War Thunder is Gaijin Entertainment's free-to-play vehicular combat MMO, and few games can match its ambition. Ground vehicles, aircraft, helicopters and warships all share one client, one economy and — on many maps — the same battlefield, modelled with a physics-based damage system that traces individual shells, modules and crew.
What it does brilliantly
The breadth is the headline. Ten nations, thousands of vehicles, and a progression that runs from World War II biplanes to modern jets and main battle tanks. The damage model is the other star: penetration depends on armour angle and shell type, and a well-placed shot that knocks out a crew or ammo rack feels genuinely earned. Combined-arms battles, where tanks call on close-air support and dodge SPAA, are a spectacle that no tank-only rival offers.
Where it frustrates
The learning curve is steep, and the economy is a running sore point. Repair costs, research grinds and premium-account advantages regularly spark community backlash — recent Steam reviews sit at "Mixed" even though the all-time score remains "Mostly Positive". None of it is pay-to-win in a strict sense, but progress is slow unless you invest time or money.
Our take
Start in Arcade Battles at low Battle Ratings, pick a forgiving nation like the USA or USSR, and give yourself time. Do that and War Thunder is one of the most rewarding free games you can install. Rush to top tier and it will chew you up. It earns a clear recommendation — with eyes open about the grind.