Ability Overview
Special abilities and attacks available for this vehicle
Compatible Agents
All agents that can use this vehicle
Recommended Builds
Best builds for this tank used by top players
Performance Comparison
Some charts may not reflect complete data, as certain vehicles, either in the same class or available to this agent, do not yet have published statistics due to being unreleased. Once their data becomes available, the charts will be updated accordingly.
Firepower Comparison
Survivability Comparison
Mobility Comparison
Utility Comparison
Tank Statistics
Base statistics without upgrades or perks
Firepower
Utility
Survivability
Recon
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths and weaknesses based on community feedback
Strengths
The HSTV-L has several firepower options available to it. All equally valid, From a single shot, high crowd control HE gun to a deadly and rapid firing autocannon, theres a playstyle here for every commander.
A roof mounted grenade launcher greatly aids the HSTV-L in close quaters, allowing for easy stripping of a targets shields/ERA, or to immobilise an enemy. Whilst not a high damage dealer on its own, it enables HSTV-L's in their attack which is equally valuable.
The HSTV-L has the best turn of speed in the game which gives it a huge advantage on larger maps. Able to take up positions quickly or rotate almost anywhere at any time makes a skilled commander very difficult to track and control.
The HSTV-L carries recon probes, which have good utility, especially when placed correctly. Players should aim to put these in positions that cover entries and exits to caps, chokepoints or other flanks. Detected enemies will be visible to your entire team. Even in smoke.
HSTV-L is rather unique in its movement, whilst most tanks are limited to the 'beaten track', no such restrictions exist with HSTV-L. The tank is not only capable of rally like drifting (Use Spacebar) but it also has a passive which reduces fall damage significantly. As such, vertical maps like Nexus Dam are a HSTV-L's playground as commanders will find they can jump cliffs to get into oppotunistic areas without death.
Weaknesses
HSTV-L commanders will notice very quickly that their HP bar doesn't extend very far. Whilst not the lowest in the game it isn't much higher, as a result your staying power in direct combat is limited, always have a plan and know when to get out.
Thanks to its almost none existant armour, the HSTV-L suffers when facing tanks that use HE or HEAT. Most of these opponents can and will punish you if not kill you outright. Commanders of the HSTV-L should remain mindful when facing tanks such as the FV4030 or M60A2 as a result.
Coupled with the above weakness the HSTVL features several frontal weakspots, the most noticable of these being fuel. Which further opens you up to crippling strikes, especially by those comamnders with the HE/HEAT rounds. Use your mobility and drift potential to prevent giving an easy shot.
Much like other lighter tanks in its class, the HSTV-L features token armour at best. Whilst not entirely hopeless head on due to its slopes and sharp angles much of the HSTV-L is flat and even HE autocannons will have no issues penetrating this very thin profile.
Once the HSTV-L has expended its clip for those who use the HSTV-L's autocannon, players will find themselves waiting around for a long time with no direct option to influence combat. Standing at 8.8 seconds base, this is the longest of any such reload in the game. Be mindful of your ammo before entering a fight and force a reload if nessecary.
Community Feedback
Player opinions and ratings based on community surveys:
Common Player Feedback
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Video Tutorials
Learn from video guides created by community contributors
World of Tanks: HEAT | HSTV
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Tips from Top Players
Strategic advice from players with high win rates in this vehicle:
IAmEdWards
Hating MosquitoesTry to play more like a ridge line sniper at about 100m, this vehicle isn't good at all ins versus full hit-point targets.
SINEWAVE
Lead DeveloperGot strategic insights or know a high-level player who does? Help us grow this section by submitting tips that make a real difference on this tank. If you're a seasoned player with a strong win rate, we'd love to feature your advice, get in touch!
Tank Summary
The HSTV-L is a lightly armoured but highly agile attacker, built around speed, mobility, and opportunism. Capable of maintaining high speeds, executing drifts, and traversing terrain with impressive jumps, it excels at exploiting openings and striking vulnerable targets. Its scavenger-like playstyle allows it to rapidly capitalize on weakened opponents and chaotic engagements, making it a difficult vehicle to predict and counter on the battlefield.
The vehicle performs best when played patiently, using its mobility to chip away at enemies while waiting for the ideal opportunity to commit. Once an opening appears, the HSTV-L can rapidly transition from harassment to aggression, using its grenade launcher to strip any defensive shielding and then overwhelming isolated targets. Few vehicles are completely safe when caught alone against a skilled HSTV-L commander.
Commanders must remain mindful however, the HSTV-L's armour is largely token protection, capable of deflecting only the occasional poorly aimed shot, and should never be relied upon to absorb damage. Combined with a relatively small hit point pool, every mistake is heavily punished. High-Explosive ammunition is particularly dangerous, as it can inflict significant damage. The situation becomes even worse if the vehicle is immobilised, as its mobility is its primary defensive tool. Once tracked the HSTV-L can be rapidly destroyed before it has an opportunity to repair.