This article is considered accurate for the current version (1.59) of the game.
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Unlike the 85-series, the Bardiche sports a heavier, more durable build and is fitted with a coaxial heavy machinegun along with a powerful, short-barrelled 68mm turret. Modern Kraunian engineering allows for a fast reload, making it an ideal tool to combat enemy armour.
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— In-game description.
The 86K-a “Bardiche” (also known as a Bard) is a ColonialAssault Tank specially designed for close-range tank fights. It is equipped with a 68mm short-barrel AT main cannon and a 12.7mm coaxial machine gun.
The 86K-a “Bardiche” has 4000 HP and is disabled under 30% health. It has "Heavy Armor" resistance: it can soak small arms fire, shrapnel, and 12.7mm machine guns, and it is immune to Flamethrowers. But heavy explosives and anti-tank weaponry are a real threat to it. It has subsystems that have a chance to be disabled by heavy explosives and anti-tank weaponry if hit specifically: Tracks: 25% (Anti-Tank Mines always disable them), Fuel Tank: 25%, Turret/Cannon: 15%. It has Tank Armor. With it, in best case scenario, penetrating projectiles only have a 23% chance of penetrating and doing damage. That chance goes up quickly if the armor is worn or if it is shot from up close, or on the side or rear from a direct angle, or with ammo that has penetration bonuses. It takes 200 Basic Materials to fully repair it from 1% to 100% health with a Hammer. Its health, subsystems, and Tank Armor can be instantly repaired at a Garage for 100 Basic Materials.
The 86K-a "Bardiche" is specifically designed to be a frontline brawler tank, as it has the armor, and health to withstand large amounts of enemy attacks. Its fast-firing short-range AT cannon and high durability means Bardiche crews must constantly advance towards enemy armor, quickly closing the gap, in order to use its armament and be effective. It's coaxial 12.7mm machine gun is effective against infantry, but requires coordination between the Gunner and Commander. Due to all these points, all Bardiche crews must play aggressive compared to a standard tank, as the main gun cannot be fully utilized without it.
Due to its 68mm main cannon, the tank is pretty lackluster against structures and should not attack them. This means other vehicles are required, like those with 40mm, in order to effectively destroy enemy defenses and push fronts. However it is an AP round, meaning it has a higher chance of penetrating armor, and can disable subsystems easier compared to 40mm rounds. Targeting enemy vehicle's subsystems is highly recommended.
Although it is possible to use the tank without a Commander, it's not recommended as it will limit your awareness on the battlefield, as well as limit the vehicle's armament and capabilities.
Standard Equipment Loadout
Like with every other armored vehicle, the crew should ALWAYS equip themselves with a Gas Mask and multiple Filters to avoid dying to Gas Grenades. Additionally, they should bring a Hammer and Basic Materials to repair the tank. These tactics can be buffed by wearing either a Tank Uniform or an Engineer Uniform.
Trivia
The design of the 86K-a "Bardiche" is closely based on the design of the Hungarian Turan II medium tank.
A "Bardiche" is a type of polearm that entered common usage in Europe around the 14th century.
An emblem featuring a Bardiche can be seen on the sides of the turret.
Gallery
The 86K-a "Bardiche" from the front
The 86K-a "Bardiche" from the rear
The 86K-a "Bardiche" introduced in the 0.46 Entrenched Dev Stream
