Type 59 Medium Tank Guide - Combat Tactics

The Wolfpack

The “wolfpack” is perhaps the most powerful strategy available to medium tanks. Pack tactics call for a group of tanks (at least two) to overwhelm the enemy by attacking from different directions at the same time. This is also known as flank attacks. Flank attacks are effective because it forces the enemy to expose its weaker side and rear armor to at least one of the attackers. By attacking from two different directions, the enemy is also forced to swing its gun 180 degrees, thus making it defenseless, and an easy prey for the other attacking tank.

Pack tactics requires tanks of high speed, so that they may overtake and slip behind the enemy. It also requires tanks capable of sustaining reasonable damage. For this role, the medium tank is the most suited because they possess both the necessary speed and durability.

At the beginning of the battle, try to stick together with other medium tanks, or form a pack with other Type 59s to attack together. Its not necessary that they have to be Type 59s – other tier 8 mediums such as the T-44 or Pershing will do just as well. A good location to spearhead the pack is either at the left or right of the map – avoiding the center of the map where the pack is easily sniped from both directions.

Pack Attack Tactics

When attacking in a pack, the goal is to flank the enemy. The pack can split into two and attack from different directions. Or a single medium tank can rush forward to surprise the enemy's flank.

Split up and attack from different directions.	Rush behind enemy to shoot its rear.
Do not rush enemy when there is sniper cover.

If the enemy has sniper support, then do not try to rush the enemy. Experience has shown that its very difficult to attack flanks when there is an enemy sniper covering the area.

When Not To Flank

Flank attacks will not work if the enemy has sniper cover. In such situations, its best not to advance until the primary enemy or the enemy sniper is dead. Just engage in the normal duel. If you’re already caught in such a situation, proceed straight to attack the sniper, ignoring the primary target.

Kill Enemy Arty

At some point of the battle, you can breakaway from the pack to hunt arty. As your pack nears the enemy base, consider breaking away from your pack to rush enemy artillery. Many artillery are caught by surprise as a medium tank abandons its battle and rushes the base – in search of enemy arty.

Circling Attacks

Against a lone heavy, never engage in a frontal duel combat. Instead, run round in circles around the tank.

The medium tank will win if it closes the distance and manages to circle the enemy. Maneuver your Type 59 to the opposite direction of the enemy’s gun. As the enemy turns his gun to point at you, continue to maneuver to the position behind his turret.

Back Off to an Obstacle

If you’re in a heavy tank that’s being circled, back off to an obstacle. This will prevent the medium tank from circling you. This also protects your rear.

How To Kill A Type 59

You will many times need to take on enemy Type 59s. Against another Type 59, here are its strengths and weaknesses.

Very good sloped frontal protection. The front turret armor is 200 mm thick, while the glacis plate (front hull) is 100 mm thick. They are sloped and possess very good shot deflecting values.

The Type 59’s strength is the front turret. Peek out, exposing your front turret, and shoot, while keeping the rest of your tank hidden. Its very difficult to penetrate your front turret but if you need to, you can expose the front hull, but that part is easier to penetrate compared to the front turret.

If you can only take a frontal shot, aim at the glacis plate (front hull).

The image above shows the Type 59 frontal weak spots. Aim at the yellow zone. Avoid shooting at the red zone.

The Type 59’s weakness is the side. The entire hull side, from the wheels, to the tracks, chassis, and turret are all vulnerable. The hull side is the widest part of the tank and its so easy to score a penetration. The rear is just as vulnerable, but the smaller area makes it more difficult to target.

The side armor is 80 mm and rear is 45 mm. The turret side is 104 mm and rear is 65 mm.

If you can take a side shot, aim at the area above the wheels, and below the tracks.

Hint :- it is more worthwhile to track a Type 59. Once immobile, it is easily destroyed.

The entire side section of the Type 59 is weak.

Always use Manual Aim. Auto-aim targets the turret, and in most cases, the shot just bounces off. Use Manual Aim, and target the hull sides.

Against another Type 59, its just unnecessary to run in circles all around the enemy. On a one-to-one, stay put, turn your hull to face your front to the enemy, and let him circle you instead. While the enemy circles you, he exposes his hull side, while you keep your front constantly facing the enemy.

Video Demo on Type 59 Battles

A video speaks a thousand words. Watch this demo on the Type 59.