mendeleev tank worth grinding for and playing in War Thunder? My honest answer is: absolutely, if you understand its role. This isn't a tank for beginners who are used to relying on heavy armor to carry them through tough situations. The Mendeleev demands a more nuanced playstyle. You need to be patient, strategic, and incredibly aware of your surroundings. If you can master its strengths – its phenomenal firepower, quick autoloader, and decent mobility – while mitigating its weaknesses, particularly its vulnerable armor and slow turret traverse, then yes, it is incredibly rewarding. It excels at dominating sightlines, punishing enemy mistakes with rapid, accurate fire, and providing crucial support to your team from unexpected angles. It’s a tank that punishes passive play and rewards aggressive, but intelligent, maneuvering. The thrill of landing consecutive shots with its powerful gun, quickly dispatching enemy after enemy, is incredibly satisfying. For players who enjoy a high-risk, high-reward playstyle, the Mendeleev is a dream come true. It offers a unique challenge and a distinctive gameplay experience that sets it apart from other heavy tanks. If you're looking for a tank that will let you blast your way through the enemy lines by simply driving forward and shrugging off damage, you'll likely be disappointed. But if you're the type of player who loves outsmarting opponents, utilizing positioning to your advantage, and delivering surgical strikes with devastating accuracy, then the Mendeleev will likely become one of your favorite vehicles in War Thunder. Give it a try, guys, and see if you can master the art of the Mendeleev!