Game mechanics

Naval Enduring Confrontation (EC) in War Thunder is a strategic, objective-driven game mode available from Thursday to Monday in the “Events and Tournaments” section, switching between AB and RB every 24 hours. Matches can last up to three hours, focusing on capturing ports, defending/attacking convoys, and completing tasks to earn points, with unlimited respawns costing Silver Lions and, for higher BR ships, spawn points (SP).

Air Assault is a cooperative PvE game mode where players defend a base against multiple waves of AI-controlled aircraft. Like Ground Assault, this mode offers players an easy way to earn Silver Lions and Research Points. This guide will explore the mechanics of Air Assault, list the map rotation and enemy AI vehicles, and also provide some general strategies.

Ground Assault is a cooperative PvE gamemode where players defend a capture zone against waves of AI-controlled enemies while using tanks and various aircraft. This gamemode offers players an easy way to earn Silver Lions and Research Points, making it a relatively beginner-friendly option for newer players. This guide explores the mechanics of Ground Assault, provides a list of vehicles used by enemy AI units, and offers a detailed breakdown of the layouts for all 7 maps.

In War Thunder, when a shell collides with an armor plate, a modifier will be applied to the thickness of the plate depending on the angle of impact and the type of shell. This is how War Thunder models a phenomenon known as normalization.

Crew is the lifeblood of any war machine. Boats and ships can require as few as a handful of men or as many as thousands to operate efficiently. In War Thunder's naval battles, the Crew Loss mechanic is used to simulate victory by attrition, whether it's through sailor casualties or structural damage that would otherwise render the ship unsalvageable. Damage to critical components and special compartments reduces the percentage of crew able to perform their duties. Once the number of usable crew falls below the minimum required to operate the ship, the ship will be scuttled immediately.

Each day, an independent research bonus for up to 5 battles will be available for each vehicle type (Army, Helicopters, Aviation, Bluewater, and Coastal) for each nation. The bonus will be available if you have unlocked and purchased a “top” vehicle of the same type in any nation.

Battle Pass is an event during which you will earn progress points and use them to open new levels. Each opened level brings you a valuable reward, from Silver Lions and boosters to exclusive season prizes: decorations, profile icons and premium vehicles.

A mortar is a type of smoothbore cannon that exclusively uses high-angle plunging fire. It is designed for indirect fire, with projectiles, technically known as bombs, that drop onto targets from above. Mortars are typically smaller, lighter weapon systems with a shorter range compared to other cannons.

War Thunder’s matchmaking system is generally simple, but comes with some key caveats depending on the game mode; these are vital to understand to make the most of your vehicles and lineups. Learn more about rules around which vehicles you will be able to field and face in battle in this article.

Planes, tanks and ships all have their ways to set things on fire. One of them is to use weapons such as flamethrowers or incendiary bombs. Read more about them — in this article.