M26 Pershing

11 Population (10 for USMC Ver.)

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The **M26 Pershing** is the base-line Heavy Tank available to the American Expeditionary Force. While it doesn't stand out in many ways compared many other more flashy vehicles, the Pershing is a well-rounded and affordable main-line tank option and is capable of performing decently in almost any situation.

## Overview

The M26 Pershing is the primary armor option available to the AEF. Although it is technically classed as a heavy tank, its actual role and place in the roster is closer to that of a "premium" medium tank. Due to its well-rounded stats, it is the most versatile non-doctrinal tank available in the basic AEF roster as well as the USMC Specialization.

While the M26 may not excel in any particular role and struggles against heavy armor, it is affordable and is capable of performing adequately in most situations. Although it is generally worse than more powerful vehicles such as Panther and Tiger I variants, the Pershing is more than capable of beating out vehicles of comparable cost such as the I.K. V/VI and is a far better combat unit than tanks such as the T-34-85 and M4A3E8 while only being slightly more expensive.

As far as anti-tank performance goes, the Pershing is a bit of a mixed bag. Its decent armor and solid main gun make it capable of rolling over most medium armor and lighter tank destroyers such as the I.K/Panzer IV and Stug variants. However, the vehicle's performance drops off heavily when facing more heavily armored vehicles such as Panther variants and many common tank destroyers. Its below-average shell damage (for a heavy tank) and poor HP combined with its comparatively average mobility put it at a distinct disadvantage against many dedicated anti-tank vehicles. That said, it is still far more capable than most other comparable vehicles in the AEF roster and can at the very least pose a threat to larger tanks, especially when if fielded in numbers.

It anti-infantry capabilities on the other hand are much more standout. Although it lacks a pintle-mounted MG or HE shells, its main gun has the potential to do massive damage to enemy squads due to its high damage and good AoE. It is not uncommon to kill multiple models with its first shot fired at an enemy squad, with certain team weapons such as the Hydra and Pak-40 being vulnerable to instant death if their models are decently clumped together when hit.

Overall, the strength of the M26 ultimately comes down to its versatility and affordable cost. Though it has its downsides, the Pershing is ultimately the best general purpose tank available in the basic AEF and USMC vehicle rosters and will more often than not form the backbone of ones armor force in long-lasting matches.

## USMC Variant

The version of this vehicle available to the USMC Specialization features a specialized vehicle crew and has improved mobility.

## Pros-and-Cons

### Pros

* Good anti-infantry power
* Decent anti-vehicle performance
* Good mobility for a heavy tank
* Decent armor

### Cons

* Mediocre performance against heavy armor
* Poor hitpoints for a heavy tank

## Abilities

### Fire M93 HVAP Round

50 Munitions; The crew loads and fires an M93 HVAP shell at the targeted point. The shell pieces world objects such as buildings and deals heavy damage (240) to any vehicle it hits.

## Veterancy

**Veterancy One**

2720 XP: +30% acceleration

**Veterancy Two**

5440 XP: +20% turret rotation speed; Crew passively throws grenades at nearby squads

**Veterancy Three**

10,880 XP: +20% accuracy; -50% reload