Need help with the Shermans/Chaffee

[Burgerbean]

Hi! I’ve been playing alot of ground recently and I’ve gotten to the late-stages of Rank II with the M4A2, Chaffee, M10 GMC, T44E, etc.

I do okay in them (most of the time) but the big problem I have is that I can’t seem to hold my footing against T-34’s or KV-1’s. I’ve been relentless looking at Protection Analysis against both of these demonic beasts, shoot at the turret cheeks, driver’s viewing port (not the hatch for the T-34) or where the upper front plate and the lower front meet, but I really can’t. I just have so much trouble against them when I’m using the American 75 mils. I know this is a skill issue cope post, but I really need help. Can anyone tell me atleast some 100% weakspots they have? Most KV-1’s I encounter are angled and those who aren’t can snipe my mg port in the sherman or just kill me in under a millisecond in the chaffee.

The KV for instance just has this ultra-troll mantlet that keeps breaking my shell when I aim for the turret cheek— nor the flat spots at the turret. T-34’s I get the same scenario— they pen my mg port or for some reason I get hit with a crazy non-pen.

Just need some help, I’m on my way to grinding Rank II of GRB Russia just so I can remove some of the bias but it feels like these two tanks are incredibly trolly.

[Circleati]

@Burgerbean

shoot at the turret cheeks,

In my experience turret cheeks are the most reliable weakpoints on most kv1s and t34s (except kv1e, t34e, and the late t34 turret) make sure that youre using aphe and only push at low speed if theyre also moving, because of your low speed stabiliser you will get the first shot off, hopefully taking out what they need to shoot back and if you dont manage that, you should be near your team who will take some of the heat off of you

@Burgerbean

Can anyone tell me atleast some 100% weakspots they have?

If you want the easy option, especially for the m24, just flank and go for side shots

[Beeschurger]

@Burgerbean

I know this is a skill issue cope post, but I really need help

one thing you need to keep in mind is that theres absolutely no shame in admitting you have problem with something and ask for help.

people meme on bad players only if they speak with confidence of pro player, not when they reach out for tips.

Anyway

There isnt simple trick that will allow you to win over KV-1/T-34 100% of the time. The issue goes way deeper, so allow me to go about this in slightly roundabout way.

Instead, try to understand which role tanks in your lineup fill and play to their strengths.

You need to keep in mind that warthunder is a game, one where there is asymetrical balance. Russians have armor, germans have good guns, US tanks are jack of all trades etc.

Light tanks should flank, Heavy tanks should brawl, tank destoyers should snipe and mediums can do bit of a both. There are obviously exceptions to this rule as Tiger IIs are great snipers, so treat this just as general idea.

Chaffee for example. Mobile, APHE round, same gun as 75mm Shermans, good gun depression, short stop stab. But you will never, ever bounce a shot from another tank with its armor, unless the enemy pulls fumble of the century or gaijins spaghetti code will favor you today. Chaffee cant even tank an autocannon shot, let alone the standard tank cannon.

Ask yourself how would you play this tank to its strength against KV-1. Would you either
A) go into manhood measuring contest with KV-1 frontally, where armor is the most important thing, or
B) flank him using Chaffee mobility, turning this

to this?

Obviously this isnt always possible, sometimes map doesnt allow for it, sometimes KV-1 player is competent and doesnt allow himself to be flanked.

But generally this approach to things will translate well beyond your current BRs and will carry over to top tier, so its good thing to learn.

Youre quite competent in air battles, so this shouldnt be hard, you know how to play vehicle to its strengths, just apply the same approach to tanks.

Issue is KV-1/T-34 are quite good in frontal engagements over level ground, so they will have some advantages, so its best to avoid it entirely. You wouldnt turnfight a Zero with P-47.

As for shooting the KV-1/T-34, if they absoutely have to be faced frontally, turret cheeks are your best bet. Or simply apply TBT - track & barrel torture.

[Burgerbean]

Thanks Bees, will keep this in mind. Even though it’s like back in square one even with how much of a hassle GRB is— I have to admit I’m enjoying it so far.