Two Epic Military Games: Enlisted vs War Thunder

If you love large-scale warfare, realistic vehicle combat, and squad-based tactics, two games stand head and shoulders above the rest: Enlisted and War Thunder. Both throw you into massive multiplayer battles with dozens of vehicle classes, deep squad mechanics, and a learning curve that rewards teamwork. In this guide we break down what each game offers, how their vehicle classes work, how squads and matchmaking function, and which one is the better fit for your playstyle.

Enlisted is a free-to-play WWII shooter developed by Gaijin Entertainment. It drops you into 150-player battles across iconic fronts — from the Eastern Front to the Pacific. You fight on foot as an infantryman or pilot a tank, plane, or ship. The game is built around squads of up to 12 players, and every match is a coordinated push across a large map with multiple objectives.

Vehicle classes in Enlisted: Infantry (riflemen, medics, engineers, snipers), Light Tanks (fast, weak armor — ideal for flanking), Medium Tanks (balanced firepower and protection — the backbone of any squad), Heavy Tanks (slow but devastating — hold key positions), Aircraft (reconnaissance and close air support), and Naval vessels (control waterways and bombard shorelines). Each class has a distinct tactical role, and a well-composed squad mixes them to cover all angles.

Squad mechanics: You can join a pre-made squad of up to 12 players before a match, or be auto-assigned. Within a squad, a designated leader can call in air support, request repairs, and coordinate pushes. Communication is key — Enlisted supports voice chat, and squads that talk win. Matches last 15–25 minutes, and victory goes to the team that captures all objectives or destroys the enemy command.

Matchmaking & player count: Every match is 150 vs 150. The game uses a skill-based matchmaking system that pairs squads of similar rank. You can play solo (you'll be placed into a squad) or with friends. The free tier includes most vehicles; premium tracks unlock faster progression and exclusive skins.

War Thunder is Gaijin's other free-to-play military shooter, but with a broader scope: it spans from WWI to modern day and covers ground, air, and sea combat. Matches are 150 vs 150, and the game is famous for its sheer variety of vehicles — over 8,000 real-world machines from 30+ nations.

Vehicle classes in War Thunder: Light Tanks (scouts and flankers), Medium Tanks (all-rounders), Heavy Tanks (frontline tanks), SPGs (self-propelled guns — indirect fire), MTGs (multi-role tanks), Aircraft (fighters, bombers, attack planes), and Naval vessels (destroyers, cruisers, battleships, submarines). Each class has a unique tactical niche, and the game's three battle modes — Arcade, Realistic, and Simulator — change how you play each one.

Squad mechanics: War Thunder squads go up to 15 players. You can form a squad in the hangar, invite friends, or use the in-game squad finder. A squad leader can assign roles and coordinate attacks. In Realistic and Simulator modes, squad coordination is essential — a single well-timed pincer attack can turn the tide of a 150-player battle.

Matchmaking & player count: Matches are 150 vs 150. The game uses a Battle Rating (BR) system to match vehicles of similar power. You can play solo or in a squad. The free tier includes a solid selection of vehicles; premium vehicles and gold (the in-game currency) speed up progression. War Thunder is available on PC, consoles, and mobile.

Both games are free, both feature 150-player battles, and both are made by Gaijin. So what's the difference? Enlisted is a WWII-only shooter with a strong infantry focus — if you want to feel like a soldier on the ground with tanks and planes supporting you, Enlisted is the pick. War Thunder is broader: it covers more eras, more vehicle types, and three distinct battle modes. If you want variety and the option to fly, drive, or sail across decades of military history, War Thunder is the better fit.

For squad play, both games are excellent. Enlisted's 12-player squads feel tighter and more coordinated, while War Thunder's 15-player squads allow for more complex combined-arms tactics. If you have a group of friends, either game will keep you busy for hundreds of hours.

Ready to join the fight? Both games are free to download and play. Start with Enlisted for a gritty WWII experience, or dive into War Thunder for the ultimate military vehicle simulator. Your squad is waiting.