Introduction
The M1A1 and T28 main battle tanks (MBTs) in Battlefield 2042 are powerful assets that, when used effectively, can dominate the battlefield. However, without the right strategy and awareness, they can quickly become liabilities. This guide will help you maximize your effectiveness with these tanks by covering loadouts, countermeasures, positioning, and advanced tactics.

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Understanding Main Battle Tanks

Primary Role

• MBTs are classified as heavy armor, designed to counter vehicles and support infantry during objective pushes.
• While they offer immense firepower and durability, they lack agility and speed.

Strengths

• Armed with powerful shells: MPAT, HEAT, and Staff shells.
• Among the most durable vehicles in the game, second only to the MAV.

Weaknesses

• Slow and cumbersome; vulnerable to C5 explosives and ambushes.
• Poor at navigating tight spaces or debris-filled areas, which can lead to getting stuck or flanked.

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Core Tank Strategies

1. Positioning & Awareness
   • Avoid pushing directly into contested objectives. Instead, hold angles and support from mid-range.
   • Steer clear of areas with dense cover that can hide enemy infantry.
2. Smart Engagements
   • Use third-person view to scout surroundings without turning the turret.
   • If an enemy gets too close, seat-swap to the second turret seat for quicker close-range response.
3. Defending Against C5
   • Always keep moving near objectives—stationary tanks are easy targets.
   • Use the fourth seat’s scan pulse to detect nearby infantry threats.
   • If C5 is attached, retreat and disarm it manually from a safe position.
4. Infantry Support
   • Don’t go for kills just for stats—support your team’s push by cutting off flanks and suppressing enemy reinforcements.
   • Let infantry take the point while you provide cover fire and area denial.

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Best Loadouts for MBTs

Main Cannons

1. MPAT Shells
   • Best all-around choice—solid against both vehicles and infantry.
   • Aim for side or rear armor on enemy vehicles to maximize damage.
2. HEAT Shells
   • High splash damage ideal for clustered infantry.
   • Significantly weaker against armored vehicles.
3. Staff Shells
   • Excellent for long-range vehicle elimination—when paired with a Recon teammate using SOFLAM or Tracer Darts.
   • Ineffective without target lock-on.

Secondary Weapons

• LMG (Light Machine Gun): Fast fire rate and good suppression for short-range.
• HMG (Heavy Machine Gun): Precise and powerful—ideal for sniping infantry at range.

Recommended Setup

• Main Shells: MPAT
• Driver Gun: HMG + Thermal Scope
• Second Seat: HMG + Thermal Scope
• Third Seat: Rocket Pods (burst damage to vehicles)
• Countermeasures: APS + Thermal Smoke

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Countermeasure Management

1. Active Protection System (APS)
   • Blocks incoming projectiles (except C5, AT mines, and bullets).
   • Activate just before impact for maximum effect.
2. Thermal Smoke
   • Breaks lock-ons and obscures vision.
   • Use it before APS when evading missiles.
3. Timing is Everything
   • Don’t panic-use your countermeasures.
   • Wait for “missile incoming” prompts before activating to avoid wasting cooldowns.

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Combat Tactics

1. Engaging Infantry and Vehicles
   • Use thermal optics to spot enemies hiding in cover.
   • Don’t hesitate to seat-swap and use rocket pods or machine guns for additional firepower.
2. Winning Tank Duels
   • Fire only when enemy APS is inactive.
   • In between reloads, use rocket pods for burst damage or pressure.
3. Dealing with MAVs and CAVs
   • Prioritize MAVs, which serve as mobile spawn points.
   • Use team coordination and firepower to bring them down quickly.

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Handling Liz Missiles

• First Shot: Often unavoidable—brace for it.
• Second Shot: Spot the red glow and shoot it down with your turret gun.
• Pro Tip: Learn the sound cue of Liz missiles and rotate your turret accordingly.

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Deployment and Mobility Tips

1. Call-In Deployment
   • Use the Call-In Tablet to spawn tanks closer to the action.
   • Always deploy in a safe area to avoid instant destruction.
2. Avoid Passive Camping
   • Focus on active support around objectives.
   • A few well-placed kills in key moments are more impactful than stat farming.

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Final Thoughts

The M1A1 and T28 MBTs are game-changers when used correctly. Position wisely, manage your countermeasures, and support your team rather than chasing kills. With practice and awareness, you’ll not only survive longer—but become the backbone of your squad’s success.

Found this guide helpful? Drop a like, comment with your own tank tips, and subscribe for more Battlefield 2042strategies. Huge thanks to Timeless Gamer, Cabal, and Andy Social Elf for their insights on this topic.

See you on the battlefield—and happy tanking!