Ever looked up at the sky and wondered what it would be like to pilot a Spitfire, command a mighty Tiger tank, or even captain a deadly destroyer? War Thunder offers exactly that – a sprawling, free-to-play, massively multiplayer online game dedicated to vehicular combat from the interwar period to the modern era. With thousands of historically-accurate vehicles spread across multiple nations and game modes, the game delivers an unparalleled level of depth and immersion for history buffs and adrenaline junkies alike.
However, diving into War Thunder can be daunting. The sheer complexity of vehicle types, upgrade systems, combat tactics, and game modes can feel overwhelming for newcomers. Understanding the fundamentals is crucial for a successful and enjoyable experience, preventing early frustration and allowing you to truly appreciate the strategic depth and thrilling action the game has to offer. A solid foundation of knowledge will not only improve your performance but also unlock the door to mastering the intricacies of combined arms warfare.
What are the essential things I need to know to get started and dominate the battlefield?
What are the best beginner vehicles in War Thunder?
The best beginner vehicles in War Thunder are generally those with forgiving handling, decent firepower, and sufficient armor to absorb some damage. In terms of nations, the early Soviet and American tanks often top the list due to their well-rounded characteristics and relatively simple playstyles. For aircraft, early-tier fighters like the Soviet I-15 series or the American F2A Buffalo offer a good introduction to aerial combat.
Early Soviet tanks like the T-26 and BT-7 are excellent choices for new players. They boast good mobility for their tier, allowing players to learn positioning and flanking maneuvers. The T-26's gun is effective against most early opponents, while the BT-7's speed can catch enemies off guard. Similarly, American tanks like the M2A4 and M3 Stuart offer decent firepower and mobility, providing a solid base for understanding tank combat. Their armor isn't the best, encouraging players to learn to avoid being hit in the first place. These tanks don't require complex aiming or armor angling techniques to be effective, allowing beginners to focus on core gameplay mechanics. When it comes to aircraft, focusing on maneuverable fighters is key. The Soviet I-15 series (I-15, I-15bis, I-153) are biplanes known for their exceptional turning ability, making them ideal for learning dogfighting fundamentals. The American F2A Buffalo, although somewhat less maneuverable, offers a good balance of speed, firepower, and decent turn rate. Practicing energy management and aiming with these planes will build crucial skills for progressing further in the game. Avoid bombers and attackers initially, as they often require more specialized knowledge of map layouts and targeting.How do I effectively use different ammo types?
Effectively using different ammo types in War Thunder boils down to understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and then selecting the appropriate ammunition for the target you're engaging. Different ammo types have different penetration values, shell velocities, explosive filler content, and armor piercing capabilities. Mastering this knowledge is crucial for maximizing your damage output and survivability.
Consider the specific threat you're facing. Armored vehicles require ammunition with high penetration values, such as AP (Armor Piercing), APHE (Armor Piercing High Explosive), or APCR (Armor Piercing Composite Rigid). These rounds are designed to punch through armor plates and deal internal damage. APHE rounds are particularly effective due to the explosive charge that detonates after penetrating, causing significant damage to crew and modules. However, against lightly armored vehicles or aircraft, high explosive (HE) or chemical rounds like HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) can be more effective, delivering devastating explosive damage without necessarily needing to penetrate thick armor. Knowing the armor layout of common enemy vehicles is invaluable. Use War Thunder's armor viewer in the hangar to study enemy tank models. This knowledge allows you to target weak points, such as thinner armor plates, gun mantlets, or the rear of the vehicle. Experiment with different ammo types in test drives to understand their ballistic performance and penetration capabilities at varying distances. Moreover, always consider shell velocity and drop, especially at longer ranges, and adjust your aim accordingly to ensure accurate shots. Selecting the correct ammunition for the situation is just as important as aiming accurately.How does crew skill affect vehicle performance?
Crew skills in War Thunder significantly impact vehicle performance by improving various aspects like reload speed, aiming accuracy, repair speed, and overall vehicle responsiveness. A highly skilled crew can dramatically enhance a vehicle's effectiveness in combat, giving you a distinct advantage over players with less experienced crews.
Crew skills are trained and leveled up using Crew Points, earned through gameplay. Different skills affect specific aspects of vehicle performance. For example, "Reloading" skill directly reduces the time it takes to reload your main gun, allowing for a faster rate of fire. "Targeting" enhances aiming accuracy, improving the precision of your shots, especially at longer ranges. "Field Repair" reduces the time it takes to repair your vehicle on the battlefield, minimizing downtime and getting you back into the action quicker. Other vital skills include "Driving," "Agility," and "Vitality," which influence vehicle maneuverability, turret traverse speed, and crew survivability, respectively. Investing crew points wisely is crucial. Prioritize skills that align with your playstyle and the specific characteristics of the vehicles you use most often. For example, a tank destroyer might benefit more from improved targeting and reload speed, while a light tank might prioritize driving and agility for flanking maneuvers. Don't forget to also train the "Expert" and "Ace" qualifications for each vehicle. These offer substantial bonuses on top of the base crew skills, further boosting your vehicle's performance. "Expert" qualification is unlocked with Silver Lions, while "Ace" qualification requires additional Silver Lions or Golden Eagles and an experience grind with the chosen vehicle.What's the best way to grind for new vehicles?
The most effective way to grind for new vehicles in War Thunder is to maximize your Research Point (RP) gain per battle by consistently performing well, utilizing premium account time and vehicles, focusing on researching vehicles efficiently within a specific tech tree line, and taking advantage of special events and boosters.
The core of efficient grinding is maximizing your RP gain in each match. This means actively participating in the battle, earning achievements, and achieving high scores in categories like kills, assists, captures, and survival time. Playing consistently well across multiple matches will yield far better results than relying on occasional lucky streaks. Premium account time significantly boosts RP and Silver Lion (SL) gains per match, making it a worthwhile investment if you plan to play regularly. Similarly, premium vehicles offer substantial RP bonuses and often are well-suited to a particular playstyle, allowing you to consistently perform well. Focusing your research efforts along a specific line in a tech tree allows you to unlock vehicles more quickly. Avoid spreading your RP across multiple branches, as this will slow your progress considerably. Pay attention to the research bonus of vehicles; researching vehicles in the tier directly before or after the vehicle you're currently using provides an RP bonus. Finally, War Thunder frequently hosts special events that offer increased RP rewards or discounted vehicle purchases. Actively participating in these events can drastically speed up your grind. Don't forget to use boosters strategically. Activate them when you know you have time for a dedicated play session and are likely to perform well. Combining multiple boosters can create substantial RP multipliers.How do I lead targets effectively in air battles?
Leading a target effectively in War Thunder requires understanding your aircraft's ballistics, the target's speed and direction, and the distance between you. Essentially, you need to aim *ahead* of the target, placing your shots where you predict they will be when your bullets arrive. This requires practice and developing a feel for different weapon systems and engagement ranges.
The core principle is to anticipate the target's future position. Visualize the path of your bullets – they don't travel instantly. Factors like your own aircraft's speed and the target's velocity relative to you dramatically affect the lead you need to apply. Start by observing the target's flight path for a few seconds. Is it a straight line? Is it turning? Are they climbing or diving? The more predictable the target's flight, the easier it is to calculate the required lead. Also, the distance plays a major factor - longer distances require more lead due to gravity and bullet drop. Furthermore, each weapon system in War Thunder has different ballistic properties. Cannons generally have faster velocities and flatter trajectories than machine guns, requiring less lead at the same range. Practice with different aircraft and weapons to learn their specific characteristics. Test Flights in the game are perfect for this. A useful technique is to start with a small lead, observe where your shots land, and adjust accordingly. Over time, you'll develop an intuition for aiming that allows you to consistently hit moving targets. Try using tracers, because these can quickly indicate if you are ahead, on, or behind the target.What are the key differences between Arcade, Realistic, and Simulator battles?
The three main battle modes in War Thunder – Arcade, Realistic, and Simulator – offer drastically different gameplay experiences primarily defined by their levels of realism, control complexity, and the presence of assistance features. Arcade Battles are fast-paced and forgiving, with simplified controls and numerous assists. Realistic Battles introduce more realistic physics, limited assists, and a greater emphasis on strategic positioning. Simulator Battles aim for maximum immersion, featuring realistic controls (often requiring HOTAS setups for aircraft), a complete lack of UI assistance, and first-person-only perspectives.
Arcade Battles (AB) are designed for instant action and accessibility. Aircraft have simplified flight models, enabling quick maneuvers and forgiving handling. Reload speeds are significantly boosted, and multiple respawns are allowed. A lead indicator helps players aim, simplifying gunnery. Ground forces also benefit from simplified controls and a respawn system. The pace is generally frenetic, with large teams battling for control points. These are ideal for new players to learn the game mechanics without being overwhelmed by complexity. Realistic Battles (RB) demand a more deliberate and strategic approach. Aircraft flight models are more complex, requiring pilots to manage their speed, altitude, and energy. Reload speeds are closer to historical values, and players typically have only one spawn per vehicle (though backups can provide limited respawns). The lead indicator is removed, forcing players to learn realistic aiming techniques. Ground forces experience more realistic physics and gunnery, rewarding careful positioning and tactical awareness. RB emphasizes teamwork and coordination due to the increased difficulty and single-spawn limitations. Simulator Battles (SB) offer the most challenging and immersive experience. Aircraft control is fully manual, often requiring joysticks (HOTAS) or other specialized peripherals for optimal control. There are no external views; players are restricted to cockpit view, requiring them to rely solely on their instruments and situational awareness. Realistic flight models are fully implemented, and realistic physics are used. Ground forces feature restricted visibility and realistic damage models. SB emphasizes teamwork, communication, and a deep understanding of vehicle characteristics and tactics, simulating real combat as closely as possible within the game's framework.How do I use the War Thunder map to my advantage?
Mastering map awareness is crucial in War Thunder. Use the map to identify enemy positions, anticipate their movements, plan your attack routes, and find safe havens. Regularly check your map (default key: M) to stay informed about the battlefield situation, teammate locations, and changing objectives.
To effectively utilize the map, pay attention to several key details. Enemy blips appearing on the map indicate spotted targets. Note the direction they are traveling to predict their likely next move. Observe where your teammates are concentrated, as this can reveal areas of heavy fighting or vulnerable flanks. Learn the common routes enemies take on each map. This knowledge will help you ambush them, intercept them, or avoid unfavorable engagements. Also, watch for changes in objective control. Losing or gaining a capture point will significantly impact the flow of battle and your team's strategy. Furthermore, exploit the map's terrain to your benefit. Identify areas that offer cover, such as forests, hills, and buildings. These can shield you from enemy fire and provide opportunities for ambushes. Use valleys and trenches to approach objectives undetected. Be mindful of high ground, which grants superior visibility and firing angles. Familiarize yourself with the map's layout during pre-match briefings or by playing custom battles. The better you know the terrain, the more effectively you can navigate and outmaneuver your opponents. Finally, communicate with your team using the map. Ping enemy locations to alert teammates to potential threats. Suggest attack routes or defensive positions. Coordinate your movements with other players to maximize your effectiveness. Effective teamwork, combined with a solid understanding of the map, significantly increases your chances of success in War Thunder.Well, there you have it! You're now equipped with the basics to dive into the explosive world of War Thunder. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't get discouraged by early setbacks. Experiment with different vehicles, find what suits your playstyle, and most importantly, have fun! Thanks for reading, and we hope you'll come back for more tips and tricks as you climb the ranks. Good luck out there, pilot!