The successor to the IS-7 is here! The most powerful heavy tank in World of Tanks 2.0 update, the KR-1, dominates the battlefield!

Who is truly the fiercest heavy tank in World of Tanks? Most commanders would likely agree it’s the IS-7, thanks to its impressive theoretical top speed of 70 km/h and nearly 70 tons of weight, making its ramming power even stronger than German close-combat experts like the E-50M.

It was also the first Soviet tier 10 tank back in the day and a nostalgic favorite for many commanders. This tank, packed with both performance and sentiment, now has an 11th tier successor in the upcoming World of Tanks 2.0 update — the KR-1.

The design focus of this heavy tank is very clear: it emphasizes the powerful ramming ability of the IS-7, with skills tailored specifically for this feature, making it quite distinctive.

Its unique skill is passive, greatly increasing ramming damage while significantly reducing damage taken, essentially acting like built-in anti-collapse armor. In theory, the KR-1 can even ram massive tanks like the E-100. According to official demos, ramming the side can even guarantee a 100% chance to break enemy tracks — incredibly impressive.

Because it’s designed for ramming, the KR-1 also has good mobility, with a top speed of 60 km/h and a power-to-weight ratio of 17. Using the tier 11 upgrade system, it can reach a power-to-weight ratio of 19 when fully upgraded, enabling it to push enemies around forcefully. With a purple turbo and skills, hitting a 22 power-to-weight ratio and 67 km/h top speed is achievable, rivaling fast medium tanks like the Leopard 1.

If we boldly speculate that the KR-1’s track adaptability surpasses that of the IS-7, its actual mobility could far exceed the older tank’s. Once this improvement is implemented, the KR-1’s mobility will be a level above the IS-7’s.

The KR-1 also inherits the IS-7’s proud defensive capabilities, ranking well among tier 11 tanks. Its classic arrowhead-shaped hull armor, a Soviet hallmark, and a cast turret with 390mm frontal thickness provide it with formidable protection. Its effective armor is also impressive,

In terms of firepower, the KR-1 solves the IS-7’s penetration issues and boasts higher alpha damage, delivering stronger output. It deals 530 damage per shot, which increases to 540 fully upgraded — devastating for an assault heavy tank. Its DPM rises from 2218 to 2262. Fire control is also improved, with 0.35 accuracy and 1.9 seconds aiming time fully upgraded, surpassing the IS-7 by a significant margin.

Of course, the most crucial upgrade is penetration. The IS-7’s low penetration was heavily criticized, but the KR-1 effectively addresses this. With 268mm AP penetration and 330mm penetration likely from HEAT premium rounds, it can compete equally against same-tier tanks and even suppress tier 10 tanks.

To fully unlock the KR-1’s potential, commanders need to study the unique upgrade system for tier 11 tanks carefully. Compared to traditional battlefield modifications, the tier 11 upgrade system offers straightforward buffs focused on the front, making upgrades easier to choose. However, the specific buffs vary and affect upgrade order.

Stronger performance and exclusive skills distinguish tier 11 tanks from tier 10 ones, and this is key to the KR-1 offering more fun than the IS-7. Other tier 11 heavy tanks like the Badger and T-803 share this trait. Which tier 11 heavy tank do commanders prefer? Feel free to share your thoughts!