War Thunder has always been a showcase of lethal machinery—whether you’re in gritty tank duels, fierce naval skirmishes, or dogfights high above. Yet, one element has been notably absent: infantry. That’s changing, at least for a little while. Infantry, controlled by AI, have made their entrance into War Thunder courtesy of Gaijin’s latest twist: an April Fool’s-like World War I mode.
Typically, War Thunder’s vast selection of tanks, planes, and ships is primarily from World War II onward. However, this latest time-limited event, aptly named ‘The Great War,’ throws players back to the Western Front of World War I with new ground and aerial vehicles from that era.
This event introduces seven fresh vehicles to unlock as you progress through stages for either the Allies—Britain, France, and the USSR—or the German Empire over a span of five days in the week-long event. Even after the event concludes, these new additions will remain at your disposal in other War Thunder modes.
And there’s more to the skies in this event. Both factions can pilot bomber planes, and you can even commandeer massive zeppelins. These formidable airships can unleash devastating payloads onto the battlefield below.
However, the spotlight isn’t just on these WWI relics. A groundbreaking feature is taking center stage—AI-controlled infantry. These units charge from trenches and engage enemy lines, not just as scenery, but as a new strategic element, even taking on vehicles with grenades.
Gaijin has announced that a “large-scale closed beta test of infantry” will commence soon, with The Great War serving as an initial glimpse into how these units could transform battlefield dynamics in War Thunder.
For years, players have been clamoring for the introduction of infantry in War Thunder, despite its vehicular focus. Seeing it debut as part of a WWI-themed April Fool’s Day mode is both thrilling and a bit nerve-wracking. Should this be an elaborate jest with infantry solely appearing for this specific event, Gaijin might find themselves facing some ruffled feathers among fans—and perhaps one particularly peeved games journalist!
For now, The Great War event is up and running until Monday, April 7. If you’re intrigued by World War I (or if you’re a fan of titles like Battlefield 1), remember War Thunder is freely available on Steam, making it easy to dive in without opening your wallet.
If this isn’t quite to your taste, our curated list of top multiplayer games might offer something more appealing. Also, don’t miss what the year has in store with our guide to upcoming PC games.
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