One of the countless updates of WOT introduced a previously unseen Object 257 to the tech tree leading to the IS-7, which became a more logical predecessor to the seventh IS tank due to its similar dynamic and firepower characteristics. Moreover, it closely resembled the IS-7 in appearance but was smaller in size, like a mini IS-7. That's how players nicknamed it. The tank is very interesting and comfortable to play with, but for some reason, it is not often encountered in random battles, perhaps because the tier nine often gets matched with tier ten opponents.

The famous "pike nose" and the much-suffering lower glacis plate

Indeed, Object 257 bears a strong resemblance to the IS-7 and shares the same advantages and problems as its older brother. The relatively small 130mm frontal armor is angled very effectively, causing almost all shells to ricochet when fired from the front (except HE shells), and it even allows for a slight angling. However, when facing the enemy head-on, or as players like to say, "cheek in cheek," the tank is prone to receiving critical damage to its ammo rack. Also, all owners of tanks with pike noses must be aware of the spots on the map where they can hide their huge rhomboid-shaped lower frontal plate, which immediately becomes the target as soon as a Soviet heavy tank rolls into the battlefield.

In the provided image, this rhomboid-shaped target is clearly visible. If it is concealed behind the folds of the terrain, a teammate's or enemy's wreck, the tank becomes an impregnable fortress from the front. The front of the turret has a crazy 350mm thickness and 240mm on the sides, while the commander's cupola doesn't protrude much, making it difficult to target.

By the way, it's satisfying to observe the sides, which are designed in the best traditions of Soviet tank construction, with an optimal angle of 45 degrees. They provide many pleasant moments when an enemy shell hisses against the armor and flies off into the distance. Object 257 is generally a fairly bouncy tank, and when played at its tier, it's not difficult to block more damage than its own health and rightfully earn the title of "Invincible."

Potent gun

Object 257 is equipped with an excellent gun that allows it to penetrate 248mm of enemy armor, inflicting a significant 440 hit points of damage. Its damage per minute is above average for its class, totaling 2118. With a decent aiming time of 2.78 seconds for a circle with a diameter of 0.38m at 100 meters, it is quite enjoyable to play with. Moreover, it gives the impression that the gun is favorably inclined toward this creation of Soviet engineering, with shots landing closer to the aiming point rather than at the edges of the circle like other Soviet vehicles. Overall, this gun can hold its own even at tier 10 and doesn't fall far behind the IS-7. You can compare the other parameters in the provided table.

"Strong armor and fast tanks"

This phrase accurately characterizes Object 257 because in terms of dynamics and speed, it doesn't lag far behind medium tanks. Its power-to-weight ratio of 15.45 hp per ton allows it to quickly accelerate to a respectable 50 km/h, which is decent for a heavy tank, and it can maneuver well, as its chassis rotation speed is 41.72 degrees per second, almost the best among its peers. The tank is ideal for those who don't like to stay still but actively support allies and break through flanks.

Is it perfect? Not at all…

Of course, the developers couldn't allow such an overpowered tank to be in the tech tree, so they endowed it with several disadvantages that sometimes leave players frustrated. As mentioned before, the huge lower glacis plate is an inviting target for everyone to shoot at. The abysmal negative gun depression angle of only 5 degrees often prevents shots at enemies, even when positioned on a slight elevation, while nothing prevents shots from hitting the lower glacis plate.  

The "convenient" placement of the ammo rack under the cheeks of the "pike nose" results in critical damage and even detonation upon penetration of these cheeks. And the lower glacis plate, once again. Oh, right, this is the third time the lower glacis plate has been mentioned in this paragraph alone. That's because it's a genuinely problematic area, the Achilles' heel. However, sometimes Object 257 works miracles, and an enemy shell passes below the right or left edge of the rhomboid, dealing no damage due to the tank's relatively high ground clearance.

Optimal tactics

Object 257 is usually played on the front lines, as it is easy to maneuver and can even engage tier ten opponents if it gets into close-quarters combat. It is also effective at medium distances, although long-range shots are not always successful. In principle, you can do anything with it, as long as you don't expose your rhomboid-shaped lower plate and protect the lower glacis plate.

What to upgrade

Be sure to install the modified configuration to increase the durability of the ammo rack, as it frequently suffers critical hits. Also, the gun rammer will make the already decent gun more responsive. The choice of the third additional equipment depends on your play style. You can install improved hardening, but it is more effective to equip improved rotation mechanisms, which improve the average gun handling and reduce dispersion during turret rotation. 

For the crew, prioritize Brothers in Arms, Safe Stowage (!), and perks that enhance accuracy and maneuverability.