War Thunder checked properly

War Thunder is the most technically committed game on this page. Vehicles are modelled down to armour thickness and engine type, ballistics behave properly, and a well-placed shot counts for far more than a health bar.

Three difficulty modes let you choose how much simulation you want, from arcade handling to full realistic control. Most people start in arcade and a good number never move on.

The vehicle trees are vast and the grind is genuine. What holds people is that every machine feels distinct, which is rare at this scale.

Where it earns the slot

• Aircraft, tanks & ships
• Team battles
• Deep progression

Checks out for

Anybody who likes machines and wants a game that respects them.

Does not check out if you want to be competent quickly - the curve is real.

First weeks at Oakstarlight

Start in arcade and move up when you choose to. Realistic mode punishes habits you have not had time to form.

Research one nation at a time. Spreading across three trees leaves you outclassed in all three at once.