Pros:
- Low profile
- Thick, well-sloped hull armor
- Good Turret armor
- Above average DPM
- APCR round
- Relatively cheap compared to other Tier 8 premium tanks
Cons:
- Very low ammo capacity (34 rounds), just like the Type 59
- Poor acceleration and top speed
- Poor reverse speed
- low HP
- Mediocre gun depression
- Low penetration gun (same as other Tier 8 medium tanks)
The T-54 First Prototype, is basically an up armored T-44 medium tank. It has better frontal armor compared to the T-44, 120mm for the T-54 first prototype and 90mm for the T-44. Turret armor the T-54 first prototype is better than the T-44, 180mm and 120mm respectively. The frontal armor of the T-54 First Prototype is fantastic for the class/tier, and is heavy-level armor. The upper glacis is 120mm sloped at 60 degrees, giving you 240mm effective armor. The lower glacis is sloped at 45 degrees, giving you 170mm effective armor. The turret is well armored and the cupola is small and difficult to snipe. The closer you get to your enemies (or at a lower elevation than them), the more you reduce your more vulnerable lower glacis.
Despite its great armor, the offensive capabilities of this tank are limited; Having only 175mm of penetration on its AP shells makes it almost impossible to penetrate higher tier opponents frontally, and even sometimes struggling against the side armors of some vehicles. Thankfully, its Damage Per Minute is slightly above average, and its APCR shell has a decent penetration of 235mm, which can frontally penetrate most weak spots and side armor. Additionally, its premium vehicle status can help offset the credit cost of premium shells. It should be noted that this tank can only carry a total of 34 shells, so running out of ammunition is a possibility. The gun has poor accuracy and dispersion as well, so it is best to engage enemies in medium to close quarter brawls to negate the poor accuracy.
Among the other Tier VIII premium medium tanks, the T-54 first prototype is rather sluggish, has a low top speed and horrid reverse speed. But don’t let this deter you, the T-54 first prototype is made to stop an advance. Its speed is just enough to run behind cover, around corners and quickly change the angle of your hull for those surprise bounces. Choose the conflict zone carefully, support and flank the enemy. Remember once committed to that zone, the T-54 first prototype cannot change flank quick enough, so choose wisely.
The lack of preferential matchmaking makes this tank a bit tricky compared to the Type 59 and T-34-3. When you’re on top , a tier VIII battle, you can bully lower tier tanks and hunt down the same tier tanks,.Just be careful of the Tank Destroyers, they can see and shoot you first long before you can spot them. When engaging in tier IX and X battles, support your high tier tanks, try and kills the scouts that go for your SPG and survive as long as possible. During the end phase of the match when you’re still alive, this is your time to shine and hunt down tanks with low HP and distracted tanks.
As for credit earning, I can get an average of 70-80k on 2,000 damage.
Final thoughts on this tank. The T-54 first prototype is a good tank on paper and on the battlefield, a well rounded warrior. but there are other option if you are buying your first premium tank, cheaper and better tanks. But if you need a tank that can earn credits and grind the crew of your Russian medium tanks, this is the tank you need and deserve!
pvpSuperFriends 