War Thunder, developed by Gaijin Entertainment, is a massively multiplayer online (MMO) vehicular combat game that has captivated players since its release in 2012.
Set against the backdrop of World War II and the early Cold War era, the game offers a unique blend of realism and accessibility.
With its focus on aerial, ground, and naval battles, War Thunder has become a staple for fans of military simulations. But is it worth your time?
Let’s dive into its features, gameplay, user experience, and more.
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What are some of the highlights of War Thunder?
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Diverse Vehicle Selection: War Thunder boasts an impressive collection of over 2,000 historically accurate vehicles, including tanks, aircraft, ships, and helicopters. These span from the 1930s to the early Cold War period, offering something for every military enthusiast.
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Realistic Physics and Graphics: Powered by the Dagor Engine, the game delivers stunning visuals and realistic damage models. Maps are designed based on real-world battlefields, enhancing immersion.
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Cross-Platform Play: Available on PC, PlayStation (PS4/PS5), Xbox (Xbox One/Series X|S), macOS, and Linux, War Thunder supports cross-platform play, ensuring a broad player base.
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How good is the gameplay?
The gameplay is divided into three main categories: Arcade, Realistic, and Simulator modes. Each mode caters to different playstyles:
- Arcade Mode: Fast-paced and action-oriented with simplified controls.
- Realistic Mode: A step closer to simulation with detailed mechanics like fuel consumption and realistic damage.
- Simulator Mode: The most challenging mode with cockpit-only views and no visual markers for enemies or allies.
Additionally, players can engage in mixed battles involving air, ground, and naval units simultaneously. PvE modes like “Assault” complement the primarily PvP-oriented gameplay.
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What about the User Experience?
The game provides a steep learning curve but rewards players with satisfying combat once mastered.
However, recent controversies over monetization changes have led to community backlash. Players criticized the in-game economy for being overly grindy unless supplemented by microtransactions.
Despite this, War Thunder maintains an active player base of around 97,000 daily users as of today.
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Is the game popular among gamers?
With over 30 million registered players globally since its launch, War Thunder remains one of the most popular free-to-play military games.
Its continuous updates and events keep the community engaged. However, its Steam rating recently dropped to “Mixed” due to monetization issues.
What are some good alternatives to War Thunder?
If you enjoy War Thunder, you might also like:
- World of Tanks: Focused on tank battles.
- World of Warplanes: Aerial combat-centric.
- World of Warships: Naval warfare.
- Enlisted: A squad-based WWII shooter with similar mechanics.
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Where can I play War Thunder? Is it free?
War Thunder is free-to-play but includes optional in-game purchases for premium vehicles, currency, and faster progression.
It is available on Steam or directly through its official website. Unfortunately, it is not part of Xbox Game Pass.
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Final Thoughts
War Thunder is a feature-rich game that excels in delivering realistic vehicular combat across air, land, and sea.
While its steep learning curve and recent monetization controversies may deter some players, its depth and variety make it a standout title in the genre.
So, is it worth your time? If you’re a fan of military history or enjoy tactical combat simulations, absolutely.
However, be prepared for some grind unless you’re willing to invest in microtransactions.
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