If you are new to the game, the concept of RNG might be a bit confusing. You see a lot of numbers about your tank, and might think that “Isn’t this it?”
The simple answer is “no”.
RNG stands for “Random Number Generator”, and is implemented in the game to make it less predictable. It means that for certain data about a tank, the number will vary as much as 25%.
Type 4 Chi-To
Let’s take a look at a random tank. I will choose the Japanese Type 4 Chi-To, since I am grinding it at the moment.
Penetration
The penetration of the top gun is 155, according to tanks.gg (which I recommend). But if you check in the game, you can see that the penetration will vary between 116 and 194, which is 155 +/- 25%. The average penetration will over time will be 155, but you can get lucky or unlucky, meaning that the penetration will be higher or lower than that.
Damage
The same variation is to be expected when it comes to damage per shot. The alpha damage of the Chi-To is 130 hp, but due to RNG, you can high roll or low roll, getting from 163 to 97. This is 130 +/- 25%.
Other factors are not affected by RNG, such as reload time and the speed of your tank.
So, how do you use this information? I would suggest you ignore them, at least when you play lower tier tanks. When you play tier IX or X, you can start to play according to RNG. Let’s say your alpha damage is 390, and you see an enemy with 350 hp left, you can be reasonably certain you can kill him/her with one shot. You can take the chance of firing at him even if you expose your tank to him if you are reloaded and he isn’t.
If his remaining health is 485, you actually CAN kill him with one shot, if you high roll. But you can not expect to do so, and should play much more carefully.
wotnewbie 