Stick Tank Wars 2 is a turn-based artillery game where strategy and timing matter more than speed. You control a tank positioned on one side of the map (usually the left), while your opponent’s tank is on the opposite side. The objective is simple: destroy your enemy’s tank before they destroy yours, but the execution demands precision in aim, power, and timing.
Gameplay Overview
You play by adjusting the angle (trajectory) and power of your shots. The control is straightforward – hold the left mouse button to aim, then release to shoot. Every shot counts, and even a slight miscalculation can make you miss.
Each time you destroy your opponent’s tank, you earn gold coins that can later be used to upgrade your tank and weapons.
Controls
| Action | Control |
|---|---|
| Aiming & Charging | Hold Left Mouse Button |
| Adjusting Angle | Move Mouse Up or Down |
| Firing | Release Mouse Button |
Game Modes: Normal and Hard
There are two gameplay modes: Normal Mode and Hard Mode.
In Normal Mode, Level 1 is unlocked by default. You progress to the next level after completing the previous one. Across these sessions, you can spend your earned coins to buy missiles, rockets, and bombs (each costs 100 coins) or even purchase new tanks (500 gold coins each). There are three tanks available for purchase in total.
Normal Mode also introduces balloons and helicopters. Helicopters protect the enemy’s tank. Balloons carry power-ups such as 5 bonus coins, an extra life, or a 12-second protective shield. However, helicopters are a much bigger threat – they fire with better accuracy and can destroy your tank within two or three hits.
Prioritize shooting balloons if you have a low life and need a quick defense boost. If life is full, then a good strategy is to target the helicopter first before focusing on the enemy’s tank. Eliminating the helicopter will not guarantee a win, but it makes surviving the level far more manageable.
When firing, note the movement of any flying or moving parts; if you shoot when a helicopter or balloon is directly in front of the tank, your bomb will neutralize midair. The best time to attack is when these moving parts are descending, as the trajectory then clears a path for your shell to hit the target.
Quick Table:
| Mode | Entry Level | Enemy Behavior | Helicopter Appearance |
| Normal Mode | Level 1 (Default) | Standard attack speed and moderate distance. | Appears around the 5th game session. |
| Hard Mode | Unlocked | Enemy attacks are 2x to 3x faster. Survival becomes extremely challenging. | Appears much earlier, often in the 2nd game session, flying closer to the player’s tank. |
In Hard Mode, the overall mechanics and upgrade system remain the same, but the difficulty significantly increases. Enemies fire faster – almost two to three times quicker – and helicopters appear much earlier, around the second game session (compared to the fifth in Normal Mode). In Hard Mode, helicopters often hover directly above your tank. Avoid firing straight up when they are too close, as shots fired at near 90° angles lose range and velocity. Instead, wait until the helicopter moves slightly backward to gain proper distance before attacking.
Both modes take place in a hilly terrain, making the trajectory calculation even more challenging.
Tactical Learning and Skill Development
At first, you might find yourself missing shots or hitting hillsides, but over time, you begin to recognize patterns – distances, power levels, and angles (Parabola). Success comes from observing the map and adjusting intuitively rather than guessing. A well-placed shot that clears an obstacle and lands directly on your opponent brings genuine satisfaction.
Progression and Upgrades (Coin Economy)
Winning duels and destroying enemies earns you gold coins, which are vital for increasing your lifespan and tactical options.
| Item Type | Cost | Purpose |
| Ammunition | 100 Coins (per unit) | Missiles, rockets, and bombs that provide different attack properties (e.g., area damage). |
| New Tanks | 500 Coins (per unit) | You can purchase and operate one of three total additional tank vehicles. |
Strategically, it is recommended to spend early coins on specialized ammo to help eliminate the aggressive helicopter threats quickly before investing in the more costly new tank chassis.
Developer and Technical Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Genre | Turn-Based Artillery / Physics Shooter |
| Developer | kiz10.com |
| Key Focus | Angle and power-based trajectory shooting |
kiz10.com is known for developing light, browser-based physics and arcade games that emphasize gameplay simplicity and consistent performance over heavy graphics.
Personal Gameplay Insight
When I played the game, I noticed that the helicopter is the most dangerous enemy. In several rounds, I was destroyed repeatedly until I realized that eliminating the helicopter first makes a huge difference. After learning that, I managed to clear levels that initially seemed impossible.
Another useful observation – firing when balloons or other moving parts are descending helps you avoid wasted shots. Power-ups from balloons (especially the temporary shield) often turn the tide in longer fights.
Final Review
Stick Tank Wars 2 is a smartly built, physics-based single-player artillery game that combines precision, patience, and practice. It rewards careful players who learn through trial and error. While its visuals are minimal, the core mechanics are well-balanced, and every level feels fair once you understand the timing.
If you enjoy games like Worms or Scorched Earth, or simply like testing your trajectory estimation skills, this game is a solid and replayable option.
