Wargaming has pulled back the curtain on its next big project, World of Tanks: HEAT, during Gamescom 2025. Known for dominating the military vehicle MMO space with its long-running hits World of Tanks and World of Warships, the studio is now aiming to deliver a fresh spin on tank combat that blends its traditional large-scale battles with modern hero shooter mechanics.
World of Tanks: HEAT is not just an update or expansion but a brand-new title in the franchise. It takes the familiar thrill of armored warfare and layers it with fully customizable vehicles and pilots who bring their own unique abilities into the fight. This new approach is set to create faster-paced, strategy-heavy matches where teamwork and creative loadouts could make the difference between victory and defeat. Unlike the traditional 15v15 format of the original World of Tanks, HEAT focuses on 10v10 battles, dialing up the intensity of every encounter.
The reveal comes at a time when fans were uncertain about the franchise’s future. Earlier this year, Wargaming announced the sunset of Steel Hunters, its short-lived experimental title, but HEAT promises to reignite excitement. Players can already wishlist the game on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, though an official release date has not been revealed.
Wargaming is also pushing for stronger community involvement in HEAT’s development. Through its Lodestar Program, fans are being invited to take part in playtesting sessions and provide direct feedback that could shape the game’s final form. Early closed tests, run when HEAT was still codenamed Project CW, have already given a glimpse of its potential, and future sessions are expected to expand that player-driven insight.
For longtime fans, HEAT represents the biggest shake-up the series has seen since the launch of World of Tanks: Blitz in 2014. Combined with Wargaming’s recent announcement of a massive Version 2.0 update for the original World of Tanks and a global mobile release for World of Warships: Legends, the studio is making it clear that its military-themed portfolio is not slowing down anytime soon.
Whether World of Tanks: HEAT becomes the next flagship entry for Wargaming or serves as a bold experiment in hybrid gameplay, one thing is certain it has already captured the attention of tank warfare enthusiasts eager for something new.
Follow Gaming Moves on Instagram and Facebook for more updates, reveals, and in-depth coverage of the biggest gaming announcements from Gamescom 2025 and beyond.
