Massive vehicle roster
9.5
★★★★★Over 3,000 vehiclesLearn more
War Thunder Guide
War Thunder: The Complete Guide for New PlayersWar Thunder: The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know to start flying, driving, and commanding in the world's largest free-to-play military combat game.
Everything you need to know to start in the world's largest free-to-play military combat game.
Free-to-play · PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Mobile
A massive online battle game of tanks, planes, and ships
War Thunder is a free-to-play online action game developed by Gaijin Entertainment. It features thousands of real military vehicles from all eras, from World War I biplanes to modern main battle tanks, and lets you fight in realistic battles of up to 150 players.
By the War Thunder Guide team
Why War Thunder stands out
Cross-platform battles
9.0
★★★★★PC, consoles & mobileLearn more
Free to play
10
★★★★★No paywallLearn more
War Thunder
★★★★★9.51,200,000+ players
Gameplay9.5
Realistic ballistics and damage models
Content9.0
Thousands of vehicles across all nations
Community8.5
Active player base and regular events
Pros
- Free to play with no pay-to-win mechanics
- Huge variety of vehicles from all eras
- Cross-platform play across PC, consoles, and mobile
- Regular updates and new content
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Some vehicles require significant investment
- Server quality can vary by region
What you can expect
- Do: Free to play — no purchase required to start
- Do: Thousands of real military vehicles
- Do: Cross-platform battles with friends
- Do: Regular updates and seasonal events
- Avoid: Learning curve for realistic damage models
- Avoid: Some premium vehicles cost real money
How to get started
- 1
Create your account
Sign up for free on the War Thunder website or through your console's store. The game is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and mobile.
- 2
Complete the tutorial
The in-game tutorial walks you through basic controls, damage models, and battle mechanics. It's essential for new players.
- 3
Choose your first vehicle
Start with a basic tank or plane from your chosen nation. Early vehicles are forgiving and help you learn the basics.
- 4
Join a battle
Enter your first battle and focus on survival. Learn to use cover, manage your ammunition, and communicate with your team.
Common questions
Is War Thunder really free to play?
Yes. War Thunder is completely free to download and play. You can earn in-game currency (Silver Lions) by playing battles, and use it to buy new vehicles. Premium vehicles and Gold Eagles are optional and do not create a pay-to-win advantage.
What platforms is War Thunder available on?
War Thunder is available on PC (Windows), PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, and mobile (iOS and Android). Cross-platform play is supported, so you can battle with friends regardless of their platform.
What types of vehicles can I play?
War Thunder features over 3,000 vehicles, including tanks, planes, ships, and even helicopters. Vehicles span from World War I to modern era, representing dozens of nations.
How do I progress in the game?
You earn Silver Lions and experience points by winning battles. Use Silver Lions to buy new vehicles and experience to upgrade your current one. Research trees let you unlock progressively more powerful vehicles.
Is War Thunder suitable for beginners?
War Thunder has a learning curve due to its realistic damage models, but the tutorial and early vehicles are designed to be accessible. Many players recommend starting with a basic tank or plane and gradually working up to more complex vehicles.