In the world of War Thunder, the thrill comes from dominating with formidable machines—whether it’s engaging in intense tank duels, naval warfare, or sky-high dogfights. But one thing that’s been missing from the battlefield is the presence of infantry. That’s finally changing, although their introduction coincides with Gaijin’s whimsical April Fool’s Day surprise: a World War I mode.
While War Thunder typically showcases a vast array of tanks, planes, and battleships mostly rooted in the World War II era and beyond, this exciting new limited-time event takes players even further back in history. Named ‘The Great War,’ the event transports you to the Western Front of World War I, featuring a fresh lineup of ground and air vehicles from the early 20th century.
Throughout this event, you’ll have the chance to unlock seven brand new vehicles by progressing through stages as part of the allied forces—Britain, France, and the USSR—or as the German Empire. This occurs over five days during the one-week event. Once unlocked, these vehicles remain available for use across different War Thunder modes, even after the event concludes.
Interestingly, there are additional air vehicles you can pilot but aren’t able to keep permanently unlocked. Each side has access to a bomber plane, and there are also giant zeppelins soaring through the sky, ready to unleash devastating payloads across the battlefield.
This isn’t just about WWI hardware, though. A groundbreaking feature is making its premiere during the event: infantry. For the first time, players will see AI-controlled soldiers leap from trenches to charge enemy lines, even assaulting enemy vehicles with grenades. They’re not just there for show; these soldiers bring a genuine threat and new strategic elements to the game.
Gaijin has mentioned that a large-scale closed beta test for infantry is on the horizon, but The Great War event gives us a sneak peek at how these units could reshape the dynamics of War Thunder battles.
Fans have been clamoring for infantry in War Thunder for ages. While the addition might have arrived alongside a light-hearted, WWI-themed April Fool’s Day mode, it’s an exciting development. Still, if this turns out to be just a clever prank and the new infantry units vanish after the event, Gaijin might be facing some exasperated fans (including myself, a somewhat disgruntled gaming journalist!).
Right now, The Great War event in War Thunder is live and runs until Monday, April 7. If WWI history excites you (especially if you enjoyed playing Battlefield 1 like I did), remember that War Thunder is a free-to-play game available on Steam, and you can dive in without spending a penny.
If this isn’t quite your style, our compilation of the best multiplayer games might have something more up your alley. Plus, you can peek at what’s coming up this year with our guide to upcoming PC games.
Stay updated with us on Google News for the latest on PC gaming news, reviews, and guides. Don’t forget to join our lively Discord server, where you can discuss this story alongside our team and fellow gamers.
