Light tanks
9.2
★★★★★Fast, mobile, and forgiving for beginnersStart here
War Thunder: A Practical Beginner's TutorialWar Thunder Beginner's Tutorial
Everything you need to know to start playing War Thunder — from your first battle to earning credits and choosing the right vehicle class.
A practical guide to War Thunder for new players.
Top picks for new players
Medium tanks
8.7
★★★★Balanced armor, firepower, and speedStart here
Fighters
8.4
★★★★Aerial combat with a steep but rewarding learning curveStart here
How to get started
- 1
Create an account
Sign up on the official War Thunder website. The game is free to play, and you can start with a basic vehicle in each class.
- 2
Choose your class
Pick from ground vehicles (light, medium, heavy tanks, SPGs, ATs) or aircraft (fighters, bombers, attack planes). Each class has its own playstyle.
- 3
Complete the tutorial battles
The in-game tutorial walks you through basic controls, aiming, and battle objectives. Do not skip it — it saves you hours of frustration.
- 4
Join a battle
Start with low Battle Rating (BR) matches. Focus on positioning, spotting enemies, and supporting your team rather than chasing kills.
Tips that actually help
- Do: Use the minimap constantly — it shows enemy positions, your team, and objectives.
- Do: Stay with your team. Solo play is far harder than coordinated play.
- Do: Save your premium credits for vehicles you will actually use, not for impulsive purchases.
- Do: Watch replays of your losses to understand what went wrong.
- Avoid: Do not buy a high-BR vehicle before you are comfortable at your current BR.
- Avoid: Do not ignore the map — getting lost is the most common beginner mistake.
Frequently asked questions
Is War Thunder free to play?
Yes. War Thunder is free to download and play. Premium vehicles and credits are optional and can be purchased, but are not required to enjoy the game.
Which vehicle class is best for beginners?
Light tanks and fighters are generally the most forgiving for new players. They are mobile, have a lower penalty for mistakes, and let you learn the basics of positioning and aiming.
How do I earn credits?
Credits are earned by winning battles, destroying enemy vehicles, and completing daily and weekly missions. Premium accounts earn credits faster.
Do I need a powerful PC?
War Thunder runs on a wide range of hardware. Check the official system requirements before you start, but most modern PCs can run the game at medium to high settings.
War Thunder is a free-to-play multiplayer game developed by Gaijin Entertainment. It features hundreds of vehicles from World War II and the Cold War era, spanning ground and air combat. The game is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and mobile platforms.