Just Tanks
Every so often a browser game shows up that takes a simple idea and squeezes every last drop of fun out of it. Just Tanks is exactly that. On the surface it’s a platformer where you drive a tank through a series of levels. But the twist—and the reason people keep coming back—is that you don’t just drive. You shoot paint. And that paint isn’t just for show: the recoil from each blast is your primary way of moving forward, backward, upward, and sideways.
The game strips away everything unnecessary. No enemies shooting at you, no timers screaming in your ear, no convoluted upgrade trees. Just you, your tank, and a series of increasingly clever platforming puzzles. You steer by aiming your cannon and letting physics do the rest. It feels intuitive after thirty seconds but stays challenging for hours. The colorful paint splatters across the level as you go, leaving a messy trail of your progress. It’s satisfying, addictive, and surprisingly deep for something that looks so straightforward.
Developed by TD2TL and released in July 2024, Just Tanks has earned a solid 4.2 rating from over 33,000 votes on Poki. That’s not a fluke. The game nails the “one more try” feeling that the best puzzle games live on. Whether you’re playing on a desktop during a work break or on your phone while waiting in line, it makes you think, “Okay, just one more level.” And then you blink and an hour’s gone.
How to Play
The objective in Just Tanks is simple: get your tank from the start of each level to the exit flag. The catch is that your tank has no conventional engine. It moves only when you fire its cannon. The recoil from each shot pushes the tank in the opposite direction of the blast. So if you want to go right, you aim left and shoot. Want to go up? Aim down and fire.
Desktop Controls
On a computer, you control everything with your mouse. Click and hold anywhere on the screen to aim your cannon. While holding, you’ll see a dotted line showing the trajectory of your shot and a small indicator of the charge level. The longer you hold, the more powerful the shot—and the stronger the recoil. Release the mouse button to fire.
You can also use the keyboard: pressing any key (spacebar works well) will fire in whatever direction you’re currently aiming. This is handy if you prefer not to click repeatedly. The mouse controls are more precise for aiming, but the keyboard option is great for rapid tapping when you need a quick burst of movement. I’ve found myself switching between the two: mouse for careful aiming over a gap, keyboard for frantic recovery when I’m about to fall into a pit.
Mobile Controls
On a phone or tablet, the controls are equally straightforward. Touch and hold on the screen to aim. A virtual joystick or directional indicator appears (depending on the device), and you drag your finger to set the angle and power. Release to fire. The touch interface is surprisingly responsive—I’ve found it works just as well as the desktop version, if not better for some levels that require quick, small adjustments.
The game supports both portrait and landscape orientations, though I prefer landscape for a wider view of the level. The UI is clean and unobtrusive: your tank, the flag, and maybe a few obstacles. No clutter. One thing to note: on smaller phone screens, your finger can obscure the aiming line. I’ve learned to aim slightly off-center and then adjust. It takes a few levels to get used to, but after that it feels natural.
The Recoil Mechanic
Understanding recoil is everything. Each shot pushes your tank exactly opposite to the direction you fire. The force depends on the charge (how long you hold before releasing). A light tap gives a tiny nudge; a full charge sends you flying across the screen. Gravity also plays a role—you’ll arc through the air when you shoot upward or downward, and you’ll need to account for that when planning your trajectory.
The game doesn’t explain any of this in a tutorial. It trusts you to figure it out by experimentation. And that’s part of the charm. You’ll quickly learn that shooting straight down while in midair gives you a lift, that shooting sideways while on the ground gives you a slide, and that combining shots in quick succession lets you chain movements together. But there’s a subtlety most players miss: the recoil is applied instantly, but the projectile (the paint blob) travels along its trajectory. So if you shoot at a wall, the paint splatters, but your tank moves immediately. This means you can use walls as both a target and a bounce surface, but the recoil doesn’t depend on where the paint lands—only on the direction you fired.
I spent my first ten levels thinking the paint had to hit something for the recoil to work. It doesn’t. You can fire into empty space and still move. That’s a key insight for levels where you need to hover over gaps—shoot downward into the void to keep yourself aloft.
Features
Just Tanks doesn’t have multiple game modes—it’s a single-player puzzle campaign from start to finish. But within that campaign, there’s plenty of variety.
Level Design
The levels are compact but clever. Early stages are essentially straight lines with a few gaps: you just need to shoot yourself forward and land on the next platform. Around level ten, things get interesting. You’ll encounter walls that you can bounce off, moving platforms that require timing, and sections where you have to shoot downward to gain height, then quickly redirect to avoid falling into a pit.
Some levels introduce breakable blocks. Shoot them to clear a path, but be careful—the recoil might send you into a hazard. Others have one-way barriers that let you pass only from a specific direction, forcing you to plan your approach. The difficulty ramps up smoothly, never feeling unfair, but definitely demanding more precision as you go.
Let me describe a specific level that really clicked for me. Around level 18, there’s a stage with a tall vertical shaft. At the bottom is the start, at the top is the flag. In between are three narrow ledges jutting out from alternating sides. The obvious strategy is to shoot downward to lift yourself, then shoot sideways to land on a ledge. But the ledges are small, and if you overshoot you’ll fall back down. I must have tried twenty times. The solution was to use short, controlled bursts—just enough upward thrust to reach the next ledge, then a gentle sideways tap to slide onto it. It taught me patience.
Later levels introduce moving platforms that follow a set path. You have to time your shots to land on them, then quickly shoot again to stay on as they move. These are tough, but they’re also where the game shines. The physics feel consistent, so once you learn the timing, you can execute the same sequence reliably.
Tank Variety
The game lets you unlock different tanks as you progress. Each tank has a slightly different feel—some are heavier and respond more slowly to recoil, others are lighter and more agile. The differences aren’t huge, but they matter. A heavy tank might be better for levels where you need to plow through obstacles, while a light tank excels in levels that require tight aerial maneuvers.
The visual designs are charming. You start with a basic green tank, but later you can unlock a red one with a bigger cannon, a blue one that looks like a toy, and a few others. They don’t change the gameplay dramatically, but they give you a reason to keep playing and experimenting.
I’ve got a favorite: the yellow “Scout” tank. It’s the lightest, and it responds to recoil almost instantly. With it, I can chain shots together to hover in midair for longer than with the default tank. For levels that require floating across large gaps, the Scout is a lifesaver. The heavy tank, on the other hand, feels sluggish. I only use it when I need extra weight to break through certain blocks that require multiple shots. Most players will find one tank that clicks and stick with it, but it’s worth trying all of them. The differences are subtle enough that you might be surprised which one works best for your playstyle.
Paint and Visuals
The paint mechanic is purely cosmetic, but it adds a lot of personality. Each shot leaves a splash of color on whatever surface it hits. By the end of a level, the environment is covered in streaks of yellow, blue, red, and green. It’s like a Jackson Pollock painting made of tank shells. The game runs smoothly even with lots of paint on screen, and the art style is clean and cartoony—think flat colors with simple shapes.
One thing I appreciate: the paint can actually help you see where you’ve been. If you’re stuck on a level, looking at the paint trails can remind you of which paths you’ve tried. It’s a subtle visual feedback that makes each attempt feel like you’re leaving a mark. And when you finally nail a tricky sequence, the trail of colors behind you is oddly satisfying. It’s a small touch, but it makes failure less frustrating.
Tips and Strategies
After spending a good amount of time with Just Tanks, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make the game much more manageable.
Use Short Bursts for Precision
New players tend to hold down the fire button for too long, sending their tank flying past the target. For most situations, a short tap is better. You can always fire again to correct your course. Think of it like a series of small nudges rather than one big push. The only exception is when you need to clear a large gap—then a full charge is necessary, but make sure you’re aimed correctly.
I’ve found that a quick tap (about a quarter of a second) gives you just enough recoil to move a few tank lengths. That’s perfect for sidling onto narrow platforms. For longer jumps, I hold for about a second. Anything beyond that is usually overkill unless you’re trying to cross the entire level in one shot.
Aim Down to Gain Height
If you’re falling into a pit and need to climb, shoot straight down. The recoil will lift you up. Combine this with a sideways shot to move horizontally while ascending. This is the core technique for navigating vertical sections. Practice it until it becomes second nature.
Here’s a specific scenario: you’re falling straight down, and you see a platform to your left. Instead of panicking, aim down and slightly to the right. The recoil will push you up and to the left, onto the platform. It feels counterintuitive at first—you’re shooting away from where you want to go—but it works. This is the single most important technique in the game.
Use Walls to Redirect
Many levels have walls or ceilings. Bouncing off them can be useful. For example, if you need to reach a high platform, shoot at the wall beside it at an angle—the recoil will push you diagonally upward, and you might bounce off the wall into the platform. It’s not always reliable, but with practice you can use geometry to your advantage.
I’ve also used walls to stop my momentum. If I’m sliding too fast toward a pit, I’ll shoot at the wall behind me. The recoil pushes me forward, but the wall stops my slide. It’s a quick way to brake. Experiment with different angles. Sometimes a 45-degree shot into a corner will give you just the right bounce.
Plan Your Shots Ahead
The game gives you a clear view of the entire level before you start moving. Take a few seconds to study the layout. Where are the gaps? Are there moving platforms? Where is the exit? Then plan a rough path. You don’t need to memorize every shot, but having a mental map prevents panicking and wasting shots.
I like to trace a route with my mouse before I even fire. I note the positions of breakable blocks and one-way barriers. I also check if there are any hazards—some levels have spikes or pits that kill you instantly. Knowing where they are saves you from accidental deaths.
Conserve Momentum
Once you’re moving, you retain some momentum between shots. If you’re sliding across a flat surface, you don’t need to fire again until you start slowing down. Over-shooting while already moving can throw you off balance. Let the physics work for you.
This is especially true on ice-like surfaces. A few levels have slippery floors where your tank slides easily. On those, one small shot can send you gliding across the entire level. Resist the urge to fire again—you’ll just overshoot. Instead, wait until you’re about to stop, then fire in the opposite direction to slow down further.
On Mobile, Use Two Fingers
If you’re playing on a phone, try using your thumb to aim and your index finger to tap the screen for quick shots. This gives you more control than using one finger for everything. Some players prefer to hold the device with one hand and use the other hand’s thumb—find what’s comfortable.
I’ve also found that resting the phone on a table and using two thumbs works well for precise aiming. The touch response is fast enough that you can chain shots rapidly. Just be careful not to block the screen with your hand.
Common Mistakes
Even experienced puzzle players make these errors when starting Just Tanks.
Over-Shooting
The most common mistake is firing too powerfully. You see a small gap and think, “I’ll just blast across it.” Then you sail right past the landing platform and into the void. Always start with a lighter shot. You can add more power if needed, but you can’t undo an overshoot.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve done this. The worst is when you’re on a moving platform and you overshoot—you watch your tank fly off into the abyss while the platform continues its path. It’s frustrating, but it teaches you to be conservative with power.
Ignoring Gravity
The recoil is strong, but gravity is always pulling you down. If you shoot sideways while in the air, you’ll still fall. Many players forget this and end up dropping into pits because they didn’t account for the downward arc. When planning a jump, aim slightly upward to compensate for gravity.
For example, if you’re on a high platform and want to reach a lower platform to the right, don’t shoot straight right. Aim a little upward so your tank arcs down onto the platform. If you shoot straight right, you’ll drop too fast and miss.
Shooting Too Quickly
It’s tempting to spam shots, especially when you’re falling. But rapid firing without aiming just sends you in random directions. Take a split second to aim each shot. The game doesn’t punish you for taking your time—there’s no timer.
I’ve seen players panic-fire while falling, and they end up bouncing off walls like a pinball. Slow down. Even if you’re falling, you have a moment to aim. A single well-placed shot can save you, whereas five random shots will just make things worse.
Forgetting to Use the Environment
Some players try to brute-force every level by shooting straight ahead. But many puzzles require using walls, ceilings, or breakable blocks. If you’re stuck, look around. Is there a wall you can bounce off? A block you can destroy to create a new path? The solution is often right in front of you.
I remember a level where I kept trying to jump over a high wall. After ten failures, I noticed a breakable block on the ceiling. Shooting it dropped a platform that I could stand on. I felt silly for not seeing it earlier. The game rewards observation.
Not Trying Different Tanks
If you’re struggling with a particular level, switch to a different tank. The lighter tank might give you the extra maneuverability you need, while the heavier tank might help you break through obstacles more easily. Don’t stick with one tank out of habit.
I was stuck on a level with tight aerial turns for an hour. I switched to the Scout tank and beat it on my second try. The lighter weight made all the difference. Conversely, a level with heavy breakable blocks required the default tank’s extra mass to smash through. Experiment.
Level Walkthrough: A Mid-Game Challenge
Let me walk you through a specific level that stumped me for a while. It’s around level 25, and it’s a good example of how the game combines multiple mechanics.
The level is shaped like a sideways U. You start at the bottom left. The exit flag is at the top right. Between you and the flag is a large gap with a moving platform that travels left to right across the bottom of the gap. Above the gap, there are two breakable blocks on the ceiling. The walls are smooth, no ledges.
My first instinct was to shoot upward to gain height, then shoot sideways to cross the gap. But the moving platform kept throwing off my timing. I’d land on it, then get carried to the right, but I couldn’t get enough height to reach the exit.
The solution: shoot at the breakable blocks on the ceiling. When you destroy them, they drop small platforms that stay in place. Now you have stepping stones above the gap. Use short bursts to hop from one dropped platform to the next, then a final shot to reach the exit.
The tricky part is timing the destruction of the blocks. You need to shoot them while you’re in the air, and the recoil will push you downward. So you have to aim upward, fire, and then quickly compensate for the downward push. It took me several tries to get the rhythm right.
This level taught me to always look for breakable objects, even if they seem out of reach. It also reinforced the importance of chaining shots—you can’t just fire once and hope. You need a sequence: shoot up to destroy block, then shoot sideways to land on the new platform, then shoot up again, etc.
FAQ
Is Just Tanks free to play?
Yes, it’s completely free. You can play it on Poki without any payment or download.
Can I play Just Tanks on my phone?
Absolutely. It works on both desktop and mobile browsers. The touch controls are well-optimized for phones and tablets.
Does the game have multiplayer?
No, it’s a single-player puzzle game. There are no online or local multiplayer modes.
How many levels are there?
The game has a generous number of levels—I’d estimate over 60. The exact count isn’t listed, but it’s enough to keep you busy for several hours. I’ve played through about 40 so far and I’m still seeing new mechanics.
Who made Just Tanks?
The game was developed by TD2TL. It’s their first game on Poki, and they did a great job with it.
Can I reset a level?
Yes. There’s a reset button in the pause menu. You can also restart instantly by pressing R on desktop. On mobile, there’s a small refresh icon in the corner.
Is there a level editor?
No. The game is a fixed campaign. But the levels are varied enough that I haven’t missed a level editor.
Does the game save my progress?
Yes, it auto-saves after each level. You can close the browser and come back later. On Poki, progress is saved locally in your browser’s storage.
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If you enjoy physics-based puzzles that reward experimentation and precision, Just Tanks is well worth your time. It’s the kind of game that’s easy to pick up but hard to put down—and the colorful paint trails make every failure a little more beautiful. Give it a shot.
I’ve played a lot of browser games over the years, and most of them are either too shallow or too demanding. Just Tanks hits a sweet spot. It respects your intelligence by not holding your hand, but it never feels cruel. Every death is your fault, and every success feels earned. The simple premise hides a surprising amount of depth, and the polish is remarkable for a free game. If you’re looking for something to kill fifteen minutes or an entire afternoon, this is it. Just be warned: “one more level” can easily turn into fifty.