War Thunder

Moby ID: 73606
box cover
Released
August 12, 2012 on Windows
Credits
182 people
Releases by Date (by platform)
Publishers
Developers
Moby Score
7.4
#9,071 of 26.4K
Critics
79% (15)
Players
(18)
Review Ranking
Collected By
208 players
Genre
Action
Simulation
Perspective
1st-person
Behind view
Visual
Free camera
Vehicular
Flight / aviation
Naval / watercraft
Tank
Setting
Cold War
Historical events
World War II
Windows Specs
ESRB Rating
Teen
Business Model
Freeware / Free-to-play / Public Domain
Media Type
Download
Input Devices Supported/Optional
Gamepad, Keyboard, Mouse, VR Helmet/Headset
Multiplayer Options
Internet
Number of Offline Players
1 Player
Number of Online Players
2-64 Players
[ view all 60 specs ]
Official Site
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Buy on Xbox Series
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Description official descriptions

War Thunder is a MMO combat game dedicated to World War II military aviation, armoured vehicles, and fleets. There are many scenarios of the major battles fought during World War II and the Korean War. You can choose from several models of aircrafts and ground vehicles. Flying and driving skills can be improved with each mission. It has historical campaigns, solo missions, a mission editor, single-player scenarios and cooperative gameplay.

The game is free-to-play and supports microtransactions, but almost all of the content can also be unlocked through regular gameplay by completing challenges or submitting user created content such as skins. Battles are divided into different game types such as Arcade Battles, Realistic Battles, Simulator Battles and Unrealistic Battles.

Spellings

  • 战争雷霆 - Simplified Chinese spelling
  • 戰爭雷霆 - Traditional Chinese spelling

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Credits (Windows version)

182 People (160 developers, 22 thanks) · View all

Producers
Art Directors
Lead Artists
Artists
Designers
[ full credits ]

Reviews

Critics

Average score: 79% (based on 15 ratings)

Players

Average score: 3.3 out of 5 (based on 18 ratings with 1 reviews)

Frustrating Economy Changes Ruin War Thunder Experience

The Good
Realistic Gameplay: War Thunder's focus on historical accuracy and attention to detail in its vehicle models is commendable. The game offers a wide range of meticulously recreated tanks, aircraft, and naval vessels, providing an immersive experience for history enthusiasts.

The Bad
Exploitative Economy: Over time, Gaijin Entertainment has made several changes to the in-game economy that increasingly push players towards spending real money. The game has become more and more pay-to-win, leaving non-paying players at a significant disadvantage. This approach feels unfair and turns the game into a grind fest or a blatant cash grab.

Inflation and Repair Costs: One of the most frustrating aspects is the constant inflation of in-game prices. Repair costs have skyrocketed, making it difficult to earn enough in-game currency to cover expenses. This forces players to either spend an excessive amount of time grinding or open their wallets to progress in a reasonable time frame.

Unbalanced Matchmaking: War Thunder's matchmaking system often fails to create fair and balanced matches. Players frequently find themselves pitted against opponents with superior vehicles, resulting in one-sided battles that feel unfair and frustrating. This issue discourages new players and makes progression feel impossible without investing real money.

Slow Progression: The game's progression system has become painfully slow and tedious. Gaijin Entertainment has made deliberate changes to increase the time it takes to unlock new vehicles, effectively stretching out the grind. This approach is disheartening, as it diminishes the sense of achievement and discourages players from continuing to play.

The Bottom Line
War Thunder's recent economic changes have transformed what was once a promising game into a frustrating and increasingly pay-to-win experience. The exploitative economy, inflated repair costs, unbalanced matchmaking, and slow progression significantly hinder the enjoyment of the game. It's disheartening to see Gaijin Entertainment prioritize monetization over player satisfaction. As a result, I cannot recommend War Thunder to anyone seeking a fair and rewarding gaming experience without constantly reaching into their wallets.

Windows · by chrono · 2023

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  • MobyGames ID: 73606
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Contributors to this Entry

Game added by Ripperian.

Xbox Series added by S Olafsson. Android, PlayStation 5 added by Kam1Kaz3NL77. Xbox One added by Kennyannydenny.

Additional contributors: firefang9212.

Game added July 8, 2015. Last modified May 7, 2025.