War Thunder stands as a colossus in the realm of massively multiplayer online games, offering a meticulously detailed and expansively wide theater of war that spans the skies, the seas, and the battle-strewn landscapes of Earth. For neophytes to this digital theatre of war, the learning curve may seem as formidable as scaling the cliffs of Dover. However, fret not, for this compendium is set to arm you with the knowledge and strategies to not only survive but thrive in the vast, relentless arena of War Thunder.
Understanding the Interface
Venturing into War Thunder for the initial foray, one is met with a complex and detailed user interface (UI), a dashboard that offers a myriad of options, information, and settings. This digital cockpit is your nerve center, where decisions impacting your in-game existence are made. Mastering this control panel is your first step towards asserting dominance in the skies.
Navigations and Menus: Here, you are presented with a variety of choices including the different modes of play—Arcade Battles, Realistic Battles, and Simulator Battles, each offering a unique style of gameplay tailored to different skill sets and preferences. The Arcade mode is the most forgiving and an excellent starting point for amateurs.
Vehicle Selection: You’ll observe your available arsenal here. Initially, your hangar will host a limited selection, but fear not, for your armory will soon burgeon with manifold war machines spanning decades of aerial innovation.
Research and Development (R&D): A vital component of the UI, the R&D section dictates the trajectory of your technological advancement. Understanding the intricacies of this system will bolster your capability to unlock more advanced and specialized vehicles and armaments.
Choosing Your Aircraft
Selecting your sky steed is not to be taken lightly. This choice will be your first major decision in War Thunder, affecting your play style, roles in battles, and enjoyment.
Faction Differences: Each nation boasts its unique roster of aircraft, each with its distinct attributes. Some factions like the swift and agile British Spitfires, the rugged Soviet Yakovlevs, or the technologically advanced American Mustangs and Thunderbolts. Factor in your preferred style of combat—be it dogfighting, ground attack, or bombing runs.
Aircraft Types: Understanding the types of aircraft—fighters, bombers, attackers, and more—is crucial. Each class serves a particular role in the theater of war. Fighters excel in air-to-air combat, bombers in delivering payloads to strategic enemy installations, and attackers in engaging ground targets.
Performance Metrics: Let’s look at the specifications of each aircraft, paying heed to speed, maneuverability, armament, and durability. These metrics will guide you in selecting the aircraft that best aligns with your desired role and technique in combat.
Combat Techniques
With your aircraft selected, it’s time to take to the skies. Here are essential combat techniques and strategies to ensure your aerial endeavors are crowned with glory.
Situational Awareness: The clutter of combat can overwhelm, but maintaining awareness of your surroundings is vital. Constantly scan the skies for enemy bogeys and keep an eye on your six for any bandits that may be tailing you.
Energy Fighting: This tactic involves managing your aircraft’s potential and kinetic energy—climbing, immersing, and turning at strategic moments to gain an advantage over your opponent. Mastering this will allow you to dictate the terms of engagement.
Boom and Zoom vs. Turn and Burn: These are two prevailing combat strategies. “Boom and Zoom” focuses on using speed and altitude to make fast attacks before disengaging, ideal for fast, but less maneuverable aircraft. “Turn and Burn” is about out-turning your opponent in a dogfight, suited for agile planes.
Target Prioritization: In the heat of battle, selecting the right target is critical. Assess the threat level of enemy aircraft and prioritize those that pose the most immediate danger to you or your objectives.
Upgrading Your Plane
Success in combat and completion of objectives yield rewards that can be funneled back into your aircraft, enhancing their lethality and survivability.
Research Points (RP) and Silver Lions: These are the currency of progression. RP accelerates the unlocking of new planes and upgrades, while Silver Lions are expended on purchasing these advancements and repairing your aircraft post-engagement.
Modification Trees: Each plane has its own tech tree of modifications ranging from minor improvements like better ammunition belts to significant upgrades such as new engines and improved airframes. Prioritize upgrades that complement your combat style.
Crew Skills: Don’t neglect your pilots and crew. Investing in their skills can significantly heighten your aircraft’s performance in areas like reload speed, repair time, and G-force tolerance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
In the crucible of War Thunder, errors can be as instructive as they are punishing. Here are some frequent pitfalls that amateurs should steer clear from.
Overcommitting: Whether it’s sinking too deep-rooted into enemy territory or obsessively pursuing a single target, overcommitting can leave you vulnerable. Always have an exit scheme.
Neglecting Defense: Always assume you’re being targeted and make evasive maneuvers part of your flying routine. Becoming a more difficult target can frustrate enemy pilots and reduce incoming damage.
Ignoring Objectives: While the allure of dogfights is strong, objectives win battles. Contributing to mission objectives can tip the scales in your team’s favor and should never be overlooked.
Impatience: Progress in War Thunder can sometimes be slow and requires patience. Impulsively spending Silver Lions on advancements that don’t align with your tactic or hastily engaging in unfavorable skirmishes can set back your progress.
In the vast, unforgiving skies of War Thunder, knowledge is as potent a weapon as the cannons mounted on your aircraft. Armed with the insights and strategies detailed in this guide, you are now better equipped to carve a path of glory through the annals of aerial combat. Aerial supremacy is not granted; it’s seized by those who are prepared, aware, and adaptable. May your aim be true, and your sorties victorious.