Hey War Thunder enthusiasts, if you're diving into the massively multiplayer online (MMO) combat game, or just curious about it, you're in the right place! War Thunder is an awesome game, and there's a lot to learn. Think of this guide as your friendly starting point. We'll go through the basics, some tips to get you started, and everything in between to make sure your introduction to the game is as smooth as possible. From understanding the different game modes to picking your first vehicles and mastering the art of combat, this guide has got your back. Whether you are a fan of historical accuracy, or just like to see stuff blow up, War Thunder has something for you, and we're here to help you get the most out of it. Let's get started, shall we?

Getting Started in War Thunder: A Beginner's Overview

So, you've downloaded War Thunder, and you're ready to roll (or fly, or sail). First off, congratulations, you’ve made a great decision! War Thunder is a free-to-play, cross-platform MMO combat game dedicated to military vehicles used in World War II and the Cold War. You can play on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and even Linux – talk about accessibility, right? You'll be able to control aircraft, tanks, and ships, which is pretty cool. The game has a huge variety of vehicles, representing different nations, all with different stats, playstyles, and historical relevance. The game’s realistic graphics and sound design immerse you in the heat of battle. Before jumping into actual gameplay, you need to understand the basic mechanics, like how to control your vehicles and navigate the user interface. It might seem like a lot to take in at first, but trust me, it’s not too complicated once you get the hang of it.

The game offers multiple game modes, including Arcade, Realistic, and Simulator Battles. Each mode provides a unique experience. In Arcade Battles, you get a more fast-paced and forgiving experience, with simplified controls and markers for enemies. Realistic Battles add more realism, with more complex controls, limited ammo, and no markers. Simulator Battles are the most challenging, offering full realism, and requiring skillful control and situational awareness. It is a good idea to start with Arcade Battles to get the feel of the game and get to know the vehicles. You will earn Research Points (RP) and Silver Lions (SL) in battles. RP is used to research new vehicles and modules, and SL is used to purchase them, as well as repair and rearm your vehicles. Managing your resources is very important. Think of it like this: If you want to progress in the game, you need to be smart about how you spend your SL and RP. Don't worry too much about the details in the beginning; the most important thing is to have fun and get familiar with the game. As you play more, you’ll gradually understand the more advanced aspects.

Choosing Your First Nation and Vehicles: What to Know

Alright, time to get into the fun stuff: picking your nation and vehicles! In War Thunder, you can play as one of several nations, including the USA, Germany, the USSR (now Russia), Great Britain, Japan, China, France, Italy, and Sweden. Each nation has its own unique tech tree, offering a variety of vehicles with their own strengths and weaknesses. Think about what kind of playstyle you prefer. Do you like fast, agile aircraft or heavy-hitting tanks? Or maybe you like the idea of fighting with a particular nation's vehicles because you enjoy the history. Maybe you just like the look of a specific tank. Whatever your reasons, your choice of nation can have a major impact on your experience.

Now, let's talk about vehicles. Each nation has a tech tree with different vehicle types, including aircraft, tanks, and naval vessels. Within each tech tree, you'll find different tiers, with lower tiers being easier to start with. When starting, you'll want to focus on a balanced lineup, which means having a mix of vehicle types to deal with various threats. When starting out, it's a good idea to pick a nation with a solid all-around tech tree. The USA and USSR are usually a safe bet, as they offer a balanced selection of vehicles. German and British tanks are also popular choices. Don't be afraid to try out different vehicles and see which ones you enjoy the most. Every vehicle has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s all about finding out what works for you. Remember, the goal is to have fun while learning. Take some time to try out different vehicles and see what suits your style. The more you play, the more you will understand the game's mechanics, and you'll eventually find the vehicles and nations that are perfect for you.

Aircraft

For aircraft, consider starting with the biplanes in Arcade Battles to learn the controls. The biplanes are quite easy to maneuver, but not very well armored. After a few matches, try out the monoplanes. They are more maneuverable and can pack quite a punch. The main thing about planes is to practice, practice, practice. You need to get the feel of flying and learn how to aim, and the best way to do this is just to play. Then, as you advance, you can research the different types of aircraft, such as fighters, attackers, and bombers. Each type has its own role in battle. Fighters are good for dogfighting, attackers are good for ground attack, and bombers are good for destroying ground targets.

Tanks

For tanks, start with the low-tier tanks, to understand their armor, guns, and mobility. Tanks are a bit more forgiving than aircraft, because they have armor. But, you still need to learn the weak spots of the enemy tanks, so that you can destroy them with a single shot. Start by learning the basics of tank warfare, such as angling your armor and using cover. Once you get the hang of it, you can start researching the different types of tanks, such as heavy tanks, medium tanks, and light tanks. Heavy tanks have the most armor and firepower, medium tanks are a balance between armor, firepower, and mobility, and light tanks are fast and maneuverable, but they have less armor and firepower.

Naval Vessels

Naval vessels are a different beast. Naval battles are slower-paced than air and ground battles, but still offer a unique experience. When starting out, it's a good idea to focus on the small vessels, such as destroyers and light cruisers. These vessels are faster and more maneuverable than the larger vessels, and they are easier to learn. Naval warfare is all about positioning and teamwork. You need to learn how to use cover and coordinate with your teammates to defeat the enemy. Naval battles can be quite complex, but the rewards are worth it.

Understanding Game Modes and Battle Mechanics

Let’s dive into the core of War Thunder: the game modes and how battles work. As we touched on earlier, War Thunder has several game modes, each offering a distinct experience. Arcade Battles are great for beginners. They provide a fast-paced, action-packed experience with simplified controls and markers for enemies. This mode is the best for learning the basics, getting a feel for the vehicles, and earning rewards. Next up, we have Realistic Battles, which add a layer of realism with more complex controls, limited ammo, and no markers. It’s perfect for players who want a more challenging and authentic experience. And finally, Simulator Battles are the most challenging. They offer full realism, requiring skillful control and situational awareness. This mode is intended for experienced players who want the ultimate challenge.

Now, let's talk about the battles themselves. In War Thunder, battles are team-based, with players working together to achieve the objective of the game mode. Each battle has its own objective, such as capturing a point, destroying enemy vehicles, or defending a base. The game uses a matchmaking system to match players based on their vehicle's Battle Rating (BR). BR is a rating that reflects the performance of a vehicle. The higher the BR, the more advanced the vehicle is. The matchmaking system tries to match players with vehicles of similar BR. This is so that players don't have to face vehicles that are too strong for them. This system is designed to provide a fair and balanced experience. This can be complex, and there is a lot to learn about it, but knowing the basics will help you understand how the game works.

Essential Tips and Strategies for New Players

Alright, time for some insider tips and strategies to give you an edge in War Thunder. These are some of the things that can help you improve your gameplay and have a better time. First and foremost, learn the basics. Understand how your vehicles work, what their strengths and weaknesses are, and how to control them. Take some time to get familiar with the controls and the interface. Don't be afraid to experiment and try out different things. The best way to learn is by doing, so just play the game. Also, know your maps. Get familiar with the different maps in the game. Learn the best routes, the best cover spots, and the strategic locations. This knowledge will give you a major advantage over your opponents. Another important thing is to learn the different vehicles. Each vehicle has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to know what you’re up against. Learn the armor layouts of the different tanks and the handling characteristics of the different aircraft. Also, manage your resources. Don't spend all your Silver Lions and Research Points at once. Save them up so you can buy new vehicles and modules. Learn to repair your vehicles after battle so you can save money.

Now, let's talk about gameplay. The first thing to remember is to stay aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the mini-map, and watch out for enemies. Use the environment to your advantage. Use cover to protect yourself from enemy fire and take advantage of the terrain. Also, teamwork is essential. Coordinate with your teammates to achieve the objective of the game mode. Work together to take down enemy vehicles and capture objectives. And finally, practice makes perfect. The more you play, the better you’ll get. Don’t get discouraged if you lose. Learn from your mistakes and keep practicing.

Mastering Combat: Aircraft, Tanks, and Naval Vessels

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of combat, looking at aircraft, tanks, and naval vessels. These tips will help you to survive and make a name for yourself in the game.

Aircraft: When you’re flying, the most important thing is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your aircraft. Fighters excel in dogfights, while attackers and bombers are designed for ground attacks and strategic bombing runs, respectively. During a dogfight, master the art of turning, looping, and rolling to outmaneuver your opponents. Proper energy management is key – maintain your speed to retain your maneuverability. Learn to anticipate your opponent's moves and position yourself for the perfect shot. For ground attacks, use your aircraft's weaponry effectively. Identify the critical targets, such as tanks, anti-aircraft guns, or ground bases, and plan your approach accordingly. Dive from a high altitude to gain speed, and use your bombs, rockets, and machine guns to destroy the enemy. Remember to be aware of anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighters.

Tanks: Tank combat in War Thunder involves a balance of firepower, armor, and maneuverability. Learn the weak spots of the different enemy tanks. The sides and rear of most tanks are generally the weakest. Angle your armor to deflect incoming shots. Use the environment to your advantage. Use hills, buildings, and other obstacles to provide cover. Practice your aim. Learn the lead needed to hit moving targets. Don't rush into battle. Take your time to assess the situation and plan your moves. Coordinate with your teammates. Work together to take down enemy tanks. Utilize the different tank types, such as heavy tanks, medium tanks, and light tanks. Heavy tanks have the most armor and firepower, medium tanks are a balance between armor, firepower, and mobility, and light tanks are fast and maneuverable, but they have less armor and firepower.

Naval Vessels: Naval battles require different tactics compared to air and ground combat. First, learn to use your vessel's weapons effectively. Understand the range and accuracy of your guns, and learn how to aim. Position your vessel strategically. Use islands and other obstacles to provide cover, and position yourself to take advantage of the enemy's blind spots. Work with your teammates. Coordinate your attacks to sink enemy vessels. Practice your damage control skills. Learn how to repair damaged modules and control fires. Naval battles are all about positioning and teamwork. Learning the basics can make you an expert in no time.

Understanding Vehicle Progression: Research and Upgrades

Okay, let's talk about how you get better stuff in War Thunder: vehicle progression. You will start with basic vehicles, and you will gradually unlock more advanced ones as you play. Your main goal here is to get better gear, and you do this through research and upgrades. First, you earn Research Points (RP) and Silver Lions (SL) in battles. RP is used to research new vehicles and modules, and SL is used to purchase them, as well as repair and rearm your vehicles. The higher the battle rating (BR) of the vehicle you use, the more RP and SL you will earn. Be sure to use a variety of vehicles to keep things interesting and to maximize your RP earnings.

To research new vehicles, you need to use the RP you earn in battles. Each vehicle has its own research tree, with different vehicles and modules that you can unlock. You will have to research modules for each vehicle. Modules improve your vehicle's performance. The first modules you should research are those that improve your vehicle's mobility, such as engines and transmissions. Modules like new guns and ammo types will help you defeat your opponents. In addition to RP, you also need to use SL to purchase the vehicles and modules you have researched. Use your SL wisely. Don't spend all of your SL at once. If you start to run low on funds, consider using lower-tier vehicles, as they are cheaper to repair. The more you play, the better you’ll get, so keep at it! Keep this in mind when you are advancing in the game, and you will do great.

The Importance of Customization: Camouflages, Decals, and More

Let’s talk about something a bit more fun: customization. War Thunder offers a lot of ways to personalize your vehicles, making them stand out on the battlefield. You can use camouflages, decals, and other cosmetic items to give your vehicles a unique look. The customization options allow you to show off your personality. Camouflages are paint schemes that can be used to make your vehicle blend in with the environment. Decals are stickers that you can apply to your vehicle, such as flags, emblems, and historical markings. These can be added to your vehicles by clicking on the customization menu. You will find several options there. You can create your own custom skins or download skins made by other players. The customization options are endless, so get creative! Remember, you can also purchase premium vehicles and customization items. Premium vehicles are vehicles that have a higher BR and better performance than standard vehicles, and can be purchased with Golden Eagles, the game’s premium currency. Customization options are a great way to show off your creativity, and make your vehicles unique.

Making the Most of the War Thunder Community: Forums, Squads, and More

Alright, let’s talk about the War Thunder community, which is a great part of the game. War Thunder is more than just a game; it's a community of players from all over the world. Joining the community can enhance your gaming experience. There are numerous ways to connect with other players, such as forums, squads, and social media. The official War Thunder forums are a great place to ask questions, share tips, and discuss the game. Squads are groups of players who team up to play together. Joining a squad can make the game more fun and strategic. Social media is also a great place to connect with other players. You can find players on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Discord. You can also watch videos and live streams on YouTube and Twitch. Watching the videos can help you learn new strategies, and discover new vehicles. Remember to be respectful of others. The War Thunder community is a great place to learn and connect with other players, so get out there and join in the fun!

Troubleshooting Common Issues and Further Resources

Let’s finish up with some troubleshooting and resources. Sometimes, you may run into some issues while playing. Don’t panic, here’s a quick guide to some common problems and how to solve them. If you’re experiencing connection issues, make sure your internet connection is stable. If you’re having trouble with the game’s performance, try lowering your graphics settings. If you’re having problems with the game’s controls, make sure your controls are properly configured. If you still have trouble, there are plenty of resources available to help you. The official War Thunder website has a support section where you can find answers to frequently asked questions and submit a support ticket. The War Thunder forums are another great resource. There, you can ask for help from other players. You can also watch videos and live streams on YouTube and Twitch. Remember, the War Thunder community is a great place to ask for help, so don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. Happy gaming, and enjoy your time in the world of War Thunder!