War Thunder’s Ground Forces mode offers a thrilling blend of realism and scheme, drawing tank aficionados and military simulators fans into its absorbing battlegrounds. Mastering the armored might of various nations requires not just quick reflexes but also a strategic mindset, understanding the nuances of different tank types, and knowing how to handle myriad combat situations. This exhaustive guide aims to elevate your ground combat skills from rookie level to veteran status, ensuring you dominate the battlefield with prowess and tactical superiority.

Understanding Ground Forces Types#

War Thunder’s vehicular warfare isn’t just a roster of tanks rolling out to battle; it’s a complex hierarchy of roles, capabilities, and strategic value. To master Ground Forces, understanding these categories is crucial.

Light Tanks#

Agile and stealthy, Light Tanks excel in reconnaissance and flanking maneuvers. Their speed allows them to capture strategic points swiftly and engage in hit-and-run tactics. However, their armor is thin, making them vulnerable to direct hits. Utilize their speed and small size to your advantage, avoiding straightforward engagements with heavier counterparts.

Medium Tanks#

The jack-of-all-trades, Medium Tanks, balance firepower, speed, and armor. They can adapt to a variety of roles on the battlefield, from supporting assaults to defending key positions. While they might not excel in any one aspect, their versatility is their strength. Coordination with your team can leverage this adaptability into a formidable advantage.

Heavy Tanks#

Behemoths of the battlefield, Heavy Tanks boast formidable armor and firepower but at the cost of mobility. They excel in breaking through enemy lines and absorbing damage that would obliterate lighter vehicles. However, they are susceptible to flanking and aerial attacks. Heavy tankers should aim to keep the frontline engaged while being mindful of their surroundings.

Tank Destroyers#

Armed with powerful guns, Tank Destroyers can eliminate opponents from great distances. They typically lack a turret, requiring strategic positioning to make full use of their armament. Some adopt a more mobile approach, while others rely on stealth and camouflage. Patience and choosing firing positions with care are the keys to leveraging their destructive potential.

Anti-Aircraft Vehicles#

Although primarily designed to protect against aerial threats, Anti-Aircraft Vehicles (AA) can also be surprisingly effective against ground targets, especially lightly armored ones. Their high rate of fire can decimate aircraft and harass ground forces, providing valuable support to their team. Awareness of both sky and ground threats maximizes their utility.

Ground Forces Combat Basics#

Mastering the art of engagement in War Thunder’s Ground Forces requires understanding several core principles that govern vehicular combat.

Situational Awareness#

Constantly survey the battlefield to anticipate enemy movements and identify threats or opportunities. Use the minimap, listen for engine sounds, and watch for tracer rounds and dust clouds. Visibility is life; maintain it without exposing yourself.

Angle Your Armor#

Angling your tank can significantly increase the effective thickness of your armor, making it harder for incoming shells to penetrate. Practice positioning your tank at slight angles rather than facing opponents head-on, reducing their chances of scoring a critical hit.

Aiming for Weak Spots#

Every tank has its Achilles’ heel – areas of the armor that are easier to penetrate. These include lower glacis plates, turret rings, and side armor. Learning and targeting these vulnerabilities can turn the tide of an encounter in your favor.

Use Cover and Concealment#

Battles are won by brains as much as brawn. Utilize the terrain and environmental objects like buildings and foliage to obscure your tank from enemy view. Moving from cover to cover minimizes your exposure and can protect you from long-range snipers.

Ammunition Types#

Choosing the right type of ammunition for the situation is crucial. Armor-Piercing (AP) rounds are effective against heavily armored opponents, while High-Explosive (HE) shells can decimate lightly armored vehicles and infantry. Experiment with different ammo types to find what works best against various targets.

Advanced Ground Forces Tactics#

Elevating your gameplay involves not just mastery of combat, but also strategic thinking and teamwork.

Flanking Maneuvers#

Outmaneuver your opponents by attacking from unexpected angles. Use the map and terrain to conceal your approach, hitting the enemy where they’re weakest. Coordination with teammates can create pincer movements that trap and eliminate opposing forces.

Holding the High Ground#

Controlling elevated positions provides a tactical advantage, offering broader visibility and making it more difficult for enemies to score effective hits. Secure and hold these locations, but be wary of becoming a stationary target for artillery and aircraft.

Coordinated Attacks#

Working with your squad or team to focus fire on priority targets can dismantle the enemy’s formation and morale. Communication is key: use the in-game chat or voice comms to coordinate assaults or request support.

Reactive Repositioning#

Don’t remain stationary for too long, especially after being spotted. Reposition to keep the enemy guessing and to avoid incoming artillery or air strikes. Staying mobile can also help you find new angles of attack or retreat to safety if outnumbered.

Winning Ground Forces Engagements#

Victory in War Thunder requires more than individual skill; it demands understanding of team dynamics and game modes.

Objective Management#

Pay attention to the game mode’s objectives, prioritizing them over personal glory. Capturing and holding points in Domination, eliminating key targets in Assault – whatever the task, your contribution towards these goals can swing the outcome of a battle.

Eliminating High-Value Targets#

Identifying and destroying high-value targets – such as enemy tank destroyers, heavy tanks, or AA vehicles – can significantly weaken the opposing team’s effectiveness. Prioritize these threats when possible, but don’t compromise your own safety needlessly.

Adapting to the Battlefield#

No two matches are the same; be ready to adapt your tactics based on the flow of battle, the composition of your team, and the enemy’s behavior. Flexibility and the ability to think on your feet are qualities of a top tanker.

Team Synergy#

Embrace your role within the team, whether it’s spearheading assaults with a Heavy Tank, providing fire support with a Tank Destroyer, or scouting with a Light Tank. Successful teams leverage the strengths of each unit type in concert, covering weaknesses and amplifying collective firepower.

Surviving and Escaping from Ground Forces Combat#

Sometimes, the best course of action is strategic withdrawal, living to fight another day.

Recognizing When to Retreat#

If you find yourself outnumbered or outgunned, tactically withdrawing can preserve your vehicle for a more favorable engagement. Pay attention to your vehicle’s condition and the status of nearby allies before making your decision.

Repair and Resupply#

Use cover or return to base to repair damage and resupply ammunition. Being fully operational increases your chances of survival and effectiveness in combat. Communicate with your team if you need to fall back, ensuring they’re aware of changes in frontline strength.

Using Smoke and Cover#

Deploy smoke screens to obscure your movements, either to retreat or to advance under cover. Combine this with environmental cover to break line of sight with the enemy, reducing the likelihood of being targeted during withdrawal.

Evasion Tactics#

Employ evasive maneuvers, varying your speed and direction, to make it harder for enemies to land hits as you retreat. This can be particularly effective when under fire from long-range artillery or tank guns.

War Thunder’s Ground Forces combat is as much a game of mental agility as it is of reflexes and tactical skill. By understanding the types of ground forces at your disposal, mastering the basics of combat, employing advanced tactics, and knowing when and how to engage or withdraw, you can dominate the battlefield and lead your team to victory. Always remember, the hallmark of a true warrior is not just the ability to outfight their opponent but to outthink them at every turn. Armed with these insights, you’re now better equipped to charge into the fray and claim your place among the armored elite. Happy hunting!