In War Thunder, there’s an art to mastering the art of war, whether you’re clashing with tanks, commanding warships on the seas, or maneuvering aircraft in aerial dogfights. Traditionally, though, the game hasn’t featured ground troops—until now. In a surprising twist, Gaijin Entertainment has introduced AI-controlled infantry, debuting them in their quirky World War I-themed mode for April Fool’s Day.
War Thunder is renowned for its extensive lineup of tanks, planes, and battleships, mostly from WWII and later. However, a fresh, limited-time event called “The Great War” is shifting the focus to an even earlier period. Players are transported to the Western Front of World War I, where they can engage with a whole new set of ground and air vehicles from that time.
During this event, seven brand-new vehicles are available for players to unlock by progressing through stages. You’ll need to choose between the Allied forces—comprised of Britain, France, and the USSR—or the German Empire over five days throughout this week-long event. Once unlocked, these vehicles remain yours to use in other War Thunder modes even after the event concludes.
Additionally, there are some exclusive air vehicles for players to pilot, although they cannot be permanently unlocked. Both factions have access to a bomber plane, and massive zeppelins are also available to command, offering the potential to drop massive payloads across the battlefield.
The battlefield now features more than just WW1 machines. For the first time, War Thunder has introduced infantry units, controlled by AI. These troops will jump from trenches and charge enemy lines, adding a new level of strategy as they threaten even armored vehicles with grenades. Far from being mere target practice, these soldiers represent a genuine tactical element.
Gaijin has announced that a large-scale closed beta test for infantry is on the horizon, and this current event serves as a preliminary glimpse into their capabilities and the fresh dynamic they bring to the game.
For years, players have clamored for the inclusion of infantry, despite War Thunder’s focus on vehicles. It’s both exciting and amusing to see their debut in an April Fool’s Day WW1 event. If this turns out to be a prank meant solely for this event, expect some disappointed fans—and one let-down gaming journalist—to have words for Gaijin!
“The Great War” event is currently live and runs until Monday, April 7. If WW1 intrigues you (especially if you’re a fan of games like Battlefield 1), remember, War Thunder is free on Steam, so you can dive right in without spending a penny.
But if this isn’t quite your cup of tea, our recommendations for the best multiplayer games might have something more aligned with your tastes. Also, don’t miss our guide on upcoming PC games to see what’s hot on the horizon.
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