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Each new player will start a game driving a Soviet, German or American light tank. By gaining experience and credits, a user will be able to upgrade his tank or other unit to a heavier model. There will also be a chance to modify the existing tank by changing turrets, chassis, engines, guns, radios and various ammunition types and thus try a new experimental machine and increase the player's fighting potential. Every unit has about 10 modifications with different combat characteristics and all modifications are historically grounded, meaning they were either implemented in real life or existed as prototypes. An average tank will have 2 modifications of turret, 2 variants of chassis, 3 models of engine and 2-6 modifications of the main gun. Each player has a garage capable of holding several vehicles. If needed, the garage can further be extended, or unused vehicles can be sold. Tank crew members can increase in experience as well. World of Tanks has a "virtual" crew system with certain leveling options. With every new battle the crew gains experience which leads to improved performance on the battlefield. For example, a veteran gunner increases the accuracy of a tank's main gun. When crew members reach maximum skill, they may acquire side-skills; for example the driver may learn the ropes of maintenance to reduce repair time. All of the modifications and changes take place in the period between the battles.
World of Tanks will run on a microtransaction business model using gold in addition to experience and credits. Gold will only be available through purchase with cash. Gold is used to purchase premium items, such as improved HEAT or APCR ammunition, or consumables like medkits and camouflage nets. In addition gold can be used to purchase premium mode for game users which increases the amount of experience and credits earned from a battle by 50% for a limited amount of time (up to a month). Several tanks are also available for purchase with gold.
