War Thunder: The Complete Beginner's Guide
Everything you need to know before you take off — from picking your first vehicle to mastering the battle modes and earning your first gold.
War Thunder is a free-to-play multiplayer combat game developed by Gaijin Entertainment. It puts you in the cockpit, the turret, or the bridge of more than 3,000 real military vehicles spanning the 20th century — from biplanes and tank destroyers to modern jets and warships. Unlike many arcade shooters, War Thunder is built around historical accuracy: every vehicle's stats, weapons and handling are modelled on real specifications, which means your skill and knowledge of your machine matter as much as your aim.
The game is played in three broad categories — air, ground and naval — and you can mix and match them in the same battle. You start with a handful of basic vehicles and earn Silver Lions (the in-game currency) by winning battles, which you spend to research and unlock more powerful machines. Gold Eagles, the premium currency, can be earned through events or purchased, and they speed up research, buy premium vehicles, or top up your Silver balance.
Choosing your first vehicle
Your first vehicle sets the tone for your early experience. If you like fast, vertical combat, start with a light fighter such as the I-16 or the Spitfire Mk.I — they are forgiving, quick to turn, and let you learn the basics of energy management. If you prefer the ground, a light tank like the T-26 or the Pz.Kpfw. II gives you a manageable gun and decent mobility. Naval players can begin with a small destroyer, which is forgiving and teaches you the basics of torpedo and gunnery range.
A good rule of thumb: pick a vehicle that matches the playstyle you want to develop, not the one that looks coolest. You will spend your first few hundred battles learning its strengths and weaknesses, so a forgiving, well-rounded machine will keep you motivated.
Battle modes explained
War Thunder has three main battle modes, each with its own rules and rewards.
- Arcade Battles (AB): simplified controls, instant respawns, and a focus on fun. Great for learning a vehicle's basics.
- Realistic Battles (RB): full damage model, no respawns, and realistic ballistics. This is where the game's depth shines.
- Simulator Battles (SB): the most demanding mode, with full 6-DOF flight physics and a strict damage model. Only available for select aircraft.
- Ground Battles: tank and SPG combat with a damage model closer to RB. Naval Battles: ship combat with torpedoes, guns, and (in some modes) aircraft support.
Earning silver, gold, and research
Silver Lions are earned in every battle based on your performance — damage dealt, assists, kills, and survival. You spend Silver to research the next vehicle in a tech tree branch. Gold Eagles are the premium currency: they can be used to buy premium vehicles (which earn 2× Silver), to buy Silver directly, or to speed up research. Daily and weekly events, as well as the in-game store, are the main ways to earn Gold without spending real money.
Tips for new pilots and commanders
- Learn your vehicle's energy profile before you fight. A plane that is fast in a dive but slow in a climb will punish you if you fly it like a turning dogfighter.
- Use the minimap. In War Thunder, knowing where the enemy is often matters more than raw gunnery skill.
- Do not chase kills at the expense of your position. A well-timed retreat is worth more than a risky engagement.
- Join a clan or a community. Veterans are usually happy to share tips, and clan battles are a great way to learn teamwork.
- Watch your ammo. In RB and SB, a wasted shot is a wasted opportunity — lead your target and fire only when you have a good angle.