In War Thunder, you can take part in major battles on land, in the air, and at sea, fighting with real players from all over the world in a continuously developing environment.

War Thunder already offers a highly detailed experience in military aviation and ground forces combat, giving players access to a Guinness World Record breaking number of aircraft, as well as an abundance of tanks and other combat vehicles - and the number is constantly rising.

You can feel the unmatched intensity of aerial dogfights in a fighter, the decisive power of commanding a heavy strategic bomber or the heat of battle in a ground attacker, delivering precision strikes against your enemies.

Alternatively, you can join the spearhead of armoured vehicles, fighting for dominance over the battlefield on the ground: Man a heavy tank with impressive armour and firepower, use the maneuverability of a medium or light tank to your advantage, or support your team by screening the skies with your anti aircraft vehicle - the choice is yours!

Is War Thunder pay-to-win?

While War Thunder is free-to-play and you can unlock all vehicles through gameplay, some players feel that premium vehicles or account upgrades can offer advantages, particularly in terms of grinding efficiency. However, skill and teamwork usually have a greater impact than any paid elements, especially at higher levels of play.

What game modes are available in War Thunder?

War Thunder offers three main game modes: Arcade Battles for fast-paced action with simplified controls, Realistic Battles with more authentic physics and limited HUD, and Simulator Battles for the most realistic and immersive experience. Each mode caters to different playstyles and skill levels, allowing players to gradually progress or specialize.

How steep is the learning curve?

War Thunder can be challenging to newcomers due to its realistic mechanics and vast array of vehicles. Learning to control different unit types – especially aircraft and tanks in realistic or simulator modes – takes time and practice. However, many players find the depth rewarding once they get the hang of the basics.

Master your vehicles through both upgrades and personal experience in an environment that is constantly expanding and rewarding the personal skill of the player. Organise your efforts in one of the countless player squadrons and become an ace pilot or tanker - or both! Our thriving and welcoming community of millions of players is also actively participating in the game's ongoing development, offering custom content through War Thunder Live, such as skins, missions and even vehicles.

Features

  • An entire arsenal at your command - Over 500 highly detailed aircraft, tanks, and other combat vehicles crafted carefully from historical documents and surviving sources.
  • Right into the heat of battle - Intense PvP experiences in full-scale combat missions on various difficulty settings for all play styles and degrees of experience.
  • A single bullet can make a difference - A realistic damage system for aircraft and ground vehicles involving individual component durability instead of an overall health bar.
  • The true free to play experience - Download and play the game for free as much and as long as you like it. Support the ongoing development entirely at your own leisure.
  • Crossing the platform border - Seamless cross-platform gameplay between Windows PC, Linux, Mac and PlayStation with tens of thousands of players from all over the globe online at the same time.
  • Play together with your friends - Rich PvE content including historical and dynamic campaigns, solo missions, a mission editor and much more for single-player and cooperative gameplay.
  • Challenge the best of the best - Ever expanding tournament and clan battle systems, including ELO-based ranked matches as well as professionally organized events involving hundreds of players.
  • Theatrical beauty - Astonishing graphics, authentic sound effects and beautiful music creating an atmosphere to fully immerse yourself in.
  • Take matters in your own hands - Create custom content for War Thunder and share it on War Thunder Live, with the prospect of earning real money through the Revenue Share Partner System!
  • But wait, there is more! - Ever expanding and evolving environment, offering new and exciting content and features with every regular major update.

What's New

Meet Leviathans, War Thunder's second major update of 2025!

Leviathans introduces several new vehicles to the game. The Japanese F-2A, the Swiss subtree, Czechoslovakia's first domestic aircraft and the renowned RAH-66 Comanche! Ground forces benefit from the new Multi-Vehicle SAM system mechanic, enabling control of up to three vehicles at once. Battleship fans can rejoice with the most famous naval powerhouses in the world, such as Yamato and Bismarck, now making their way into the game. The Falkland Islands map is now available in Air Battles, and Berlin and Kuban have undergone visual enhancements. Alongside these additions, we've added fuel dumping, improved graphical effects and Frame Generation, made UI refinements, added new mechanics, and improved numerous aspects of the game!

Check out the changelog to see all the fixes, vehicles and other features that we've included in this major update.

Aircraft: F-2A and the Swiss Subtree!

Germany

  • Hunter F.58A (1971) (Switzerland)
  • F-5E (Switzerland)
  • Mirage IIIS C.70 (Switzerland)
  • F/A-18C (Switzerland) (Pack)
  • F/A-18C Late (Switzerland)
  • C-3604

USSR

  • L-39ZA Albatros (Pack)

Japan

  • F-2A
  • F-2A ADTW (Pack)

Italy

  • MiG-29 Sniper (Pack)

France

  • Fokker D.XXI (Netherlands)
  • NF-5A (Netherlands) (Pack)

Sweden

  • F/A-18C MLU 2 (Finland)
  • Saab F-35 (Squadron Vehicle)
  • Ground Vehicles: New SAMs, Second World War Premium Packs, the Badger IFV and Leclerc MSC!

USA

  • Hell on Wheels Pack:
  • Sherman (Hell)
  • Hellcat (Hell)
  • Skink (Hell)
  • CLAWS
  • M4A3E8 – the textures have been updated
  • M18 (all variants) – the textures have been updated

Germany

  • IRIS-T SLM

USSR

  • In May 1945 Pack:
  • Т-34-85 ('45)
  • IS-1 ('45)
  • Hanomag ('45), a captured Sd.Kfz.251/21 with a MG151/20
  • T-72B3A
  • T-44-122 – the model has been updated
  • T-34-85 – the model has been updated
  • T-34-85E – the model has been updated

Great Britain

  • Echoes of Overlord Pack:
  • Firefly (Overlord)
  • Avenger (Overlord)
  • Crusader AA (Overlord)
  • Badger

Japan

  • Tan-SAM kai

China

  • CS/SA5
  • T-34-85 (S-53) – the model has been updated

Italy

  • Leopard 1A2

France

  • Leopard 2 (OTCo) (Pack)
  • MSC

Sweden

  • M24 DK
  • EldE 98
  • T-34-85 (Finland) – the model has been updated

Israel

  • SPYDER AIO
  • Helicopters: RAH-66 Comanche and Chinese Helicopters

USA

  • RAH-66 (Pack)
  • UH-1B, UH-1C – detailed damage model has been added

Germany

  • UH-1D – detailed damage model has been added

Japan

  • UH-1B – detailed damage model has been added

China

  • Z-10ME
  • Z-10A (Squadron Vehicle)
  • Z-10 – detailed damage model has been added

Italy

  • AB 205 A-1 – detailed damage model has been added