As a veteran player who has maxed out every campaign and faction, I was excited to earn the new Japanese Heavy Tank No. 6. However, its current state in Tier V is underwhelming, and I believe a few crucial additions are needed to make it a viable vehicle.
The core issue is its lack of a roof-mounted machine gun and smoke launchers. At Tier V, the Japanese Tiger already struggles in tank-vs-tank combat against vehicles like the M26 Pershing and the M26E1 Super Pershing, and it can even have a tough time with a well-played Tier IV Jumbo. Without a commander’s machine gun, its anti-infantry capability is severely crippled. In Enlisted, the commander’s ability to use the pintle-mounted MG from the hatch is a massive part of a tank’s defensive and offensive power against infantry. Without a commander’s machine gun, its anti-infantry capability is severely crippled. A key mechanic in Enlisted is the commander’s ability to fire the roof MG while simultaneously using binoculars, allowing for precise and effective fire against infantry at any range. Lacking this vital feature makes the Tiger incredibly vulnerable.
I understand the arguments for historical accuracy, but we must acknowledge that the Japanese Tiger is, in itself, a “what-if” vehicle. It was ordered, but never delivered or assembled in Japan. It’s plausible that had it been assembled, the Japanese would have fitted it with their own standard equipment, including a machine gun and smoke dischargers. Furthermore, Enlisted already contains vehicles born from blueprints and prototypes, like the Ho-Ri, to fill gaps in the tech tree. This precedent for prioritizing gameplay and balance should apply here as well.
I know some might point to War Thunder and say its version lacks these features. However, Enlisted is a different game with a much stronger emphasis on combined arms. The constant threat from infantry makes anti-infantry firepower not just a bonus, but a necessity. The unique commander mechanics in Enlisted further amplify the importance of a roof-mounted MG, making its absence here more impactful than in other games.
Adding a roof MG and smoke launchers wouldn’t make the Japanese Tiger overpowered. Germany already has better tanks like the King Tiger (H) and (P) fighting at the same tier. This change would simply make this rare, hard-earned event vehicle enjoyable and competitive, rather than something destined to collect dust in the hangar. It would give players who invested their time a reward that is actually rewarding to play.
