War Thunder is a free-to-play massively multiplayer online military battle game available on a huge variety of platforms, touting over 70 million registered players.
With over 2,500 different aircraft, vehicles, helicopters, warships, and more, it is the most comprehensive military MMO available.
Using several game modes, PVP and PVE, tech trees, events, and more, there is always something to do. You can team up with other players and fight to complete the mission, earning experience you can use to upgrade your vehicles as you do.
In this review, we will guide you through everything you need to know about the game, from where you can play it to tips for getting started.
| Our Rating: | 4.3⭐ |
| Genre: | Action, Vehicular Combat |
| Available on: | Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S |
| Developer: | Gaijin Entertainment |
| Cost: | Free |
| Released: | 2012 |
What is War Thunder?
War Thunder is a detailed military-themed game with thousands of vehicles available to dominate your foes with.
Battles will take place in the air, on the land, and in the sea. The vehicles range from pre-WWI to modern-day. You choose from one of 10 nations, each of which have a unique tech tree for you to upgrade and customize.
As you complete missions and level up, you will unlock more vehicles and skills to use in battle.
You will engage in intense combat scenarios, completing missions, and competing against other players in various game modes. Players work towards mastering their chosen vehicles, unlocking new ones, and progressing through the game.
Whether striving for victory in historical battles, participating in realistic simulations, or testing their skills in arcade-style gameplay, the ultimate goal is to dominate the battlefield and become a formidable force in the ongoing conflict.
Is War Thunder a good game?
War Thunder’s attention to detail and historical accuracy in representing military vehicles from different eras make it appealing to history enthusiasts and military buffs.
The game offers a diverse range of gameplay modes. From realistic simulations to arcade-style action, the game is open to various playstyles and preferences.
With over 70 million registered players, there will always be someone to form a team with and dominate a mission.
Free download means that there’s nothing to lose by trying War Thunder, and experiencing the thrilling battles for yourself!
War Thunder gameplay features
The game’s realistic air combat maneuvering mechanics involving physics, ballistics, armor penetration, and damage models add skill to the battle.
Multiplayer battles, with various modes like Arcade, Realistic, and Simulator Battles, draw players from around the world into intense combat scenarios.
One gameplay feature is its diverse vehicle selection, which includes tanks, aircraft, and naval vessels from different eras. Each has its own unique characteristics and capabilities.
Historical accuracy is a hallmark of War Thunder, faithfully recreating vehicles, maps, and scenarios from significant historical conflicts.
Progression through extensive tech trees, unlocking new vehicles, and customization options, provide long-term goals for players. The game also offers vast customization options, enabling players to personalize their vehicles with camouflage patterns, decals, and modifications.
War Thunder features PvE content, including cooperative missions, dynamic campaigns, and events alongside its PvP battles. You can engage in a variety of gameplay experiences, whether competing against others or cooperating against AI opponents.
Regularly hosted events, tournaments, and challenges provide additional opportunities for players to earn rewards, test their skills, and participate in themed activities.
War Thunder’s offerings cater to each gamer’s preferences, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to experience in the ever-evolving world of military combat.
How to play War Thunder online
War Thunder offers a thrilling gaming experience across multiple platforms.
With the game being made accessible across PCs, consoles, and mobile devices, players can choose the platform that best suits their preferences and dive into epic military battles wherever and whenever they desire.
Play War Thunder in browser
War Thunder can be played directly in a web browser, or downloaded through platforms like Steam.
The browser-based version provides a convenient way for players to access the game quickly and easily, allowing them to jump into battles without any additional setup.
Playing in a web browser offers convenience and accessibility, but it comes with certain limitations compared to playing on other platforms.
One significant limitation is the potential for reduced graphical fidelity and performance. Web browsers may not fully utilize the hardware acceleration capabilities of your device, leading to lower-quality graphics and slower frame rates.
Play War Thunder on mobile
War Thunder is also playable on mobile devices through its companion app, War Thunder: Conflicts. This mobile version allows players to engage in battles on the go, offering streamlined gameplay tailored to touchscreen controls
Players can download the game from the respective app stores for iOS and Android devices.
However, the mobile version may have some differences compared to the PC or console versions in terms of controls, graphics settings, and available features.
Nonetheless, War Thunder offers a mobile-friendly experience for players who prefer gaming on their smartphones or tablets.
How to make a War Thunder account
- Visit the official game website on your browser.
- Click “Register now”, or “Download”.
- Fill out the registration form
- Agree to the terms of service and privacy policy
- Click “Create Account” to proceed.
- Follow the instructions in the verification email to confirm your account.
- Once verified, log in.
Best War Thunder tips for beginners
For beginners stepping into the world of Battle Arena, there are several key tips to remember while you play. These are as follows;
- Take the time to learn: Complete the tutorial provided by the game. It covers fundamental controls, vehicle mechanics, and combat strategies. This helps to establish a strong groundwork and base knowledge.
- Start small: Begin with low-tier vehicles initially. This allows you to learn the game’s mechanics without feeling overwhelmed. As you gain experience and earn in-game currency, gradually advance to higher tiers to face more challenging opponents.
- Experiment: Explore vehicles from different nations and their unique strengths and weaknesses. This will help you discover your preferred playstyle.
- Practice makes perfect: Understanding the distinct roles of tanks, aircraft, and ships is crucial, as each excels in specific environments. Practice your targeting and aiming skills, utilizing cover effectively.
- Communication is key: Effective communication with teammates is essential as it significantly contributes to mission success. Collaborating with fellow players allows for coordinated strategies, better tactical decisions, and improved overall gameplay. By working together, you can maximize effectiveness on the battlefield and achieve victory!
- Be patient: Remember to invest time in researching and upgrading your vehicles. However, maintain patience and persistence, as mastery of air combat maneuvering in War Thunder is a gradual process that requires dedication and perseverance.
How much does War Thunder cost?
War Thunder can be played 100% free to play.
There are in-app purchases available. These include an upgrade to a Premium Account for increased experience and currency earnings, buying premium vehicles with unique features and boosted performance, obtaining Golden Eagles, the game’s premium currency, and to purchase various in-game items such as vehicles, customization options, and bundles.
Players can invest in Premium Time to extend the duration of their premium benefits, purchase vehicle talismans to accelerate research progress, and acquire additional vehicle camouflages and decals for customization.
Various premium packs and bundles are also available, offering a combination of vehicles, currency, and bonuses at discounted rates.
These in-app purchases provide players with options to customize, progress, and enjoy the game to its fullest.
Do not worry though, you can earn premium currency by playing the game and completing missions as well, giving you access to premium items.
Give the game a try
War Thunder offers a unique blend of historical accuracy and thrilling gameplay. With its meticulously recreated World War II-era vehicles, players are thrown into intense battles across various ages of war and tasked with implementing ground and air combat tactics .
The game’s dynamic combat scenarios, realistic vehicle physics, and strategic depth ensure that every battle is both challenging and rewarding.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a fan of action-packed multiplayer games, War Thunder offers something for everyone!
If browser games are your thing, do not forget to check other game titles we play at Insider Gaming.
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