War Thunder is a sprawling military MMO that spans air, land, and sea combat across multiple nations and eras. With its realistic physics, massive vehicle roster, and diverse game modes, it offers a rich but often overwhelming experience. Whether you're a new recruit or a seasoned veteran, this guide delivers practical tips and strategic insights to help you thrive. From choosing your first vehicle to mastering advanced tactics, we’ll walk through ten key stages of gameplay—each arranged in a logical timeline that mirrors your journey through War Thunder.

1. How to Choose Your Starting Nation and Vehicle Line

Your first decision in War Thunder sets the tone for your entire experience. Each nation has unique strengths and weaknesses across its vehicle lines.

Germany offers powerful tanks and high-speed aircraft. The USA provides balanced options across all branches. Russia features durable tanks and agile planes. Britain and Japan excel in aviation and naval combat. France, Italy, and China offer niche strengths worth exploring later.

Vehicle Branches

  • Ground Forces: Tanks, SPGs, AA vehicles
  • Air Forces: Fighters, bombers, attackers
  • Naval Forces: Torpedo boats, destroyers, cruisers

Tips

  • Start with one nation and one branch to avoid spreading resources thin
  • Choose based on your preferred playstyle: aggressive, defensive, or support

Conclusion: Your starting nation and branch shape your early progress. Pick wisely to match your tactical instincts.

2. How to Understand Game Modes and Their Mechanics

War Thunder features several game modes, each with distinct mechanics and realism levels. Understanding them helps you adapt and succeed.

Arcade Battles are fast-paced with simplified physics and aiming aids. Realistic Battles remove most assists and require manual control. Simulator Battles offer full immersion with cockpit views and no HUD. Naval and Assault modes add further variety.

Mode Breakdown

  • Arcade: forgiving, fast, ideal for learning
  • Realistic: tactical, skill-based, rewarding
  • Simulator: immersive, challenging, high skill ceiling

Progression Strategy

  • Begin in Arcade to learn controls and mechanics
  • Transition to Realistic for deeper gameplay
  • Try Simulator once you’ve mastered fundamentals

Conclusion: Each mode offers unique challenges. Progress through them as your skills and confidence grow.

3. How to Upgrade Vehicles and Train Crews Efficiently

Vehicle and crew upgrades are essential for improving performance. Knowing what to prioritize saves time and resources.

Vehicle modifications include parts, fire protection, engine upgrades, and weapon enhancements. Crew skills affect reload speed, spotting, and survivability. Use boosters and daily rewards to accelerate progress.

Upgrade Priorities

  • Unlock “Parts” and “FPE” first for survivability
  • Train crew in “Vitality,” “Repair,” and “Weapon Reload”
  • Use convertible RP and boosters strategically

Efficiency Tips

  • Focus on one vehicle line until Rank III or IV
  • Avoid researching multiple vehicles simultaneously

Conclusion: Smart upgrades lead to better combat performance. Invest in survivability and firepower first.

4. How to Manage the Economy and Avoid Resource Traps

War Thunder’s economy includes Silver Lions, Golden Eagles, Research Points, and repair costs. Managing these wisely is crucial.

Silver Lions are earned in battles and used for repairs and purchases. Golden Eagles are premium currency for crew training and premium vehicles. RP unlocks new vehicles and modules. Poor resource management can stall your progress.

Economic Tips

  • Survive longer to reduce repair costs
  • Use backup vehicles and avoid unnecessary respawns
  • Don’t buy premium vehicles too early

Smart Spending

  • Save Golden Eagles for talismans or crew slots
  • Use events and login rewards to earn extra currency

Conclusion: A stable economy supports long-term success. Spend strategically and avoid wasteful habits.

5. How to Win Ground Battles with Tactical Positioning

Ground battles reward tactical movement, armor knowledge, and map awareness. Charging blindly leads to quick defeat.

Use terrain for cover and concealment. Angle your armor to deflect shots. Learn weak spots on enemy tanks and aim for crew compartments or ammo racks. Flanking is often more effective than frontal assaults.

Ground Combat Tips

  • Use binoculars to scout before moving
  • Avoid open areas unless necessary
  • Flank enemies to hit side or rear armor

Vehicle Roles

  • Light tanks: recon and flanking
  • Medium tanks: versatile combat
  • Heavy tanks: frontline brawlers

Conclusion: Ground combat is about patience and positioning. Use terrain and angles to outplay opponents.

6. How to Dominate Air Battles with Energy Management

Air combat in War Thunder is dynamic and skill-based. Success depends on altitude control, energy retention, and aiming.

Climb early to gain altitude advantage. Use boom-and-zoom tactics for high-speed attacks. Avoid turn fights unless your aircraft excels in maneuverability. Learn to lead shots and manage throttle effectively.

Air Combat Tips

  • Lead your shots—don’t aim directly at the target
  • Use clouds and sun for concealment
  • Watch your speed to avoid stalling

Aircraft Roles

  • Fighters: air superiority
  • Bombers: strategic destruction
  • Attackers: ground support

Conclusion: Air battles reward control and timing. Master energy tactics to rule the skies.

7. How to Navigate Naval Battles and Use Ship Systems

Naval combat is slower-paced but requires strategic positioning and target prioritization. Understanding ship roles and weapon systems is vital.

Use islands and terrain to avoid torpedoes. Focus fire on enemy turrets and engines. Know when to switch between HE and AP shells. Use AA guns to defend against aircraft.

Naval Tips

  • Use smoke screens to escape or reposition
  • Watch for aircraft and use AA guns effectively
  • Lead shots based on enemy speed and distance

Ship Types

  • Torpedo Boats: fast and deadly
  • Destroyers: balanced offense and defense
  • Cruisers: heavy firepower and range

Conclusion: Naval battles reward tactical patience. Control the sea by mastering positioning and fire discipline.

8. How to Use Terrain and Cover to Your Advantage

Terrain is a powerful tool in War Thunder. Use it to hide, ambush, and protect yourself from enemy fire.

In ground battles, use hills, buildings, and foliage to stay hidden. In air battles, use clouds and altitude. In naval battles, use islands and smoke. Terrain can break line of sight and create opportunities for surprise attacks.

Terrain Tactics

  • Hull-down positions protect your tank
  • Use reverse slope to peek safely
  • Hide behind wreckage or terrain features

Environmental Awareness

  • Know map layouts and common ambush spots
  • Use terrain to break line of sight and reposition

Conclusion: Terrain is your ally. Use it creatively to gain the upper hand in any mode.

9. How to Communicate and Coordinate with Your Team

Teamwork is essential in War Thunder, especially in Realistic and Simulator modes. Coordinated attacks and shared intel win matches.

Use chat or voice to call out enemy positions. Support teammates with repairs or cover fire. Stick together to avoid being picked off. Squads offer better coordination and shared spawn points.

Teamwork Tips

  • Ping targets and objectives
  • Protect teammates during reloads or repairs
  • Share spawn points and coordinate flanks

Squad Play

  • Join a squad for better coordination
  • Use Discord or in-game voice for real-time tactics

Conclusion: Lone wolves rarely win. Teamwork multiplies your effectiveness and survivability.

10. How to Prepare for Events, Tournaments, and World War Mode

War Thunder hosts frequent events, tournaments, and World War mode battles. These offer unique rewards and competitive challenges.

Prepare by reading event rules and objectives. Use appropriate vehicles and tactics. Practice in custom battles or training missions. Competitive play requires discipline and coordination.

Event Strategy

  • Focus on objectives, not just kills
  • Use boosters and talismans to maximize rewards
  • Track progress and deadlines

Competitive Play

  • Join squadrons for organized tournaments
  • Watch replays and learn from top players

Conclusion: Events are a great way to earn rare items and test your skills. Prepare well and play smart to stand out.

Final Thoughts

War Thunder is a rich and rewarding game that demands tactical thinking, mechanical skill, and strategic planning. By following this guide—from choosing your first vehicle to mastering advanced combat—you’ll build a strong foundation and rise through the ranks. Whether you prefer tanks, planes, or ships, success comes from preparation, teamwork, and adaptability. So gear up, take aim, and make every battle count