War Thunder
Metacritic
OpenCritic
Strong
IGDB
OpenCritic Score
Score Distribution
"War Thunder surprised me. I am not very good at it, but I still have a lot of fun playing it. Because it is a free-to-play game, some players will download it on a whim and quit 20 minutes in due to the poor controls. Those that brave the steep learning curve will be rewarded with a realistic combat simulator that could be truly great one day."
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About War Thunder
War Thunder dropped on PC in January 2013 before landing on consoles like PlayStation and Xbox later. Gaijin Entertainment built this free-to-play MMO to cover every branch of mid-20th century combat. You command tanks, fly planes, or sail ships across massive online battles. The game spans from early biplanes to modern main battle tanks and destroyers. It runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Series X|S. This isn't a quick arcade shooter. It aims for historical accuracy with detailed vehicle modeling and realistic physics. Players join global servers to fight in coordinated teams or solo skirmishes across land, sea, and sky.
Gameplay
Sessions start with choosing a nation and picking a specific vehicle variant from a deep research tree. You spawn into a match where the map dictates your approach. Tank players maneuver through terrain while calculating armor angles and shell types against enemy hulls. Pilots manage throttle, altitude, and fuel to engage targets in dogfights or dive-bombing runs. Naval combat requires managing speed and firing arcs for torpedoes or main guns. Matches last anywhere from ten to twenty minutes depending on the mode. You earn credits and experience after every battle to unlock better gear. The controls feel heavy and deliberate. One mistake often means a quick return to the hangar menu.
What Players Think
Critics gave it mixed but generally positive marks with Metacritic at 81 and OpenCritic at 75. Only 46 percent of reviewers recommended it on OpenCritic while IGDB shows a 69.4 rating from 227 users. PlayPile data shows an average completion rate where players unlock achievements at just 7 percent. The rarest achievement "Collector" sits at a measly 0.10 percent unlock rate. Community moods swing between frustration over matchmaking and satisfaction during successful sorties. PlayStation Universe praised the graphics but noted missing modes on consoles compared to PC. GamesBeat admitted they had fun despite poor skill levels because the free model lowers the barrier to entry. Most players stick around for the depth rather than the immediate gratification.
PlayPile's Take
This title suits people who want a long grind with realistic mechanics and don't mind paying attention to every detail. The price is zero, but the time investment is steep given the 90 achievements and low unlock rates. You will spend hundreds of hours researching vehicles just to feel competent. It works best for simulation fans who enjoy tactical planning over reflex-based shooting. Consoles offer a solid experience though some features remain PC exclusive. If you want a game that respects your patience and offers genuine variety in combat styles, this fits. Otherwise, the complexity might feel like homework rather than entertainment.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative, Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO)
IGDB Rating
69.4
RAWG Rating
3.2
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10Achievements
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