⭐ Overview & Core Concept

War Thunder is a free-to-play MMO vehicular combat game centered on combined arms battles across air and ground (and sea, though we’re skipping that here). It’s developed and published by Gaijin Entertainment, with an enormous vehicle roster drawn from historical sources, spanning from early 20th century machines to modern weaponry.

Dozens of nations’ tech trees let you unlock and pilot aircraft, helicopters, tanks, armored cars, and self-propelled guns. The game’s longevity (launched in 2013) means vehicle counts and progression are immense — but also somewhat overwhelming at first.

🎮 Game Modes — Tailored to Your Taste

War Thunder famously offers three principle modes that drastically affect how the game feels:

1. Arcade Battles (AB)

Fast-paced action with aim assist and simplified physics.

Respawns are frequent and easy; combat feels closer to an action shooter than a simulator.

Great for newcomers and casual matches.

2. Realistic Battles (RB)

The sweet spot for many players — no aim assists, more authentic physics, limited respawns, and vehicle crew realism.

You’ll have to deal with real weapon ballistics (bullet drop, shell travel time), true flight behavior, and more unforgiving vehicle survival.

Enemy and friendly markers are reduced or removed, demanding visual skill and map awareness.

3. Simulator Battles (SB)

The hardcore experience: cockpit/gunner views only, no HUD aids, and full simulation of vehicle systems.

SB tests your mastery of weapon systems and controls — especially in air combat — and is beloved by “sim” purists.

Each mode feels distinctly different, and this flexibility is one of the game’s strongest features.

✈️ Air Combat — Deep, Rewarding, and Hard to Master
Flight Models & Physics

Air battles are arguably the heart of War Thunder. The aircraft flight models incorporate:

Lift and drag

Stalls and energy management

Engine performance and altitude effects

Realistic G-forces (which can stall or break aircraft in SB/RB)

This leads to dogfights where altitude, energy state, and maneuvering matter — not just twitch reflexes. Experienced pilots dive into this depth and rarely go back.

Damage & Ballistics

War Thunder uses a detailed damage model:

Shell impacts consider angle, armor thickness, and round type.

Aircraft parts (engine, tail, wings, control surfaces) can be individually damaged.

Your plane isn’t a health bar — elements break realistically.

This translates into satisfying hits and punishing mistakes. Sniping a specific control surface or engine is genuinely rewarding.

Progression & Variety

There are hundreds of aircraft — from biplanes to jets — with distinct roles and handling. Each nation’s tree offers flavor:

U.S. planes are often stable and durable

German fighters excel at energy tactics

Soviet aircraft tend to be rugged and powerful

Jets introduce missiles, afterburners, and radar challenges

This depth is a major draw — but it also means a steep learning curve for newcomers.

🪖 Ground Combat — Tactical, Slow Burn
Tank Physics & Handling

Compared to aircraft, ground forces are less universally loved but still solid:

Tanks handle more ‘heavily’ in realistic modes — inertia, slope resistance, turret traverse times, and traction are simulation-based.

Armor angles, weak-spot knowledge, and ammunition choice matter — you can’t just spam fire to win.

However, some critics note that tanks in War Thunder still control looser than they should, with responsiveness sometimes blurring the line between simulation and arcade.

Armor & Tactical Play

Armor modeling goes beyond hit points:

Angles can deflect rounds

Module damage (turret ring, engine, crew) influences combat outcomes

Cover and hull-down positions can decide engagements

This makes tactical play — hull down positions, flank attacks, shot placement — very meaningful.

Match Variety

Maps range from dense forests and urban settings to open fields, and random objectives mean each battle plays a bit differently. Expect to stalk, flank, and coordinate if you want long life in RB or SB.

💠 Visuals, Sound, and Immersion

War Thunder’s aesthetic strengths are well praised:

Vehicles are highly detailed, with authentic historical liveries and models.

Maps often reflect real geography and strategic areas (e.g., Stalingrad, Pacific islands).

Sound — from engine roar to machine gun chatter and explosion resonance — is immersive and enhances the feel of scale and danger.

Even longtime players will pause at a well-lit sunset over a battlefield.

⚠️ The Grind, Progression & Monetization

Being free to play, War Thunder uses:

Research points to unlock vehicles

Silver Lions for modifications and repairs

Premium account or vehicles to speed progress

Some players find this progression slow without spending money, especially in later tech ranks. Premium vehicles or accounts can ease the grind but don’t outright break game balance unless you invest heavily. The system sometimes feels like gating content behind either time or money.

🧠 Community & Matchmaking

The player base is large enough that queues are usually reasonable for air and ground — though some players complain about:

Mixed battle ratings within teams

Occasional imbalance of vehicle lineup totals

Lack of robust tutorials (no clear in-game explainers for advanced tactics)

This means the game rewards those who learn by doing.

💬 Final Thoughts
👍 Major Strengths

Depth & Variety: Hundreds of vehicles across nations and eras.

Multiple Modes: From arcade fun to hardcore sim realism.

Air Combat Excellence: One of the deepest free air sims out there.

Authentic Audio/Visuals: Excellent immersion.

👎 Notable Weaknesses

Steep Learning Curve: Especially in RB and SB.

Progression Grind: Can feel slow or monetization-skewed.

Ground Forces Less Refined: Not as consistently thrilling as aerial.

No Naval Here 😉: (Glad you didn’t want that part — it’s widely considered the weakest experience.)

russian bias is real and no one can prove me wrong
chat gpt was definately not used😉