Pocket Tanks (2001) – The Ultimate Artillery Duel

Pocket Tanks is a fast-paced artillery game released in 2001 by BlitWise Productions and designed by Michael P. Welch. It's a game that captures the joy of blowing stuff up with science and strategy—and a touch of colorful chaos.

Inspired by the classic game Scorched Earth, Pocket Tanks brings explosive dueling to your screen in a lightweight, one-on-one turn-based format. Easy to learn but challenging to master, it’s the perfect blend of casual fun and competitive firepower.

What Can You Do in Pocket Tanks?

• Pick Your Arsenal: Choose from a massive variety of weapons – from dirt bombs to rainbow lasers and nukes. Over 300 unique weapons are available via expansion packs.
• Battle Friends or AI: Engage in quick duels with friends on the same machine, or face off against the surprisingly clever AI.
• Customize Your Match: Select weapon sets, tweak terrain types, and personalize tank colors.
• Dig, Build, and Blast: Use tunneling tools, bury your enemy in dirt, or just rain fire from the sky with high-powered shots.

Why It's Still Loved Today

Despite being over two decades old, Pocket Tanks remains a timeless favorite. Its simple mechanics, wild creativity, and instant gratification make it a go-to game for both nostalgic players and newcomers.

Thanks to its tiny file size, cross-platform availability (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android), and regular weapon expansions, it stays fresh and fun year after year.

Sample Weapons to Watch Out For

• Napalm: Spreads flaming chaos across a wide area.
• Groundhog: Tunnels underground and erupts beneath the opponent.
• Firecracker: Explodes into a scatter of mini-bombs.
• Crater Maker: Leaves a massive dent in the battlefield—and your pride.
• Magic Wall: Bounces shots and changes trajectories mid-air.
• Gravity Well: Bends trajectories toward a black-hole-like center.

Play Modes

• 1v1 Local Multiplayer: Challenge a friend on the same machine.
• Single Player vs. AI: Battle against computer-controlled tanks with varying difficulty.
• Target Practice: Perfect your aim without pressure.
• LAN & Online (Deluxe version): Play over network (available in the Deluxe/paid editions).

Platforms

• Windows (original + deluxe versions)
• macOS
• iOS (App Store)
• Android (Google Play)

Whether you're discovering it for the first time or returning to one of your all-time favorites, Pocket Tanks is still one of the most explosive, replayable, and joyfully chaotic games around.