Trick4Funz' DenHOW TO PLAY WOT AS A F2P PLAYER
I) Premiums
Our biggest disadvantage (yes I am F2P too) is that people pay and have a way easier access to premiums and premium time
so what you want to do is to never spend the bonds you get on equipment, camos etc... wait to get at least 8k bonds to get a nice tier VIII premium, you'll be able to farm credits this way.
I recommend the T-103 some content creators trash talk it, but the turret is really strong, if you learn how to block the cupola right after shooting, you're not that slow, the gun can be derpy but if you put good accuracy equipment and train the crew well, it has 258 standard AP pen which is extremely good, the less you fire gold, the more you make profits so overall a very good value pick if you haven't gotten it already
What i always recommend is to get a tank (doesn't matter if it's a premium or not) that you perform well in even if it's not to grind a line, keep that tank, play it when you have bad games, it will make the grind less annoying and you'll make some credits on the way.
For me it would be the IS-3-II it's really fun to play.
II) Consumables
As a F2P player you'll face what being broke feels like, at least once, trust me, if you are in this situation, thr worst thing to do is to sell high tier tanks, because the tanks you sell would have made you credits by playing them, be patient, go in the Depot, sell consumables you don't need like normal fire extinguishers, you never use them, or even food if you're like me. The goal is to at least reach 2mil or 3mil on average then if you stay in that spot you'll be good to make investments on equipment etc, and get more credits.
Pay very close attention to when there are global reductions in the shop
these are extremely important, they don't come often, for me, i usually buy 300 medkits 300 repair kits, some big repair kits for the higher tier, then you're set for a while, and even if you only have 1.5 mil for an example buy at least 100 of each type (small ones)
III) Ammunition
Yes gold ammo, the controversial part of wot, what do you do ? take full standard ammo, and get 5-15 rounds of gold, try it out, you're in game encounter an armored vehicle, you fire it, get some damage you realise that investment made you make more credits, but it's important to know, don't be a gold spamming noob (derp guns not included) gold ammo is a tool, either you're wise and use it at the right moment of fire only gold and make no credits, if you have around 0-1mil take 5-10 rounds and use them wisely, if you have 2-3mil use 15-20 and over, you choose.
don't forget to get the intuition perk it's really important!
IV) Have fun
We always get stressed about our stats, rage after a bad session, but I tell you, enjoy yourself, time flies quickly and if you don't create good memories you will regret it. Help other people out in game, whether it would be to push them up if they're struggling to climb up a ledge, take the shot if you have more hitpoints when your ally is low health, say good luck in chat, push a slow heavy if you have boosters, it can go a long way. And don't mind assholes, your best weapon is your silence, or just wish them a good day to piss them off even more XD