War Thunder
4.6
★★★★Free to playPlay now
War Thunder: A Beginner's TutorialWar Thunder Tutorial
Everything you need to go from your first takeoff to winning your first battles — vehicle classes, battle types, and the mistakes that cost new pilots and tankers their lives.
Everything you need to go from your first takeoff to winning your first battles.
War Thunder is a free-to-play online vehicular combat game developed by Gaijin Entertainment. It combines air, ground, and naval combat in a single title, with vehicles ranging from biplanes of the 1930s to modern jets, tanks, and warships. The game is known for its realistic ballistics, large-scale battles, and a deep progression system that rewards both skill and patience.
This tutorial walks you through the essentials: choosing your first vehicle, understanding the three battle types, reading the minimap, managing your resources, and avoiding the most common beginner mistakes. Whether you want to fly a Spitfire, drive a T-34, or command a destroyer, the fundamentals below will get you into the fight faster.
Getting started in 5 steps
- 1
Create an account and pick a nation
Sign up for free, then choose your starting nation. Each nation has a unique tech tree — pick one whose vehicles appeal to you. You can switch nations later, but your progress is tied to the one you start with.
- 2
Choose your first vehicle class
Air, ground, or naval. Air combat is fast and forgiving for beginners; ground combat is slower and rewards positioning; naval is the most complex. Most new players start with air or ground.
- 3
Play Arcade battles first
Arcade mode has relaxed rules: respawns, simplified ballistics, and a forgiving damage model. Use it to learn your vehicle's strengths without the pressure of Realistic mode.
- 4
Learn your vehicle's limits
Every vehicle has a speed envelope, a turning radius, and a damage threshold. Spend your first 10–15 battles just learning where your plane or tank is strongest and where it is vulnerable.
- 5
Move up the tech tree gradually
Do not rush to the highest research points. A mid-tier vehicle you know well will outperform a top-tier vehicle you have never flown. Master each tier before moving on.
The three battle types
War Thunder has three battle modes, each with different rules and a different feel. Understanding which one you are in — and what it rewards — is the single biggest skill gap between beginners and veterans.
Arcade
Relaxed rules. You can respawn, ballistics are simplified, and damage is more forgiving. The best mode to learn a vehicle. Matches are fast and the pace is high.
Realistic
No respawns, full ballistics, and a damage model that mirrors real-world physics. One bad shot can end your battle. This is where the game's depth really shows.
Simulator
The most demanding mode. Full flight models, no HUD, and every system must be managed manually. Reserved for players who have mastered the other two modes.
Frequently asked questions
Is War Thunder really free to play?
Yes. The base game is completely free. You can earn credits, experience, and premium vehicles through gameplay, events, and the battle pass. Premium vehicles and gold are optional purchases that speed up progression but are not required to enjoy the game.
Which platform should I start on?
PC offers the best performance and the largest player base, but War Thunder is also available on PlayStation, Xbox, and mobile. Cross-play is supported across most platforms, so you can play with friends regardless of where they are.
How long does it take to reach the top tier?
It depends on how often you play and whether you use premium vehicles. A dedicated player can reach the highest research points in a few months. Casual players may take a year or more. There is no rush — the mid-tier vehicles are where most of the fun is.
Do I need a gaming PC to play?
No. War Thunder runs on modest hardware. The minimum requirements are low, and the game is well-optimized. Even a mid-range laptop from a few years ago can handle it at medium settings.
Can I play with friends?
Yes. You can create a private squad of up to 15 players and queue together. Cross-play means you can squad up with friends on different platforms.
War Thunder is one of the most accessible entry points into realistic vehicular combat. The learning curve is real, but the game rewards patience and practice. Start in Arcade, pick one vehicle class, and give yourself 20 battles before you judge whether it is for you.