World of Tanks news » High Explosive Damage Explanation

We've noticed much of the conversation on the forums, related to HE (High Explosive) damage and how it functions in-game. As a result we've put together this brief guide that will, hopefully, explain how the mechanics work in more detail.

Penetrating HE Round

• When an HE round penetrates a tank, a 45 degree cone is created radiating outward from the point of impact (angle of impact will affect the angle at which the cone is generated).
• Any modules/crew within the cone will be damaged accordingly.
• As with all HE splash, damage is decreased over distance, both outside and inside the tank.
• Spaced armor that is penetrated is calculated in the same way.



Non-penetrating HE Round

• When an HE round contacts the armor but does not penetrate the tank, a sphere radiates outward from the point of contact.
• A 45 degree cone is then internally generated from the weakest armor point within the sphere (the angle of “HE penetration” also affects the angle at which the cone is generated).
• If the armor, at the point of contact, is spaced armor, a 45 degree cone is generated between the first and second plates. A second 45 degree cone is then generated internally based on the weakest point of contact on the second plate.
• Any modules/crew within the cone will be damaged accordingly.
• As with all HE splash, damage is decreased over distance, both outside and inside the tank. 

Non-contacting HE Round

• When an HE round contacts the ground near a tank, a sphere radiates outward from the point of contact.
• When the sphere comes into contact with a point on the tank, a 45 degree cone is internally generated at the weakest point of contact.
• Any modules/crew within the cone will be damaged accordingly.
• As with all HE splash, damage is decreased over distance, both outside and inside the tank. 

We hope this article will clear up some of the confusion that has existed surrounding HE mechanics.