Many people have raised various issues regarding British aircraft in the comments below this post. Although those issues do exist and require urgent fixing, they tend to be numerous and off-topic, making the reading time quite lengthy. After reading their posts related to this topic, I would like to consolidate my response here:
- Some people argue that the Chally DS is performing well at 10.0 and doesn’t need improvements. My response is, first, let’s compare its combat capability with the other two main battle tanks at BR 10.0. The T72AV, for example, has been extensively complained about on the forums for being excessively strong. Similarly, the Ariete at BR 10.0 with its 120mm DM33 ammunition boasts high penetration and considerable post-penetration effects. In contrast, the Challenger DS faces weaker firepower, mobility, and armor protection than same-BR vehicles. Many Challenger DS players complain about its combat effectiveness against similar-BR main battle tanks, which is a tangible reality. Therefore, the poor performance of this tank at 10.0 is evident.
- Some people argue that the issue with the Challenger DS lies in its armor rather than ammunition penetration. My response is, I have indeed considered the possibility of Gaijin fixing the armor of Chally Mk2, Mk3, and even Mk3 DS. However, this appears impractical, as such significant changes would likely provoke dissatisfaction among players who primarily play other nations. Moreover, if armor changes were to push it to BR 10.3 and adding L26 would place it at BR 10.7, though I would appreciate seeing this (at least indicating that our Challenger’s armor is finally historically accurate), many would probably dissent. I don’t want to complicate matters further. Thus, I opt for a more conservative request - equipping the Chally DS with L26 ammunition and raising its BR to 10.3.
- Some people argue that having the Chally DS at 10.0 is more conducive to a balanced lineup. My response is, indeed, but if its penetration and armor are inadequate to deter Soviet tanks at 10.0, the overall experience would deteriorate. This decline in experience would adversely affect your efficiency in researching new vehicles. It’s not just against Soviet tanks; even using L23A1 against Leopard 2, you would find your ammunition penetrating and incapacitating the driver and loader, only to be killed in return. Additionally, M1A1’s armor can withstand L23A1 at a 35-degree angle. Why not try 10.3 if you want to build a lineup? At this BR, L26 has a noticeable penetration advantage, and you can even bring the UK’s first missile-based anti-aircraft vehicle, which wouldn’t have to face the top-tier AA at 11.7, and you also have two other 10.3 vehicles equipped with L26 - the ERA-fitted Chally Mk3 and the outcome of British-German LEGO collaboration - the Vickers mk7. It’s a win-win situation.
- Some people argue that the Chally DS’s ammunition penetration is sufficient and doesn’t need improvement. This issue has already been discussed in options 1 and 3 above. The main reasons are the poor post-penetration fragmentation of L23A1 and its subpar 60-degree penetration compared to other ammunitions. A comparison of ammunition used within this BR clearly shows that L23A1 is outperformed, especially by 120mm DM23.
- The administrators claim that the Challenger DS’s ammunition is for balancing, and Gaijin is aware that the Chally Mk3 was equipped with L26 during Granby. But due to balancing, it isn’t available in-game. Their exact words: “The shell not being present is intended and not a matter of historical accuracy (as shell loadouts are not based on this, but are balance tools).”
I find this hard to comprehend, given that Chally Mk3 in our sliver tree already has this potent ammunition and operates very comfortably. If balance is the issue, then Chally Mk3 shouldn’t have L26 either, not just the Chally DS package. Hence, I need further clarification from the administrators.
- Some people argue that my request for L26 in the Chally DS is due to my lack of skill, a “skill issue.” They say that I should target the enemy’s breech before they fire and torture them.
You’re right, my skill level in this game is not high. However, the vulnerability of the Chally DS in the game is evident, and many people agree with this sentiment. Can you say all of them are incapable of playing Chally? Moreover, advanced vehicle packages are designed for newcomers to the game. Why should T72AV, Leopard2, M1A1 KVT, ZTZ96A package buyers not need to spend time learning how to play these vehicles, yet still have strong data? Is this what we call balance? Should British vehicle players be forced and content to derive enjoyment from vehicles that are blatantly less powerful than other countries’ MBTs? I’m not trying to turn the Chally DS into British Bias or anything; I’m just requesting a reasonable change to make its situation less awkward.
——————————————————————————————————————————
Regarding this matter, here’s my perspective:
Firstly, if Gaijin truly values historical accuracy, I would like to propose that the developers consider addressing the armor of the Challenger series, in addition to equipping it with the L26 ammunition. Numerous sources have pointed out that the “Chobham” armor covers not only the upper hull but the entire frontal aspect of the Challenger main battle tank. While it may appear ambitious, I suggest exploring the possibility of reasonably restoring the armor.
Secondly, considering the potential impracticality of overhauling armor due to concerns about realism and balance, I propose an alternative solution: equip the Challenger DS with the L26 ammunition and elevate its battle rating to 10.3. This adjustment could address the current issues and offer the following benefits and rationale:
Yes, I understand that you make adjustments for balance reasons. As you can see, the British tanks might not have as good of a balance compared to vehicles from other countries (otherwise, there wouldn’t be so many people on YouTube making sarcastic comments on the official Challenger series videos). Through my own analysis of the game and historical references - which includes your input - I simply hope that the official team can address the somewhat awkward position the Challenger currently occupies.
Historically, it was equipped with the L26, and in the game, the L26 exists and is equipped on the Mk3. 10.3 seems like a better fit for the British crews, with better match-ups and queues. Even without the additional armor at 10.3, its mobility would be improved. It seems like a good option overall, and I’m just curious, very curious, why the official team hasn’t taken this path.
This not only fulfills the premise of our historically accurate game but also mitigates the issue of poor protection that players perceive in the Chally’s armor. Moreover, it can offer this tank a sniper-style gameplay at 10.3, thereby enhancing the distinctiveness and playability of the Chally DS. This has the potential to boost package sales (by the way, if I’m not mistaken, the Chally DS is likely the lowest-selling package within the 10.0-10.3 weight range, laugh). Regardless, it aligns well with the interests of both players and Gaijin.
Finally, if the official decision cannot be made or isn’t desired, whether to equip the Chally DS with L26 and raise its BR to 10.3, I strongly suggest Gaijin initiates a community-wide vote to decide whether the Chally DS should take this path. This would allow the observation of the preferences of the majority of British players who purchase this package.
Thats all
Lastly, I kindly urge everyone not to overlook voicing concerns about the DM33 issue with Leopard 2A4 and the M111 issue with the Magach ERA series. In the future, I might create a new thread to invite everyone for a discussion on these matters.
