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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWar Thunder is free to download and play on a 64-bit Windows PC. You can install it from the official Gaijin website or through Steam. Both versions provide the same broad military combat game, but the launcher you choose affects account login, purchases, achievements, updates and Steam features.
If you already have a Gaijin, PlayStation or Xbox account, verify the account you are about to use before starting progression or buying premium content. Steam can automatically authenticate a different Steam-linked account, and purchases made through Steam are credited only to that account.
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What is War Thunder?
War Thunder is an online free-to-play military combat game built around aircraft, armoured ground vehicles and naval vessels. Its vehicle roster spans early-20th-century equipment through modern combat units.
The game focuses primarily on online battles rather than a conventional single-player campaign. It includes PvP, co-operative play and cross-platform multiplayer with supported PC and console platforms. Different battle modes offer varying levels of arcade-style accessibility and realism.
#1 Best Overall
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
The base game is free, but optional in-app purchases include premium currency, premium vehicles, packs and other progression-related items. You do not need to buy the game or subscribe to play, although premium content can change how quickly you progress and which vehicles you can access.
War Thunder PC system requirements
Gaijin and Steam currently publish different storage figures. This appears to reflect differences between the minimal and full client, optional content and the space Steam reserves for installation and updates. Do not treat the smallest number as the amount of free space every installation will need.
Official Gaijin requirements
| Requirement | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10, 64-bit | Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit |
| Processor | Dual-core 2.2 GHz | Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 3600 or better |
| Memory | 4 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM or more |
| Graphics | DirectX 11-level GPU, such as AMD Radeon 77XX or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 | DirectX 11 or better, such as GeForce 1060 or Radeon RX 570 or better |
| Internet | Broadband connection | Broadband connection |
| Storage | 23.1 GB for the minimal client | 75.9 GB for the full client |
| Resolution | 720p minimum | Not specified in the cited FAQ |
Source: Gaijin’s official War Thunder FAQ.
Steam requirements
The Steam listing currently specifies 70 GB of storage minimum and 95 GB recommended, alongside broadly similar CPU, RAM and GPU requirements. It also lists a minimum supported resolution of 720p and SteamVR support.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesAs a practical target, keep at least 100 GB free if possible. That leaves room for the full client, updates, caches, optional high-resolution assets and normal Windows overhead. The exact footprint can change as the game is updated.
Meeting the minimum specification indicates basic compatibility, not a guaranteed frame rate or high-quality graphics setting. A system near minimum should begin with conservative settings and increase them gradually.
Rank #2
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
How to download War Thunder from the official website
The official Gaijin launcher is usually the clearest option for an existing Gaijin account or a player moving from console.
- Open the official War Thunder website.
- Select the red Download Game button.
- Save and run the installer.
- Choose the installation language and destination folder.
- Finish the installation.
- Allow the War Thunder Launcher to open and download the game files.
- Wait for the download and update process to complete.
- Sign in and launch the game.
Download only from the official website. Avoid replacement executables or unofficial installers when troubleshooting a failed launch.
How to install War Thunder through Steam
- Open Steam and search for War Thunder.
- Open the official Gaijin listing.
- Select Play Game or install the free title.
- Choose the Steam library location.
- Wait for Steam to download the client.
- Start the game and confirm which account is active before beginning progression or making purchases.
Steam adds library integration, Steam achievements, trading cards, overlay features and SteamVR support. It also centralises downloads and updates. The trade-off is a greater risk of account confusion if Steam automatically logs you into a separate Steam-created account.
Gaijin launcher vs Steam
| Consideration | Official launcher | Steam |
|---|---|---|
| Free base game | Yes | Yes |
| Existing Gaijin-account workflow | More straightforward | Can trigger Steam account authentication |
| Steam achievements and trading cards | No | Yes |
| Steam library and overlay | No | Yes |
| SteamVR listing and integration | Not the main advantage | Yes |
| Best for console-to-PC users | Usually preferable | Usable, but verify the account first |
| Purchases | Use the Gaijin account ecosystem | Steam purchases go to the Steam-linked game account |
Choose the official launcher if account continuity is your priority, particularly if you already have Gaijin progress or are moving from PlayStation or Xbox. Choose Steam if achievements, library management, Steam overlay or SteamVR matter more and you are comfortable checking the account identity carefully.
Neither route should be assumed to provide different core gameplay content. The main differences concern the launcher, platform services, account handling and purchase path.
Rank #3
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
Using a console or existing Gaijin account on PC
Account use and account merging are not the same thing. The official FAQ says that a PlayStation-created War Thunder account can be linked to an email and used on PC while retaining progress. It also describes an Xbox account being bound to a login email for PC use, while warning that platform-specific transfer and purchase rules differ.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →These rules are platform-specific and can change. Do not assume that every console purchase, marketplace feature or platform-exclusive product will behave identically on Windows. Before installing, bind or verify the account according to the current official FAQ.
Steam account warning
According to Gaijin Support, an existing Gaijin account cannot simply be linked to an existing Steam profile. An account created through the Steam login option has a different relationship with that Steam profile, and Steam Store purchases are credited only to the Steam-linked game account.
After the first launch, check the displayed username, vehicles, progression and account details. Do this before buying premium currency, a pack or a premium vehicle.
First-launch settings and beginner advice
- Start with the tutorials: Learn movement, aiming, camera controls and the economy before spending premium currency.
- Choose a vehicle category: Begin with aircraft, ground vehicles or naval combat based on your interest, then try another category when you understand the basics.
- Learn modes gradually: Arcade modes are generally more accessible; realistic modes demand more knowledge of aiming, movement and vehicle handling.
- Configure controls early: Pay particular attention to throttle, camera, targeting, braking, rangefinding, binoculars, spotting and vehicle-specific controls.
- Use the simplest comfortable input: Mouse and keyboard are a practical starting point on PC. A controller or specialist flight device may be preferable for some players, but usability varies by vehicle and mode.
- Adjust graphics conservatively: Start with a sensible preset, then raise quality while monitoring stability and temperatures.
- Do not rush into premium vehicles: A high-rank premium vehicle can be a poor first purchase if you have not learned the controls, repair system, matchmaking and progression structure.
- Keep the same client updated: Use the launcher through which you installed the game and keep sufficient disk space available for patches.
Common download, launch and login problems
Steam opened a new level-one account
Steam may have authenticated a Steam-created account instead of the Gaijin account you intended to use. Do not make purchases or spend time progressing until you confirm the identity.
Rank #4
- TMR Joysticks - Offering higher sensitivity, greater precision, and enhanced durability.
- 8BitDo Exclusive Wireless Technology - “8Speed”, it delivers an exceptionally stable 2.4G connection with ultra-low latency under 1ms. Engineered for rock-solid reliability, it features strong anti-interference and a 10m range with virtually no lag.
- Trigger Mode Switch - Easily switch between linear Hall Effect triggers and non-linear tactile triggers for optimal control across different gaming scenarios.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection). Customizable 6-Axis Motion Control. Turbo function. Rumble vibration. Support 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2.
- 2 Pro back paddle buttons, extra R4/L4 bumpers, and tactile bumpers & D-pad for enhanced control and faster response. Includes a multifunctional charging dock and USB-C adapter for seamless connectivity.
Try launching through the War Thunder launcher rather than the normal Steam shortcut, or look for a profile option such as Change User. Menu wording can change between updates, so treat these labels as version-sensitive. If the account remains inaccessible, use Gaijin Support rather than attempting to merge accounts or buying content again.
The game will not launch
- Update Windows and your graphics drivers.
- Confirm that Windows is 64-bit and the GPU supports the required DirectX level.
- Try minimum graphics settings.
- Try windowed mode at 1280×720.
- Use Steam’s file-verification or repair option if you installed through Steam.
- Start the standalone launcher directly from the installation folder if available.
- Check free disk space and leave room for updates.
- Contact Gaijin Support if the problem continues.
Gaijin’s FAQ documents safe mode, windowed mode and forced-resolution launch options. It shows examples such as -safe, -mode:windowed and -resolution:1280x720, but its cited command example is for the Linux client. Do not assume that the exact command syntax or executable path is identical on Windows.
The download or update fails
Check the available storage, your broadband connection, Windows security prompts and whether the launcher is permitted through your firewall. Restart the launcher and try again. If you use Steam, use Steam’s repair or file-verification tools. Do not replace game files with downloads from unofficial sites.
There is not enough storage
The official FAQ lists 23.1 GB for a minimal client and 75.9 GB for a full client, while Steam lists 70 GB minimum and 95 GB recommended. Uninstall optional content only if the current launcher offers that control, and keep additional free space for future updates. A 100 GB working allowance is the safer target.
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Purchases or progress are missing
First check that you are signed into the correct account and using the expected platform. Steam purchases belong to the Steam-linked game account; content bought on another account should not be expected to appear on a separate Gaijin or console-linked profile. If the account is correct and the item is still missing, contact official support with the transaction details.
Best Value
- Versatile compatibility: supports Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X/S consoles and PC Win10 and above (including the game platform Steam).
- Precise control: features Hall joysticks and Hall triggers for a comfortable feeling, long service life and improved game accuracy.
- Plug and Play Convenience: Wired USB connection (removable) for easy setup and instant play without the need for additional drivers.
- Customizable experience: Includes 2 custom backbuttons that allow users to eliminate false triggers and improve their gaming experience.
- Impressive gameplay: Provides a pulsating vibration trigger and an asymmetric vibration grip motor for intense tactile feedback.
Notable PC features
- Online PvP and co-operative play.
- Cross-platform multiplayer with supported Windows, Linux, Mac, PlayStation and Xbox platforms listed by the official and Steam pages.
- Aircraft, ground vehicles and naval combat in one game.
- Steam achievements, trading cards and overlay support.
- SteamVR support.
- Selectable client content and optional higher-resolution assets, subject to storage and hardware.
- Custom content creation and sharing through War Thunder Live. The Steam page also describes a revenue-share opportunity for eligible custom content.
Cross-platform multiplayer does not automatically mean that every account, purchase, marketplace feature or transfer path works identically across platforms. Treat multiplayer compatibility, account use, progression and purchase entitlements as separate questions.
Is War Thunder worth downloading on PC?
War Thunder is a strong fit if you enjoy online military vehicles, long-term progression and the ability to move between aviation, ground combat and naval battles. The free base game makes it possible to test the experience without buying a full-price release, and cross-platform multiplayer broadens the player pool.
It is a weaker fit if you want a self-contained single-player campaign, a one-time purchase with no optional monetisation, or a progression system that does not include premium content. The most important decision before installation is not performance alone: choose the launcher that matches the account and platform ecosystem you intend to use.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is War Thunder free on PC?
Yes. The base game is free to download and play on Windows, with optional in-app purchases for premium content and progression-related products.
Can I play War Thunder without Steam?
Yes. Download the official PC launcher from the War Thunder website and sign in with a Gaijin account.
Does War Thunder support cross-platform multiplayer?
Yes. The official and Steam pages describe cross-platform multiplayer across supported PC and console platforms, although account, progression and purchase rules can differ.
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Does War Thunder support VR?
Steam lists SteamVR support. Actual usability depends on your headset, hardware, settings and the game mode or vehicle you use.
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