War Thunder, the mammoth military vehicle combat online multiplayer video game developed and published by Gaijin Entertainment, has enthralled gamers worldwide with its authentic warfare simulation. This game ambitiously spans eras of conflict, detailing vehicles from the pre-World War II era to the modern age. Piloting an aircraft in this game isn’t merely about who has the quickest reflexes; it’s a dance of death requiring knowledge, tactic, and an artful understanding of your machine and the environment. This guide introduces pilots of all skill levels to advanced concepts in aerial combat, pushing your skills to the altitude limit.

Advanced Aerial Maneuvers#

Every ace up there knows that mastering the skies isn’t about brute firepower; it’s about who can outmaneuver whom. Aces achieve this through a series of advanced maneuvers, each serving a unique purpose in the heat of aerial combat.

The Immelmann Turn is your bread and butter for quickly repositioning yourself onto an enemy’s tail. Upon executing this half-loop followed by a half-roll, you find yourself soaring in the opposite direction, ideally with your crosshairs aligning with the adversary’s vulnerable stern.

The Split S is essentially the Immelmann’s photographic negative. This maneuver involves an inverted dive into a half-loop, positioning you under and behind an unsuspecting foe. It’s a tactic best employed when you have the altitude to spare, as it drops your bird significantly.

The Hammerhead, also known as the stall turn, is when you climb until your aircraft almost stalls, then kick the rudder to swing the nose down towards the earth, pirouetting around your vertical axis. This dance move is perfect for when you’ve got a tailgater that just won’t quit.

Learning and mastering these maneuvers will propel your combat tactic from rudimentary to refined, challenging even the most seasoned pilots.

Energy Management#

In War Thunder, your plane is more than just steel, fuel, and firepower—it’s an energy system. Maintaining and managing this energy is crucial and could mean the difference between life and death in the skies.

Energy conservation is the name of the game. It’s the careful balance of kinetic (speed) and potential (altitude) energy. Skilled pilots will always seek to convert one form of energy into the other, maintaining an optimal reserve to outmaneuver foes. For example, trading altitude for speed (immersing) to escape or engage, and vice versa, climbing to convert speed back into altitude for defensive maneuvers.

Boom and Zoom tactics epitomize energy management, focusing on preserving energy over maneuverability. This tactic sees pilots sinking (boom) into an attack run, unleashing fury upon an opponent, then using the speed gained from the descent to climb away (zoom) before the enemy can retaliate.

Tactics Against Different Aircraft#

Knowing your enemy is as crucial as knowing your aircraft. War Thunder’s diverse library of planes means you’ll be facing off against a myriad of aircraft types, each with its strengths and weaknesses.

When engaging heavier bombers, exploit their larger turning radius and weaker rear armament. Speed is your ally here; make fast, unrelenting passes at these behemoths rather than getting sucked into a tail chase that leaves you vulnerable to their gunners.

Fighter aircraft require a nuanced approach. Assess whether you have the advantage in speed or maneuverability and base your plan around this. Against more nimble aircraft, keep your energy high and engage with boom and zoom tactics. When you’re the quicker turner, bait them into a dogfight where you can outmaneuver them.

Facing jets in your propeller-driven fighter may seem discouraging, but remember, their strength at high speeds is a weakness at lower ones. Draw them into turning fights where their jets lag in performance, and seize the moment when their energy advantage wanes.

Advanced Weapon Usage#

Your aircraft’s arsenal is not just about the caliber of bullets it fires; it’s about knowing when, where, and how to unleash it.

Convergence setting plays a pivotal role. This is the point ahead of your plane where your bullets converge, creating a dense hail of lead. Setting this correctly means the difference between a miss and a devastating barrage hitting its mark. Experiment in test flights to find the optimal setting for your engagement style.

Understanding ammunition types is essential. High explosive (HE) rounds are devastating against lightly armored targets, tearing through aircraft skins with ease. Armour piercing (AP) rounds are your go-to for penetrating tougher foes like bombers. Crafting a mixed belt can offer a balance, tailored to the multitude of targets you’ll face.

Timing and patience in firing are virtues. Unloading your entire arsenal in a frantic spray might intimidate, but it’s the measured shots that clinch victories. Wait until you’re close enough so that your convergence setting aligns with the enemy’s position, ensuring maximum impact.

Using the Environment to Your Advantage#

The theater of war in War Thunder is not just a backdrop; it’s an active participant in the aerial ballet.

Terrain masking is the art of using the landscape to conceal your approach, popping out at the last moment to surprise unsuspecting victims. Mountains, valleys, and even clouds can be your cloak, shielding you from prying enemy eyes until you strike.

Sun position can be a tactical ally. Attacking from the direction of the sun blinds your adversaries, making your aircraft a silhouette and your approach a mystery. This tactic, used judaciously, transforms the sun into an accomplice in your aerial ambushes.

Weather and time of day affect visibility and detection ranges. Night and adverse weather conditions can cloak your approach, allowing for stealthier maneuvers. However, these conditions also hinder your visibility, so utilize them with caution.

War Thunder is not just a game; it’s a complex simulation where knowledge, method, and skill determine the victor. The sky may be the limit, but in this high-flying combat arena, it’s your cunning that will elevate you above the rest. Through mastering advanced aerial maneuvers, managing your aircraft’s energy, understanding your arsenal, and using the environment to your advantage, you can dominate the skies. Whether you’re a rookie looking to make your mark or a veteran pilot seeking to hone your tactics, the battlefield of War Thunder is an unforgiving teacher, but an invaluable one. So, take to the skies, pilots—glory awaits.