Welcome to the battlefield of War Thunder, where you usually immerse yourself in the thrill of commanding tanks, warships, and aircraft. However, this time there’s a fresh twist that fans have eagerly anticipated. AI-controlled infantry is now making its grand entrance into the game, starting with Gaijin’s cleverly timed World War 1 mode for April Fool’s Day.
War Thunder typically boasts an expansive lineup of vehicles from World War II onwards, but this event shakes things up by taking us even further back in time. Dubbed ‘The Great War,’ this limited-time escapade transports players to the Western Front of World War I, introducing a whole new array of ground and aerial vehicles from that era.
The game is featuring seven new vehicle additions that can be earned by progressing through the event stages. Both allied forces (Britain, France, and the USSR) and the German Empire have something new to offer, with unlocks available over five days of the event. Once you’ve gained these vehicles, they remain part of your arsenal for future gameplay beyond this special event.
Not just new vehicles, but there’s an exciting air component too. Exclusive bomber planes are available for both sides to pilot, along with colossal zeppelins capable of delivering devastating payloads. These airships add a whole new dimension to the air battles.
Additionally, for the first time, you’ll experience the intensity of infantry soldiers racing into the fray. AI soldiers spring from trenches, confronting tanks and other enemies with grenades at the ready. They aren’t mere targets for your tank cannons—they’re active threats in this warfare simulation.
The introduction of infantry paves the way for more intricate battles in War Thunder. Gaijin revealed that “very soon, a large-scale closed beta test of infantry will begin,” with The Great War serving as a sneak peek into how this new element transforms battle dynamics.
Having infantry in the game has been a long-cherished wish among the War Thunder community. Seeing this development finally come to life is exciting, even if it’s alongside a whimsy WW1-themed April Fool’s prank. Should this prove to be a one-time event, Gaijin might have a lot of fan feedback (and perhaps some disgruntled journalists) to deal with!
The Great War event is currently live and runs through Monday, April 7. If WW1 scenarios pique your interest—or if you’re a fan of something like Battlefield 1—you can jump in now as War Thunder is freely accessible on Steam.
Should this event not quite fit your taste, perhaps you’ll find something more captivating on our curated list of the best multiplayer games. Also, don’t miss out on our guide to upcoming PC games to keep an eye on what’s launching soon.
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