War Thunder News

[p][/p][p][/p][p]In the Ninth Wave major update, we’ll be adding completely reworked water and updated effects for naval battles![/p][p][/p][h3]New Water[/h3][p]In the Ninth Wave major update, we’re introducing the result of extensive work on updating the visual component of water in War Thunder’s naval and combined battles. Unlike singleplayer games, where ripples on the water are primarily shader-based texture processing on the graphics card, water must also exist on the server in multiplayer games. However, the server doesn’t render any images, instead it operates purely mathematically. Therefore, generating water to ensure a synchronized image for all players in a multiplayer session must be done on the central processor. This approach significantly limits our implementation capabilities; we can only use CPU calculations without the need for graphics resources. Nevertheless, even with this toolkit, we have managed to significantly improve the physics and visual appearance of water in War Thunder.[/p][p][/p][p]Before[/p][p][/p][p]After[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]A separate area of ​​work focused on shading, which is how surfaces interact with light and the camera. Subsurface scattering was implemented in the new render, calculating the distribution of light as it interacts with objects beneath the water’s surface, creating a sense of the water’s interior volume. A new principle for anisotropic distribution of reflections on the water surface at different viewing angles complements this imagery under varying sea conditions.[/p][p][/p][p]Before[/p][p][/p][p]After[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The foam generation system also required special attention. It’s now based on the physics of vortices and wave resonance, rather than a random mask. Foam is generated in turbulent zones when wavefronts collide with obstacles or each other, and its behavior is governed by the laws of physics. The foam structure itself now has a microrelief: an overlay normal map causes highlights to glide across the bubbles, creating the effect of a three-dimensional, slowly settling suspension.[/p][p][/p][p]Before[/p][p][/p][p]After[/p][p][/p][h3]Water Effects[/h3][p]Along with physically accurate water, completely new physically accurate effects were also required. One of the key changes was the support for an animated height map for water effects. This allows the geometric shape of the water to change according to the needs of each effect, such as a bullet cutting through the water's surface, a bomb explosion, the wake from a torpedo slicing through water, or even a raindrop disturbing the mirror-like water surface. This effect is procedural, meaning it literally deforms the surface mesh, creating a sense of tangible depth even in static frames.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Alongside this, the transparency and blending algorithms have also been reworked, which is especially noticeable when two different elements meet — like when foam particles or splashes overlap opaque objects, such as rocks or ship hulls. New logic for the transparency and render modes has also been developed, these improvements eliminate artifacts that previously distorted reflections at sharp viewing angles. Now the water’s surface maintains clarity and physically accurate brightness even at minimal angles to the camera. [/p][p][/p][p]Before[/p][p][/p][p]After[/p][p][/p][p]We’ve also carried out reorientation of water environment particles to increase the detail on all image planes at every graphics setting, and at every lighting intensity in each part of the image. The water doesn’t just correctly reflect light; it has a “physical” structure now, reacting authentically and dynamically to changes and interactions![/p][p][/p][h3]Naval Battles[/h3][p]We get the closest perspective on water in naval battles, and now, aside from the updated water and splash effects, we’ve reworked all of the effects that can be seen in battle. Every interaction with shells, bombs, bullets, and even shell casings with the water has been improved. Shell and bomb explosions raise epic pillars of smoke, foam and spray, machineguns throw up fountains of water, and each shell casing that falls overboard interacts accurately with the water! Torpedoes not only look authentic, shimmering in the waves while leaving a foamy wake; they now have markers on the mini-map so you can track your launches more effectively and see if they’re on course.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]A Storm is Coming Soon![/h3][p]To get you fully immersed in the atmosphere of a harsh naval battle, we’ve also refined the weather settings. Each weather preset now looks much more dramatic, every battle will be unlike any other! Instead of the previous, somewhat arbitrary lighting changes, you can now clearly distinguish between clear skies, dense clouds, and the heavy gloom of an approaching storm. We’ve adjusted the cloudiness settings and also tweaked the tone maps to better disperse sunlight across the scene. These settings will be available in Naval Battles and in the Test Sail menu, so experiment to find the perfect weather to suit your mood![/p][p][/p][p]Before[/p][p][/p][p]After[/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Server maintenance (13.03.26)[/p][p][/p][p]Hey everyone, some players may currently experience issues logging into the game due to Steam authentication issues. We're working to resolve this as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience, please try again a little later.[/p]

[p][/p][p]In 1848-49, the “Spring of Nations”, a series of democratic and national liberation uprisings swept across Europe. One of them erupted on March 15th 1848, in Pest. Protesters put forward 12 demands to the Austrian monarch, which he agreed to. Hungary became more autonomous within the empire, and serfdom was abolished. March 15th is a widely celebrated public holiday in modern Hungary.[/p][p][/p][h2]Discounts on Hungarian vehicles![/h2][p]The following vehicles are available at a 30% discount.[/p][h3][/h3]

[p]When: From March 13th (11:00 GMT) until March 16th (11:00 GMT).[/p][p]Where: Italy > Aviation / Army > Premium Vehicles.[/p]

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• [p]Bf 109 G-2 (rank IV) — 3,248 Golden Eagles[/p]
• [p]Bf 110 G-4 (rank III) — 1,015 Golden Eagles[/p]
• [p]Tigris (rank IV) — 3,416 Golden Eagles[/p]
• [p]Mi-24P (rank VI) — 6,111 Golden Eagles [/p]

[p][/p][p]There are new camouflages now available in the WTCS Trophy IV! This trophy is packed full with 40 camouflages from over a dozen talented community artists from WT Live! Featuring a more distinct number of popular mid-tier vehicles alongside some of the newer additions from recent major updates, there are many unique semi-historically inspired designs. Our artists have created a wide variety of styles, from your traditional Esports patterns to unique airshow inspired themes![/p][p][/p][h3]Contents of the WTCS Trophy IV :[/h3]

• [p]Coupons for rare vehicles[/p]
• [p]19 camouflage coupons for ground vehicles[/p]
• [p]21 camouflage coupons for aircraft[/p]

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[/p][h2]Aircraft Camouflages[/h2][p] [/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p][/p]

• [p]BF 109 G-2 (Sweden) “Ilmatar” (Sweden)[/p]
• [p]Do 335 B-2 “Jasta 5” (Germany)[/p]
• [p]BF-109 G-14 “Eagle 9” (Germany)[/p]
• [p]P-47N-15 “Ace of Spades” (USA)[/p]
• [p]Eurofigher (AESA) “Ancient Ace” (Germany)[/p]
• [p]Typhoon (AESA) “Salamander” (Great Britain)[/p]
• [p]P-63C-5 “Stinger” (USA)[/p]
• [p]P-51D-30 “Bite Me” (USA)[/p]
• [p]F-15C Golden Eagle “Forest Eagle” (USA)[/p]
• [p]J7W1 “Kasugayama” (Japan)[/p]
• [p]F-2000A (AESA) “Baraka” (Italy)[/p]
• [p]Yak-9 “Shashka” (Russia)[/p]
• [p]Rafale M F3-R “Flottille 12F” (France)[/p]
• [p]Me 262 A-1a/Jabo “Valkyrie” (Germany)[/p]
• [p]Spitfire LF Mk IX “Sirocco” (Great Britain)[/p]
• [p]G.56 “L’Audace” (Italy)[/p]
• [p]La-9 “Tigris” (China)[/p]
• [p]Su-30MKK “Yingzi” (China)[/p]
• [p]La-7 “Gray Wolf” (Russia)[/p]
• [p]Su-30SM2 “Blackout” (Russia)[/p]
• [p]F/A-18E “McClelland Redux” (USA)[/p]

[p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]Ground Vehicles[/h2][p][/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel]

• [p]Tiger II “Prussian Eagle” (Germany)[/p]
• [p]VT4 “Hammerhead” (China)[/p]
• [p]Centurion Mk 1 “Spitfire” (Great Britain)[/p]
• [p]Black Night “Anarchist” (Great Britain)[/p]
• [p]Charioteer Mk VII “Skytten” (Sweden)[/p]
• [p]Tiger H1 “573” (Germany)[/p]
• [p]T-80BVM “Delta 7” (Russia)[/p]
• [p]M4A3E2 (76) W “Dumbo II” (USA)[/p]
• [p]Chi-Ri “Jukai” (Japan)[/p]
• [p]AMX M4 “Aramis” (France)[/p]
• [p]M41A1 “Swamp Fisherman” (USA)[/p]
• [p]IS-2 “Furious” (Russia)[/p]
• [p]M1A2T “Generation XIX” (China)[/p]
• [p]Ikv 91 “Desert Viking” (Sweden)[/p]
• [p]M10 Booker “Stray Dog” (USA)[/p]
• [p]M26A1 (Italy) “Custode Etna” (Italy)[/p]
• [p]T-34-85 Gai “Panthera” (China)[/p]
• [p]T34 “Bad Karma” (USA)[/p]
• [p]T26E5 “Daikaidzu” (USA)[/p]

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Like the previous Esports trophy, the new trophy can be obtained by simply playing regular War Thunder battles. In the future, it’ll also be possible to obtain by participating in Esports events in War Thunder tournaments with an increased chance! PlayStation and Xbox players can purchase the trophy in the Item Shop for Golden Eagles.[/p][p][/p]

• [p]Read more on our Wiki[/p]

[p][/p][p]To open it, you’ll need to purchase a key on the Market (income is shared with the authors of the camouflages). You can either activate the coupon on your account, or trade it on the Market to get Gaijin Coins (GJN). A trophy can be sold as well![/p][p][/p][p]To unlock the trophy, you’ll need an “Esports” key that can be purchased on the Market for GJN.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]About the other trophies:[/p]

• [p]WTCS Esports Trophy III[/p]
• [p]WTCS Esports Trophy II[/p]
• [p]WTCS Esports Trophy I[/p]

[p] [/p][h3]War Thunder Championships Series, the Major I Pro League continues![/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p]Watch WTCS Pro League Major I, Support Your Favorite Team and Get Yourself Awesome Twitch Drops! [/p][p][/p][p]There are 6 teams still in the race, all trying to score as many points as possible in hopes of winning the €5,000 cash prize along with great products from our sponsor Logitech G.[/p][p][/p][p]For viewers, on Saturday March 14th and Sunday March 15th, support your favorite teams live starting at 14:40 UTC and receive exclusive Twitch Drops, including the “Azure Dragon” decal and the J-10C “Dark Fang” camouflage.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]Team DODEC and MLCRS are very close to starting the year at the top of the rankings, but watch out! The competition is fierce in the losers bracket, and the teams are highly motivated![/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Stay Connected[/h3][p]Make sure to follow us on our social media channels to stay updated with match schedules, highlights, exclusive content, and future events on X and Instagram.[/p][p][/p][p]Join the community, support your favorite team, and be part of the action throughout the entire 2026 season![/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]USS Oklahoma (BB-37) is the second of two Nevada-class battleships built for the U.S. Navy at the start of the 20th century.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]Laid down in 1912 and commissioned in 1916 as the second of two Nevada-class battleships, USS Oklahoma introduced major innovations of the “Standard-type” battleship concept, including oil-fired boilers, a centerline main battery of ten 14-inch guns, and the revolutionary “all-or-nothing” armor scheme designed to protect vital areas while saving weight elsewhere. The ship’s design reflected lessons learned from earlier dreadnoughts and the United States’ determination to keep pace with Britain and Germany in the pre-World War I naval arms race.[/p][p]During World War I, USS Oklahoma served primarily in training and convoy escort duties, as the U.S. fleet remained largely intact to deter German surface forces. In the interwar years, the ship operated in both the Atlantic and Pacific, participating in fleet exercises. By the late 1930s, rising tensions with Japan shifted much of the U.S. Pacific Fleet to Pearl Harbor as a deterrent. On December 7, 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Oklahoma was struck by multiple torpedoes and quickly capsized, resulting in a high loss of life. Though righted in 1943 as part of an immense salvage effort, USS Oklahoma was deemed too damaged and obsolete for full repair and was therefore decommissioned in 1944. Sold for scrap after the war, the mighty warship ultimately sank while under tow in 1947.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing USS Oklahoma (BB-37)![/h3][p]Meet USS Oklahoma, a new American battleship arriving to the higher ranks of the U.S. Bluewater Fleet tree as an event vehicle which can be obtained in the Pacific Pearl even that started today. Cumbersome, yet heavily protected and armed to the teeth with hard-hitting 14’’ (356 mm) cannons, USS Oklahoma acts as an ideal vessel to transition from early American dreadnoughts to more advanced battleship classes of the top ranks. Let’s unpack the details of this iconic battleship in today’s devblog![/p][p][/p][p]USS Oklahoma will join the U.S. Bluewater Fleet tree as an early representative of the Nevada-class battleship. As such, the warship doesn’t benefit from an extensively upgraded anti-air suite as its sistership in the game. However, USS Oklahoma inherits the class’ extremely effective armor scheme, featuring the ‘all-or-nothing’ layout peaking at a belt armor thickness of 343 mm around the ship’s most vital components such as machinery, magazines and command centers. On the other hand, USS Oklahoma is fitted with a slightly thinner deck armor than USS Nevada, going up to a maximum thickness of 114 mm. As a result, USS Oklahoma is slightly more susceptible to damage from plunging fire during long-range gun engagements.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Unlike USS Nevada, which players already had a chance to familiarize themselves with, USS Oklahoma comes to War Thunder in its 1926 refit which not only visually differs from its sistership, but also brings some differences with the weapons arsenal too. As such, while USS Oklahoma retains its powerful 14’’ main battery consisting of a total of 10 guns with lower muzzle velocity though, the ship’s secondary and anti-air arsenal differ substantially from USS Nevada. USS Oklahoma features 12 single 5’’ (127 mm) cannons further augmented by eight 3’’ (76 mm) anti-air cannons. Effectively, this secondary battery keeps USS Oklahoma very effective against lighter vessels and slow-moving distant aircraft. However, the warship may be slow to react to unexpected aerial attacks from a larger, fast moving aircraft group. Therefore, captains may choose to stay close to allies with more capable anti-air protection to make up for this shortcoming.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The iconic and no less powerful USS Oklahoma will soon be making an appearance in high tier naval battles in War Thunder and can be obtained in the Pacific Pearl event, with the link below. Be sure to participate and don’t miss out on the chance to add this American ironclad to your collection![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Click here to find out more details about the Pacific Pearl event:[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p]Please note that the vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before being added to the game.[/p]