War Thunder is a comprehensive, free-to-play vehicular combat game developed by Gaijin Entertainment. It allows players to control a massive variety of aircraft, ground vehicles, and naval vessels from the early 20th century through to modern-day technology. Available on PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Xbox, it is widely known for its detailed damage models and realistic physics.
Whether you are interested in high-speed dogfights, tactical tank battles, or massive naval engagements, War Thunder offers a deep and rewarding experience. This guide will walk you through the basics of the game, the different modes available, and how you can start your journey as a virtual commander.
Understanding the Three Main Types of Combat
War Thunder is unique because it combines three distinct types of military combat into one platform. While players often specialize in one area, you are free to switch between them at any time.
Aviation (Planes and Helicopters)
Aviation was the original focus of War Thunder. Players can fly everything from biplanes used in the Spanish Civil War to modern supersonic jets equipped with air-to-air missiles. Helicopters are also available for players who progress into the higher levels of the game.
Ground Forces (Tanks and Anti-Air)
Ground combat involves controlling tanks, tank destroyers, and self-propelled anti-aircraft guns. These battles require a mix of strategic positioning and knowledge of enemy armor thickness. You will start with light tanks from the 1930s and eventually unlock modern Main Battle Tanks (MBTs).
Naval Forces (Ships and Boats)
Naval combat is divided into two categories: Coastal Fleet and Bluewater Fleet. The Coastal Fleet focuses on smaller, faster torpedo boats and sub-chasers, while the Bluewater Fleet features massive destroyers, cruisers, and battleships.
Exploring Game Modes: Arcade vs. Realistic
One of the first choices you will make in War Thunder is which game mode to play. Each mode offers a different level of difficulty and realism to suit your personal preference.
Arcade Battles (AB)
Arcade Battles are designed for quick, accessible fun. In this mode, vehicles have boosted performance, such as faster turret rotation and more powerful engines. Aiming indicators help you lead your shots, and you can see enemy markers through obstacles, making it the perfect place for beginners to start.
Realistic Battles (RB)
Realistic Battles remove the aiming assists and enemy markers found in Arcade mode. Physics are more punishing; planes can rip their wings off if they fly too fast, and tanks move at their historical speeds. This mode rewards players who use stealth, patience, and a deeper understanding of their vehicle’s capabilities.
Simulator Battles (SB)
Simulator Battles are intended for the most dedicated players. In aviation, you are locked to a cockpit view, and you must use a joystick or complex mouse controls. There are no markers for friends or enemies, requiring you to identify vehicles by their visual silhouettes.
The Progression System: Research and Currency
War Thunder uses a progression system based on “Tech Trees.” Each nation has its own tree, and you must research and purchase vehicles in a specific order to move from the early eras to the modern era.
Research Points (RP): You earn RP by participating in battles, destroying enemies, and capturing objectives. These points are used to unlock new vehicles and “modifications” (upgrades like better ammunition or engine parts) for the vehicles you already own.
Silver Lions (SL): This is the primary in-game currency. You earn Silver Lions by playing matches. You need SL to buy the vehicles you have researched, train your crews, and pay for vehicle repairs after a battle.
Golden Eagles (GE): This is a premium currency that is usually purchased with real money. It can be used to buy “Premium” vehicles, which earn more rewards, or to speed up your research progress. However, it is entirely possible to play the game without ever spending money.
Choosing Your First Nation
When you start the game, you will need to choose a nation to represent. Each nation has its own strengths and weaknesses based on historical design philosophies.
- USA: Known for versatile tanks with good gun depression and planes that excel at high-speed diving attacks.
- Germany: Features powerful guns and heavy armor in the mid-tiers, with highly efficient engineering.
- USSR: Offers rugged tanks with sloped armor and aircraft that perform exceptionally well at low to medium altitudes.
- Great Britain: Focuses on high-penetration solid shot rounds and highly maneuverable fighter planes like the Spitfire.
- Japan: Known for the most maneuverable planes in the game, though they often lack heavy armor protection.
Other nations include China, Italy, France, Sweden, and Israel. For a beginner, starting with the USA, Germany, or the USSR is generally recommended as they have the most diverse and beginner-friendly vehicle lineups.
Essential Tips for New Players
War Thunder has a steep learning curve, but following these basic strategies will help you survive longer and earn more rewards in your first few matches.
1. Use Cover Effectively: In tank battles, being out in the open is a recipe for disaster. Always move from one piece of cover (like a building or a hill) to the next. Use the “Binoculars” key to look over obstacles without exposing your tank.
2. Aim for Weak Spots: You cannot simply shoot anywhere on an enemy tank and expect to do damage. Learn where the ammunition is stored or where the armor is thinnest. Aiming for the flat parts of the armor or the turret ring is often effective.
3. Manage Your Crew: As you play, your vehicle crews gain experience points. Spend these points to improve skills like “Reload Speed” for tanks or “G-Tolerance” for pilots. A well-trained crew can give you a significant advantage in combat.
4. Play the Objective: While getting kills is helpful, capturing the zones marked A, B, and C is how you actually win the match. Winning a match provides a significant bonus to the Research Points and Silver Lions you earn.
System Requirements for War Thunder
War Thunder is well-optimized and can run on a wide range of hardware. Below are the general requirements to help you determine if your computer can handle the game.
- Minimum: Windows 7/8/10/11, Dual-core 2.2 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, and a video card with at least 512 MB VRAM (Intel HD 5100 or higher).
- Recommended: Windows 10/11, Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor, 16 GB RAM, and a video card with 4 GB VRAM (Nvidia GTX 1060 or higher).
- Storage: You will need approximately 17 GB for the standard client or up to 95 GB for the high-resolution texture pack.
Conclusion
War Thunder is a deep and engaging military simulator that offers something for every type of history or combat enthusiast. By understanding the different game modes, focusing on a specific nation’s tech tree, and practicing basic tactical maneuvers, you can quickly find success on the battlefield. The game is constantly updated with new vehicles and features, ensuring there is always something new to discover.
If you found this guide helpful, you may also want to explore our articles on how to optimize gaming PC performance or tips for improving your internet connection for online gaming to ensure you have the best experience possible.