War Thunder News

The auction is a new way to distribute player-created content. In addition to trophies, we’ll now select a few more pieces of work from those not included in them and release them to the auction in limited edition.

How does the auction work?

Trading is carried out using a special currency called Gaijin Coin, the same currency already used on the Gaijin Marketplace.

“Lots” with a minimum bid are put up for auction, which will open for bids at a set time and date. Bidding lasts for a certain amount of time so that everyone who wants to can make their bids.

There is a starting price for each item, so to make a bid you’ll need at least that amount of GJN on your account. The amount you bid is frozen until the end of the bidding or until you make a new bid. Be careful, as you cannot cancel the bid. If you win, you receive the item and the amount is debited from your account, otherwise the amount you bid is returned to your account.

If you’re outbid, (or in the case of multi-item auctions, if your bid is no longer high enough to win the item), you’ll receive a notification about this. At the end of the auction, you’ll also receive a notification of the auction result.

An auction may contain several identical items in the form of many lots — one item per lot. If this happens, they’ll be received by the players who made the highest bids, and the number of winners will be equal to the number of auction lots. For example, if there are 1,000 participants in an auction for 100 lots, the item will be received by 100 players who had the highest bids at the end of the auction.

If players with the same bid compete for the remaining item, then the first bidder will have the advantage since they bid first. One player can only buy one lot from an auction.

In the auction interface, you’ll see the values ​​of the current leading bids.

Auction Rules

• After the auction ends, items that are not declared as coupons will be automatically activated on your account. Camouflage coupons will be added to your inventory.
  
• Players who purchased camouflage coupons will not be able to sell them on the Market immediately, but after at least 180 days.
  
• Items that are put up for auction cannot appear there again for a year.
  

Testing the Auction
To test out the new auction system, we’re offering the first lots dedicated to the Lunar New Year:



Lot #1 “Spring Festival” avatar frame
Quantity: 100 pieces
Starting price: 0.50 GJN
Bid Increment: 0.50 GJN



Lot #2: Coupon for the VT4A1 “Year of the Snake” camouflage
Quantity: 100 pieces
Starting price: 1 GJN
Bid Increment: 1 GJN

Possible to sell on the Market from August 11th 2025.



Lot #3: Coupon for the J-10A “Year of the Snake” camouflage
Quantity: 100 pieces
Starting price: 1 GJN
Bid Increment: 1 GJN

Possible to sell on the Market from August 11th 2025.

Click here to go to the Auction

Bids on these lots will be accepted until February 10th (15:30 GMT).

Players who purchase at least one of these lots will also receive the “Inverted Jenny” decal. This is a 1918 U.S. postage stamp, where the Curtiss JN-4 airplane was mistakenly depicted upside down. This stamp has become especially rare and valuable among philatelists.


“Inverted Jenny” decal

Today, we’d like to give you a heads up regarding the removal of the R2Y2 V1, V2 and V3 for research so that you can get them before they’re gone.

In War Thunder, we want to include vehicles that were complete and built; either in full, in the prototype phase or in the experimental phase. Much like the removed German ground vehicles in 2019, the three R2Y2 aircraft are unhistorical “paper” vehicles that were never built in any capacity, added in 2014 to fill a gap due to the severe lack of possible aircraft available for Japan at the time.

Detailed history and context of the R2Y2
[expand]
The Yokosuka R2Y was an unarmed Japanese reconnaissance aircraft prototype that flew in the very late months of the Second World War in May 1945. This version (R2Y1 Keiun) was a piston engined version of the aircraft that featured twin coupled engines. Naturally the war stopped before its development could be taken any further and of the 3 prototypes, just one was completed. However, plans were made for a jet engined version of this aircraft, featuring twin Ne-330 engines in an attacker configuration. It is this version (R2Y2) that we decided to introduce in 2014 to the game, as it most closely matched the existing or planned jet bombers / attackers for other nations at the time. For example, the Canberra, B-57, Ar 234 and IL-28.
As the R2Y1 was destroyed and its development was not taken further, the R2Y2 was very much a mystery. There were only estimations of its performance, based on a combination of known R2Y1 details and the performance of the Ne-330 engines. Its overall design was very much speculative in terms of the “V2” and “V3” configurations and it’s questionable if they were even part of the original design plans to begin with. Back in 2014, we worked with what resources there were on the aircraft and brought it to some form of reality, being virtual reality, in War Thunder.
[/expand]

Our stance on the R2Y2 series is that they would be removed when functional replacements became available. Fast-forward to 2025, the Japanese aircraft tree now features many new aircraft, including Thai aircraft that fill enough spots and cover various Battle Ratings so that this can happen. We know that many players will want to obtain these vehicles before they are removed from being able to be researched, so there are just under 3 months to research them before they’re gone.

On April 30th 2025, the following three will be removed from research from the Japanese aircraft tree:

• R2Y2 Kai V1
  
• R2Y2 Kai V2
  
• R2Y2 Kai V3
  

Key information:

• These vehicles will no longer be available for research after the above removal date and will become collectable vehicles to everyone that currently owns them. They will not be hidden from anyone who already owns them.
  
• If you’ve put at least 1 RP into one of these vehicles (through RP earned or converting RP), you’ll be able to fully finish the research even after the removal date. Remember, there are three in the game — if you want to keep all three, you’ll need to put research into each individually. Since they are in a group, this would require researching V1 and V2 fully to be able to put research into V3.
  
• We currently have no plans to ever return the R2Y2’s to the game to be researched or obtained after the removal.
  

Your screenshots from last week looked great, thanks for sharing! This week is simple - Take a picture of whichever vehicle is your favorite! The three most popular and three selected by us will get 300 GE. See the winners down below!

[h2]Let’s begin the 157th edition of our competition![/h2]

Create a stunning screenshot and submit it on the War Thunder Steam Community Hub with the tag #WTscreen157. You have time until the 7th of February to submit your screenshot.

After that date, 6 winners will be selected (3 of which will be the highest rated by the community and 3 selected by our judges), each of which receive a reward of 300GE.

[h3]Terms:[/h3]

Your screenshot must feature a player vehicle.
You must add the #WTscreen157 tag (title cannot have any other text in it).
Artists may only win by popular vote once per four screenshot competitions.
• Screenshots need to be compliant with the War Thunder rules.
  
• You need to be the author of the screenshot.
  
• Screenshot needs to be new. You cannot use those which have previously been published or used in other competitions.
  
• We will only accept raw screenshots from the game. You cannot use any editing software nor any other visual enhancements (like Nvidia Ansel filters).
  
• You can use filters and settings built into War Thunder.
  
• You can use the replay functionality built into War Thunder.
  
• Rewards will be delivered to the author's account within 14 working days.
  

[h2]And now, time for the winners of the competition’s 156th edition – Helping Hands![/h2]

[h3]Winners selected via community votes:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3414573737
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3414638622
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3414660915

[h3]Winners selected by our judges:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3414520930
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3416001386
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3414983328

Each winner will get 300GE! Congratulations and see you next week!

In this next aviation event, we’re celebrating the Norwegian Air Force. Take part in air battles to get unique decals as well as this special version of the F-5A fighter, nicknamed the “Freedom Fighter”, designed for export to Norway!

[h3]From February 6th (11:00 GMT) until February 24th (11:00 GMT), earn mission points in Air Battles, unlock stages and receive rewards![/h3]

[h2]F-5A(G) — An Event Vehicle Jet Fighter for Sweden at Rank VII[/h2]
The F-5A(G) is a Royal Norwegian Air Force multi-role fighter jet. This modification is equipped with a new sighting system, all-aspect AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, and the Penguin guided anti-ship missile with a thermal imaging homing head, which will prove itself in battles against tanks. The F-5A(G) is the first Norwegian aircraft in War Thunder and also has a unique “tiger” camouflage!



Special camouflage

Among the rewards in the event is also this chest, where, when opened, brings the chance to receive one of the following items:

• 50,000 - 100,000 Silver Lions
  
• Silver Lion and Research Point boosters
  
• Random Wagers and Orders
  
• Universal Backups (1 - 3)
  
• A random camouflage for a vehicle you own
  
• 1 day of Premium Account
  

[h2]How to get all rewards[/h2]
Each stage is unlocked for 45,000 mission points and brings a new reward.

Please note: Once the stage is unlocked, you will need to claim your reward manually. To do this, click on your profile, select the Freedom Fighter category, and click Claim Prize.

You’re able to earn mission points in Air Battles at Rank III or above in Arcade, Realistic and Simulator Battles. The number of mission points to complete a stage depends on the game mode and the maximum Rank of the vehicle that you use in battle. There’s a multiplier for earning mission points, which is shown in the task description in-game.

You can also earn mission points by using event vehicles that are Rank I and II. Event vehicles that can be used have the name of the event that they were obtainable in on their stat card.

[h3]Stages change every two days at 11:00 GMT: February 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 20th and 22nd.[/h3]

[h2]Rewards are given when you complete a specific number of stages[/h2]

• For 1 Stage: trophy with a random reward
  
• For 2 Stages: one of the decal rewards
  
• For 3 Stages: a silver chest “Snake Box”
  
• For 4 Stages: one of the decal rewards
  
• For 5 Stages: trophy with a random reward
  
• For 6 Stages: “Emblem of the 336th squadron” decal
  
• For 7 Stages: a silver chest “Snake Box”
  
• For 8 Stages: a non-tradable coupon for the F-5A(G)
  
• For 9 Stages: unique camouflage and four random modifications for the F-5A(G)
  

[h3]Discounts on purchasing stages using Golden Eagles[/h3]
Unfinished stages can be purchased for Golden Eagles, but if you’re significantly close to completing a stage, its price will now be significantly reduced.

Let’s say you have earned 85% of the required mission points to complete a stage, then the price of purchasing this stage will be halved. If you’re near the finish line for a stage and are at 95% progress, then the price will be reduced by five times. For example, if you’ve scored 39,000 mission points, then the price for unlocking this stage will be 499 Golden Eagles. If you’ve scored 43,000 mission points, then you’ll only need to pay 199 Golden Eagles. Remember to keep this in mind if you cannot complete a stage on time!

[h3]The Upgrade for coupon [/h3]
When you complete 8 stages, you’ll receive a non-tradable coupon for the F-5A(G) where using it will immediately activate the vehicle onto your account. If you don’t want the vehicle and would like to sell the coupon on the Market, you’ll need the “Upgrade for coupon” item.

The “Upgrade for coupon” item can be earned in parallel with the stages throughout the event from February 6th (11:00 GMT ) until February 24th (11:00 GMT) for 750,000 mission points.

After receiving the “Upgrade for coupon” item, you can convert a non-tradable coupon for the vehicle into a tradable one and sell it on the Market. The tradable coupon can be sold after 5 days from the moment it’s created.

The “Upgrade for coupon” item is valid until February 27th (11:00 GMT). Until this time, you can use it or exchange it for War Bonds. Afterwards, it’ll disappear from your inventory.

To make a tradable coupon, select the “Coupon F-5A(G) (Sweden)” in your inventory and click the “Modify” button.

You can track the progress of completing stages and receiving the “Upgrade for coupon” by clicking on your Nickname > Achievements > Freedom Fighter. If you don’t manage to complete a stage on time or would like to purchase a stage, until February 27th from the Achievements window, you can purchase each stage with Golden Eagles which will give you the corresponding rewards.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

2024 was an incredible year — we held several major Esports events that were high-intensity, with many teams taking part and coming out with success, victory and lots of emotion. Now it’s time to find out who will take home the Grand Champion title of 2024!

What better way to do this than to bring together the 8 best teams of the 2024 season and have them battle it out in a unique tournament featuring a variety of new game modes? Will the DODEC Team continue their success story with 3 major wins out of 4? That’s what we’ll find out in Thunder CUP 2025.

[hr][/hr]
[h2]All about the Thunder CUP 2025 tournament[/h2]
This year, we’ve decided to make the teams compete in a variety of formats that are representative of the Esports 2024 season.



Each team will consist of a roster of 8 players.

We’ll start with the first weekend in 4v4 tank format for our tank commanders.

During the second weekend we’ll feature a 4v4 jet format with 4-point maps that include the much sought-after “D” point.

During the last weekend, the final of this event will take place in a format most known and loved by Esports players, the 5v5 mixed format. Teams will clash on the beloved Advance to the Rhine map, which has been reworked to make gameplay truly epic!


[hr][/hr]
[h2]Check out the Qualifier Team Packs & Bundle![/h2]
[h3]To purchase, go to the Gaijin Store through the hangar > Shop > Online Store.[/h3]

From January 31st until February 28th, these packs dedicated to the 8 participating teams will be available in the store. Make sure to check them out!

[h2]Team DODEC Pack[/h2]

• Rafale C F3 DODEC Esports Team camouflage
  
• "DODEC Team Fan" title
  
• "DODEC Team" decal
  
• 300 Golden Eagles
  

[h2]Team Hide Pack[/h2]

• Su-27SM Hide Esports Team camouflage
  
• "Hide Team Fan" title
  
• "Hide Team" decal
  
• 300 Golden Eagles
  

[h2]Team Restart Pack[/h2]

• Leclerc AZUR Restart Esports Team camouflage
  
• "Restart Team Fan" title
  
• "Restart Team" decal
  
• 300 Golden Eagles
  

[h2]Team RAWR Pack[/h2]

• F-15E RAWR Esports Team camouflage
  
• "RAWR Team Fan" title
  
• "RAWR Team" decal
  
• 300 Golden Eagles
  

[h2]Team BIH Pack[/h2]

• ◄EF-2000 BIH Esports Team camouflage
  
• "BIH Team Fan" title
  
• "BIH Team" decal
  
• 300 Golden Eagles
  

[h2]Team AVReS Pack[/h2]

• F-2000A AVReS Esports Team camouflage
  
• "AVReS Team Fan" title
  
• "AVReS Team" decal
  
• 300 Golden Eagles
  

[h2]Team Leet Pack[/h2]

• Typhoon FGR.4 Leet Esports Team camouflage
  
• "Leet Team Fan" title
  
• "Leet Team" decal
  
• 300 Golden Eagles
  

[h2]Team LetsGo Pack[/h2]

• TKX LetsGo Esports Team camouflage
  
• "LetsGo Team Fan" title
  
• "LetsGo Team" decal
  
• 300 Golden Eagles
  

[h2]About the teams[/h2]
[expand]
[h3]Team DODEC[/h3]
Clearly the favorite team of the tournament, will they succeed in continuing their legendary rise and end up as the team that imposed their supremacy in 2024?
[h3]Team Hide[/h3]
Will the team that won the last Air Superiority tournament, shaking their opponents in the air, be able to do the same on the ground?
[h3]Team Restart[/h3]
Cocoricoo! The only full French-speaking team in the event, with ever-increasing results, this group of friends is aiming for greatness in this one!
[h3]Team RAWR[/h3]
A team accustomed to podium finishes and a complete, varied team that has every chance of making history!
[h3]Team BIH[/h3]
Finishing at the top level of all the air tournaments this year, this international team is made up of exceptional pilots who never give up. They’ve been training hard for Thunder CUP 2025!
[h3]Team AVReS[/h3]
With a roster made up of mainly the MRCLS Esports team, this season AVReS spiced up the competition with their unique style of play.
[h3]Team Leet[/h3]
One of today’s oldest Esports teams. Equipped with a new roster, Team Leet is back with vengeance and is ready to take on the world! Their goal? Victory!
[h3]Team LetsGo[/h3]
They impressed everyone in the Armored Apex Major tournament and did well in the Air Superiority Major tournament, let’s see what they’ve prepared for in Thunder CUP 2025.
[/expand]

[h2]Team pack bundle at -20%[/h2]

You can also buy a discounted bundle containing all the packs at -20%.
$23.92 $19.14

This bundle includes:

• Team DODEC Pack
  
• Team Hide Pack
  
• Team Restart Pack
  
• Team RAWR Pack
  
• Team BIH Pack
  
• Team AVReS Pack
  
• Team Leet Pack
  
• Team LetsGo Pack
  

[hr][/hr]
[h2]Match & Livestream Dates with Twitch Drops![/h2]
There will be a total of 9 days of events broadcast on multi-language Esports channels! Watch the tournament and claim your Twitch Drops on the official English, German, French and Russian and our new Polish War Thunder Esports channels!



[hr][/hr]

[h2]Watch Thunder CUP 2025 and receive through Twitch Drops:[/h2]

Login to your Twitch account → link your Gaijin account → click “Allow” to be able to receive Twitch Drops!

[h3]First weekend — January 31st from 17:00 GMT and February 1st-2nd from 15:00 GMT [/h3]

• 1 day of Premium
  
• 50% Silver Lion Booster
  
• 50% Research Point Booster
  
• “Thunder CUP” avatar frame
  
• Snake Box
  
• “Night Sword” camouflage for the PzH 2000
  

[h3]Second weekend — February 7th from 17:00 GMT and February 8th-9th from 15:00 GMT [/h3]

• 1 day of Premium
  
• 50% Silver Lion Booster
  
• 50% Research Point Booster
  
• “Team mountain” decal
  
• Snake Box
  
• “Tale of Fenrir” camouflage for the Rafale C F3
  

[h3]Third weekend — February 14th from 17:00 GMT and February 15th-16th from 15:00 GMT [/h3]

• 1 day of Premium
  
• 50% Silver Lion Booster
  
• 50% Research Point Booster
  
• “Unexploded Bomb” decoration
  [expand]
  
  [/expand]
  
• Snake Box
  
• “Nocturne” camouflage for the Yak-3U
  

[hr][/hr]

[h2]War Thunder Esports Discord Giveaway![/h2]
To keep up with all the happenings in the world of Esports in War Thunder, join our community on Discord! Starting today, we’ll be giving away premium bundles there:

• RDF/LT Pack
  
• AH-64D (Netherlands) Pack
  
• BMD-4M Pack
  
• PzH 2000 Pack
  
• Mirage F1C-200 Pack