War Thunder Unveils Exciting WW1 Experience and Long-Awaited Feature

In War Thunder, mastering machines of destruction is key—whether you’re duking it out in tanks, commanding naval warships, or engaging in air combat with planes. However, up until now, players have never encountered troops storming across the battlefield. That’s about to change with the introduction of AI-controlled infantry, making its entry during Gaijin’s imaginative April Fool’s Day mode themed around World War 1.

Although War Thunder is renowned for its extensive lineup of tanks, aircraft, and battleships, primarily from World War II onwards, this new, limited-time event revisits an even earlier era. Dubbed ‘The Great War,’ the event transports you to the Western Front of World War 1, introducing a new selection of ground and air vehicles from that historic period.

Over the span of a week, seven novel vehicles become available as you progress through stages, fighting for both the Allied forces—comprising Britain, France, and the USSR—and the German Empire. These vehicles remain at your disposal even after the event concludes, allowing you to utilize them in other War Thunder game modes.

But that’s not all; additional surprise air vehicles are on the menu, though they’re not unlockable. Both factions can pilot bomber planes, and gigantic zeppelins are also up for grabs, unleashing sizable payloads across the battlefield.

Yet, the innovation doesn’t stop at vehicles. For the first time in War Thunder, infantry comes into play. AI soldiers charge from the trenches into enemy lines, even challenging land vehicles with grenades. They’re not merely a novelty—they bring genuine threats to the battlefield, enhancing the game’s depth and intensity.

Gaijin has hinted at “a large-scale closed beta test of infantry” coming soon, positioning The Great War as a prelude to what these units can achieve and how they’ll transform War Thunder’s engagements.

Players have long clamored for infantry in War Thunder, despite its focus on vehicular combat. It’s exciting—and somewhat ironic—that it’s being introduced as part of a WW1-themed April Fool’s mode. If this turns out to be an elaborate joke with infantry limited to this event, Gaijin might face quite a bit of disgruntled feedback from fans (and this games journalist).

The Great War event is live now in War Thunder and will run until Monday, April 7. If you’re a WW1 enthusiast—or perhaps you enjoyed Battlefield 1—you’ll be pleased to know that War Thunder is free on Steam, making it easy to dive in without spending a cent.

However, if this isn’t quite your cup of tea, check out our list of the best multiplayer games for other exciting options. Also, don’t miss our guide to the upcoming PC games coming out this year.

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