How to play war thunder infantry

Overview

War Thunder is a popular free-to-play vehicular combat game developed and published by Gaijin Entertainment. It offers a vast array of historically accurate vehicles from World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War, allowing players to engage in intense aerial, ground, and naval battles. While the core gameplay revolves around controlling tanks, armored cars, self-propelled guns, and aircraft, the question of how infantry fits into the War Thunder experience is a common one for new players or those interested in a more comprehensive historical simulation.

It's important to clarify that War Thunder does not currently feature a gameplay mode where players directly control individual infantry soldiers, similar to games like 'Hell Let Loose' or 'Post Scriptum'. The primary focus remains on the operation of armored vehicles and aircraft. However, this doesn't mean infantry has no role or relevance within the game's ecosystem.

Infantry's Role in War Thunder

The role of infantry in War Thunder is largely indirect and supportive, primarily existing in the following capacities:

AI-Controlled Elements

In various game modes, particularly Ground Battles, infantry units can be present as AI-controlled Non-Player Characters (NPCs). These AI infantry squads might be seen defending capture points, manning anti-tank emplacements, or moving across the battlefield. While they are not directly controllable by players, their presence adds to the atmosphere and realism of the combat environment. They can sometimes pose a threat to lightly armored vehicles or provide cover for player-controlled units.

Support for Ground Vehicles

Historically, infantry played a crucial role in supporting tanks and armored vehicles, providing anti-tank capabilities, reconnaissance, and clearing out enemy positions. In War Thunder, this support dynamic is simulated through the interplay between different vehicle classes. For instance, a player controlling a tank might rely on the presence of allied AI infantry to clear out buildings where enemy anti-tank gunners might be hiding, or to spot enemy vehicles that are difficult for the tank to detect on its own.

Game Modes and Objectives

While direct infantry control is absent, certain game modes or specific scenarios might incorporate objectives that implicitly involve infantry actions. For example, capturing and holding strategic points on the map often requires ground vehicles to advance and secure areas that historically would have been contested by infantry. Some PvE (Player versus Environment) missions or custom scenarios might also feature AI infantry playing more prominent roles in achieving mission objectives.

Historical Accuracy and Immersion

War Thunder prides itself on its historical accuracy, and the absence of direct infantry control is a deliberate design choice reflecting the game's focus on vehicular warfare. The developers aim to recreate the feel of large-scale battles where armored formations and air power were the dominant forces. While infantry was undoubtedly vital in World War II and subsequent conflicts, the gameplay mechanics are tailored to the experience of operating tanks, aircraft, and ships.

Future Possibilities

Gaijin Entertainment has a history of updating and expanding War Thunder. While there have been no official announcements regarding the implementation of playable infantry modes, the game's engine and design could theoretically accommodate such features in the future. Player feedback and the evolving landscape of vehicular combat games might influence future development decisions. However, for the current state of the game, players should focus on mastering the controls and tactics for ground vehicles and aircraft.

Getting Started with Ground Forces

For players interested in the ground forces aspect of War Thunder, the best approach is to start with the lower-tier tanks and armored vehicles. These vehicles are generally easier to handle and provide a good introduction to the game's mechanics, such as aiming, ballistics, armor penetration, and crew management. Familiarizing yourself with the different types of ammunition and understanding how to exploit enemy weak spots are key to success.

Understanding the battlefield is crucial. Players need to learn map layouts, identify advantageous positions, and be aware of potential threats from both the air and the ground. Effective communication with teammates, especially in Realistic and Simulation Battles, can significantly improve team performance and survivability.

Conclusion

In summary, while you cannot directly control infantry units in War Thunder, their presence is felt through AI-controlled elements and the historical context of combined arms warfare. The game's core experience is centered on piloting powerful vehicles, and players looking to contribute to the war effort will do so by mastering tanks, aircraft, and naval vessels. The simulation aims to capture the essence of large-scale vehicular combat, where infantry played a supporting role to the main armored and aerial assaults.