In Update 5.5, we'll put the German heavy vehicles' Tech Tree in order and replenish it with three Tier VIII-X tanks. A new Tier X tank VK 72.01 (K) with rear placement of the turret will take the place of the Maus and become a logical continuation of the VK 45.02 B, which has a similar configuration. Meanwhile, the Maus will head a new branch consisting of its previous projects: the VK 100.01 (P) and Mäuschen.
During Update 5.5, you'll be able to research the Maus after the VK 45.02 B. This means that if you were one step from the Maus before Update 5.5, you will still be able to research it, and you won’t have to research the Tier VIII and IX vehicles anew. Starting from Update 5.6, the Maus will only be unlocked after the Mäuschen.
Time to meet the new tanks!
Tier VIII: the VK 100.01 (P)
Researched after the Tiger (P) for 78,500 exp.
The VK 100.01 (P) drives at a speed of 20 km/h, but this is reasonable considering its 200 mm upper armor plate and 230 mm frontal turret armor. This is particularly heavy protection for Tier VIII, and in capable hands the new tank will become a true mobile fortress.
It hasn't avoided having soft spots, either: they’re the tank's lower armor plate and commander's cupola. The cupola's armor doesn't slope, and a well-armed enemy will be able to penetrate it despite the impressive 200 mm of steel.
The 128 mm top gun of the VK 100.01 (P) is powerful but really slow. Capable of inflicting 460 HP of damage per shot, it takes 16 seconds to reload. It's possible some players will even prefer the regular 105 mm gun that deals less damage but makes more frequent and accurate shots.
Tier IX: the Mäuschen
Researched after the VK 100.01 (P) for 160,500 exp.
This 168-ton "Mouseling" is a thicker and more mobile version of the VK 100.01 (P). The armor has become even heftier on the hull's sides and rear, as well as at the front and rear of the turret. The double tracks and powerful engine let this kid accelerate to 25 km/h—it's almost the Maus you've got here!
The lower armor plate has grown as thick as 180 mm, while the commander's cupola has acquired 220 mm of armor and moved to the other side of the turret. Despite the enhancements, these spots remain the “Mouseling's” main vulnerabilities in face-to-face combat as it now has to deal with Tier IX–X vehicles.
The Mäuschen's top gun is identical to that of the Maus, only with a decreased rate of fire and aiming speed. The 246 mm penetration together with the 460 hit points of single-shot damage make the new tank a dangerous enemy, while the availability of APCR shells means even the strongest opponents won’t have a chance.
Tier X: the VK 72.01 (K)
Researched after the VK 45.02 Ausf. B for 245,000 exp.
The E 100’s twin, only with a rear placement of the turret and thicker armor. These tanks have practically identical armament, as well as similar dynamics and top speeds.
The whole of the VK 72.01 (K) frontal hull is protected with 240 mm of armor. The upper armor plate has a slope and is almost impenetrable. The lower armor plate is less sloped but provides good protection when angled. The easiest way to penetrate the frontal hull armor is by hitting the small panel between the upper and lower armor plates: it doesn't have a slope and serves as the spot with the highest chance of penetration.
The turret of the VK 72.01 (K) resembles that of the Löwe: just as round and wearing a big gun mantlet. Don't let the 200 mm of armor in the characteristics fool you as the gun mantlet adds another 200 mm on top of that!
Unlike the E 100, the new Tier X tank has only one gun. This 150 mm gun takes more than 17 seconds to reload, but is capable of an impressive 640 HP of damage and penetrates 258 mm of armor, while her HE shells can really hurt if the enemy is careless enough to expose a weak spot.
The German giants have appeared on the horizon. Prepare for battle on these superheavy steel monsters!