Heavy German Tank (Under No Flag)
The "Under No Flag" War Story in Battlefield V presents a unique challenge during its climactic escape sequence: a formidable Heavy German Tank. This guide will provide a comprehensive, step-by-step strategy to neutralize this armored threat, ensuring a successful extraction for Billy Bridger and his squad.
Encounter Overview & Tank Weaknesses
During the final escape from the airfield, after securing the explosives and making your way through the hangar, you will inevitably confront a Heavy German Tank. This isn't just any tank; it's a heavily armored beast designed to halt your progress. Understanding its vulnerabilities is key to victory.
- Front Armor: Extremely resilient. Direct hits from most infantry anti-tank weapons or even vehicle cannons will do minimal damage. Avoid engaging from the front unless absolutely necessary.
- Side Armor: Moderately armored. While better than the front, sustained fire is still required.
- Rear Armor: Critical Weakness. This is your primary target. Hits to the rear armor will deal significantly more damage, often leading to critical component damage or even one-shot destruction with powerful anti-tank weapons.
- Tracks: Vulnerable to sustained small arms fire, explosives, and anti-tank rounds. Damaging the tracks will immobilize or severely slow down the tank, making it an easier target for flanking maneuvers.
- Engine Deck (Rear Top): Another critical weak point, especially for explosives or high-angle shots.
Recommended Loadouts & Equipment
Before initiating the escape, ensure you are equipped for anti-tank combat. While the game provides some resources, having the right tools makes a significant difference.
- Anti-Tank Grenades: Essential for track damage and rear armor hits. You typically start with a few.
- Panzerfaust / PIAT: Your primary anti-tank weapon. Aim for the rear or tracks. Scavenge for additional rockets if possible.
- Dynamite: Excellent for placing on the tank's rear or tracks for massive damage.
- Smoke Grenades: Crucial for breaking line of sight, repositioning, and covering reloads.
- Medic Pouch/Syringe: Always useful for self-healing or reviving squadmates if playing on higher difficulties or with co-op.
Step-by-Step Strategy: Neutralizing the Tank
Follow these instructions carefully to overcome the Heavy German Tank and complete the "Under No Flag" War Story.
Phase 1: Initial Engagement & Flanking
- Exit the Hangar: After planting the explosives and the subsequent cutscene, you will emerge from the hangar. The Heavy German Tank will likely be positioned directly ahead, blocking your escape route towards the extraction point.
- Seek Immediate Cover: Do NOT engage the tank head-on. Immediately move to the left or right, utilizing the destroyed vehicles, concrete barriers, or building remnants for cover. The tank's main cannon is devastating.
- Identify Flanking Route: Your primary objective is to get behind the tank.
- Route A (Left Flank): Move along the left side of the area, using the large, partially destroyed building and debris as cover. This route often provides more concealment.
- Route B (Right Flank): Move along the right side, using the smaller structures and vehicle wreckage. This can be riskier due to less consistent cover.
- Use Smoke (If Necessary): If the tank has a direct line of sight and is pinning you down, deploy a smoke grenade to obscure its vision and allow you to reposition safely.
Phase 2: Targeting Weak Points
- Approach the Rear: Once you've successfully flanked the tank and are positioned behind it, you have a clear shot at its vulnerable rear armor.
- Deploy Anti-Tank Weapons:
- Panzerfaust/PIAT: Aim directly at the engine compartment on the rear of the tank. One well-placed shot here can deal significant damage. If you have multiple rockets, fire them consecutively.
- Anti-Tank Grenades: Throw these at the rear armor or, if you're close enough, directly onto the engine deck.
- Dynamite: If you have dynamite, place 2-3 sticks directly on the rear armor or tracks. Detonate them from a safe distance. This is often the most effective method for quick destruction.
- Prioritize Track Damage (Alternative): If getting directly behind the tank is too risky, focus on disabling its tracks. Throw anti-tank grenades or fire Panzerfaust/PIAT rounds at the tracks. Once immobilized, the tank becomes a stationary target, making it much easier to flank and hit its rear.
Phase 3: Evasion & Follow-Up
- Evade Counter-Fire: The tank will likely rotate its turret to engage you once you start damaging it. Be prepared to move quickly back into cover after each attack.
- Reload Safely: Always reload your anti-tank weapons from behind cover. The reload animations are lengthy and leave you exposed.
- Repeat Until Destroyed: Continue to flank, hit the rear armor/tracks, and evade until the tank is destroyed. Depending on your chosen weapons and accuracy, it may take 2-4 direct hits to the rear with a Panzerfaust/PIAT, or a combination of dynamite and grenades.
- Clear the Area: Once the tank is destroyed, the path to the extraction point will be clear. Be mindful of any remaining infantry, but your primary obstacle will be gone.
Common Pitfalls & Tips for Success
- Don't Rush: Patience is key. Rushing the tank head-on will lead to a quick death.
- Utilize the Environment: The battlefield is littered with cover. Use it to your advantage for both protection and flanking.
- Scavenge Ammunition: Look for anti-tank ammo crates or fallen enemy anti-tank soldiers if you run low on Panzerfaust/PIAT rounds or grenades.
- Stay Mobile: A stationary target is an easy target. Keep moving between cover points.
- Listen for Engine Sounds: The tank's engine sound can help you determine its orientation and when it's turning its turret.
- Co-op Strategy (if applicable): If playing with a squad, coordinate your attacks. One player can draw fire or damage tracks while another flanks for rear shots.
By following these detailed instructions and understanding the Heavy German Tank's vulnerabilities, you will successfully overcome this challenge and complete the "Under No Flag" War Story in Battlefield V.