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. Shadow_King
    May 21, 2023
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Been playing the game for over 6 years and recently Gaijin hasn't been improving the game in terms of economy, quality of life, etc. I've personally gone to the forums and suggested great ideas that would improve gameplay a lot but my posts just get deleted. Gaijin has also stated that you need premiums to make money in game and that research-based vehicles should not be able to make profit. All Gaijin cares about is adding more vehicles and improving visual rather than adding more game modes, improving the interface to make things like repairing easier, or the economy. Sure these things don't really bring them in money but in the long run it will because with an improved game they'll be able to keep players into the game actually want to spend real money instead of twisting their arm with a **** economy that practically forces us to spend real money.… Expand
  2. Fahboy_Man2023
    May 21, 2023
    0
    Nothing breaks the game more than lazy, ignorant, greedy and powertripping devs.
  3. Brenr0
    May 21, 2023
    0
    It is literally over 1000 hours of grinding to finish a tech tree (air and ground). This is assuming also that you have a $60 premium tank and are paying for premium time. This game calling itself free to play is a lie. You will never get to the modern vehicles this game highlights in advertisements without paying, it would be like 5,000 hours of grinding.
  4. Paracheirodon
    May 21, 2023
    0
    The game economy is taking hit after hit every update and it only gets worse for the player. Warning for new players, if you want to play top tier tanks and planes be ready for an overwhelmingly long and tiresome grind. Realistically to play top tier vehicles you HAVE TO buy a premium account and premium vehicles to keep a somewhat positive income
  5. PiranhaV
    May 21, 2023
    0
    The management of the company behind this game is the defintion of greed they **** over the playerbase every update except if you ofc. With the most recent changes, they ****ed the economy so bad that even in premium vehicles it's hard to make profit.
  6. Globby24
    May 21, 2023
    0
    This review is going to hurt me a lot because War Thunder has been one of my favorite games and I’ve been playing it for almost half my life. I cannot express how much wasted potential this game has and it could be one of the most fun games ever made if it was under different management. The responsibility for what has happened falls squarely on Gaijin and their interpretation of the freeThis review is going to hurt me a lot because War Thunder has been one of my favorite games and I’ve been playing it for almost half my life. I cannot express how much wasted potential this game has and it could be one of the most fun games ever made if it was under different management. The responsibility for what has happened falls squarely on Gaijin and their interpretation of the free to play model. There has been many interpretations of the free to play model and they all use their own means of generating income. Whether it’s through cosmetics, lootboxes, premium currency, premium accounts, special items, boosters, or just the overall grind of them game, game companies have always found a way to generate income from free to play games. What methods does Gaijin use you may ask yourself? All of them. They use every single method in the book. Whether it be through skins on the marketplace, crates for cosmetics and vehicles, golden eagles (premium currency), premium account, premium vehicles, boosters, event items, and even the grind, all of it is monetized by Gaijin. This review isn’t here to tell a game company how they should or shouldn’t make their income, this review is here to tell them that their methods are going to kill either the game or their company.

    I have no qualms with heavily monetized games, the only thing that matters is if they are fun at the core. Well, is War Thunder fun at the core? Yes. I wholeheartedly believe this could be one of, if not the greatest games ever made. However, it is nearly impossible to see that shining core through the almost infinite list of mechanics implemented to prevent you from enjoying the game. The problem with Gaijin’s interpretation of the free to play model is that they believe the only way people will spend money is if they’re forced to spend it. This is extremely unhealthy for the player base, community, and game in general. What Gaijin fails to realize is that people will naturally spend money on things they enjoy. If they made the game actually enjoyable for players, rather than squeezing them for every dime, I guarantee they would still make sizeable profits, while ensuring the future of the game. This shortsighted practice Gaijin has engaged in is not going to kill the game in a month, and probably not even in a year. But several years down the line, there will come a time when Gaijin sees the error of their ways.

    I don’t want to see the death of War Thunder. Partially because I’ve put hundreds of hours and hundreds of dollars into this game, but mostly because it is a game that has found a place in my heart. Gaijin can talk about how negative reviews will kill the game all they want, but the only one killing the game is themselves. I hope that Gaijin can finally understand the weight of their actions and change in a meaningful way, but until that happens, I am done.    … Expand
  7. Micromot
    May 21, 2023
    0
    The economy needs fixing and you will never reach high levels as a normal player without grinding hundreds of hours. Avoid!
  8. Tucomtk
    May 21, 2023
    1
    Gaijobless wants only your money and , dont sell your soul to the snail!!!!
  9. NoodelsWPesto
    May 21, 2023
    0
    Go onto reddit, you'll see the true side of this game, don't just trust youtube
  10. audwn
    May 23, 2023
    1
    Was a good game in the past. But how they manage the economy and progressions makes the game pass far away from F2P.
  11. Todex123
    May 24, 2023
    0
    Freakin grinding simulator. It is literally game "Pay 2 grind" And they decided to make the grind even more difficult XD.
  12. Candrew
    May 23, 2023
    0
    The game has potential and it has amazing graphics and vehicle selection, the problem is it's bait to get you into a infinite grind. They'll release a new aircraft or modern tank to attract new players and then trap them in a grind.

    I have 700 hours in this game and don't have 1 jet or post war tank aside from my premium, wich is supposed to be a shortcut to grinding but isn't because    The game has potential and it has amazing graphics and vehicle selection, the problem is it's bait to get you into a infinite grind. They'll release a new aircraft or modern tank to attract new players and then trap them in a grind.

    I have 700 hours in this game and don't have 1 jet or post war tank aside from my premium, wich is supposed to be a shortcut to grinding but isn't because that nations tank tree is still stuck in tier 1 for me.

    And with each update the game because more and more unplayable, you have to kill half the enemy team now to break even on your vehicles repair cost so the devs can force players to buy premium accounts.

    The developers think you're stupid and they'll attempt to gaslight you or sweep criticism under the rug, don't let them win, play another game.    … Expand
  13. Alazarhus
    May 23, 2023
    0
    Greedier monetization, new bugs, and OP premium vehicles every patch have made War Thunder increasingly unplayable. While the core of the game is awesome, it is corrupted by an awful economy system, battle rating compression, and unbalanced matchmaking. Therefore, I cannot recommend anyone to play this game. The recent update on May 2023, has further highlighted the fundamentally flawedGreedier monetization, new bugs, and OP premium vehicles every patch have made War Thunder increasingly unplayable. While the core of the game is awesome, it is corrupted by an awful economy system, battle rating compression, and unbalanced matchmaking. Therefore, I cannot recommend anyone to play this game. The recent update on May 2023, has further highlighted the fundamentally flawed economy in this game. I strongly advise against playing unless you can afford pay-to-progress systems. Progressing to modern content, such as the F-16, often requires premium time and sometimes premium vehicles, but even having both won't guarantee a fair experience. Despite having 200 more days of premium account and owning 9 rank VI and VII premium vehicles, I am leaving the game. The developers are hardworking and cool, and I have no issues with them, but the management is really bad. Their decisions, like removing Steam from their site and rewarding positive reviews, have been questionable. If they continue to ignore their fanbase's criticisms and fail to change their ways, they risk losing their fanbase, just like what happened with Overwatch 2 and Battlefield 2042.… Expand
  14. Master_Georg
    May 22, 2023
    0
    I leave this review in protest against the in-game economy. This is clearly a pay-to-win game.
  15. Megalodontoni
    May 22, 2023
    0
    Fix your game gaijin, it is insane what it has become over the years. Shame on you gaijin.
  16. BedirhanAr
    May 23, 2023
    0
    Grind is unbearable, i have 1200 hours (F2P player) and 0 MBTs (except squadron and 1 premium vehicle i bought lately). And a premium vehicle will cost you 60$, and you need premium account as well.
  17. LtnBrito
    May 23, 2023
    0
    I have been playing this game since the very beginning. It is by far my most played game of all time and I have spent thousands of euros on it over the years. It is one of my all time favorite games. However, I'm afraid I can no longer recommend this game to anyone unless Gaijin makes some significant changes to their predatory monetization, game balance and community engagement.

    The    I have been playing this game since the very beginning. It is by far my most played game of all time and I have spent thousands of euros on it over the years. It is one of my all time favorite games. However, I'm afraid I can no longer recommend this game to anyone unless Gaijin makes some significant changes to their predatory monetization, game balance and community engagement.

    The company has become progressively more greedy over the years, purposedly releasing OP premiums and finally nerfing them after sales die down. They have steadily reduced research and silver lion gains, making progress unbearably slow, even if you perform well, have a premium account and use premium vehicles. With the ever-increasing size of the tech trees, this becomes an endless grind that is designed to frustrate you into spending more and more money to get ahead and enjoy the core gameplay (which has also become incredibly stale after 10 years of capturing circles on the map or just TDM across planes, tanks and ships). Their engagement with the players has also been downright condescending, with dubious polls on fake fixes, constant gaslighting and ignoring detailed, well-researched bug reports because it doesn't fit their agenda, not to mention the ever-present does of Russian bias, especially in the higher tiers, which is simply undeniable at this point.

    There is nothing else out there quite like War Thunder, but these and many other issues have pushed me away from this unique game. I would NOT recommend anyone start playing this game now. It will frustrate you into wasting your money on premiums that will be nerfed in a few months or not be meta anymore. It will make you less of a teamplayer by incentivizing selfishness because of the grind with mechanics that disincentivize teamwork. It will give you serious FOMO with OP or unique vehicles that have be grinded in events that require more time than full-time jobs. It will frustrate you into spending money on basic modifications that allow you to be at least on par with your enemies (stock grind - jets without countermeasures, ineffective ammo on high-tier tanks, no fire extinguisher or parts on tanks and ships, etc). More and more this game is becoming pay-to-play and pay-to-win.

    This game will grab your attention using your fascination with military vehicles and squeeze every last penny and sanity you have so you can play with them. STAY AWAY UNTIL THEY MAKE SOME SERIOUS CHANGES!    … Expand
  18. Dankadder
    May 23, 2023
    0
    Terrible and lifeless grind to progress in the game that takes ages unless you use your money, which is what they want.
    Matches have no life in them. No thinking. just two teams spawn on opposite sides and go at each other with objectives in the middle to capture.
    Very greedy company that doesn't respect the playerbase (that's me and you buddy) You need to perform exceptionally well to    Terrible and lifeless grind to progress in the game that takes ages unless you use your money, which is what they want.
    Matches have no life in them. No thinking. just two teams spawn on opposite sides and go at each other with objectives in the middle to capture.
    Very greedy company that doesn't respect the playerbase (that's me and you buddy)
    You need to perform exceptionally well to make a decent amount of in-game money, and if you fail, you get taxed and suffer.
    Also if you perform very well, you get treated unfairly in the matchmaking system by being put in matches with vehicles that are higher technology than yours.
    For example lets say you use a late WW2 tank and do very well. Next game you'll likely be placed with post WW2 tanks made in 1960s.
    Because the game devs doesn't want you to do too well.
    The game devs don't want to implement a rank/skill based matchmaking system that would be more fair to players.
    So to combat the well performing players, they simply get put in a highly unfair match with vehicles superior to theirs.    … Expand
  19. Selene_Falls
    May 23, 2023
    0
    Trashy company that tries to censer the userbase. Complains when we review bomb but don't listen when we don't. They tell us to talk in forums yet doesn't even read them. Don't make me laugh. At this point War Thunder don't even got the morals to even face their mistakes blaming the userbase on our incapabilities to understand what we ourselves have to suffer through the so called "free toTrashy company that tries to censer the userbase. Complains when we review bomb but don't listen when we don't. They tell us to talk in forums yet doesn't even read them. Don't make me laugh. At this point War Thunder don't even got the morals to even face their mistakes blaming the userbase on our incapabilities to understand what we ourselves have to suffer through the so called "free to play" game. They even removed steam from their homepage out of fright and damage control which shows that the review bombs are working. Take this into mind anyone reading this that when a company tells you to not do something that means its working that you are actively pressuring them to listen. They want to control you so they will try to say that it is harmful to the company which though is true that is only the case if they don't change anything. It is up to them to decide if they want to kill them game or not. War Thunder will be pressured to be improved or it will die unless they see that the game is about to be killed they won't do anything. Keep review bombing not only for a better game but for freedom of speech. Let your voices be heard.… Expand
  20. garett
    May 24, 2023
    0
    Blatant ripoff game that's been sucking f2p players dry. Even as a premium I find it hard to afford tech tree vehicles, playing only premium lineups in 90% of my games. Revert economy back to 2018 levels if you want reviews to improve!
  21. kinkywithknives
    May 21, 2023
    0
    Fix the game economy and morale shall improve.

    r/Warthunder on Reddit to get involved.
  22. skinjob
    May 24, 2023
    0
    Gaijin has been milking its players for every last cent for too long. Real Shatter implementation for aircraft is STILL a complete disaster. Can not recommend currently.
  23. ineptdesign
    Jun 6, 2020
    0
    You're going to jump in thinking that the "russian bias " memes are just jokes. But you'll quickly realize there's no point in playing anything but premiums or Russian planes in "real battle" mode
  24. anotherone
    May 22, 2023
    1
    A brilliant game like no other,with a very fun combat system and an economy designed to specifically juice as many dollars out of you as possible the moment you hit rank 4.

    Putting a score of one, because the product is sabotaged by an out of touch management team.
  25. Wolvakin
    May 21, 2023
    0
    its a game on a downhill slope and they are trying to gaslight the community that they are doing things that are good for the game and players when it is consistently the opposite when players are asked.
    the review bombing will continue until mortal improves
  26. mihaskor71
    May 22, 2023
    0
    Я ненавижу вас гайджинов, в игре жизнь и так не сахар, если конечно не донатить, а теперь вы пытаетесь сделать нам её сложнее. Присоединяюсь к забастовке комьюнити, может так до вас дойдет. Друзья те кто не скачал игру, не качайте, по крайней мере пока что. А те кто уже скачал и играет присоединяйтесь к забастовке. Скажем свое "НЕТ" наглости разрабовЯ ненавижу вас гайджинов, в игре жизнь и так не сахар, если конечно не донатить, а теперь вы пытаетесь сделать нам её сложнее. Присоединяюсь к забастовке комьюнити, может так до вас дойдет. Друзья те кто не скачал игру, не качайте, по крайней мере пока что. А те кто уже скачал и играет присоединяйтесь к забастовке. Скажем свое "НЕТ" наглости разрабов
  27. MostUselessNick
    May 23, 2023
    0
    Greedy developer is trying to kill this game by **** up economy and forcing players to pay.
  28. xDev120
    May 18, 2023
    0
    War Thunder, although advertised as a free to play game, actually is a clearly pay to win game. Repair costs which make you need to pay real money to get in-game funds, as the match rewards are inadequate. Gaijin manipulates its player base into paying more and more money. Don't get this game for your own sake.
  29. Ximeraldon
    May 28, 2022
    0
    Русский:
    Эта игра полна багов которые не исправляют месяцами, убогие карты и баланс в котором танки 2 мировой сражаются против пост военных/ранних обт, не играйте в эту и другие помойки от улиток, этот мир достоин лучших игр.
    English: This game has a lot of bugs, bad maps and horrible balance, I don't recommend this trash, there are tons of great games out there don't waste your time on    Русский:
    Эта игра полна багов которые не исправляют месяцами, убогие карты и баланс в котором танки 2 мировой сражаются против пост военных/ранних обт, не играйте в эту и другие помойки от улиток, этот мир достоин лучших игр.
    English:
    This game has a lot of bugs, bad maps and horrible balance, I don't recommend this trash, there are tons of great games out there don't waste your time on any of the gaijin entertainment games, you deserve better product.    … Expand
  30. MobiusCode
    Jun 27, 2022
    0
    8.5 Stars for Visual & Audio (There are some pretty damn annoying visual and audio bugs that can actually be a hinder to gameplay)

    0 Stars for everything else: -Map designs that don't perform well at all across the different eras of vehicles. Along with horrible response/attempts by dev team to fix spawn camping. on certain maps, if your team is losing and your spawn point is in a open    8.5 Stars for Visual & Audio (There are some pretty damn annoying visual and audio bugs that can actually be a hinder to gameplay)

    0 Stars for everything else:
    -Map designs that don't perform well at all across the different eras of vehicles. Along with horrible response/attempts by dev team to fix spawn camping. on certain maps, if your team is losing and your spawn point is in a open field you might as well go back to the hangars cause you'll just get murdered as soon as the brief respawn protection wears off.
    -Horrible match making; nothing scream fun liking fighting tanks you have no hopes in damaging/or out ranging or fighting tanks with thermals and you're sitting in tin can relic
    -Horrible in-game economy that punishes players with poor match performances with lost of in-game currency (Sliver Lions) due to repair cost of vehicles that just get higher and higher the further up the tech tree you go. If you buy GL you can buy SL, if you buy Perm Account you get more SL after a match (even then you can still lose SL), buy a Perm Vehicle if gives you a boost in SL earned. The **** wine/lose reward system incentive using real game money to be able to play the game on constant bases even with a few poor match here and there. If you run out SL you can't repair vehicles after match and have to wait X amount real world days for those vehicles to be repaired.
    -A Company that say their listening but really doesn't; numerous issue with the game that players have been preaching about for YEARS from the forums to reddit to YouTube.
    -A Company that cares only about milking the **** out of the game    … Expand
Page:

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
See all critic reviews »