Heads up, commanders! Another huge update has arrived in the legendary military MMO, War Thunder. The update brings more modern hardware into the fray along with the usual vehicular additions that fans have come to expect from each update.
Fans of modern warfare are in for a treat, as War Thunder has entered the Drone Age with its latest major update. Pioneered in the second half of the 20th century, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are now a must-have tactical unit in any modern army. Used for both reconnaissance and strikes on enemy targets, drones will add a whole new layer of strategy to the battlefield.
But there’s more to the update than drones, with the usual collection of ships, tanks, and jets to help you keep supremacy in the air, land, and sea. And there are some new graphical updates as well, to bring an extra level of detail to every battle. Let’s take a closer look at War Thunder’s Drone Age update and some of the additions you’ll be able to get your hands on.
Drone drop
Scout drones are available to all rank VI-VII ‘light tank’ class vehicles as a researchable modification, allowing commanders to snoop on enemy vehicles during battle. Deploy with caution though, as UAVs can be shot down. Though with most being about the size of a large bird, your opponents will have to be eagle-eyed to spot them.
Strike combat drones will be added to the Realistic Battles mode and can be taken into battle in exchange for Respawn Points. Three attack drone models will be introduced, featuring anti-tank guided missiles for taking out entrenched or camping opponents.
UAVs will have full physics parameters, damage models, and flight models, meaning they can be deployed in a variety of realistic scenarios. Both scout and strike drones have targeting cameras, which will allow you to view areas of interest from a long distance.
New vehicles
Drones aren’t the only thing coming in the Drone Age update. Developer Gaijin Entertainment has also introduced a fleet of new vehicles, including one of the most highly requested vehicles of all time, the Skink. This experimental Canadian tank is perfect for shielding allies from air attacks in WWII-era battles.
Also new in the update is the VK 30.02(M), a prototype of the early German Panther tank with superb mobility and a hard-hitting 75mm cannon. What this medium-sized unit lacks in protection, it makes up for in speed, capable of zipping around the battlefield and evading enemy fire.
There’s something for you naval warriors as well – the much-loved USS Alaska. This unique American warship combines the capabilities of a cruiser with the size and firepower of a battleship. As the first battle cruiser to join the ranks of the U.S. Navy in War Thunder, the USS Alaska offers great mobility and stronger protection than regular cruisers.
Airborne battlers can take to the skies in Sukhoi Su-25 strike jet, a highly durable ground attacker with a huge payload. This souped-up aircraft boasts a 30mm GSH-2-30 rapid-fire cannon, with 250 rounds of ammunition, including armour-piercing belts, perfect for destroying armoured vehicles and helicopters.
Rounding out the update is the Mirage 2000 S5, a modern French fighter jet capable of supersonic travel and the Harrier II GR.7, a variation on the famous RAF jump jet.
Graphical improvements
It wouldn’t be a major War Thunder update without some graphical improvements as well. The Drone Age update adds improved effects for damaged and destroyed vehicles, with explosions looking more realistic than ever. When a vehicle explodes, you’ll now see new details such as detached external equipment flying off with their own physics.
Fuel can now be ignited too, allowing planes to go down in a ball of flame. Fans can also look forward to an improved hit camera and impact effects, which will help them analyse kill cams, and strategise for future encounters.
The Drone Age update is live now. If you’re new to War Thunder, there’s never been a better time to get involved. Head to WarThunder.com for information about how to download and play for free.