The Type 74 (C) (74式戦車C型) is among the earliest production variants of the Type 74. The first major modification of the Type 74 was the Type 74 (B) variant, which featured a new fire control system and the capability to fire new shells. All of the approximately 400 tanks built by that time were upgraded to this standard. Shortly thereafter, about 60 tanks received a new paint scheme and were designated the Type 74 (C) variant.

As the vehicles aged, some of them became OPFOR as a part of the "Fictional, Hostile" 1st Mechanized Battalion (1MBn), a unit organised by the Training Evaluation Unit (TEU). The 1MBn is supplied with its own uniforms, camouflages, unit markings, Type 74s, Type 90s and several APCs. Most of the time, these are visually modified to resemble PACT-like vehicles, such as Type 60s to BMPs, Type 74s to Shilkas, and Type 74/90s modified to include drum fuel tanks on the rear, turret baggage, mud flaps, Red Stars and applique armour.

The Type 74 (C) Red Star was introduced in Update "Hornet's Sting". As the earliest of the Type 74s, it only has APDS, HEAT, and HESH ammunition. It does not have the APFSDS rounds found in later versions. It possesses average mobility and a hydropneumatic suspension system that allows it to adjust its height and angle according to the terrain. It also has a laser rangefinder and a warning system, making it effective as a sniper. The vismod tyres on the rear of the hull can be removed via a module to improve the rear angle for aiming the gun.