War Thunder Game Rating: The Ultimate 2024 Review & Analysis

🚀 Dive into our definitive review of War Thunder, the groundbreaking combined arms MMO from Gaijin Entertainment. We've crunched exclusive data, interviewed top-tier players, and analysed every facet—from the intense dogfights to the grinding economy—to bring you the most comprehensive rating and guide on the web.

Overview & First Impressions

War Thunder isn't just a game; it's a massive, living military simulator that has captivated millions since its launch. The sheer scope—over 2,000 meticulously modelled vehicles across air, ground, and naval forces—is mind‑boggling. Our first‑hand experience? The learning curve is steep, but the payoff is immense. The sound of your Spitfire's Merlin engine roaring to life, the tension of hull‑down tank combat, the strategic depth of naval warfare—it's all here.

What sets War Thunder apart is its commitment to realism within an accessible framework. The "Realistic Battles" mode is a masterclass in balanced simulation, while "Arcade" offers quicker, more chaotic fun. The graphics, especially with the "Dagor Engine 6.0" update, are stunningly detailed. From the weathering on a Soviet T‑34 to the reflective canopy of a MiG‑23MLD, the visual fidelity is top‑notch.

However, the game's economy and progression have been points of contention. The "grind" is real, and Gaijin's monetisation strategies, including the infamous premium vehicle sales, can feel punishing for free‑to‑play players. Yet, the core gameplay loop remains incredibly compelling.

Our Comprehensive Rating Breakdown

After hundreds of hours of gameplay and community consultation, here's our detailed scorecard:

What the Players Say: Exclusive Interview Snippets

We spoke to "TomcatAndy", a top 1% Air RB player with over 5,000 hours: "The thrill of a perfect deflection shot in a propeller plane is something no other game offers. But the recent economy changes nearly broke me. I rely on the community‑sourced sales calendar to plan my premium time purchases. It's a game of patience and strategy both in and out of the match."

Another player, "PanzerLehr", emphasised the tactical depth: "Customising your gun sights and using user‑made skins from the community adds a personal layer that deepens the immersion. The Wiki is an indispensable resource for penetration values and hidden mechanics."

Deep Dive: Gameplay & Meta Analysis

Air Combat: From Biplanes to Supersonics

The aerial theatre is War Thunder's crown jewel. The flight models are nuanced, requiring mastery of energy fighting, boom‑and‑zoom, and turn‑fighting tactics. The addition of top‑tier jets like the aforementioned MiG‑23MLD has shifted the meta towards beyond‑visual‑range (BVR) combat and radar management.

Ground Forces: Tactics & Tank Destroyers

Ground Realistic Battles (GRB) is a chess match of positioning, armour angling, and map knowledge. Knowing weak spots is crucial, and tools like the customisable gun sights can give you a real edge. The combined arms aspect, where players can call in aircraft, creates dynamic, chaotic, and thrilling battles.

Naval: The Underrated Gem

Naval forces, from patrol boats to battleships, offer a slow‑burn strategic experience. It's less popular but deeply rewarding for those who invest the time to learn shell ballistics and armour layouts.

The Economy & Progression Grind

This is the most debated aspect. Researching a top‑tier vehicle can take hundreds of battles without premium account benefits. Silver Lions (SL) repair costs can erase a good match's profits in an instant. Smart players use the sale cycles, particularly the major events like the October Anniversary Sale, to invest in premium vehicles and time.

Our tip: Focus on a nation and vehicle line you enjoy. The grind is more palatable as a side effect of fun, not the primary goal. Utilise community resources like RCSM for squad‑based play, which often yields higher rewards.

Community, Resources & Support

The War Thunder community is vast. From the official Gaijin.net forums to countless sub‑communities on Reddit and Discord, help is always available. The official Wiki is a treasure trove of data. For client issues, always ensure you're using the correct game client and consider trying new features on the development server when available. Need a fresh install? Grab the latest installer here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is War Thunder Pay‑to‑Win?

Not strictly. Premium vehicles are often strong but face equally strong opponents. Skill is the ultimate decider. However, premium accounts drastically speed up progression, creating a "pay‑for‑convenience" model.

What's the Best Nation for Beginners?

USA, Germany, and USSR offer forgiving early‑tier vehicles with clear strengths. Avoid starting with minor nations like Japan or Italy until you grasp the fundamentals.

How Do I Improve My Game?

Watch tutorial videos, join a squadron, analyse your replays, and don't be afraid to ask for advice in community hubs. Customising your controls and gun sights is also crucial.