In the world of multiplayer action games, Tanki Online is one of the most popular tank battle games that combines deep strategy and high-octane combat.
Since its release, this title has captivated millions of players who enjoy tailoring futuristic war machines and ruling over various 3D arenas.
However, as with any large online community, parents are often concerned about whether or not the environment is safe for children.
This article seeks to give parents basic knowledge about Tanki Online, its features, possible dangers, and measures set in place to make the environment safer.
What is Tanki Online game?
Tanki Online is a multiplayer online battle arena game, in which players control customizable tanks in competitive combat situations.
Launched in 2009 by Alternativa Platform, you can access it either directly using web browsers or using the recently incorporated mobile app.
The game belongs to the action and strategy games genre. Where players compete against one another in team-based or solo battles within a series of maps with different terrain layouts.
The gameplay mechanics revolve around the customization of tanks as well as strategizing battles.
Battles in the game usually take the form of capturing flags, defending bases, or killing opponents in timed rounds.
As the players advance, they gain access to upgrades and paint designs. The progression system rewards experience points and in-game currency for performance in the matches.
It is thanks to this exciting gameplay that Tanki Online has built a substantial global community. The game boasts more than 50 million registered players worldwide.
Its social aspect also adds to its appeal to the younger players. Clans enable friends to form groups and compete as a team.
This community-driven environment brings about fun engagements, though there is also a need for parental awareness of online interactions.
It’s time to set reasonable app rules for children.
Gameplay features and mechanics of Tanki Online
In Tanki Online, the experience is designed around quick tactical decisions and creative engineering.
Players do not just pick a vehicle; they build one. You start out in the Garage, where you build your war machine out of various parts.
Players get to choose among either.
- Turrets. These range from close-range weapons such as “Firebird” (flamethrower) to long-range precision weapons such as “Shaft” (sniper).
- Hulls. These give you the tank body, the chassis of your tank. You can go for light hulls for speed or heavy hulls for optimum health.
- Drones & augments. These secondary items give passive boosts, e.g., a damage boost or faster repair times.
By choosing specific hulls and turrets, you get to build a tank that suits your own playing style perfectly.
For instance, you could decide to assemble a good damage value railgun with a light wasp hull for “hit and run” tactics.
Or alternatively, a combination of a heavy Mammoth hull and a commando Freeze turret, which makes a formidable powerhouse for defense.
There are several different competitive game modes available in the game to test these builds.
- Deathmatch (DM). A free-for-all chaos with all tanks fighting it out.
- Capture the flag (CTF). Team-based mode, requiring coordination in order to capture the enemy’s banner.
- Control points (CP). Teams fight for very specific locations on the map for points.
- Siege. A more recent mode where the players capture a moving zone to earn victory.
Tanki Online is also a highly social game that promotes cooperation through its “Groups” and “Clans” features.
You can join forces with friends to make sure you enter the same matchmaking battles together. Competitive players also join clans to compete in organized tournaments and global events.
As a free-to-play game, Tanki Online features various forms of microtransactions that may affect the rate of progression.
Players can buy “Crystals” or “Tankoins”, used for obtaining better equipment and upgrades faster.
While skill is vital, these purchases enable “buyers” to obtain high-tier modifications more quickly than “free” players.
Age requirements for Tanki Online
The official age recommendation for Tanki Online is 13 years of age and older.
This follows international regulations of COPPA concerning data privacy and the complexity of online social interactions.
While the cartoonish fights and tank battles are not graphic, its competitive nature and unmoderated chats call for a level of maturity younger children might not have.
For teenagers, Tanki Online provides a rewarding environment for the development of executive functions.
According to Jean Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development, at this age, children enter into the “Formal Operational Stage”.
During this phase, they start thinking abstractly and controlling complex variables, which is essential to the tactical depth of Tanki Online
However, experts, such as Dr. Douglas Gentile, a developmental psychologist, have pointed out that younger children (under 12) are more prone to the “hostile attribution bias.”
This is the tendency to take ambiguous action – such as being targeted in a game – as a personal attack.
Younger players in the Concrete Operational Stage may not have the emotional regulation to deal with the competitive intensity of an on-line battleground.
FAQS about Tanki Online game
To send an invitation to friends in the game Tanki Online, log in to your account, click on the “Friends” or “Social” menu, and search for their username. Send a request and then create a party room or a battle room. Once accepted you can easily team up and play matches together.
In Tanki Online, you can get free gold boxes and crystals by doing daily missions, joining special events, watching reward ads, or ranking up. Active play and taking part in events allow sustained rewards without having to spend actual cash.
Yes, Tanki Online can be accessed on Mobile devices through Android and iOS apps. You can download it from Google Play or from the App Store. The mobile version has similar gameplay, controls, and features as the PC version.
Is Tanki Online safe for children to play?
When examining the safety of Tanki Online, it is important to consider the content and the social environment.
The game itself is generally regarded as safe from a visual perspective. It is full of stylized, bloodless tank combats, and there is no graphic violence.
However, the actual safety issues with Tanki Online are centered around its interactive features. Like many multiplayer games, it has risks such as
Inappropriate language. Despite filters, some users may get around moderation.
Bullying. Competitive “trash talking” can sometimes lead to directed harassment.
Stranger contact. The open chat allows communication with players of all ages worldwide.
The developers have implemented a number of tools designed to ensure a secure atmosphere.
- Chat moderation. A team of active moderators monitors public chats. They can give out “bans” or “mutes” for violations of the rules.
- Reporting system. Players can use the /vote command or the in-game UI to report the misbehaviour of other players.
- Blacklisting. Users can easily block certain players so they no longer get their messages.
In some areas (such as the EU), advanced controls exist for parents to specify time limits of play and spending.
However, while the features are helpful, they are not foolproof and depend on players reporting issues or filters, which may sometimes be bypassed. There is a need for parental vigilance.
The Dangers of unofficial tools and hacking in Tanki Online
A great risk of Tanki Online is the temptation to use “hacks” or unofficial “crystal generators.”
While these promise free resources or an unfair advantage, they are in many cases a gateway to terrible security threats.
Oftentimes, using third-party software requires a player to disable their antivirus software or provide login credentials.
Cybersecurity experts at Kaspersky have reported that more than 90% of “game cheats” are actually Trojans or Downloaders. These malicious programs are made to.
- Steal credentials. Get your child’s password and take his account over permanently!
- Compromise privacy. Access sensitive files, photos, or even webcam feeds on the family computer.
- Financial scams. Phishing sites that masquerade as official Tanki Online fool users into entering their parental credit card information for “free” rewards.
Reports from Symantec note that gaming-related malware is a leading threat to minors, as children are statistically more likely to click on “too good to be true” offers.
The best defense is making sure that your child knows there are no “shortcuts” to success and strictly sticks to the official game client.
Ensuring a safe and responsible Tanki Online experience
There are several things parents can do to make sure that their kids are able to safely and responsibly enjoy the game.
Practical tips for monitoring habits
Setting clear boundaries allows gaming not to intrude on schoolwork or sleep
- Establish the “first things first” rule. Require that chores and homework have to be done before starting any session of Tanki Online.
- Set daily time limits. Set a timer or use built-in device settings to create work-rest routines (1 – 2 hours per day during the weekdays).
- Keep devices in common areas. Having the computer in the living room means that you can watch gameplay and interactions with a casual eye.
- Audit game history. Occasionally, review earned “ranks” or purchased items, for instance, to always have a bit of involvement in your child’s progress.
The power of communication
Children who know what the risks are are better at making decisions when their parents are not there to check on them.
Open communication regarding interactions online can prove to be very useful.
Explain stranger danger. Remind them that even if the player is friendly online, he is still a stranger. Explain that people in Tanki Online chat may not be who they say they are.
Discuss personal privacy. Make it clear that they are not allowed to share their real name, school, or location.
Encourage reporting. Make sure they understand that they can come to you if they are witnessing bullying and/or they feel uncomfortable.
Leveraging professional tools: FlashGet Kids
For parents who are looking for a bit more protection, FlashGet Kids can be a powerful parental control tool with the ability to monitor and control gaming behaviour effectively.
This app is able to provide extensive oversight of your child’s mobile gaming and social activity.
It is a way to close the gap between your child’s digital freedom and your need to ensure their safety.
FlashGet Kids has many important features to enable you to control Tanki Online habits.
- Screen time. You can set limits each day or a regular schedule to make sure Tanki Online does not become a deterrent during your school hours.
- Usage reports. Receive detailed summaries of which apps your child is using most and how long for informed discussions.
- App rules. This feature allows you to block the game completely during specific times or specify custom duration limits for specific applications.
- Alerts. Get instant updates if your child is downloading a new app or if your system identifies sensitive keywords in his/her chats.
By using these tools in conjunction with the regular “check-ins,” you can ensure that Tanki Online is a fun and positive hobby for your child.
Conclusion
So, is Tanki Online safe for your child? Ultimately, it’s like many multiplayer games online – it’s a mixed bag.
While the content of the game itself is fairly calming, the online environment poses challenges fairly standard for virtual communities.
For the older teens, it provides interesting gameplay and socialization. For younger children, considerable parental guidance is necessary to avoid possible risks.
By taking the time to monitor your child’s playtime, encourage open communication, and use parental control apps such as FlashGet Kids, you can help empower your child to enjoy Tanki Online responsibly and safely.
