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War Thunder’s base game is free to download and play online, with no subscription required. It is not an offline game: the publisher’s FAQ says a permanent internet connection is required. You can start with accessible Arcade battles, use mouse aiming or a gamepad, and decide later whether to try more demanding modes or optional purchases.
Do you need to pay to play War Thunder?
No subscription is required to download and play the base game. The official War Thunder FAQ says, “You are free to download and play the game right away without any restrictions or subscription fees.” That describes the base game; it does not mean every vehicle, convenience, or in-game item is free.
The same FAQ says a permanent internet connection is required. You can choose a server region, but you should not expect to play offline. Check the FAQ for current platform and account guidance before choosing where to play.
Where can you play War Thunder?
The official game overview lists Windows, Linux, and Mac, as well as PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. The publisher describes cross-platform play, but account features and cross-play rules can vary by platform. Check the current official guidance for the platform you plan to use.
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- This plastic model requires assembly and painting. Adhesives, tools, paints, etc., sold separately
- 1/48 scale unpainted plastic assembly kit
- Size when assembled: Total length approx. 12.4 inches (315 mm)
- The cockpit and legs have been modeled in detail
- Bonus code for use in the Warsander online game
Before installing, confirm that your device meets the current system requirements. Requirements and platform availability can change, so avoid relying on an old requirements list or assuming that all platform versions have identical account options.
Which War Thunder mode should a beginner start with?
For a first competitive match, Arcade is the straightforward starting point. The official War Thunder Wiki mode guide describes it as the simplest and typically easiest of the three main player-versus-player modes to learn: it moves faster, makes vehicle control easier, and provides aiming assistance. Realistic and Simulator provide progressively more demanding or immersive experiences.
Rank #2
- This plastic model requires assembly and painting. Adhesives, tools, paints, etc., sold separately
- 1/35 scale unpainted plastic assembly kit
- Size when assembled: Total length approx. 10.9 inches (278 mm)
- Marking reproduces 4 countries
- Bonus Warsander code included
| Mode | What to expect | Good fit if you want |
|---|---|---|
| Arcade | Faster pacing, easier control, and aiming assistance, according to the official Wiki. | A less demanding introduction to the main PvP modes. |
| Realistic | A more demanding control experience than Arcade, according to the official mode descriptions. | Less assistance and a greater challenge. |
| Simulator | The most immersive and demanding control experience of the three main PvP modes. | A higher-complexity experience centered on immersion. |
Those are broad mode distinctions, not a promise that one mode is best for every player. War Thunder also offers cooperative PvE, event, and single-player options; consult the official mode guide to see which formats are available and how they work.
How to get into your first match
This is a practical starting sequence based on the publisher’s descriptions, not a report of a tested play session.
Rank #3
- This plastic model requires assembly and painting. Adhesives, tools, paints, etc., sold separately
- 1/35 scale unpainted plastic assembly kit
- Size when assembled: Total length approx. 9.5 inches (241 mm)
- Belt type for easy assembly
- Bonus code for use in the Warsander online game
- Choose your platform. Check the official platform overview and verify current system requirements for your device.
- Confirm you have internet access. The official FAQ requires a permanent connection and describes server-region selection.
- Start with Arcade. Its easier controls and aiming assistance make it a sensible first PvP mode, as described by the official Wiki guide.
- Learn the basics before judging a vehicle or nation. Focus on movement, aiming, and the match objective. A difficult first outing may reflect unfamiliar controls or rules rather than the vehicle alone.
- Adjust the challenge when you are ready. Try Realistic or Simulator if you want less assistance or a more immersive control experience; explore cooperative PvE or single-player options if you would rather learn outside the main PvP modes.
Can you play with a mouse, gamepad, or joystick?
Yes. The publisher’s FAQ lists support for gamepads, joysticks, head tracking, and VR systems. It also says Mouse Aiming allows most maneuvers in many modes with a mouse. A joystick is optional, not a requirement.
Choose controls based on your platform and preference. Mouse aiming, a gamepad, and a joystick are different options, not a universally ranked list; the official support description does not establish that one is best for every player or mode.
Rank #4
- This plastic model requires assembly and painting. Adhesives, tools, paints, etc., sold separately
- 1/48 scale unpainted plastic assembly kit
- Size when assembled: Total length approx. 13.7 inches (348 mm)
- The markings are reproduced by the British Air Force, the German Air Force, and the Saudi Arabian Air Force
- Bonus Warsander code included
What does “free to play” mean for progression?
War Thunder’s free progression uses several in-game currencies and research systems. The official economy guide explains that Silver Lions are used for vehicles and recurring costs such as repairs and ammunition; Research Points unlock vehicles and modifications; and Golden Eagles are premium currency.
Optional paid choices include premium accounts, premium vehicles, and other Golden Eagle purchases. The publisher says purchases can speed leveling and provide a wider range of vehicles, while also stating that paying does not let a player win simply by paying. That balance claim is the publisher’s position, not an independent assessment. Prices and progression multipliers change, so check the in-game store for current terms rather than relying on old figures.
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Best Value
- 1/72nd scale
- Highly detailed cockpit interior and landing gear
- Authentic markings available for two versions
- Optional part to build as -3 or -5 version included
- Paint and glue not included
What should a new free-to-play player expect?
You can begin without a subscription, but free access does not remove the online requirement or the game’s progression economy. You will encounter currencies, research, vehicle costs, and recurring expenses such as repairs and ammunition. Paid options can affect progression or provide optional items, but the official materials do not establish a particular unlock speed, balance outcome, or best purchase for every player.
The publisher lists more than 2,500 vehicles on its overview page, but does not attach a publication year to that figure. Because the count is update-sensitive, treat it as the page’s current claim rather than a dated or independently verified count.
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