Tank! Tank! Tank! Wii U: How to Play Multiplayer

By Retro vGames | Published: 2026-10-25

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to set up and enjoy local multiplayer in Tank! Tank! Tank! on Wii U, including player limits, controller options, and tips for a smooth party session.

Quick answer

To play Tank! Tank! Tank! in local multiplayer on Wii U, each player needs a Wii Remote (or Wii Remote + Nunchuk) and the game supports up to four players in Battle Mode. No GamePad is required for extra players, but one player can use it for a different view.

What you need to know before starting

Tank! Tank! Tank! is a fast-paced arcade-style tank battle game that shines in local multiplayer. The game does not support online multiplayer, so all action happens on the same screen. The more players you have, the more chaotic and fun the matches become.

Each player needs their own controller. The game works with Wii Remotes held sideways (like an NES controller) or with a Wii Remote + Nunchuk for more precise aiming. The GamePad can be used by one player, but it's not required for multiplayer. If you have four players, you'll need four Wii Remotes or a mix of controllers.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

A frequent issue is assuming the GamePad is the only controller option. In fact, the GamePad is optional and can even be used as a second screen for a different camera angle, but all players can use standard Wii Remotes. If you only have one Wii Remote, you can still play with two players by taking turns, but the game is designed for simultaneous play.

Another common mistake is forgetting to sync controllers before launching the game. Make sure all Wii Remotes are synced to the console and have fresh batteries. The game will not detect a controller mid-match if it wasn't connected at the title screen.

Step-by-step multiplayer setup

Sync all controllers: Press the Sync button on the Wii U console (inside the front flap) and then press the Sync button on each Wii Remote. Wait for the player lights to stop flashing. Do this before launching the game. If a controller doesn't respond during gameplay, it wasn't synced beforehand. Re-sync from the Home menu.
Start the game and select Battle Mode: Insert the Tank! Tank! Tank! disc and launch it. From the main menu, choose 'Battle Mode' (not 'Story Mode'). Battle Mode is the only mode that supports 2-4 players locally. Story Mode is single-player only. Don't waste time selecting it if you want multiplayer.
Assign controllers to each player: On the player select screen, press the A button on each Wii Remote to join. The game will assign a tank color to each player. Up to four players can join. The GamePad player can choose to use the GamePad screen for a map view or play normally on the TV. If a player doesn't press A quickly, the game may start with fewer players. Wait for everyone to join before pressing Start.
Choose your tank and map: Each player selects a tank type (different stats for speed, armor, and firepower) and then the group votes on a map. Tanks are not unlocked; all are available from the start. Tank choice matters: lighter tanks are faster but weaker, heavier tanks hit harder but move slowly. Pick based on your play style.
Play and have fun: The match begins. Use the D-pad or control stick to move, and press the 2 button (or B on Nunchuk) to fire. The last tank standing wins the round. Play best-of-3 or best-of-5 rounds. If the screen feels cluttered, try the GamePad's 'radar view' to see enemy positions. This can give you a strategic edge.

Product details

Tank! Tank! Tank! - Wii U Game: Tank! Tank! Tank! is fully tested and guaranteed to work, backed by a 90-day no-questions-asked returns policy. When buying a used copy, you can trust that the disc will work immediately for your multiplayer session, and if anything goes wrong, you have a generous return window.
Tank! Tank! Tank! - Wii U Game