War Thunder

Heavy Cavalry Major Update launched on June 24, 2026, introducing significant new content and gameplay features to War Thunder. This update included the addition of the USS North Carolina, a new Rank VII battleship, and the F-101C Voodoo, an American interceptor at Rank VI. Players also gained access to new mechanics and systems enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

• New Vehicles: A variety of new vehicles were introduced, including:
  • F/A-18E Super Hornet added to the U.S. forces.
  • Stalingrad Battlecruiser, designed as a 'cruiser killer'.
  • Scimitar Mk.2 Light Tank for Great Britain, featuring improved armor and mobility.
• Gameplay Enhancements: Major updates included:
  • A new league system for the Tank Football event, allowing players to progress based on performance.
  • Mission Mode with Capture Points introduced on the new Kivu map, featuring new respawning mechanics.
  • Man-in-the-Loop Guidance for munitions, allowing retargeting in flight.
• Seasonal Events: The Tank Football 2026 event returned, featuring new rewards and a league system, alongside the Nuclear Escalation mode, which saw a return from June 26 to July 1.
• Balance Changes: Significant reworks included improvements to naval combat air defense and adjustments to anti-aircraft behavior, enhancing the effectiveness of short-range SAM systems.

The introduction of the Yamato battleship on May 30, 2025, marked a significant highlight in War Thunder's Year 12, alongside the long-awaited inclusion of infantry into the game on March 31, 2025. This period also saw the arrival of powerful new vehicles, such as the F/A-18 Hornet and Su-30SM, expanding the air combat options for players.

• Major Content Drops:
  • Yamato Battleship launched on May 30, 2025, joining the naval roster.
  • Infantry Update added on March 31, 2025, enabling ground forces to engage in combined arms battles.
  • F/A-18 Hornet Pack pre-orders began on June 19, 2025, featuring the Swiss variant with advanced weaponry.
  • Moments of Valor: Brazil Bundle launched on September 7, 2024, offering discounted aircraft.

• New Vehicles and Aircraft:
  • HMS Warspite, a British battleship, was added on February 20, 2025.
  • New Ground Vehicles like the Tracked Rapier and 2S19M1/M2 were introduced on March 18, 2025.
  • RAH-66 Comanche Helicopter and F-2A Multi-Role Fighter were added on June 25, 2025.

• Gameplay Enhancements:
  • The Autonomous Operation of Launcher Vehicles mechanic was introduced on June 4, 2025, allowing missile launchers to function independently.
  • Maneuver Mode and Thrust Vectoring were added on March 18, 2025, enhancing aircraft agility.

• Balance Changes:
  • Upgrades to the ESA radar for several vehicles were implemented on July 29, 2025, improving tracking capabilities.
  • Increased explosive power for ASM-1 and ASM-2 missiles was noted on June 30, 2025.

• Seasonal Events:
  • The Normandy '44 Event launched on June 5, 2025, celebrating D-Day with themed rewards.
  • The Spirit of the Tempest Event began on May 22, 2025, introducing new aircraft and rewards.

War Thunder introduced the 'Airborne General' Battle Pass on January 24, 2024, along with significant new vehicles and gameplay mechanics throughout the year. Notable additions included FOX-3 active radar homing missiles on May 24, 2024, and the introduction of Rank VIII for Ground Vehicles which expanded the vehicle roster with advanced models.

• New Vehicles:
  • F-15, Su-27, Mirage 4000, JAS39 added on December 14, 2023, enhancing the air combat experience.
  • Challenger 3 (Prototype), M1A2 SEP2, T-90M were introduced as part of the Rank VIII update on December 14, 2023.
  • USS Roanoke added as a new naval vessel on December 14, 2023.
  • F-20A Tigershark and Tornado IDS WTD 61 packs became available for pre-order in early 2024.

• Gameplay Enhancements:
  • New Tactical Capabilities for aircraft carrying FOX-3 missiles launched on May 24, 2024.
  • Construction Mechanics for ground vehicles, allowing players to build trenches and camouflage nets, were added on July 17, 2024.
  • Severe Damage Mechanic introduced on February 20, 2024, altering how damage scoring is calculated.

• Seasonal Events:
  • The Persian Tomcat Event launched on August 8, 2024, offering players the chance to earn the F-14A IRIAF.
  • Season 16 of the Battle Pass began on July 24, 2024, introducing new rewards including the Sholef V.1 tank destroyer.

• Balance Changes:
  • Adjustments to APHE shell mechanics and battle ratings for various vehicles were implemented, ensuring a more balanced gameplay experience.

• Map Improvements:
  • Significant updates were made to various maps, enhancing player experience based on feedback, completed by August 31, 2023.

War Thunder introduced significant new content with the launch of the Summer Extreme Event on August 8, 2023, allowing players to earn various rewards and featuring vehicles like the Patria CT-CV 105HP. Other highlights included the addition of several new vehicles, such as the HMS Renown Battlecruiser and the Émile Bertin Light Cruiser, along with numerous gameplay adjustments and seasonal events.

• Major Content Drops:
  • Summer Extreme Event launched on August 8, 2023, running until August 28, featuring special tasks and rewards.
  • Armour Breaking Ambusher Battle Pass season began on July 26, introducing new vehicles and challenges.

• New Vehicles:
  • The HMS Renown and Patria CT-CV 105HP were added as event vehicles in August 2023.
  • The Émile Bertin Light Cruiser and Vijayanta Medium Tank were introduced in June 2023.

• Gameplay Enhancements:
  • A new timer for beam-riding missiles was added on August 2, 2023, improving missile engagement mechanics.
  • Improved map rotations for aircraft battles were implemented in June, adjusting map availability based on vehicle BR.

• Balance Changes:
  • On June 20, 2023, a reward multiplier increase and reduced repair costs were introduced to ensure players break even without a premium account.
  • Adjustments to APDS and APCR round mechanics were made on June 14, enhancing the overall balance of ammunition types.

• Seasonal Events:
  • The Atomic Thunder Event launched on July 11, 2023, featuring combat robots from Atomic Heart.
  • Various task events throughout July and August rewarded players for completing historical battle challenges.