War Thunder News

[p]Last Sunday officially marked the end of the WTCS 2025 season, closing the book on a year that truly redefined competitive War Thunder esports. From the very first qualifiers to the final, decisive clashes, the 2025 circuit delivered non-stop action, deep strategic play, and high-stakes combined arms warfare at every stage.[/p][p][/p][p]Throughout the season, teams battled across several WTCS flagship formats : Titan, Armored Apex, and Air Superiority, each demanding a unique skill set, constant adaptability, and flawless coordination across air and ground under intense pressure. Only the most consistent and versatile teams were able to remain at the top over the course of the entire year.[/p][p][/p][p]In the end, DODEC emerged as the best team of WTCS 2025, securing 1st place overall with 356 points on the global leaderboard. Their season was defined by exceptional consistency, strong results in every major event, and the ability to deliver when it mattered most. Rather than relying on a single standout victory, DODEC built their dominance step by step, proving themselves to be the most complete and reliable team of the season.[/p][p][/p][p]Voyager finished the season in 2nd place with 308 points, showcasing impressive resilience and competitive stability across multiple events. Regularly present at the top of the standings, Voyager remained a constant threat throughout the year and pushed the title race deep into the final stages of the WTCS circuit.[/p][p][/p][p]Closing the podium in 3rd place with 294 points, AVReS left a massive mark on WTCS 2025. Crowned Titan and Armored Apex champions, AVReS delivered some of the season’s most dominant and memorable performances, particularly in high-intensity, high-pressure formats. Their aggressive playstyle and decisive victories made them one of the most feared teams on the battlefield.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]The WTCS Grand Finals 2025 Podium[/h2][p][/p][p][/p][p]DODEC has defined the WTCS 2025 season. Strong, consistent, and impressive from start to finish, they set the pace throughout the year.[/p][p][/p][p]Led by Forze, an outstanding captain and the MVP of the season, the team secured victories in 2 out of the 3 major weekends and closed the year with a 2nd-place finish in the final event, showcasing top-tier consistency.[/p][p][/p][p]Through collective strength, strategic mastery, and composure in the key moments, DODEC clearly proved they were the best team of 2025. Congratulations to the entire squad on an exceptional season.[/p][p][/p][p]Player’s list :[/p]

• [p]Forze[/p]
• [p]Jッ[/p]
• [p]Neme[/p]
• [p]Banujek[/p]
• [p]Grohotarr[/p]
• [p]Bad_Karma옷[/p]
• [p]BarbieGirl[/p]
• [p]nyffer[/p]
• [p]PzgrEnjoyer[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Voyager delivered an impressive comeback to close out the WTCS 2025 season. After finishing 3rd on both the first and second weekends, they came back strong when it mattered most, claiming 1st place in the final event.[/p][p][/p][p]That decisive victory sent them to 2nd place in the overall WTCS standings at the very last moment, highlighting their resilience, adaptability, and ability to peak under pressure.[/p][p][/p][p]A strong finish, a statement win, and a well-earned spot among the very best of 2025. Congratulations to the Voyager team on an excellent season.[/p][p][/p][p]Player’s list :[/p]

• [p]Einscute[/p]
• [p]Barlpad[/p]
• [p]Weissmann_Inc[/p]
• [p]AuRusElite[/p]
• [p]Grize[/p]
• [p]Erchenn[/p]
• [p]Moloko[/p]
• [p]Arseniywell[/p]
• [p]STATJET[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]AVReS showed remarkable consistency throughout the WTCS 2025 season. Finishing 2nd on both the first and second weekends, they were a constant contender at the top and a serious title threat all year long.[/p][p][/p][p]In the final weekend, they faced a tough challenge against Voyager, falling 3–0 in a decisive matchup that ultimately pushed them to 3rd place overall.[/p][p][/p][p]Despite a difficult ending, AVReS’s stability, high level of play, and presence at the top of the standings for most of the season underline a strong and respectable 2025 campaign. Congratulations to the team for their performance.[/p][p][/p][p]Player’s list:[/p]

• [p]Isawyourunaway[/p]
• [p]RussianShark[/p]
• [p]Detramalivator[/p]
• [p]LegitBongo[/p]
• [p]Rastafaray[/p]
• [p]Vinny[/p]
• [p]Farsage[/p]
• [p]Dartmoll[/p]
• [p]Nezoxi[/p]

[p][/p][h2]Overall Rankings of the WTCS Grand Finals 2025[/h2][p][/p]

[p]All Grand Finals teams fought with everything they had. Huge thanks and congratulations to each of them![/p]

[p][/p][h2]Who is the Most Valuable Player (MVP)?[/h2][p][/p][p]Big congratulations to the player Forze for being named MVP of Grand Finals 2025! Unanimously selected by all members of the jury, Forze delivered an outstanding performance throughout the tournament, carrying his team both mentally and technically at every stage of the competition. His leadership, consistency, and impact made a clear difference from start to finish![/p][p][/p][p]Well deserved recognition for the MVP of the season’s last Major.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]But this isn’t the only MVP we’re crowning in this news.[/p][p][/p][p]Here is the 2025 MVP of the Year, along with the prestigious Top 10 of this very first WTCS season.[/p][p][/p]

1. [p]Banujek[/p]
2. [p]Forze[/p]
3. [p]Rastafaray[/p]
4. [p]Leozander[/p]
5. [p]Volkodav[/p]
6. [p]Grohotarr[/p]
7. [p]DartMoll[/p]
8. [p]C0COJAMBO[/p]
9. [p]Barlpad[/p]
10. [p]Jッ[/p]

[p]Congratulations to Banujek, who proved to be the best throughout the entire year, showcasing outstanding consistency, skill, and dedication, and setting an incredibly high standard from start to finish. A huge congratulations as well to Forze, Rastafaray, Leozander, Volkodav, Grohotarr, Dartmoll, C0COJAMBO, Barlpad, and Jッ, each of whom delivered impressive performances and helped make this year highly competitive, intense, and truly memorable.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Don’t forget to check out the 8 official WTCS Grand Finals Team Camouflage Bundles before they disappear on January 25th 2026![/p][p][/p][p]Each bundle represents one of the teams competing this season, a perfect way to show your colors in battle and back the squads that made Grand Finals unforgettable. Make sure to grab yours and take the battlefield in style![/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Today, we’re taking a look at the main aircraft reward in the Winter Concert event that started today: the record-breaking MiG-25PD jet fighter![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]The MiG-25 was developed by the Mikoyan Design Bureau in the late 1950s and early 1960s in response to the emergence of new high-speed and high-altitude aircraft in the United States. The specifications called for an interceptor capable of reaching speeds three times the speed of sound and engaging targets at altitudes of up to 25,000 meters. Testing of the first prototypes began in 1964. During development and operation, aircraft of this type set numerous world aviation records and in total, the MiG-25 set 29 world records. Serial production of the aircraft began in 1969, and they formed the backbone of the USSR’s high-altitude air defense for many years.[/p][p][/p][p]After a MiG-25P interceptor was hijacked to Japan in the fall of 1976, where American engineers were able to examine its design, Soviet leadership launched an urgent modernization program to restore its air defense superiority. Work began in November 1976 and involved the mobilization of numerous scientific institutes and enterprises. The major improvement was the installation of a new Sapfir-25 (RP-25) radar with an AVM-25 computer, which offered increased jamming immunity, the ability to track up to six targets simultaneously, and the ability to detect targets against the ground. Along with the new radar, the aircraft received an IRST mounted under the nose of the fuselage, which provided passive target detection. The missile armament was also enhanced, in addition to the upgraded R-40RD and R-40TD medium-range missiles, the armament was supplemented by four R-60 (later R-60M) short-range missiles, which were suspended on twin hardpoints. The plane was upgraded with R15BD-300 engines with an extended service life, and the ability to carry an additional 5,300 liter fuel tank significantly increased the flight range.[/p][p][/p][p]Flight tests of the modernized interceptor were completed in 1979, after which serial production began at the Gorky Aircraft Plant under the designation MiG-25PD, where “PD” stood for “improved interceptor”.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the MiG-25PD[/h3][p]Perhaps the most exciting event reward of the Winter Concert event is the high-altitude MiG-25PD interceptor, which becomes the fastest aircraft in the game and brings new and exciting weapons. Let’s get to know this insanely fast fighter jet![/p][p][/p][p]Designed to combat the latest US reconnaissance aircraft, the MiG-25PD features truly astonishing speed in the game, reaching its maximum speed of Mach 3 (over 3,000 km/h) at an altitude of 18,000 meters! The MiG-25PD is also quite capable at low and medium altitudes, but its true strength is altitude, often beyond the reach of its opponents. The MiG-25PD is a very large and heavy aircraft, so don’t expect miracles in terms of maneuverability, evading a nearby missile won’t always be possible. You have access to an RWR and voice warning system, as well as a decent supply of countermeasures, with 64 in total.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Interesting: In addition to being the fastest production fighter in history, the MiG-25 is also the holder of the absolute altitude record for a jet aircraft of 37,650 meters![/p][p][/p][p]The MiG-25PD is a pure interceptor. It lacks forward-firing weapons, meaning you’ll only be able to use guided air-to-air missiles. For long-range combat, you can can carry up to four R-40RD inertial-guided missiles with a SARH seeker, which are new to War Thunder! These missiles were developed specifically to engage targets closer to the ground, but their maneuverability is limited. Another new addition is the R-40TD all-aspect IR seeker missile, which allows for target acquisition from significant distances to the rear hemisphere and from any angle at close range. Finally, for those close encounters, the MiG-25PD can carry up to four R-60M all-aspect missiles, familiar to all experienced pilots who’ve tried top-tier Soviet aircraft.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]You can get the record-breaking MiG-25PD, along with other unique vehicles and a large number of other rewards in our Christmas vehicle event called Winter Concert, which started today. Go and get it![/p][p][/p][p]Click here to find out more details about the Winter Concert event[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p]Please note that the vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before being added to the game.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]For three weeks, Starter Packs for all nations are available on Steam at a discount![/p][p][/p]

[p]When: From December 18th (18:00 GMT) until January 5th (18:00 GMT)[/p]

• [p]50% off Starter Packs for all nations[/p]

[p][/p][h2]US Starter Pack[/h2][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h2]German Beginner’s Pack[/h2][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h2]USSR Starter Pack[/h2][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h2]British Starter Pack[/h2][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h2]Japanese Starter Pack[/h2][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h2]Chinese Starter Pack [/h2][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h2]Italian Starter Pack  [/h2][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h2]French Starter Pack[/h2][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h2]Swedish Starter Pack [/h2][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]The temps are dropping, it’s frosty and cold outside, and snow is starting to fall (unless you’re in Australia!), so now’s the time for some winter discounts in War Thunder! This weather makes it the perfect time to start researching a new nation or get some high-tier vehicles that you’ve been missing.[/p][p][/p][h2]In-game + Starter Pack Discounts![/h2][p]Enjoy 50% off on a range of in-game items, plus Starter Packs.[/p][p][/p]

[p]When: From December 18th (11:00 GMT) until December 24th (11:00 GMT).[/p]

[p][/p]

• [p]50% discount on all vehicles for Silver Lions and Golden Eagles[/p]
• [p]50% discount on all modifications, talismans and backups[/p]
• [p]50% discount on a Premium Account in-game for 90 and 365 days and in the Gaijin store for 180 days.[/p]
• [p]50% discount all starter packs in the Gaijin Store[/p]

[p][/p]

[p]Please note: Discounts do not apply to:[/p]

• [p]Vehicles released in the Line of Contact, Spearhead and Tusk Force major updates and their modifications, talismans and backups[/p]
• [p]All Squadron Vehicles and their modifications, talismans and backups[/p]

[p][/p][p]Please note that the premium AH-1S Kisarazu helicopter (Japan, Rank VI) will be no longer available to purchase on December 24th (11:00 GMT).[/p][p][/p]

[p]After this sale ends, discounts on vehicle packs in the Gaijin Store will start. We’ll tell you more in a separate news post on December 24th![/p]

[p][/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h3]Aircraft[/h3]

• [p]JAS39C, JAS39EBS HU C — a bug that prevented the radar page on the MFD from showing up has been fixed.[/p]
• [p]FA-18E — excessive bank angle after tight turns while using mouse aim control has been fixed.[/p]
• [p]JAS39E — a restriction on the combined use of the under-fuselage SPICE 250s with the LITENING III targeting pod has been added.  The Battle Rating in Ground Realistic Battles has been changed from 12.7 to 13.0.[/p]
• [p]CCRP has been removed from all nuclear bomb carrying aircraft, as it wasn’t of any meaningful use on them and could instead interfere with the bomb drop if the point of interest was activated accidentally.[/p]
• [p]OS2U-3 — engine name has been corrected from R-985-48 to R-985-AN-2. (Report).[/p]

[p] [/p][h3]Ground Vehicles[/h3]

• [p]A bug that caused the penetration and damage of 76–105 mm HE shells to be slightly overestimated compared to 120–155 mm HE shells has been fixed. This was due to using a linear, rather than quadratic, approximation for how shock wave parameters vary with distance.[/p]
• [p]BMPT, BMPT-72 — a bug where destroying the ATGMs and/or automatic grenade launcher’s ammo pack would result in the loss of the vehicle has been fixed. A bug where, when switching between gun belts, the sight, fire control system, and rangefinder would take into account the ballistics of the first belt, not the currently selected one has been fixed.[/p]
• [p]Ajax — a bug that caused the Scout UAV to lack thermal vision has been fixed. (Report).[/p]
• [p]Type 03 — a bug where the launcher vehicle was not located next to the TDS vehicle when viewing it in the hangar has been fixed.[/p]
• [p]TOG II — a bug that prevented the 76 mm howitzer from working has been fixed. (Report).[/p]

[p] [/p][h3]Naval Vessels[/h3]

• [p]USS South Dakota — full name in the stat card has been corrected. (Report).[/p]

[p] [/p][h3]Interface[/h3]

• [p]A bug that caused the key icons in the Controls menu to be stretched vertically has been fixed.[/p]
• [p]Khrizantema-S — a bug where the radar indicator fill was greatly stretched horizontally has been fixed. (Report).[/p]
• [p]An issue where markers would be missing in replays in the sensor view when watching the player’s view while the player was controlling a ship has been fixed.[/p]

[p] [/p][h3]Customization[/h3]

• [p]F/A-18E, FR-1 Fireball, J-10C, MB-326B, Rafale M F3-R — additional camouflages have been added.[/p]

[p] [/p][h3]Other[/h3]

• [p]A bug where battles may end early with no rewards being given has been fixed.[/p]

[hr][/hr][p]Patch notes reflect only key changes, meaning they may not include a complete list of all improvements made. Additionally, War Thunder is constantly being updated and some changes may not require an update. Changes reflected in patch notes are formed by taking reactions and requests of the community from the bug reporting service, forums and other official platforms into account. Bug fixes and changes are implemented in order of importance, for example a game-breaking bug will be worked on and implemented sooner.[/p]