Combined-arms battles across air, land and sea.
War Thunder
Gaijin Entertainment
- Action
- MMO
- Strategy
- PC (client)
- Console
Reviewed 29 July 2026 · Added 18 June 2026
Editorial overview
War Thunder puts historically modelled aircraft, tanks and warships into the same battle, so a single match can swing on air cover, terrain or a well-placed shot. Progression runs through research trees by nation, and the difficulty settings let you move from arcade handling to full simulator controls at your own pace.
Key mechanics
- Nation-based research trees that unlock vehicles over time
- Arcade, realistic and simulator battle modes with different control fidelity
- Combined-arms matches where aircraft, armour and ships share one map
- Crew training and modification upgrades for each vehicle
What works well
- · An enormous, carefully modelled vehicle roster spanning decades of military history
- · Three difficulty tiers so newcomers and simulator fans can share the same game
- · Regular content updates and a large, active player base at most hours
Where it falls short
The learning curve is steep, and higher research tiers take a considerable amount of time without spending.
Who it suits
Suited to patient players who like military history, simulation depth and team tactics.
Devices and access
Best on a desktop or laptop with a dedicated graphics card; a controller or mouse and keyboard both work well.
Optional in-game purchases
Free to start. Optional purchases include premium vehicles, premium account time and cosmetic decals.