Source
r/WorldofTanks•
michaelwt

Some observations: KV-1 57mm vs. 122mm

Discussion

I just started playing WoT about a month ago. I started with the USA line before doing my research. I switched to the USSR line after getting really frustrated with the T20. I gotta say the experience grind is annoying. I'm up to around 600 games played.

I'm up to the KV-1 now. The standard build was horrible. Painfully slow in every way. I was finally able to upgrade it to the 57mm gun. It was a massive difference.

For context, my WN8 is in the 400's for most tanks. The KV-1 is in the 1480's. I'm not even sure why it's such a dramatic difference. https://wotlabs.net/na/player/Joha3n

The 57mm has a nice rate of fire (26.1 r/m - 2217 dpm) as opposed to the base 76mm (15 r/m - 1650 dpm). When doing the 'peek around a corner' dance, targets assume I have a long reload time and stay visible long enough for a second shot. I've taken advantage of many more opportunities just because of that faster reload. I've also noticed that getting beat on by a high rate of fire forces targets take cover (or just panic).

The 122mm has a nice punch, but it's so slow (5.26 r/m - 2368 dpm). The circumstances to use it effectively seem more limited than the 57mm. Could be that I'm just not using it right.

I'm not sure the 85mm is even worth spending the xp on. The r/m is only 12 and the dpm is 1920. It's listed as a higher-tier gun, but I'm not sure why.

My next big choice is the KV-2, KV-1S, or the T-150 route. I'm thinking that choice comes down where my end game will be: IS-7/705A or IS-4/ST-11

Posted Apr 29, 2020, 5:57 AM UTC

10
Elmalab•

high DPM is cool, but for a heavy having big alpha for trades is nicer.

the 85mm is totally worth it.

11
michaelwtOP•

Can confirm. I made the switch last night. It is totally worth it.

1
KIR4HV1Fuck derp guns•

IS-4 is not an option for tier X by the way. It's in a pretty horrendous spot right now. OBJ 277 and IS-7 are much, much better.

7
DustyVeteran•

I don't know IS-7 is great but I don't think it suits current meta. Obj 277 looks the dream with the T-10 being a great than a tier 9. in terms for grinds the T-150 was frustrating, KV-3 was lovely and KV-4 is a bit meh (it's worth noting I did have the guns researched for the IS-7 line) Also isn't the IS-4 is getting a major armour buff along with the German Heavy line in the next patch though?

3
ThatGreatAtuin•

The KV-1 is quite unique in that it has 3 viable guns:

  • The standard heavy tank gameplay is found in the 85mm gun
  • Peekaboom with the 122mm HE meme gun, but it's very unreliable unless close range
  • Pewpew DPM memes witht the 57mm - the reason the gun works so well is because the KV-1 has the armour to just sit there, sidescraping, and keep clicking

If it was my choice, unlock all those tanks from the KV-1, because all the lines coming from it are viable. The KV-2 is a meme as you probably know by now, the line leading to the IS-4 will get various buffs including armour, and the line leading to the IS-7 is widely considered the best "beginner line". The dual barrel tanks are even stronger, but require some knowhow, so I'd start looking into those when you've gotten comfortable with heavy tank gameplay.

Tip for USA line, play the heavy and medium line at the same time. They unlock a lot of modules for each other. E.g. you can get the 90mm gun for the T20 on the tier 6 M6, same goes for a few 76mm guns.

3
michaelwtOP•

This is awesome. Thanks for the insight

1
Sharkytrs•

85mm makes you more viable for brawling heavies, but the Derp is great at pretty much one shotting any lights or open top TD's, trade off it is you don't hit the right spots on heavies with it you arent going to do much dmg to them.

for progression if you like the Derp go with KV-2 its an upgrade to the derp since its literally an arty cannon mounted on a KV base. T-150 is more of the 85mm style gameplay (there is also a derp if you want like the KV-1) KV-1S is like a lighter version of the KV-1

2
Slyspy006•

I used to use the 57mm on the KV1 but this was back when it was the biggest tank on the tier. Then along came the Japanese heavies and then I felt it needed a bit more alpha so switched to the 85mm.

I never really got on with the derp.

2
C0rdt•

Unpopular opinion but I think the derp is the best gun on the KV-1 and even the M4. The smaller gun is good for sure but its boring and unspectacular.

As for the next choice unlock all the tanks that come from this. I unlocked them a long time ago but I love the IS and the KV-3 and I like the KV-4 way more than the IS-3. I don't have the ST-I yet but I am enjoying the T-10.

2
imadethiswow•

for first tier x choose is 7 for sure. i have that tank and have been averaging about 3-4k damage every game. as for kv 1... i have 3 marks and i used 85mm. its a very nice gun and i reccomend it very much. reload feels just right and penetration feels ok. just a great tank all round.

2
Secretly_SolanineDerp guns = Best guns•

If you decide to go down the KV-2 route and for whatever reason use the 107 mm instead of the 152 mm howitzer, get the T-150 first, because I’m pretty sure it’s less experience to research it that way.

1
stalin_the_best•

The 122 has a touch bit more better DPM as you said. Due to this I would recommend you to use it then u would have to thirds advantage with this higher alpha u can finish of low hp tanks better than the 57 and u could also use the 122 for toe to toe battles and be victorious due to the higher dpm. When peaking around the corner you do more damage to them than they can do to you (if its same tier that is) and if you dont like to receive the damage u can just side scrape. I would recommend playing for the is-7 the is-4 is a good side scrape but if you want to go for side scraper 705a is better

1
RektimusMaximus•

You gonna use the 85mm, and thats an order

1