The HEAT Closed Beta Starts April 16

What is the Closed Beta?

World of Tanks: HEAT enters Closed Beta on April 16, 2026 at 15:00 UTC. The beta runs through April 20 at 06:00 UTC.

This is it. After months of Alpha testing, feedback, and iteration, we're opening HEAT to a much larger group of players. The Closed Beta Test (CBT) allows you to jump in and test everything in sight before the game launches.

The Closed Beta is a technical test. You will have access to the full game in its current state, so do expect some bugs coming your way. But that's the goal; the more you encounter, the more we can fix. Beyond the technical test, you can also give feedback on any aspect of the game you want. This will influence how the game will be evolving from release and beyond.

One important thing to know up front: all progress made during the Closed Beta (including Battle Pass progression) will reset once the game goes live. This is a test environment, so experiment freely and don't hold back, but know that everyone starts fresh at release.

And yes, participants in the Closed Beta are free to share screenshots and videos of the game. If you want to let the world know your thoughts on HEAT, go right ahead.

Sign up for the Closed Beta

There are two ways to join the Closed Beta, depending on your platform.

Who gets in?

The Closed Beta is designed to be large-scale, so we want to invite as many players as possible. Most applicants will receive access, yet some exclusions may apply due to technical or regional constraints.

There may even be an opportunity to bring friends along for the ride. Stay tuned for updates.

What's in the Closed Beta?

The Closed Beta is a sort of grand rehearsal before release, so, with a few exceptions, you will be testing the full game in its current state.

The CBT includes eight Agents spanning Defender, Assault, and Marksman roles. Each Agent is a character with a distinct set of skills, an Ultimate, and a playstyle designed around a specific combat function.

Every player starts with three Agents: Chopper (Defender), Kent (Assault), and Hound (Marksman). As you progress through the game, you may be able to unlock the remaining Agents to expand your options.

Each Agent comes paired with a specific vehicle or vehicles—up to two tanks per Agent. That pairing is fixed: Chopper pilots the M1E1, Kent drives the XM1 90, Hound takes the Leo 1A6A1. As you progress with an Agent, you may be able to unlock a second vehicle option, giving you more flexibility in how you play that Agent’s role.

This Agent-tank combo defines your identity in combat. A Defender in a heavy tank holds the front line and controls pace. An Assault Agent pushes objectives and creates openings. A Marksman applies pressure from the edges and disengages before punishment lands. The more mileage you have with each Agent, the more distinct your impact becomes.

Every map is built around a real-world location reconfigured around massive structures and an alternate-history timeline. From canyon dams to aircraft carriers, each environment defines how you fight.

Queue into Quick Match and the game assigns you one of four modes, so every session plays differently:

Every mode has respawns. Each battle offers a different challenge. If you’re coming as a Squad, you can group with friends before queuing into Quick Match and tackle any mode together.

For a deeper understanding of what objectives and challenges the game modes bring, jump to the Game Modes Overview.

This many battle locations, Agents, tanks, and modes can be a lot to take in if you’re a new player. That’s why we’ve prepared the Versus AI sandbox environment, which lets you play the same modes against AI opponents. Squad up with friends, test your loadout, and get comfortable with the controls and objective flow before jumping into Quick Battle.

The Battle Pass system is active during CBT. Earn Intel in battles to progress through the reward track. A reminder: all Battle Pass progress resets at launch.

PC (Steam and Wargaming Game Center), Steam Deck, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S are all in one pot. Everyone plays together.

Earn XP, level up vehicles, and unlock modules that change how your tank performs. Every upgrade is a decision: more firepower, better survivability, or faster repositioning. Each module upgrade improves one aspect of your vehicle but may affect another, so your build reflects your playstyle. Level your Agent in parallel, unlock Skill Points, and focus on the abilities that suit your approach. Vehicle and Agent progression work in tandem.

For everything you need to know about how HEAT works, check the Game GuideGame Guide.

Capture it. Share it. Win.

As we said before, there is no NDA during the Closed Beta.

Record your gameplay, stream your sessions, clip your best moments, and post them everywhere. We don't just allow it, we encourage it. Show the world what HEAT looks like when real players hit the battlefield.

And if you want to turn those clips into prizes, the HEAT Creators Contest is running alongside CBT.

HEAT Creators Contest: Week 4

Theme: HEAT: Unleashed

The Closed Beta is going live, and this week the HEAT Creators Contest brief is wide open. No fixed format, no single direction. Capture HEAT your way. Gameplay, edits, cinematic cuts, unexpected angles, memes, chaos, precision: if it feels like HEAT, make it yours.

Dates: April 16 – 26, 2026 (submissions close April 26 at 23:59 UTC)

Weekly prize pool: $2,500

This is not just for established creators. If you play the game and make something worth watching, you're in. New players, returning testers, first-time content makers: everyone is welcome.

Full contest rules and details

Disclaimer

This article was generated based on official announcements and news shared by the game developers in the official World of Tanks: HEAT Steam News Hub. While we strive for accuracy, please refer to the official server for the most up-to-date information.