World of Tanks Guide - M5 Stuart

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• M5 Stuart - American Tier IV Light Tank.

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Tank Presentation

An extremely quick light tank, the M5 Stuart is the perfect vehicle for hotheaded players. We know that the American tanks have a reputation for their speed and this one respects that tradition, reaching a speed of almost 60 km/h even though it is only a Tier IV vehicle. This tank, one of 10 000 of its kind produced between 1942 and 1944, has been used by American troops on fronts across the globe during the Second World War. With its good acceleration, your mobility will be your best asset. Use a driver with a minimum of 75% experience to make the most of this advantage.

 

ID Card (without upgrade)

M5 Stuart
American Tier IV Light Tank Cost of research
Cost of purchase 4500 
143 000 Credits Hit Points 290 Weight Limit 15.5 T Engine Power 320 hp. Speed Limit
Traverse Speed 58 Km/h
40°/sec Hull armour in mm*
Turret armour* 28 / 28 / 25
44 / 31 / 31 Damage
Penetration in mm 9-15
23-38 Rate of Fire
Turret Traverse 120 shots/min
40°/sec View Range 330 Signal Range 395

Aspects of the Gameplay

One of the bad habits you mustn't pick up when playing a light tank is rushing like mad into the enemy lines from the start of the game. Of course you will take down some enemies, but you will suffer the wrath of all their firepower and give vision to your allies who will still be out of reach. Before attempting a rush like this, it is best to wait a few minutes for your opponents to disperse so that your allies can advance a bit.

At this point, it will be easier for you to help and to survive (having 4 tanks focus on you is always easier than 12). Paradoxically, we must be patient. Camouflage yourself and move when you risk as little as possible. Obviously while playing a light tank you will necessarily be subject to one shots from enemies. But you should try to limit this probability.

You can also try an invasion. If the enemy tanks do not sufficiently cover the width of the map, you can try to penetrate them to go knock out the enemy SPGs. Your firepower is low but the artillery have such ridiculously bad armour that these opponents are within yout range. In sum: you have to alternate between phases of rush and cover.

*Front, Sides, Rear

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Strong Points/Weak Points

Strong Points

The M5 Stuart is very quick and accelerates well. The turret has a very fast traverse speed. Once equipped with the right gun, the 75 mm Howitzer M3, you can do a lot of damage to enemy tanks, particularly for a light tank. Does not cost a lot to evolve the equipment.

 

Weak Points

You are a low level light tank… Match ups can be cruel and you risk stumbling across Tier VII to VIII opponents. You are extremely weak. You will have to accept that you are the fall guy, dying almost consistently to help your team get in hits on the enemy. The rôle is unrewarding, you kinda the guy who picks up the soap.

 

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Pimp my Ride: What equipment to choose?

Buying Order

This applies to all light tanks: If you do not have a good radio, you will be a drag for your allies. Your main objective is to reveal the enemy to the others. If you do not give them the information because of the distance, your work will have been for nothing. In second place is your gun. The M5 Stuart has a really ridiculous base gun. You should try to acquire the second or third very quickly (depending on your preferences). Finally, the engine is also important because of the speed advantage that it gives you over your opponents (30 HP).

 

Engine

• SCR 506 : 395 to 615 signal range: enough said. However, the purchasing price is the most expensive of the upgrades for this tank. You could consider buying the gun first, but if you have enough XP or you have the patience, you should choose this first.

Gun

Quickly invest in any other gun. The other two available both have possibilities.

• 37 mm Gun M6 / Very good rate of fire (26.09 shots/min), focuses quickly (1.7 secs) pretty decent damage (45 average): the 37 mm Gun M6 will seduce fans of speed. You'll struggle to pierce the toughest armour but then that is not your objective.

• 75 mm Howitzer M3 / Nothing like the previous gun. It caters to the player who wants to do some hurt despite having chosen a light tank. The firing rate is half as fast as the 37 mm (13 shots/min) and it takes 2.3 secs to focus, but the damage done by the shells is around 150. With these more penetrating shells you can do some damage with a light tank: pretty nice.

 

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