War Thunder: A Guide to Winning Ground Battles

War Thunder, with its sprawling battlefields and meticulously detailed military vehicles, offers a complex and thrilling warfare experience that demands not just quick reflexes, but also a deep-seated understanding of military plan and vehicle mechanics. To excel in ground battles, players must master a spectrum of techniques from the strategic positioning of their tanks to leveraging battlefield support in a way that would make Sun Tzu nod in approval. Whether you're a rookie tanker looking to score your first hit or a seasoned commander aiming to elevate your gameplay, this guide will sail through the labyrinth of tactics and strategies to help you dominate the ground war.

Understanding Ground Forces

Establishing a solid foundation in War Thunder begins with an convoluted understanding of ground forces. Every tank or ground vehicle in your arsenal is not just a metal beast ready to unleash fury but a complex machine that requires awareness of its strengths and weaknesses. Recognizing the four primary classes-light tanks, medium tanks, heavy tanks, and tank destroyers-each serves a unique role on the battlefield.

Light Tanks: Agile and swift, these vehicles excel in reconnaissance and rapid assaults. Use their speed to your advantage, capturing strategic points and flanking unsuspecting foes. However, their lighter armor makes them vulnerable to enemy fire, emphasizing hit-and-run tactics over direct confrontations.

Medium Tanks: Balancing speed and firepower, medium tanks are the versatile soldiers of the armored corps. They perform well in a variety of roles, from supporting advances to defending key positions. Their adaptability is their strength, capable of switching from offense to defense as the battle evolves.

Heavy Tanks: Behemoths of the battlefield, heavy tanks boast formidable armor and devastating weaponry. Masters of the head-on fight, they can take and return significant punishment. The trade-off for their power is reduced mobility, making them susceptible to flanking and attacks from more nimble adversaries.

Tank Destroyers: The snipers among ground forces, tank destroyers possess powerful guns designed to take out enemies from afar. Their varied designs mean some prioritize stealth and maneuverability, while others offer more robust armor. Positioning and map knowledge are critical for these vehicles to effectively neutralize high-value targets.

Tactical Positioning

Command of the battlefield often comes down to whoever occupies the superior positions. Tactical positioning involves not just where you place your vehicle but understanding sightlines, cover, and the flow of battle to anticipate and respond to enemy movements.

1. High Ground Advantage: Securing elevated positions can offer a twofold benefit-heightend visibility over the battlefield and decreased exposure of your tank's weaker upper surfaces to enemy fire. Artillery and tank destroyers, in particular, can leverage high ground to rain destruction on unsuspecting foes below.

2. Using Cover Effectively: Urban environments and natural landscapes are littered with objects and terrain features that can shield your vehicle from the enemy gaze. Concealment, however, is not always cover. True cover should protect you from incoming fire; think sturdy walls, large rocks, or terrain depressions. Peek out to take your shots and then retreat back to safety.

3. The Art of Flanking: Engaging the enemy where they least expect it can turn the tide of battle. Flanking maneuvers involve attacking the sides or rear of enemy forces, where their armor is weakest. However, this tactic requires coordination with your team and keen awareness of the map to avoid running into ambushes.

Armor Angling and Penetration

Understanding the intricacies of armor angling and penetration can alter your tank from an easy target to a fortified bastion on treads. Essentially, the way you position your tank relative to incoming fire can drastically impact the effectiveness of your armor.

Armor Angling: Instead of facing your opponents head-on, slightly angling your tank increases the effective thickness of your armor, making it harder for enemy shells to penetrate. This technique, however, is a delicate dance-as too steep an angle may expose weak points or present your side armor at a favorable angle for penetration.

Penetration Mechanics: Familiarize yourself with the penetration capabilities of your weapons and the armor thickness of your adversaries. War Thunder's detailed vehicle models accurately represent armor thickness and slope, meaning a shot that penetrates a tank from one angle might harmlessly deflect off another. Use the game's armor analysis tool in the hangar to experiment and discover the best angles for attack and defense.

Utilizing Artillery Support

Artillery support in War Thunder is the invisible hand that can push the scales in your favor without the enemy ever seeing it coming. Light and some medium tanks have the ability to call in artillery barrages on designated locations, disrupting enemy movements and forcing them out of advantageous positions.

1. Strategic Barrages: Use artillery strikes not just to attempt kills but to block enemy advances, defend capture points, or force enemies out from cover. Timing and placement are key, requiring situational awareness and prediction of enemy movements.

2. Synergy with Reconnaissance: Artillery is only as effective as the intelligence that guides it. Light tanks, with their superior mobility, are invaluable for scouting enemy positions and relaying coordinates for artillery strikes. Combining recon efforts with precise artillery fire can devastate enemy formations before a direct engagement begins.

Repair and Resupply Tactics

Sustainability on the battlefield extends beyond merely staying alive. Efficiently managing repairs and ammunition resupply can ensure your vehicle remains combat-effective throughout the engagement.

Field Repairs: Vehicles can suffer module damage or crew injuries during combat, significantly impacting performance. Utilize cover to perform field repairs, but be mindful of the risk-immobilization leaves you vulnerable. Communicate with your team for protection during these critical moments.

Ammunition Management: Running out of ammunition can render the mightiest of tanks impotent. Monitor your ammo levels and plan retreats to friendly capture points for resupply. Remember, each resupply exposes you to risk, so choose moments when enemy pressure is minimal.

War Thunder's ground battles are an exhilarating blend of scheme, skill, and sheer force. By understanding the nuances of ground forces, mastering the arts of tactical positioning, armor angling, and effectively utilizing battlefield support elements like artillery, players can significantly enhance their combat effectiveness. Repair and resupply tactics ensure sustained operations, allowing you to exert pressure on the enemy continuously.

Ultimately, success in War Thunder's ground battles demands not just individual mastery but the ability to work as part of a cohesive unit. Communication with your team, adapting to the ever-evolving flow of battle, and leveraging the strengths of your vehicle will propel you towards victory. Remember, every tank commander started as a rookie. With patience, practice, and a willingness to learn, the path to becoming a feared and respected tanker in the War Thunder community is within reach.