War Thunder: The Ultimate Military Vehicle Simulator
War Thunder is a free-to-play military shooter developed by Gaijin Entertainment. 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. Whether you want to fly a Spitfire, drive a Tiger tank, or command a battleship, War Thunder has you covered.
Vehicle Classes & Tactics
War Thunder features a wide range of vehicle classes, each with a distinct tactical role:
- Light Tanks: Fast and lightly armored. Ideal for scouting, flanking, and hit-and-run attacks. They can outmaneuver heavier tanks but die quickly in a head-on fight.
- Medium Tanks: The backbone of any squad. Balanced firepower and protection make them versatile — they can hold a position, push forward, or support infantry.
- Heavy Tanks: Slow but devastating. Heavy tanks hold key positions, absorb damage, and provide suppressing fire. They're the anvil that the squad's hammer strikes.
- SPGs (Self-Propelled Guns): Indirect fire support. SPGs can hit enemies from behind cover, making them deadly in defensive positions.
- MTGs (Multi-Role Tanks): A hybrid class that combines elements of light, medium, and heavy tanks. Versatile but not the best at anything.
- Aircraft: Fighters, bombers, and attack planes. Fighters dominate the air; bombers provide strategic bombing; attack planes offer close air support.
- Naval Vessels: Destroyers, cruisers, battleships, and submarines. Naval vessels control waterways and provide fire support to ground forces.
The key to success in War Thunder is understanding your vehicle's role and playing to its strengths. A light tank that tries to fight head-on will die quickly. A heavy tank that tries to flank will be outmaneuvered. Know your vehicle, know your role, and you'll be a force to be reckoned with.
Battle Modes
War Thunder offers three battle modes, each with a different level of realism:
- Arcade: The most forgiving mode. Damage is reduced, respawns are available, and the game is more action-oriented. Great for beginners.
- Realistic: A middle ground. Damage is more realistic, but there are still some assists. The most popular mode for competitive play.
- Simulator: The most realistic mode. No assists, full damage, and a steep learning curve. For veterans who want the ultimate challenge.
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.
Squad composition matters. A mix of light, medium, and heavy tanks, plus air support, gives you the flexibility to adapt to any situation. A squad of all heavy tanks will struggle against a squad of light tanks that can outmaneuver them.
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.
Getting Started
New to War Thunder? Start with Arcade mode to learn the basics. Once you're comfortable, try Realistic mode for a more challenging experience. Join a squad — even a small one of 3–5 players — and you'll learn faster than playing solo. The community is active, and there are plenty of guides and Discord servers to help you improve.
War Thunder is free to download and play. Create your account, pick your nation, and jump into the fight. Your squad is waiting.
Prefer a WWII-only experience? Check out our Enlisted guide for gritty squad-based warfare.