An Interview with a War Thunder Expert: Strategies for Success

Air Battles

War Thunder Air battles

Q: In air combat, what tactics do you advise

A: Learning "energy management" is essential to prevail in air fights. This implies knowing how to edge over your opponent by using your speed and altitude. Start by ascending to a high height; this provides potential energy you may turn into speed while plunging into your foes. Higher above you can dive down on targets, gather momentum and speed for attacks, then zoom back up to recover altitude, therefore making it more difficult for foes to track you.

For novices, I advise flying the German Bf 109 or American P-47 Thunderbolt with good climb rates and weaponry. These planes are effective yet also forgiving. Remember also to give target selection top priority. Though occasionally it's beneficial to target slower or isolated opponents who can't escape easily, beginners often try to go after the closest opposition.

Ground Battles

War Thunder Ground battles

Q: What’s the ideal technique for those who wish to thrive in tank battles?

A: Ground fights are all about placement and patience. If you want to be successful, avoid racing to the front lines. Instead, choose a solid cover where you can support your squad and have clear lines of sight to vital targets. The terrain is a significant benefit, so try to use hills and buildings as cover.

Positioning your tank at an angle can also lessen the efficacy of incoming fire by raising the “effective thickness” of your armor. This is known as “angling,” and it’s especially vital when facing more powerful tanks. Lastly, communicating with teammates is vital—use the in-game markers to warn them of enemy positions, and try to cooperate with others to cover multiple perspectives.

Naval Battles 

War Thunder Naval battles

Q: Naval battles are a bit different. What need players know to succeed in them?

A: Naval fights can feel slower-paced, but they’re all about timing, distance, and angling. Like ground warfare, placement is key. Start by keeping a safe distance and finding areas of cover. Don’t hurry to the heart of the map, or you’ll likely get caught in the crossfire.

Long-range shots are prevalent in naval engagements, so practice adjusting your aim with modest modifications for movement and distance. When you get closer, employ the “spread shot” technique by switching your guns to enhance the likelihood of hitting enemy modules. Choose ships with high anti-air capabilities early on, as air attacks may be devastating in naval confrontations. Destroyers like the Japanese Kagero-class are a good starting point.

Choosing the Right Vehicles and Upgrades

Q: With so many cars and upgrades available, how can gamers choose the best ones?

A: It can be daunting at first! The ideal method is to choose a vehicle line that matches your playstyle. For example, if you love rapid and nimble gaming, start with American or German aircraft—they’re well-rounded and adaptable. If you enjoy more defensive and strong vehicles, aim for Soviet tanks, as they tend to have heavy armor and solid firepower.

When upgrading vehicles, focus on important pieces that boost your survival and effectiveness in warfare. For tanks, prioritize upgrades for your engine, armor, and ammunition. For planes, upgrading your flight performance and weaponry is vital. Try to avoid the temptation of upgrading numerous vehicles at once, as it’s more effective to focus on a handful and fully upgrade them to dominate on the battlefield.

Teamwork and Communication

Q: How crucial is teamwork in War Thunder, and what tips do you offer for working well with teammates?

A: Teamwork is crucial in War Thunder, especially as you progress. In air combat, it’s normal to get “tunneled,” where you fixate on one enemy and neglect others surrounding you. Stay aware of your teammates’ positions and call out threats if you spot them going after the same target. For example, if you’re climbing for height, let close teammates know so they can cover you.

In tank conflicts, map awareness is much more crucial. Use the map to keep track of enemy positions and your teammates’ moves. If you see an enemy tank that your partner hasn’t detected, mark it on the map, and so versa. Small efforts like this help everyone, especially when you’re up against coordinated opposing troops.

For naval engagements, coordinating attacks on larger ships or focusing fire might be the difference between success and failure. Communicate whether you’re preparing to engage a specific target, and encourage others to do the same. You’d be shocked at how much more successful your shots are when concentrated.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Q: What are some typical mistakes players make, and how can they avoid them?

A: One of the biggest mistakes players make, especially early on, is rushing. Whether it’s trying to grab an objective instantly or pursuing down foes in air fights, rushing typically leaves you exposed. Slow down, analyze the battlefield, and pick your battles wisely.

Another typical mistake is focusing too much on kills instead of playing the objective. Many players forget that in War Thunder, objectives and survival are often more important than the quantity of kills. If you’re playing with a team, assisting in capturing points and covering teammates can lead to more consistent triumphs and prizes.

Lastly, don’t ignore situational awareness. In every mode, it’s vital to know what’s happening around you. Always keep an eye on the minimap, listen for aural signals, and check for smoke trails or gunshots. Awareness is one of the most significant talents in War Thunder, and it develops with practice, so be patient and keep practicing.

Final Advice for New and Intermediate Players

Q: To end up, what final advice would you provide to beginning and intermediate War Thunder players?

A: Remember, War Thunder has a severe learning curve. Don’t get disappointed if you don’t succeed right away—this game rewards patience, strategy, and progressive development. Set minor goals, like mastering one vehicle class or improving your aim in air combat. Focus on honing your playstyle and learning from your mistakes.

Also, don’t hesitate to join a team or community. There’s a huge War Thunder community out there, and being able to learn from experienced players directly can help you progress faster. Ultimately, War Thunder is about enjoying the adventure and embracing the hurdles along the way. Good luck out there!

FAQs for New and Intermediate War Thunder Players

What’s the greatest approach to improve targeting in air battles?

• The best approach to improve your aim is to practice leading your shots. In War Thunder, bullets take time to reach their target, therefore you need to shoot slightly ahead of moving aircraft to account for this. Many players underestimate how far forward they need to lead, which causes their shots to miss. Spend some time in the Practice Mode to gain a feel for different aircraft speeds and bullet travel times. Additionally, practicing with various gun convergence settings might help refine your aim for different distances.

How can I increase my survival in tank battles?

• A key aspect of survivability is understanding when to engage and when to retreat. Don’t expose your tank in open locations without close protection. When you notice an enemy, think about your stance before taking a shot—are you at an angle, with obstructions nearby? Angling your tank and positioning it near cover can boost your effective armor, making it harder for opponents to penetrate. Also, try to prevent predictable motions. Moving slightly after every shot, even if only a few steps, makes it tougher for adversaries to target you.

Should I play all three modes (air, land, and naval), or specialize on one?

It depends on your preferences, but starting with one setting to get familiar is often a smart idea. Each mode offers a particular style of play, so focusing on one allows you to gain certain talents, like energy fighting in air battles or placement in tank engagements. Once you’re proficient in one, moving into other modes offers you a better general understanding of War Thunder’s rules and techniques, and it might be nice to switch modes now and again to keep things intriguing.

Is it better to play solo or in a squad?

• Playing on a squad is usually more fulfilling and helps you learn faster. Squadmates can help cover you, coordinate attacks, and give crucial tips in real time. Many gamers also find it more pleasurable to operate as part of a team since communicating with pals can lead to higher performances and more triumphs. If you prefer playing solo, that’s absolutely great too—just be ready to adapt to the unpredictable nature of random teammates.

How do I make advancement in the tech tree more quickly?

• Focus on completing daily challenges, and chores, and participating in events, as these can yield big experience benefits. Another strategy is to prioritize vehicles in a certain nation’s tech tree rather than moving around; focusing on one line lets you unlock vehicles faster and progress more effectively. For luxury cars, if you’re open to investing a little, they grant additional research incentives, which can help speed up your tech tree advancement dramatically.

What’s the greatest way to earn in-game currency?

• For obtaining Silver Lions (the principal in-game currency), prioritize completing missions, objectives, and daily tasks. Repair costs can occasionally eat into your earnings, so be careful to balance the risk you incur in higher-tier vehicles. Premium accounts and premium vehicles offer a speedier way to earn cash, but they’re optional. Playing carefully and limiting repairs by taking fewer chances will help you earn more without spending real money.

Conclusion: Become a Skilled War Thunder Player Through Practice and Strategy

War Thunder delivers one of the most intense combat experiences across several battlefields, and there’s always something new to master. By following these tactics, choosing your vehicles properly, working successfully with your crew, and avoiding frequent blunders, you’ll find yourself improving with time. Remember that every failure is an opportunity to evaluate and adapt—stay motivated and focused on your goals, and soon you’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the skies, on the ground, or at sea.

Thanks for reading, and happy hunting!