War Thunder, the expansive vehicular combat MMO from Gaijin Entertainment, offers a realm where history’s most formidable airborne and ground assault machines clash across various theatrics of war. As a tanker, your arsenal ranges from early World War II machines to the advanced main battle tanks of the modern era. But with such a vast array of vehicles and battlefields at your disposal, the road to becoming an ace tanker is fraught with challenges and learning curves. Fear not, for our comprehensive guide will arm you with the know-how to dominate the War Thunder battlegrounds.
Mastering Tank Controls
To maneuver the behemoth steel beasts across War Thunder’s diverse landscapes requires finesse and a thorough underpinning of the game’s controls. Newcomers and experienced alike must recall that mastery over your tank’s movements will often spell the difference between glorious triumph and abrupt defeat.
Maneuvering your tank is more than just moving forward and backward or turning left and right. The adept tanker knows to utilize their vehicle’s “Cruise Control” modes for maintaining steady speeds, vital for aligning shots while on the move. Precision is the key to domination, so understanding how to fine-tune your movement for accurate aiming using the “Driver Assistance” mode can turn the tide of war.
Remember, each tank has its unique “Transmission” and “Engine” performance. Investing time to get accustomed to how your war machine responds to different terrains—mud, snow, or sand—will heighten your survivability and effectiveness on the field.
Understanding Tank Ammunition
Ammunition selection in War Thunder is both an art and a science. With a wide variety of armor-piercing (AP), high-explosive (HE), and specialized rounds like APCR (Armor Piercing Composite Rigid) or HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) at your disposal, knowing what to load and when to load it is essential for cracking the toughest of nuts.
AP Rounds are the bread and butter for most encounters, capable of penetrating armor and dealing internal damage. However, the efficacy of these rounds depends on the ammunition’s caliber, the velocity it’s fired at, and the angle of impact.
HE Rounds pack a punch against lightly armored targets or as a means to disable enemy tanks’ external modules. Use these when you can’t penetrate the armor; the splash damage can still take out tracks or gun barrels.
Specialized Munitions like APCR and HEAT offer alternatives for specific situations. APCR rounds, with their increased penetration capabilities, excel against heavily armored foes at closer ranges. Conversely, HEAT rounds maintain their penetrating power over distances but are more susceptible to external defenses like cages or spaced armor.
Experiment with different types of ammo in varying combat scenarios. The savvy tanker not only knows what rounds to fire but anticipates what their enemy might deploy against them.
Armor Angling and Side Scraping
The concept of “angling” your tank to enrich the effective thickness of your armor should become second nature. By positioning your tank at a 45-degree angle relative to your opponent, you increase the chances of deflecting incoming rounds, potentially saving your crew from a catastrophic hit.
Side scraping is an advanced technique used in urban warfare scenarios, allowing you to expose only the well-armored side of your tank while keeping the rest hidden behind cover. This method minimizes your profile and maximizes the chance of ricochets from enemy fire. Mastery of both techniques can render your tank a overwhelming fortress amidst the chaos of battle.
Flanking and Ambushing Tactics
The art of war is deception. In War Thunder, clever positioning and the element of surprise can enable you to outmaneuver and decimate unsuspecting foes.
Flanking: Speed and stealth are your allies here. Utilize the terrain and any available cover to helm around the main conflict zone and strike the enemy where they least expect it. Hitting from the sides or rear can bypass the heavier armor typically found at the front of most tanks.
Ambushing: Patience is a virtue. Find a concealed position with good sightlines to high-traffic areas. Wait for the opportune moment when an enemy exposes their weak sides, then strike decisively. Disengage and reposition quickly to avoid retaliation.
Incorporating these guerilla warfare tactics into your method will elevate your effectiveness, allowing you to sow chaos among the enemy ranks and shift the battlefield dynamics in your favor.
How to Deal with Aircraft
While primarily focusing on ground engagement, tankers in War Thunder must also contend with threats from above. Aircraft, with their bombing and strafing runs, pose a significant hazard. However, with the right preparation and awareness, you can mitigate these airborne threats.
Situational Awareness: Constantly scan the skies and listen for audio cues. Early detection of incoming aircraft gives you precious seconds to react and seek cover.
Anti-Aircraft Armament: Utilize your machine guns or dedicated anti-aircraft rounds if your tank is equipped with them. Even if you don’t bring down the plane, you might deter the pilot or damage critical components, reducing their effectiveness.
Seek Cover: Natural landscapes and man-made structures can provide shelter from aerial assaults. If under imminent threat, move to cover, whether it’s under trees, next to buildings, or beneath ridges.
Coordination with Allies: Communicate with teammates operating anti-aircraft vehicles for protection. A concerted effort to remove air threats can significantly improve the survivability of ground forces.
Mastering the multi-dimensional battlefield of War Thunder takes patience, strategic understanding, and a willingness to adapt. The journey from a green recruit to a seasoned tanker is arduous, yet it is in the crucible of combat that legends are forged. Embrace the camaraderie of your fellow tankers, learn from your engagements, and soon, you will dominate the war-torn landscapes of this expansive combat simulator. Remember, in the theater of war, knowledge is as crucial as firepower. Drive forth, tanker, and let victory be your guide.