War Thunder

 PC
User Score
3.8

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 1908 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 590 out of 1908
  2. Mixed: 203 out of 1908
  3. Negative: 1,115 out of 1908

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  1. Valgancar
    Aug 17, 2013
    10
    This is best simulation of World War II. Take your plane and prepare for best war simulator ever!yet better this game is simulator it MMo mode!!!!!!!!
  2. ivan7788
    Nov 30, 2017
    8
    Update: Even after the "fix" lowering RP and SL the game still broken because in the end the player earn a lot less per kill and won battle, pretty evil politics gaijin!
    1. The game has amazing graphics and a lot of potential.
    2. The multiplayer aspect is based on unbalance in order to cause player frustration and push player into getting overpriced (average 40-70 euros for a pay to win    Update: Even after the "fix" lowering RP and SL the game still broken because in the end the player earn a lot less per kill and won battle, pretty evil politics gaijin!
    1. The game has amazing graphics and a lot of potential.
    2. The multiplayer aspect is based on unbalance in order to cause player frustration and push player into getting overpriced (average 40-70 euros for a pay to win tank) pay to win premium vehicles.
    3. The game is handled by a rigid and agressive customer service and forum moderators.
    4. The game makes you believe that bounces, ricochet and stuff like that is handled by physics until you realize that a 88mm shell bounces of a 2mm thick AAA "armor", wich proof that there is no physics but ramdomness.    … Expand
  3. Brosman
    Sep 4, 2013
    8
    I'm kind of suprised this game is on Metacritic since its still in Beta. That fact aside, it is incredibly fun to play and is absolutely stunning to look at. This is one of the most impressive looking games to ever be made. Flying is one of those things that is easy to learn yet hard to master, so everyone can play it but those who put in the time to get better can give themselves anI'm kind of suprised this game is on Metacritic since its still in Beta. That fact aside, it is incredibly fun to play and is absolutely stunning to look at. This is one of the most impressive looking games to ever be made. Flying is one of those things that is easy to learn yet hard to master, so everyone can play it but those who put in the time to get better can give themselves an advantage in combat. Planes all handle differently and have different roles which gives this game great strategy features. Planes have just enough customization options to give you plane personal flair without going overboard, and every plane levels differently. Now the problems i have with it i dont really want to effect the score given its beta phase but ramming is a major issue. I think if the devs could solve the problem of other players who use ramming to either a) dont know how to shoot or b) are trolling this game would improve a lot. Also, IMO, i think that the game should be more details on how you got shot down. Its hard to learn from your mistakes when you dont know what happened to your plane. Sometimes it tells you (like when you have a fuel leak) somtimes it doesnt. I just find it annoying to be fine and then suddenly your plane loses control and crashes. Overall i cant give this game over an eight simply because its an unfinished product, and i i wont let some of its problems effect its score because of that fact too. I cant wait for them to expand the Beta and get ground and Naval combat in the game.… Expand
  4. StevieGe
    Aug 24, 2013
    8
    For a free-2-play, this game is very good. Great atmosphere, nice plane models and overall good visuals. This game even runs on low-end PCs (such as mine) without so much as a hiccup. At the time of writing this review, the game is in open-|3eta. Atm it stands as one of the most fun warplane multiplayer dogfight simulators I have played.
    This game is worth a try, especially since it won't    For a free-2-play, this game is very good. Great atmosphere, nice plane models and overall good visuals. This game even runs on low-end PCs (such as mine) without so much as a hiccup. At the time of writing this review, the game is in open-|3eta. Atm it stands as one of the most fun warplane multiplayer dogfight simulators I have played.
    This game is worth a try, especially since it won't cost you anything (if you don't in-game purchase), except 7Gb of hard drive and your precious time.    … Expand
  5. Anitrex
    May 9, 2015
    10
    Switched from World of Tanks to War Thunder when they added tanks to the game. Best decision i ever made in my gaming life. Just give this one a try if you like World of Tanks. I assure you tank combat in War Thunder is 10x better. The progression system is a bit confusing at the start but once you figure it out you'll be hooked to your computer screen hours on end.
  6. Xqutr
    Dec 20, 2013
    10
    Good physics and graphics. It all works with fine optimisation.
    Not like world of tanks, which give zero graphics and zero physics and demands ultra-high-end computer for that crap
  7. Jappp
    Oct 16, 2013
    8
    Great game, aerial combat is top notch, handling of the large array of planes varies greatly which is of course how it should be.
    Few minor complaints, its not as fast paced as it can be. Flying to the "battle zone" takes way too long imo, plus, the only indication that you are flying fast is some low volume sound effect.
    Any complaints in negative reviews as: the planes aren't balanced    Great game, aerial combat is top notch, handling of the large array of planes varies greatly which is of course how it should be.
    Few minor complaints, its not as fast paced as it can be. Flying to the "battle zone" takes way too long imo, plus, the only indication that you are flying fast is some low volume sound effect.
    Any complaints in negative reviews as: the planes aren't balanced or the Japanese have fewer planes than the Germans. Yeah well that's because they did. I believe Gaijin did an excellent job of recreating the actual planes and their specs.
    Matchmaking is fine, sure you might come across one or two tier 10 planes when you're flying a tier 6, but that's because you have a tier 8 or 9 plane somewhere in you're "hangar". That's what the matchmaking does, it's takes your highest level plane. Thus providing a challenge!
    Also, this is not a Play2Win game, I've never paid a dime and I still kick *ss ;-)
    Last but not least, the mouse aiming is vastly superior to every other type of control, hence I would suggest to ditch that. It's still a fair battle now that everyone is using it but it would make the game more difficult, which is good.

    So in short, if you're looking for a an fun, REALISTIC WWII dogfight, this game is for you.
    If you can't get your head around the fact that a British Spitfire is better than Russian La-GG than you shouldn't be playing games like this at all.

    PS: why is every negative review here coming from users with only negative reviews, troll or just sourpuss?    … Expand
  8. foxthor
    Aug 24, 2013
    8
    Great World War 2 simulation. The controls are easy to use, the planes look very impressive, the details are great. It seems like a steep level progression and might become repetitive after a while but for a free to play game its worth trying. If they do bring out the land and sea part of this game too it would make for a very impressive F2P WW2 simulator.
  9. Forvale
    Sep 28, 2013
    9
    People going into this expecting a true simulation may be underwhelmed,
    but it's not the true intention of War Thunder.
    This is about WW2 dogfights and providing air support for the ground units, it's both casual, deeply engaging and well detailed. WarThunder captures the feeling of flying each plane beautifully, with looks, sounds, handling and tactics that showcase that each plane    People going into this expecting a true simulation may be underwhelmed,
    but it's not the true intention of War Thunder.

    This is about WW2 dogfights and providing air support for the ground units, it's both casual, deeply engaging and well detailed.
    WarThunder captures the feeling of flying each plane beautifully, with looks, sounds, handling and tactics that showcase that each plane was unique and special in WW2
    .
    This is a very fun game, and far from pay to win like some "critics" are complaining about. Of course there are benefits for paying for things, as some planes cannot be obtained through gameplay alone but the majority can, and quite easily depending on your skill level. The plane unlock progresses seemingly along the path mirroring how technology advanced as WW2 raged. With more planes, weapons and parts, coming available as you rank up. All planes are fairly historically accurate with their equipment, so naturally some will be better than others, but every plane has a purpose and can hold it's own.

    The controls are whatever you choose, k/b and mouse, pad, or joystick, and all work quite well. Mouse and keyboard use for a flying sim, has been strangely butchered in flying games in the past, but in WarThunder it makes sense and is still a satisfying flying experience. People voicing negativity at the mouse being 'superior' to use in arcade mode, are missing the point completely.

    The maps are varied and many are based off real WW2 air battle-spaces, like Guatamala or the skies of The Battle For Britain, Iwo Jima and many others.

    This is a great game, easy to get into, with optional tutorials for when you need them (such as your first bomber being bought) the menu system is not perfect but it's still fairly intuitive and friendly.

    My only criticisms are; the music can be a bit repetive after a while, but it is still not "annoying" and maintains the WW2 'flavour', the sounds of the planes and explosions are quite satisfying.

    Perhaps this will be patched soon, but a small oversight in some of the "suicide" mechanics, especially in arcade mode. I would like to see is bigger penalties for those "kimakaze" attacks some people have no shame in doing, although some do make sense (if your heavily damaged and outnumbered, better to take an enemy to the grave with you)

    There is also a small oversight, in that if you shoot down a bomber and the bomb the ground before they hit it (the explosion kills/damages them) you are completely denied a kill due to simple bad sportsmanship. There needs to be penalties to discourage this kind of behaviour. Even in the real WW2 air battles, they had a certain level of respect for each other, and they [i] were [i/] trying to kill each other, or a least destroy their plane.
    People complaining excessively about bugs need to remember that this is a BETA! I am yet to encounter any serious bugs either, and I have put in 30 hours. Possible the smoothest beta I have ever seen.
    The fantastic code optimisation means some great and silky smooth visuals are the norm for this gem.

    The best free to play I have experienced, ever, WarThunder is up there as a solid game in it's own right even if it was a full price title. I wouldnt indeed buy this game for $50

    Graphics 9.5 Sound 9.0. Gameplay 9.0 Longevity 9.0 Total 9/10

    If you like air combat, WW2 or PC multiplayer games in general, I can recommend giving this a go.    … Expand
  10. Asal1996
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    I cant understand bad marks for this game. Graphics is on the top level, gameplay one of the easiest. Just play and enjoy
  11. dralian
    Oct 28, 2013
    10
    Excellent game. Great visuals, sound, and gameplay.

    Extremely small learning curve mouse control is simple and straight-forward. You do not need a joystick. I played for hours before even trying the tutorials, which are really not necessary but they give you points for completion. It is helpful to modify your DPI settings depending on what type of plane you are flying (higher for    Excellent game. Great visuals, sound, and gameplay.

    Extremely small learning curve mouse control is simple and straight-forward. You do not need a joystick. I played for hours before even trying the tutorials, which are really not necessary but they give you points for completion. It is helpful to modify your DPI settings depending on what type of plane you are flying (higher for fighters, lower for bombers).

    I have not spent single penny and I am able to compete easily with other players at my level.

    The game is pretty historically accurate, which is why the "factions" (a.k.a. countries) are not perfectly balanced. That is part of the fun.

    I love other comments about dogfighting with bombers... they are bombers and are not designed for dogfighting. They are designed for bombing, hence the name. Bombers are great fun and extremely easy to aim/drop and destroy targets.

    All plan types are easy and fun fighters, heavy fighters, dive bombers, bombers, etc. If you spend a little time messing around with maneuvering your plane you will quickly learn how to handle yourself in a dogfight. I find it quite enjoyable inventing new maneuvers on the fly, and pulling of a ridiculous move to evade an enemy fighter.    … Expand
  12. ptrac2
    Oct 23, 2013
    10
    War Thunder is a very realistic and fun multiplayer game. I am constantly excited during the gameplay and the flying is amazing. The range of vehicles improves on the game so much. The game will never leave you bored with a large variety of goals to strive for. Overall I LOVE IT!
  13. nov141
    Oct 30, 2014
    8
    Despite the best efforts of the developer, this game offers a surprisingly accessible and fun experience of both WW2 ground and air combat. Players that are joystick-averse can still easily participate as the control schemes make mouse control intuitive and effective (especially when it comes to precision aiming), and simulator-shy pilots will enjoy the relaxed flight models and fastDespite the best efforts of the developer, this game offers a surprisingly accessible and fun experience of both WW2 ground and air combat. Players that are joystick-averse can still easily participate as the control schemes make mouse control intuitive and effective (especially when it comes to precision aiming), and simulator-shy pilots will enjoy the relaxed flight models and fast combat found in arcade mode. Those looking for more realistic representations can participate in realistic battles, which have more accurate physics for the aircraft, or simulator battles which lock you into a cockpit view and require joystick usage to play, keeping everyone on an even playing field.

    Nearly every iconic aircraft is available from the five major nations of the war (with some French and Italian additions), alongside many more less-known machines. Players can fly fighters, bombers, ground attack aircraft and the timeline ranges from pre-war biplanes to Korean-era jet aircraft. Matchmaking ensures that aircraft will generally meet comparable aircraft, preventing jets from engaging biplanes.

    This game is not without issues - constant patching by the developer often breaks established areas of the game while fixing other bugs, and tinkering with the matchmaking system based on player statistics has created a incomprehensible and illogical rating of various aircraft (identical models being ranked differently, for example) that can often prove frustrating for players.

    Ground forces gameplay is still in its infancy, currently featuring many tanks but only from German and Soviet armies, with some severe balance issues due to the nature of armored warfare - some tanks simply lack the capability to consistently hurt other tanks, but still can find themselves matched against one another.

    Free to play business model and the customer support are the final major negatives concerning this game. For many players, especially on the lower end of the skill spectrum, the game may prove to have too much of a grind. New planes need to be unlocked through experience, bought with money, and then flown in several missions to unlock "upgrades" which simply bring the plane up to the stock standard. At lower levels this is merely annoying but with higher level planes the process can take a long time, which practically begs for purchasing of premium currency or experience boosters. Much of the discussion concerning any of the game's problems is shut down immediately on the game's official forums, and the support staff act in a very authoritarian fashion even in the face of obvious bugs, denying any problems.

    This all goes out the window though once you play and manage to be the last plane in the air after a brutal furball, or outmaneuver a skilled opponent to achieve a killing snapshot on his aircraft. Just remember that the "end-game" content shouldn't be the goal - fly the aircraft that look cool, fly the aircraft that are fun to play, and ignore the rest of the grind.    … Expand
  14. ViCEMAN
    Sep 2, 2013
    10
    This is exactly what I've been looking for a long time. After all I am a simulation gamer, but the arcade battles are great fun when you don't want to go actual simulation gaming (IL1946). There are enough variation in missions and environments. Flying and dogfighting between mountains is very intense and fun. Just don't play this dick in your forehead, have fun!
  15. CactusReviews
    Jun 24, 2014
    9
    One of the best Airplane FPS shooters I have ever seen. Offers different view modes and a variety of different planes. Ground Forces (Tanks) is now in OBT (Open Beta Testing) and has a few bugs but is not bad. Naval Forces are coming soon.
  16. Fritz69
    Aug 30, 2013
    10
    For me... The most fun I have hade playing multiplayer since BF2!! Takes a little time to become familiar with the menu and how it all works, but this should not stop someone who like this type of games...
  17. Madcat207
    Sep 18, 2013
    9
    This is what a great F2P game should be. Plenty to do, all of it free, with the people who pay only saving time and not getting an unfair advantage.

    Graphically, the game is beautiful, and the engine feels very well optimized. Playing with a steady 50-60FPS, even on the high settings is no problem, and overall the experience is smooth. Terrain in the distance looks particularly good,    This is what a great F2P game should be. Plenty to do, all of it free, with the people who pay only saving time and not getting an unfair advantage.

    Graphically, the game is beautiful, and the engine feels very well optimized. Playing with a steady 50-60FPS, even on the high settings is no problem, and overall the experience is smooth. Terrain in the distance looks particularly good, and gives a good sense of immersion.

    In terms of gameplay, it plays exactly how you would want an a flight sim to play. Obviously, every match has you trying to shoot down the other players, but there are always other objectives as well (arcade), or full on battle reproductions (historical). No matter what your favorite plane type is, there will be something for you to do.

    The game features good progression AS you play you level up both your player, and your respective Air Force rank. As you rank up, new and more challenging planes become available to purchase. Each plane has its own progression, improving its performance overall, and allowing you to vary your loadout (to a degree.. you cannot change the guns, but you can change what they shoot, and if you carry bombs, what bombs you have).

    Admittedly, it can be hard to see in match, but they also offer a wealth of customization, in both skins and decals. While some will complain, most of these are not free; but lets be honest here, they have to make money somehow, right? For me, i would rather that they charge for vanity items, than make the game pay to win.

    The game as of this date is still in beta, and there are hickups here and there. But as it stands, compared to other "launched" games like MechWarrior Onliine, this game could officially launch and be successful. Hopefully, it retains a strong user base, and keeps going well.    … Expand
  18. nidza
    Sep 17, 2013
    9
    I've been playing warthunder for several months and I am level 20 all nations I have spent so far on the game around 300$ over 8 months having said that the game became more expensive and all the stuff I bought for 300$ now costs at least double.P2W is not an issue except when a premium airplane is overpowered (most recently premium FW190-D13) and you have no other way of obtaining it thenI've been playing warthunder for several months and I am level 20 all nations I have spent so far on the game around 300$ over 8 months having said that the game became more expensive and all the stuff I bought for 300$ now costs at least double.P2W is not an issue except when a premium airplane is overpowered (most recently premium FW190-D13) and you have no other way of obtaining it then through your credit card. Pay 2 progress is there as well,but no "gold" ammunition etc. Premium airplanes cost from 2 to 25$

    Graphics: Very nice 10/10
    Controls:
    Mouse & keyboard 10/10
    Joysticks 6/10 (mouse aim is far superior to joystick the only advantage a joystick has is turning but he is also at risk of stalling out which can't happen to you if you are on mouse aim)
    Gameplay:
    Arcade (75% of community plays this) very easy mode to play
    Historical Battles (20% plays this) very fun game mode with no respawn takes some skill to master and if you dive too fast you can loose your wings and has physics and bullet drop.

    Full Real Battles: semi sim experience best played with a joystick and facetracking though the xbox 360 gamepad dominates over joysticks in this game mode.

    It's a fun game but a beta non the less... I recommend play it a couple of days if you like get the premium and don't give them a dime for anything else.    … Expand
  19. prosytecsa
    Sep 17, 2013
    8
    A great game, with some drunken developers (vodka anyone?).

    Graphics, game looks amazing, flight models look extremely good with lots of detail put into them. Scenery is also very good looking both from high altitudes and low. Effects such as wings getting ripped off and crashes are spectacular, parts falling from the sky, small particles from the aircraft getting ripped off such as    A great game, with some drunken developers (vodka anyone?).

    Graphics, game looks amazing, flight models look extremely good with lots of detail put into them. Scenery is also very good looking both from high altitudes and low. Effects such as wings getting ripped off and crashes are spectacular, parts falling from the sky, small particles from the aircraft getting ripped off such as fuselage. 10/10 on the graphics side.

    Gameplay, here is where it probably lacks the most. There are lots of maps, a couple of different game modes and 3 different difficulties (arcade, easy historical, hard full real, dont even try unless you are good at hisorical), there are also 5 different nations (americans, germans, russians, brits and japs). So as you can see there is a very good amount of variety in that respect.
    The problems start with the matchmaker, but those problems mostly occur in historical battles. As there is quiet alot of unbalance when going up tiers (every nation has level 1-20), playing some planes will be literally impossible because the team you play against will have such an advantage over you. Some planes are just plain broken, in the way that they do not perform as they should, some will overperform like crazy and some will not be as good as they should be. This causes alot of complaint and "whining" but its understandable to some degree. As an example, the spitfire IX is overperforming quiet a bit for its tier, it turns better than most planes, it climbs better than most planes and those combinations in this game is fatal, therefore there is a metric butt ton of people flying that plane, this results in a game with 50% spitfires against the russians which most of the time at its tier does not stand a chance, same with the germans but because the Bf 109s are good aircraft it can be easier. 8/10

    Support, don't make me talk about it. The developers seem to be playing around. They release a new patch, not fixing anything of the previous one and introducing new problems. They do hotpatches fixing most of the gamebreaking stuff but its often a big problem. They seem not to listen to the community what so ever, they are way to transparent. 5/10.

    Now as this is free to play, and still in beta its expected to have problems, so i cant be too harsh. But you will probably wonder, it is free2play, does that mean its pay2win. uuuhm, NOPE, not at all. Only thing you can buy for ingame currency are premium planes (which are a few planes on each nation that is from an other nation, for example a premium spitfire IX at the americans, it also gives you a 100% expirience boost and lions (free ingame currency, eagles are buyable) boost. You can also use eagles to buy more expirience to you're desired nation, this might sound cheap, and yes it is but it doesnt do ANYTHING to the gameplay in any way. You can also buy lions but its expensive and lions are possible to get tons of if you play historical battles. Other than that everything can be purchased with ingame currency. In that respect i also give WT 10/10.

    Hope this review helped, its a great game and you should definitly try it out AND ITS FREE!    … Expand
  20. Hotfighter
    Oct 19, 2013
    10
    War Thunder Gaijin Entertainment. 2009 War Thunder World of Planes. 2011 World of Planes War Thunder, World of Planes World of Planes War Thunder. 2012 года.

    Как War Thunder War Thunder War Thunder У-2), War Thunder техники.    War Thunder Gaijin Entertainment. 2009 War Thunder World of Planes. 2011 World of Planes War Thunder, World of Planes World of Planes War Thunder. 2012 года.

    Как War Thunder War Thunder War Thunder У-2), War Thunder техники.

    После War Thunder War Thunder сражаться.

    Но War Thunder PvE, PVP-режимов. War Thunder.     … Expand
  21. rasken
    Dec 14, 2013
    10
    A great product that does not have today in the marketplace, which could provide comparable quality, relevance and optimization of the game engine. Keep it up.
  22. PsychoticAztecs
    May 2, 2014
    8
    (Started playing on 1.37 patch so... i don't know how the game changed.)

    For a F2P "Flight Sim", it's a good/decent game. (+++ Pros | - - - Cons) - A bit too grindy but it isn't that bad unlike other F2P MMO games. - Community is somewhat.... Terrible. *Cough* WT Forums *Cough* + Surprisingly, NOT-ish Pay-to-win, only helps to progress through grind bit faster (though it will cost    (Started playing on 1.37 patch so... i don't know how the game changed.)

    For a F2P "Flight Sim", it's a good/decent game.
    (+++ Pros | - - - Cons)

    - A bit too grindy but it isn't that bad unlike other F2P MMO games.
    - Community is somewhat.... Terrible. *Cough* WT Forums *Cough*
    + Surprisingly, NOT-ish Pay-to-win, only helps to progress through grind bit faster (though it will cost a fortune to get into a decent Tier5) Premium Planes are not OP, it has the same stats as the silver lion planes. *Get a grip whiners, They need to earn money too... *
    + Though there's only a handful of available maps, it doesn't feel repetitive because the weather pattern varies (cloudy, clear skies, haze, fog and my favorite Night/Dusk/Dawn).
    ++ Wide selection of planes, Plane Tactics varies (BnZ, Energy fighting, turnfighting, etc). *Personally i love skill based games, it puts me on edge being a really tryhard.* Cough, Realistic Battles, Cough*
    +++ Very well-optimized game (I have a **** pc, so.... this helps me a lot)
    + Tanks will come out soon. *Merged Planes and Tanks *
    +++ NO HEALTH-BARS, It has damage models
    - Painful grind on Crew Leveling (Tanks are planes a separate)
    - B*ll**** Ground strike mode in Arcade.
    + In-game voice chat (For squads only)
    - Devs doesn't support Sound Mods (It's bannable guys xD)
    + Decent game economy
    + 3 Modes Arcade, Realistic, and Simulator = Baby-flyin/Seasoned/Veteran|Elitist
    + Mini-games *We need turret mini-game)
    + Detailed plane models. Textures are great (For a F2P game)
    - - - Bugs (A lot of game breaking bugs)
    - - - Slight touch on the ground is deadly (Can clip the wing, destroy a tail fin)
    +++ Landing mechanics (Airstrips and Carriers) *I'm a really fan of this*
    +++ Still somewhat playable even with 250 - 310 Ping *Though some hits will not trigger*
    - - - Slow processing of payment on Paypal.

    Overall: If you love "Flight Sim" definitely worth checking this one out. *cough* 7.2 GB *cough*
    play with a squad, works better that way.    … Expand
  23. Allions
    Aug 20, 2013
    10
    I think that's one of the best F2P game out there. Real Free to Play, absolutely no "Pay 2 Win" in War Thunder. If you pay, you just get levels a bit faster. No more.
    The game is just amazing: graphics, gameplay (divided between arcade, historical and real battles), longevity... everything is great. I played about 40 hours and still not annoied.
    They also plan to add ships and tanks    I think that's one of the best F2P game out there. Real Free to Play, absolutely no "Pay 2 Win" in War Thunder. If you pay, you just get levels a bit faster. No more.
    The game is just amazing: graphics, gameplay (divided between arcade, historical and real battles), longevity... everything is great. I played about 40 hours and still not annoied.
    They also plan to add ships and tanks controlled by players in single battles... if they will accomplish that... it will be the best WWII game ever.    … Expand
  24. StandingCow
    Sep 17, 2013
    9
    Fantastic game and graphics. Never felt like I had to put money into the game to have fun, but did anyway. I recommend you all try and play with wingmen in a squadron as well, covering one another is very important and makes the game even more enjoyable.

    Give it a shot, lots of fun.
  25. sealclubbering
    Mar 2, 2014
    8
    People say this game isn't fun. They say its a grind(well you're right now that 1.37 rolled out and screwed some things up). Somethings are right, while other things are wrong. So let me give you an analysis from a person who's played this game since patch 1.27(yes, that was about a year ago).

    Progression This game's former progression system was pretty good. Getting to the jets    People say this game isn't fun. They say its a grind(well you're right now that 1.37 rolled out and screwed some things up). Somethings are right, while other things are wrong. So let me give you an analysis from a person who's played this game since patch 1.27(yes, that was about a year ago).

    Progression

    This game's former progression system was pretty good. Getting to the jets wasn't too tricky, and money was never a problem for me. Now, things are slightly different(or very). With this new system, you have to grind each plane one by one, just like WoT, which I don't like, but have gotten through. Its not as good as it used to be, but its not as bad as some say.

    Planes

    This game has a massive selection of planes, and soon, tanks. All major countries of WW2 have their lines of aircraft. You will be able to fly Yak 9s, Mustangs, Zeros, B17s, Spitfires, Typhoons, Bf 109s, Fw 190s, etc. and even jets. Its competitor, WoWP, doesn't even have british planes, and misses many great aircraft, like the P47, the F6F(which is the reason I won't play it until), the Fw190(which is intolerable). But, as always, there is always some ridiculous things that are in this game. There is a common joke that the USSR has OP planes(which is somewhat true at points, but at the time of writing this, I have just finished a 7 game losing streak in russians). But there are tons of aircraft, and they mostly are good.

    Game modes(multiplayer)

    There is a arcade mode, which is a simpler game mode for everyone, realistic mode, which is for more seasoned pilots, and then simulator battles, which is the joystick land of War thunder(which I've never played in). Its like 3 games in one. Not only that, there is even a singleplayer, but it's not the greatest.

    Money

    Yes, many people say that this is pay to win, but let me tell you straight, they just are bad a flying. If you are a good pilot, you can beat anyone you face. Prem planes aren't expensive compared to WoT($10:$50, yeah, $40 dollars cheaper than the best Wot Prems, hooray), and they DON'T give any advantage besides more money. And when it comes to repairs and ammo, they aren't the money suckers like in WoT. You can play this game completely free(I did until all my countries were tier 3).

    So in short, this game is great, and like every game, it has drawbacks. Some days, you will be pissed at it, and others, it will feel like you are jesus, bu overall, this game is great, and is free, sooo,

    see you in the skies!    … Expand
  26. KillerGunner123
    Aug 21, 2013
    10
    Great game still a beta so they are still fixing bugs and adding new things. If you like World War II games this game is for you. War thunder has great visuals and sounds and the planes are realistic.
  27. DrAdorable
    Aug 27, 2013
    10
    One of my new favorite war plane games, and my favorite WWII based game. There is no pay to win; there is only pay for a new experience. From the great joy of downing your first enemy, to the bitter taste of being shot down in your favorite plane, War Thunder will always reward.
  28. Ghua
    Sep 22, 2013
    8
    Excellent game and it is slowly getting better and better. Flight physics and controls are really good and let you feel like you control real plane, not a tank (like in rival World of Warplanes). Game allows to play without spending any money. Unfortunately premium options are expensive as usual this is why I gave it 8 instead of 9. Dear developers take a look at "humble bundle" schemeExcellent game and it is slowly getting better and better. Flight physics and controls are really good and let you feel like you control real plane, not a tank (like in rival World of Warplanes). Game allows to play without spending any money. Unfortunately premium options are expensive as usual this is why I gave it 8 instead of 9. Dear developers take a look at "humble bundle" scheme and make game much cheaper.
    Another thing which I didn't like are menus they feel very crude and I had problems figuring them out. Fortunately once you get a grasp how they work it is rather ok (still menus could be better). Good thing is you don't have to spend much time in front end in-game is where War Thunder shines.
    Overall I can highly recommend it to everyone who likes planes and multiplayer really nice experience, even if sometimes frustrating due to highly skilled opponent     … Expand
  29. miguezc24
    Dec 29, 2013
    10
    Hello,

    I have seen a lot of negative reviews. In my understanding it was due: - Old reviews (before game was polished) - WWII freaks complaining about plane X was designed to work against plane Y and it doesn't work in the same way in the game. - People complaining about this is a pay to win videogame Absolutely false! These people are suc*kers. I can guarantee I have finished    Hello,

    I have seen a lot of negative reviews. In my understanding it was due:

    - Old reviews (before game was polished)
    - WWII freaks complaining about plane X was designed to work against plane Y and it doesn't work in the same way in the game.
    - People complaining about this is a pay to win videogame Absolutely false! These people are suc*kers. I can guarantee I have finished first or second a lot of times and I have not spent a single euro.

    Now... What we have in War Thunder:

    - Impressive graphics (And I don't have NASA computer).
    - Best dogfighting EVER and with that I mean memorable and sometimes absolutely epic fights between other players
    - Plane parts enhancements
    - Crew enhancements (G-force tolerance, vitality, visibility, etc...)
    - A ton of planes
    - Best mouse aim system in years
    - Even in "arcade" mode, quite realistic behavior

    Closure comments: Plz, give it a try. I cannot say about realistic and simulation modes (joystick needed) coz I haven't played them but the "arcade" mode is THE FUNNIEST THING IN AGES!

    MUST PLAY! IT'S FREE! GIVE IT A TRY!    … Expand
  30. Enduro
    Oct 21, 2013
    9
    For a F2P game, it excels in every aspect. The game is not pay2win like some others have stated and you don't need to pay anything to enjoy the game. Paying gives you exactly what you expect from a free2play model, faster progression. The game is a WWII simulator that has 3 different styles of accuracy. You get an Arcade system which is user friendly and easy to learn. Then there is aFor a F2P game, it excels in every aspect. The game is not pay2win like some others have stated and you don't need to pay anything to enjoy the game. Paying gives you exactly what you expect from a free2play model, faster progression. The game is a WWII simulator that has 3 different styles of accuracy. You get an Arcade system which is user friendly and easy to learn. Then there is a historical mode which makes it a bit harder but still forgiving. Then there is full real battle which sticks you in view with the need of a joystick (or mouse as joystick) and is much more simulation based but not as much as say the DCS series.

    The use of money allows you to get premium planes which are typically a bit better at their tier however with the way the game works where you can have multiple planes per game you can still excel. It is not hard to kill something 1, 2, 3, even 5 or more tiers higher than you once you get into the middle of the game. It does not work like World of Tanks where if you are 5 tiers lower you don't stand a chance in a 1v1, here you can still get your kill albeit tougher, you still have a chance.

    The plane costs are fair and most cost under $10 to buy, even higher tiers. Some are more expensive but if you buy the packs they offer you get more then your monies worth. Some people have complained about the time it takes to upgrade each plane/crew however this isn't that type of game. The game isn't about getting to the max level and tier as fast as possible as you should enjoy each tier thoroughly. Gaijin does this in a good way where you learn each plane, its advantages/disadvantages and thus making you a better pilot as you progress.

    I have 100+ hours in the game thus far and it has me coming back every day wanting more. I can tell you that I sucked hard for the first 10-15 hours of game play, then as you continue to play your skill increases drastically. The game is still in beta and each month, more and more content is released. They still have kinks to work out but for a F2P game you can't ask for much more. It's not like it will cost you anything to give it a chance, just don't expect to be an ace pilot without putting a solid amount of time into the game.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Best PC Game of 2013
10
#10 Most Discussed PC Game of 2013
18
#18 Most Shared PC Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Jan 25, 2017
    87
    One of the cornerstones of War Thunder is that player’s skill is more important than his wallet. Premium vehicles offer no combat advantages, there is no “microtransaction-only” ammo or consumables, so no amount of cash will buy you a spot on the top of the food chain. [Issue#216, p.56]
  2. GRYOnline.pl
    Jan 13, 2017
    75
    The official launch of War Thunder reminded me why I like this game so much. It's adorably chaotic - in contrast to the reliably designed World of Tanks. That's why it can be really fun and frustrating at the same time. There's tons of great vehicles (and the planes are superb!) and a difficult simulation mode, but there are also balance and technical issues.
    Read full review
  3. CalmDownTom
    Aug 14, 2014
    90
    Overall the War Thunder tank battles are great even at this early stage.
    Read full review
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