World of Tanks' Improved Matchmaker, Tier X Light Tanks, and Revised SPGs Hit Servers Tomorrow
Who doesn't love to hate matchmaking in PvP games? Going live tomorrow, Wargaming's patch 9.18 implements a new framework for that thorny issue in World of Tanks, along with changes to light tanks and artillery.
The improved matchmaker will guarantee that all matches involve vehicles spread out over no more than three tiers, with a 3/5/7 highest/middle/lowest split between those tiers to ensure each team is fairly represented. Some of those new high-tier tanks will be the new Tier X light tanks, which are fast and fragile but enough firepower to take down their heavier foes.
If there's one thing World of Tanks players hate more than bad matchmaking, it's SPGs (artillery). The dev team has introduced a new "stun" mechanic to artillery splashes designed to reduce the number of one-hit kills while having the potential to disable multiple tanks.
Overall, 9.18 is being dubbed "one of the most significant updates we have ever introduced to the game." The update will force the game to go offline from 1:00 to 7:00 a.m. PDT tomorrow morning, the 18th. You can learn more about the changes in today's brief dev log, the longer dev blog from last month, or the full patch notes.
Related Articles
About the Author

Jason Winter is a veteran gaming journalist, he brings a wide range of experience to MMOBomb, including two years with Beckett Media where he served as the editor of the leading gaming magazine Massive Online Gamer. He has also written professionally for several gaming websites.
Read Next
ASTA Returning Under New Publisher
Following WEBZEN's shutdown of ASTA, the game is now returning with a new publisher.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 5 years agoYou May Enjoy
World of Warcraft Classic Tech Lead Leaves Blizzard, Protesting “Stack Ranking” Employee Evaluation System
The system reportedly requires that approximately 5% of employees get a low ranking.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 4 days agoYu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel Adds Two New Cards To The Ban List Among Other List Changes
A “Toadlly Awesome” Update is on its way.
By Aspen Pash - 2 days agoStar Trek Online Ushers In A Brand-New Update (And Anniversary!) "Refractions"
The long-running MMORPG title celebrates its 13th year anniversary next month.
By Aspen Pash - 4 days agoBlizzard Wants To Know How Much Players Would Pay For A Hearthstone Subscription Via Survey
The survey also mentions 3D gameplay where Heroes and minions would come to life on screen.
By Aspen Pash - 3 days agoLove Is In The Air As Valentione’s Day Returns To Final Fantasy XIV
There are some adorable outfits to be had.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 3 days agoEville Season 2 Takes Players To The Home Of The Orcs, And You Can Finally Dance!
Explore the snow-covered mining town of Frostpit, in the mountains.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 2 days ago
Putting more light tanks in tier X is not cool. Light tanks are super troll and have a PARALLEL RELATION TO ARTILLARY. That is, their job is either roll an op derp canon to chip away big tanks as you circle around them, or SPOT FOR ARTILLARY (pro light tankers know you don't even shoot, you just spot and move)....so, MORE LIGHT TANKS AND NERFING ARTILLARY??? Just because people cry????? Artillary IS HARD to master. It is NOT A 1 SHOT CANNON. If you get shot in one hit it is becasue some one already lowered your hp and you are stupidly in the open... This patch is addressing cry babies and bad players in WoT... I hope this stays only in US and not EU. I quit until it is removed.