The folks over in War Thunder‘s development team are spoiling us with a double-whammy of updates, both of which launch alongside the 13th Battle Pass season: Tropical Storm.
The Sons of Attila update features an array of new vehicle types, the introduction of Hungarian tech, and a host of quality-of-life improvements. It also implements some of the changes outlined in the ongoing development roadmap, including overhauls of the economy mechanics, progression, and research points. The second update, Kings of Battle, brings some unusual and exciting new vehicles to the game.
Long-time fans will be delighted by these much-anticipated changes now rolling in as the final stage of the roadmap appears, while new players will find it the perfect time to get involved as the game refines itself even more. What’s more, if you download and play now, you’ll be eligible to collect some incredible Tropical Storm Battle Pass rewards.
Reach for the skies
For those of us who like to take to the skies in War Thunder’s incredible aerial battles, the Sons of Attila update has plenty of treats in store, boasting new arrivals from the USA, USSR, Germany, France, Sweden, GB, and Italy.
Several top-of-the-line new jets are included, such as the MiG-29SMT jet fighter from the top of the Soviet research tree, equipped with advanced air-to-air missiles and capable of incredibly swift manoeuvres. The USA tree gets another powerful jet fighter, the F-16C Block 50 – beefed up with lazer-guided bombs and an improved engine design. These are just two of the vast array being added to War Thunder with this update.
The Kings of Battle update also includes the F-111A Aardvark which may just be the ultimate bomber. This plane comes packed with power, boasting a huge payload and high speed. The Chinese research tree will also receive a new addition in the form of the JH-7A fighter-bomber which can carry all manner of advanced weaponry.
Also for aerial aces, a new aircraft map based in Southeast Asia – Rocky Pillars – is included with the update. There’s more than just enemy vehicles to worry about now, because this challenging map features impossibly tall rock towers, encouraging pilots to duck and weave as they attack.
If you avoid planes, but like a good helicopter, you’ll also not be disappointed. A bunch of existing models have had an audio overhaul, while seven new helicopters have been added into the game, including some iconic Hungarian variants for the Italian tree. Among these new vehicles are the USA’s OH-58D attack helicopter and the Mi-8TV from the USSR’s arsenal.
On solid ground
One of War Thunder’s most beloved campaigns centers on its colossal tank battles. With 23 of these formidable vehicles being added in Sons of Attila, there’s plenty to choose from. From India’s slow and solid T-90 Bhishma, a reworking of the Russian T-90 tank, to the Improved Chaparral SAM SPAA, capable of firing two types of missile and locating targets with a thermal imager.
A couple of modern, lightweight additions to the game’s loadout include the KF41 light tank, an Hungarian vehicle designed in the mid 2010s, equipped with a deadly 30mm autocannon and boasting superior mobility. This combination of steady, deadly ballistics and the ability to reach speeds of up to 75 km/h make the KF41 a seriously mean machine. Similarly, the dinky armored car – the 39.M Csaba – can move quickly both backwards and forwards, and mounted with a 20mm anti-tank rifle. Also, the update includes Germany’s Leopard 2 PSO, Japan’s TKX, France’s Leclerc AZUR, and 11 other additions to the Hungarian research tree.
Kings of Battle brings the unusual Object 775 to the lineup, nicknamed “the flattened pancake” for its experimental low-profile design. You’ll also, among other new vehicles, be introduced to the actual “king of battle”, the M109.
Those who prefer ground battles will also be pleased to hear that a newly improved map is featured in the update, that of Test Site – 2271.
Set sail
Naval vehicles have not been forgotten, in fact the Bluewater research trees are expanding to Rank VI. The USSR’s Marat battleship is included in the Premium ‘Marat Pack’, while the USS Arkansas (guess where that one is from) is included in the Premium ‘Arkansas Pack’. Premiums aside, you’ll also find Japan’s PT-808 joining the crew, as well as Italy’s Impetuoso and the USS Texas among others. The HMS Iron Duke and IJN Yamashiro are also included in their own pre-order packs, equipping you with two colossal warships and a bunch of goodies.
Purchasing a Premium pack will also grant you bonuses like 3000 Golden Eagles and Premium account access for 30 days.
Bigger and better
It wouldn’t be a proper War Thunder update without some serious additional bonuses alongside heaps of new vehicles. Many graphical effects have received a massive improvement including wind and tree effects, explosions and shots, and a realistic HUD for helicopters. Shots will also now destroy 3D decorations placed on top of enemy vehicles.
Perhaps the biggest news of the update is the overhaul to the game’s economy, providing a fundamental change in structure that players have been eagerly awaiting.
Changes have been made to research points and the cost to purchase modifications at all ranks, and research trees have been restructured to group vehicles together, further streamlining progress. The Research Point and Silver Lion (the game’s currency) cost of researching and buying aircraft has been reduced and Research Point costs for researching vehicles has been halved in many of the newly assembled groups.
Dynamic repair costs have been implemented, meaning that vehicles with shorter lifespans cost less to repair. This will make the game far more accessible for new players and those focused on War Thunder’s FTP elements, and will encourage long-time players to invest and trial a wider range of vehicles in their campaigns.
There have also been map corrections, a new system of accepting ‘apologies’ after a team kill incident, an improved Battle Log, enhancements to collision physics, and more. For a full breakdown of the newly implemented roadmap features, check out the developer blog on the War Thunder site.
A new storm brewing
There has never been a more exciting time to download War Thunder and start playing (or if you’ve played before, to get back in the game), as the new Battle Pass season, Tropical Storm, is now live until January 24, 2024. The grand prize for your efforts toward Battle Pass completion is the formidable jet-powered attack aircraft from New Zealand: The Strikemaster Mk.88.
Alongside this colossal icon, you’ll also be able to nab some limited-time loot, such as the HMS Gay Archer, a versatile British patrol boat equipped with two torpedoes, and the Breda 90/53 multipurpose vehicle which acts as both anti-aircraft and anti-tank. Of course, there will also be plenty of decals and decorations up for grabs, and even an exclusive profile icon.
Log in regularly and complete varied challenges to advance your Battle Pass level, earning new prizes as you go. Read more about the War Thunder Battle Pass here.
Download War Thunder and the Sons of Attila update today and join the battle in what is one of the best free PS5 games and best free Xbox games for console players right now.