To keep matches fair, World of Tanks matches you against players within a set battle-tier spread. Certain premium tanks get preferential matchmaking, which narrows that spread.
There are 31 tanks with preferential matchmaking in the current Tankopedia collection. This guide covers the rule, the full list, and where it doesn’t apply.
Looking for strong premiums beyond this list? See best tanks in World of Tanks. Free rewards: World of Tanks codes.
What preferential matchmaking actually does
Wargaming’s own description: tanks with preferential matchmaking will not face vehicles more than one tier higher, and are more likely to be matched with same-tier or lower vehicles. A standard tank can typically see battles up to two tiers above its own.
The rule exists because early premium tanks were deliberately weaker than tech-tree equivalents. Preferential matchmaking keeps those older premiums usable for credits and crew training without throwing them against much higher tiers every game.
Preferential matchmaking currently caps at Tier VIII. There are no Tier IX or Tier X preferential vehicles.
Tanks with preferential matchmaking
Below is the current Wargaming-maintained Tankopedia collection of premiums with limited matchmaking.
| Nation | Tier | Tank |
|---|---|---|
| USA | II | T7 Combat Car |
| USA | V | T14 |
| USA | VII | T23E3 |
| USA | VIII | T26E4 SuperPershing |
| USA | VIII | M6A2E1 |
| USSR | IV | Valentine II |
| USSR | V | Matilda IV |
| USSR | V | Churchill III |
| USSR | V | KV-220-2 |
| USSR | V | SU-85I |
| USSR | VIII | IS-6 |
| USSR | VIII | IS-6 B |
| USSR | VIII | KV-5 |
| Germany | IV | Pz.Kpfw. B2 740 (f) |
| Germany | V | Pz.Kpfw. V/IV |
| Germany | V | Pz.Kpfw. IV hydrostat. |
| Germany | VII | Panther/M10 |
| Germany | VII | E 25 |
| Germany | VIII | 8,8 cm Pak 43 Jagdtiger |
| China | VIII | Type 59 |
| China | VIII | Type 59 G |
| China | VIII | T-34-3 |
| China | VIII | WZ-111 |
| China | VIII | 112 |
| China | VIII | WZ-111 Alpine Tiger |
| France | VIII | FCM 50 t |
| UK | II | Light Mk. VIC |
| UK | V | Matilda Black Prince |
| UK | V | Excelsior |
| UK | VI | TOG II* |
| UK | VII | AT 15A |
Tier VIII is the most represented tier. China’s preferential lineup sits entirely at Tier VIII — mostly variants popular because of this matchmaking benefit.
This list can change. Check the official Tankopedia collection before buying a tank specifically for preferential MM.
Special cases
Preferential matchmaking is overridden when you platoon with a tank that doesn’t have it. A Tier VIII preferential tank normally can’t see a Tier X battle, but if your platoon mate is in a standard Tier VIII (or higher), the whole platoon follows standard matchmaking.
Preferential matchmaking won’t transform your win rate — it mainly makes credit and crew XP grinding more predictable.
What is preferential matchmaking in World of Tanks?
It’s a matchmaking rule on a specific list of premium tanks that prevents them from facing opponents more than one tier above their own, unlike standard tanks that can see up to two tiers higher.
Which tanks have preferential matchmaking in World of Tanks?
See the list above — 31 premiums across seven nations, Tier II through Tier VIII. No standard tech-tree tank and no Tier IX/X vehicle currently has it.
Does preferential matchmaking affect gameplay in World of Tanks?
Yes — it narrows enemy tier range, which usually makes matches more predictable and credit/crew grinding less punishing than in a standard tank of the same tier.
Can preferential matchmaking be changed in World of Tanks?
Only Wargaming can add, remove, or adjust which tanks receive it. The list has changed over time.
Are there any disadvantages to preferential matchmaking in World of Tanks?
These tanks rarely see the highest-tier battles, so per-battle credit and XP can be lower than a comparable standard tank when top-tier. You’re trading occasional big paydays for more consistent, lower-risk matches.
Does preferential matchmaking work while platooning?
No — platooning with a tank that lacks preferential matchmaking overrides it for the whole group.