War Thunder holds a prominent position in gaming as a captivating free-to-play war simulator loved by many for its top-notch gameplay and multiplayer capabilities. Perhaps you’ve enjoyed every bit of its action and are now searching for games that share similar traits.
With this quest in mind, this article explores nine alternative games to War Thunder, each carefully selected to match your gaming preferences. Ranging from Battlefield 1’s gripping World War I settings to the action-packed aerial combat in IL2 Sturmovik, this compilation promises to fill the void once you brace up to try out other titles.
So, sit tight as we journey through these awesome alternatives, with their respective release dates, genres, platforms, and unique aspects connecting them to War Thunder.
Understanding War Thunder
Brief Description of the game
War Thunder is a dynamic, free-to-play war simulator that puts you right in the heart of the action. Offering ground, air, and sea scenarios, it gives you control over an array of military vehicles during the crucial years of World War II and beyond.
Notable gameplay features of War Thunder
The game stands out for its versatile gameplay. You can take part in large-scale ground, air, and sea battles using more than 1,500 historically accurate planes, tanks, and ships. War Thunder also offers a wide range of single-player and multiplayer modes, catering to various play styles and preferences.
Platforms War Thunder is available on
War Thunder can be enjoyed on various platforms, including Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PlayStation 5.
1. Battlefield 1
Release date of Battlefield 1
Battlefield 1 made its debut on October 21, 2016.
Genre of the game
Battlefield 1 is a first-person shooter (FPS) with a captivating single-player campaign and thrilling multiplayer modes.
Platforms Battlefield 1 is available on
You can dive into the World War I setting of Battlefield 1 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
Similarities Battlefield 1 shares with War Thunder
Like War Thunder, Battlefield 1 offers immersive and historically informed warfare settings. Although the game focuses more on infantry combat, it also provides opportunities for vehicular warfare, a shared feature with War Thunder.
2. Call Of Duty: WWII
Release date of Call Of Duty: WWII
Call Of Duty: WWII was released on November 3, 2017.
Genre of Call Of Duty: WWII
The game belongs to the first-person shooter genre.
Platforms Call Of Duty: WWII is available on
You can play Call Of Duty: WWII on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PC.
How Call Of Duty: WWII is similar to War Thunder
While Call Of Duty: WWII places more emphasis on human combat, its World War II backdrop, realistic graphics, and some collective vehicles’ battle experiences overlap with the core appeal of War Thunder.
3. Star Wars: Squadrons
Star Wars: Squadrons release date
Star Wars: Squadrons took flight on October 2, 2020.
Understanding the genre of Star Wars: Squadrons
The game is a space combat game presented from a first-person perspective.
Available platforms for Star Wars: Squadrons
Star Wars: Squadrons is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
How Star Wars: Squadrons compares to War Thunder
Though set in fantasy environs, Star Wars: Squadrons shares the aerial combat emphasis with War Thunder and could satisfy fans of War Thunder’s air battles.
4. Titanfall 2
When Titanfall 2 was released
Titanfall 2 was released on October 28, 2016.
Genre of the game Titanfall 2
Titanfall 2 is a first-person shooter that also brings in elements of the mech genre.
Platforms where Titanfall 2 can be played
You can enjoy Titanfall 2 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
Comparison of Titanfall 2 and War Thunder
Titanfall 2 shares the fast-paced, high-intensity battle engagements with War Thunder. Moreover, the incorporation of Titans, Titanfall 2’s version of war machines, might appeal to War Thunder’s fan base.
5. Arma 3
Launch date of Arma 3
Arma 3 was launched on September 12, 2013.
Defining the Arma 3 genre
Arma 3 is a military simulation game.
Platforms you can play Arma 3 on
Arma 3 is available on the Windows PC platform.
Similarities between Arma 3 and War Thunder
War Thunder and Arma 3 show a commitment to realism and an emphasis on warfare strategy, even though they take different gaming approaches.
6. Microsoft Flight Simulator
Release date of Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator was released on August 18, 2020.
The genre of Microsoft Flight Simulator
As the name suggests, Microsoft Flight Simulator is an aviation simulation game.
Platforms Microsoft Flight Simulator is available on
The game can be played on Windows PC and Xbox Series X/S.
How Microsoft Flight Simulator and War Thunder compare
Though Microsoft Flight Simulator is not war-oriented, it shares an emphasis on realistic aerial experiences with War Thunder, satisfying the flight simulation fans within War Thunder’s player base.
7. World Of Tanks
World Of Tanks’ release date
World Of Tanks was released on August 12, 2010.
The game genre of World Of Tanks
World Of Tanks is a massively multiplayer online game focusing on tank warfare.
Where to play World Of Tanks
World Of Tanks can be played on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Comparison between World Of Tanks and War Thunder
World of Tanks shares War Thunder’s taste for armored vehicle combat and intense multiplayer action. It’s a solid choice for War Thunder’s tank enthusiasts.
8. Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
When Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown was launched
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown debuted on January 18, 2019.
Genre of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
The game falls in the genre of aerial combat simulation.
Available platforms for Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
This game can be played on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PC.
Similarities between Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown and War Thunder
Ace Combat 7, much like War Thunder, focuses on providing an exciting and immersive flying experience, particularly through dogfights in the sky.
9. IL2 Sturmovik
Release date of IL2 Sturmovik
IL2 Sturmovik was released on November 18, 2001.
Genre details of IL2 Sturmovik
This is a combat flight simulation game.
Platforms IL2 Sturmovik is available on
IL2 Sturmovik is available on PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360.
Comparing IL2 Sturmovik and War Thunder
IL2 Sturmovik, much like War Thunder, offers the players an opportunity to engage in thrilling aerial battles, and it has a historical grounding that may appeal to War Thunder fans.
