1. War Thunder
  2. News

War Thunder News

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Decals and the Return of a Rare Tank!

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Celebrating Valentine’s Day on February 14th is a charming tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. Valentine cards, flowers, and chocolates became symbols of the day in the 19th and 20th centuries. War Thunder has its own Valentines day traditions, there’s a themed decal trophy, a trophy with Valentine-themed decorations and the rare MK-IX “Valentine” tank! [/p][p][/p][h2]Valentine’s Day Trophy with Decals![/h2][p][/p]
[p]When: From February 13th (11:00 GMT) until February 16th (11:00 GMT).[/p][p]Task: Earn 3,000 mission points in battles where you used vehicles from any nation at rank III or higher to receive the “Valentine’s Day (Decals)” trophy![/p]
[p][/p][p]Inside this trophy, you’ll receive one of four decals that were previously available:[/p][p][/p]
[p][/p]
[p][/p]
[p][/p]
[p][/p]
[p]“My Love” decal[/p]
[p]“Heart of Roses” decal[/p]
[p]“Neon Valentine” decal[/p]
[p]“Into the depths of love” decal[/p]
[p]
[/p][h2]Valentine’s Trophy with Decorations![/h2][p][/p]
[p]When: From February 13th (11:00 GMT) until February 16th (11:00 GMT).[/p][p]Task: Earn a total of 20,000 mission points while using any vehicle at rank III or higher to earn the Valentine’s Day (Decorators) trophy![/p]
[p]
Inside this trophy, you’ll receive one of three decorations that were available previously:[/p][p]

[/p]
[p]“Anchor of Love” decoration[/p]
[p]“Compound Bow” decoration[/p]
[p]“Teddy Bear with a Heart” decoration[/p]
[p][/p][h2]Valentine’s Day Trophies in the in-game Item Shop[/h2][p] [/p]
[p]When: From February 13th (11:00 GMT) until February 16th (11:00 GMT).[/p]
[p][/p][p]Trophies with themed decals and decorations are available in the in-game Item Shop for Golden Eagles! The decal trophy contains the four decals listed above and also others given out on Valentine’s Day in previous years. Opening a trophy will reward you with a decal or decoration that you don’t already have.
[/p][h2]The MK-IX “Valentine” is temporarily available for 1,000 Golden Eagles! [/h2][p][/p]
[p]When: From February 13th (11:00 GMT) until February 16th (11:00 GMT).[/p][p]Where: USSR > Army > Premium vehicles.[/p]
[p]
[/p][h3]About this tank[/h3][p][/p][carousel][/carousel]
  • [p]The MK-IX “Valentine” is a British tank supplied to the USSR under Lend-Lease. Its 57 mm gun has good penetration even at long ranges, making it a popular choice for countering German tanks. Its good gun depression and impressive ballistics, coupled with its low velocity, make this tank ideal for sniper roles.
    [/p]

Monthly Decals for February!

[p][/p][p]Hey everyone! February marks one full year of historical decals returning! As of this event we’ve added 60 new decals, along with returning 60 decals from previous events, so newer players have a chance to collect them as well. Have you had any favorite decals over the past year? Inscription-based decals seem to be the most popular overall, so we’ll try and include some more interesting ones this year too.[/p][p][/p][p]We hope you like the selection! The relatively rare Italian tortoise emblem was fun to make this time around, as was the skunk from the famous “Spray and Pray” Squadron. We’re happy to return the fairly unique "Kohlenklau" emblem for Germany as well. We’ve popped it on a Marder III here for the screenshot, but historically it was painted on a Marder II. As always, keep leaving your suggestions on the forum for future decals, and we hope you enjoy![/p][p][/p]
[p]The following decals will be available from February 12th (11:00 GMT) until March 12th (09:00 GMT)[/p][p]All tasks can be completed using vehicles that are rank III or higher.[/p]
[p][/p][hr][/hr]
[p][/p]
[p][/p]
[p]V Gruppo, 132° Reggimento Artiglieria Emblem, Italy[/p]
[p]3rd Bomb Squadron Emblem, CACW, China[/p]
[p]Defeat 40 players while using Italian or Hungarian Tank Destroyers[/p]
[p]Destroy 30 Ground or Water targets while flying Chinese aircraft[/p]
[hr][/hr][h3][/h3][h3]V Gruppo, 132° Reggimento Artiglieria Emblem[/h3][p]The emblem of V Gruppo, 132° Reggimento Artiglieria (5th Group, 132nd Artillery Regiment) Royal Italian Army. The 5th Group took part in the battles of El Alamein, where, despite their limited numbers, they proved very defensively capable. In the early stages of 1942, the 5th Group used this cannon-bearing tortoise as their emblem, effectively encapsulating their slow but well-armed and armored nature, along with the desert environment they operated in. It was painted low on the sides of the casemate on their Semovente da 75/18 SPGs, before being replaced with the standard battery markings.[/p][p] [/p][h3]3rd Bomb Squadron Emblem, CACW[/h3][p]The emblem of the 3rd Bomb Squadron, 1st Bomb Group, Chinese-American Composite Wing (Provisional). The 3rd Squadron was the final bomb squadron to be formed during World War 2, in February 1944. It was jointly commanded by Major Lee Hsueh-yen and Colonel John A. Hilger, and boasted a formidable combat record for its relatively short operational period. The emblem was designed by John Hinrichs Jr, the supply officer of the squadron. It prominently depicts a skunk in front of the rising sun, along with a peg on its nose to keep it safe from its own defense mechanism. It was derived from the motto of the squadron, “Spray and Pray,” which reflected their combat duties of strafing Japanese positions with their heavily armed B-25 aircraft. They operated several Mitchell variants, with the emblem often painted to the sides of the nose towards the front.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr]
[p][/p]
[p][/p]
[p][/p]
[p]Trompe La Mort Inscription, France[/p]
[p]"Some Chicken" Marking, Australia[/p]
[p]107 Squadron (OTU) Emblem, Israel[/p]
[p]Finish in position 1-5 five times using French Tanks[/p]
[p]Defeat 20 players using bombs while using British or Australian Aircraft[/p]
[p]Defeat 40 players using Israeli Aircraft[/p]
[hr][/hr][p]
[/p][h3]Trompe La Mort Inscription[/h3][p]Trompe La Mort Inscription, French Army. The inscription is an Old-French saying, directly translated as “To Cheat Death,” but idiomatically “Daredevil” would be more appropriate as a contemporary interpretation. A catalyst for its popularity is the 1835 novel Le Père Goriot by Honoré de Balzac, where the phrase appears as a nickname for one of the characters. It has something of a lineage in regards to military vehicles as well, first appearing on a Schneider CA1 AFV in the First World War. As direct inspiration, the inscription has also appeared on several more modern tanks in the French Army. This stenciled example was painted on the turret sides of a Leclerc MBT towards the rear.[/p][p][/p][h3]"Some Chicken" Marking[/h3][p]“Some Chicken” marking, No. 43 Squadron, RAAF. The squadron was formed in Queensland, Australia on May 1st 1943. It exclusively operated the PBY-5 Catalina, and primarily took part in reconnaissance, mine laying, and anti-shipping duties. The inscription comes from a quote from Winston Churchill; after France fell in 1940, a French general remarked, "In three weeks England will have her neck wrung like a chicken." In December 1941, Churchill retorted with “some chicken,” in relation to the Commonwealth’s continued defiance against the Axis powers in an address to the Canadian parliament. It was painted under the front window on Catalina A24-65 OX-H. The chick may have also had a clockwork key on the back of its head, though photo evidence of this element is interpretive.[/p][p][/p][h3]107 Squadron (OTU) Emblem[/h3][p]The emblem of 107 Squadron’s Operational Training Unit, IAF. 107 Squadron was formed in February 1953 at the Ramat David airbase, as a response to the rapid expansion of the IAF, which necessitated swift and effective training for new pilots. The squadron was equipped with at least 39 Mk IX Spitfires, and successfully trained 21 fighter pilots between 1953 and 1954. The squadron operated in this form until 1956 when the Spitfires were retired, but would later reform as a Meteor and Ouragan squadron several years later. The emblem of the OTU depicts a tiger in silhouette leaping over the IAF insignia, and was often painted behind and below the engine exhaust on several of the squadron’s Spitfires.

[/p][hr][/hr]
[p][/p]
[p][/p]
[p]"Kohlenklau" Emblem, Pzjr.Abt. 561, Germany[/p]
[p]301st Tactical Fighter Squadron Emblem (7th Air Wing), Japan[/p]
[p]Finish in position 1-3 three times using German tanks[/p]
[p]Defeat 20 players using missiles while flying Japanese Aircraft[/p]
[hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]"Kohlenklau" Emblem, Pzjr.Abt. 561[/h3][p]An emblem of Panzerjäger-Abteilung 561 (561st Tank Destroyer Battalion), Wehrmacht. This marking depicts the “Kohlenklau” (Coal Thief), a German propaganda character used to encourage citizens to conserve energy and resources during the war. The campaign was launched in late 1942 and resulted in many posters and publications; the character even featured in a 1944 animation as well as a board game. The emblem was a personal marking of Marder II commander Helmut Kohlke, likely chosen due to the similarity between the name of the character and his surname. The face of the Kohlenklau was painted on both sides of his Marder, on the upper casemate towards the front. [/p][p][/p][h3]301st Tactical Fighter Squadron Emblem (7th Air Wing)[/h3][p]The tail marking of the 301st Tactical Fighter Squadron, JASDF. The squadron was formed provisionally on August 1st 1972, and was formally activated as the 301st on October 16th 1973 as part of the 7th Air Wing. Having a frog as the tail marking fell into place quite naturally. It was based on one of the many frog species that inhabit the surrounding area of the Hyakuri Airbase, and linguistically shares a fitting sentiment for pilots. The Japanese word for frog (蛙) is phonetically the same as the phrase “to return” (帰る) spoken as ka-eh-ru, which turned frogs into symbols of good luck and safe return. The seven stars on the scarf represent the 7th Air Wing, though as the squadron has been attached to several wings, there are other variants with fewer stars. It was painted on the tail of the F-4EJ Phantoms of the squadron, under the diagonal formation light strip.

[/p][hr][/hr]
[p][/p]
[p][/p]
[p][/p]
[p]DESRON 9 Emblem, USA[/p]
[p]Personal Marking of Grigori Kogrushev, 168 IAP, USSR[/p]
[p]BRIG 5 Emblem, Norway[/p]
[p]Score 20000 Damage using American Bluewater Vessels[/p]
[p]Play 20 battles using Soviet Aircraft with a minimum of 60% Battle Activity[/p]
[p]Win 10 battles using Swedish Tanks[/p]
[hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]Personal Marking of Grigori Kogrushev, 168 IAP[/h3][p]The personal marking of Grigori Aleksandrovich Kogrushev, 168 IAP (168th Fighter Aviation Regiment), Soviet Air Force. Grigori boasted a distinguished career in the air force, commanding the 11th, 172nd, and 168th regiments during the Second World War. Aside from flying the I-16 during the Spanish Civil War, he primarily piloted Yak fighters, and shot down a total of six aircraft, with two being shared. On June 13th, 1944, he transitioned to the Yak-9B fighter-bomber, which he would fly until the end of the war. His personal ace of hearts marking was painted under the engine exhausts towards the front on his Yak-9B, serial number 12153100.[/p][p][/p][h3]DESRON 9 Emblem[/h3][p]The emblem of Destroyer Squadron 9, United States Navy. The squadron was first formed in 1920 with early four-piper destroyers, and operated until 1930 when it was decommissioned temporarily. It was later reactivated in 1937, equipped with Porter and Somers class destroyers, including USS Davis, Moffett and Somers, and saw action in both the Atlantic and Pacific. The squadron took part in many operations after the Second World War as well, including the Korean War and Desert Storm, and currently operates the Arleigh Burke-class. The badge of the squadron prominently portrays naval military strength and honor, with the famous phrase “En garde” conveying the sentiment “get ready to fight!”.[/p][p] [/p][h3]BRIG 5 Emblem[/h3][p]The Emblem of 5th Brigade, Norwegian Army. The 5th Brigade was a Type 78 infantry brigade attached to the Øst-Oppland Defence District, which also used the same emblem but with a red background. The badge was created in the early 1980s by Major General Thorbjørn Bergersen, and depicts a Birkebeiner warrior. They are most well known for an event in 1206, where two Birkebeiners skied the infant Prince Haakon to safety through a blizzard during the Norwegian civil war, who would go on to become the king of Norway. These exploits cemented the warriors in culture and history, and make for a desirable subject for a military badge. There is limited information to suggest that the marking was painted on the brigade's M113 and M109 vehicles; it was more commonly seen as a shoulder patch.[/p][hr][/hr][p]
Monthly markings can be found in a special tab at the bottom of the customization menu, (Monthly Decals) after a month, they’ll be moved to their corresponding category.[/p][p][/p][p]You can check the exact terms and track the progress of completing tasks for these decals by going to your Player Profile > Decals > Monthly Decals. From here, click the “Track progress” button on each decal to track from the hangar.[/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p][/p][p]All of the emblems will come with a detailed description. This will generally consist of the history of the marking, its design, which vehicles used it, and where it was often placed on vehicles historically if applicable (some emblems are taken from badges, which weren’t always applied). This way you can more easily recreate the original positioning if you’d like.[/p][p][/p][p]Thanks for a year of support decal enjoyers! We’ll keep going strong into 2026 and will continue to include interesting markings for you to collect, from the common to the obscure. Enjoy the selection and we’ll see in a month for more.[/p]

Decals, Discounts, and Rare Vehicles for Japan’s National Foundation Day!

[p][/p][p]
Ancient Japanese chronicles date the accession of the first Emperor Jimmu to the first day of the first month of 660 BCE. During the transition to the Gregorian calendar in the Meiji era, this date was aligned with February 11th and made into a holiday. Japan widely celebrated the 2,600th anniversary of the founding of the empire in 1940. After World War II, the celebrations were discontinued, but in the mid-1960s they were resumed with refined wording, eliminating any mention of the empire. It is a patriotic holiday, marked by the flying of flags and numerous local festivals.

[/p]
Discounts in the Gaijin Store!
[p]To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!

[/p]
[p]When: From February 11th (07:00 GMT) until February 18th (07:00 GMT).[/p]
[p][/p][p][/p]
[p][/p]
[p][/p]
[p]Type 16 (FPS) Pack -50% [/p]
[p]Type 90B "Fuji" Pack -50% [/p]
[p][/p]
[p][/p]
[p]Type 74 Red Star Pack -50%[/p]
[p]IJN Nagato Pack -50%[/p]
[p][/p]
[p][/p]
[p]F-2A ADTW Pack -50%[/p]
[p]Hawk 209 Pack -50%[/p]
[p]
[/p]
IJN Kiyoshimo is temporarily available for 4880 Golden Eagles and the A6M5 Ko is temporarily available for 3850 Golden Eagles!
[p]The IJN Kiyoshimo is temporarily available for 4880 Golden Eagles and the A6M5 Ko and J2M4 Kai are temporarily available for 3850 Golden Eagles each!

[/p]
[p]When: From February 11th (07:00 GMT) until February 18th (07:00 GMT).[/p][p]Where: Japan > Bluewater fleet / Aviation > Premium vehicles.[/p]
[p]
[/p][h3]About these vehicles[/h3][p][/p][p][/p]
  • [p]The IJN Kiyoshimo (rank III) was a Yugumo-class destroyer that fought in the Pacific theater of operations in 1944. Its key features were speed, impressive anti-aircraft defense, and devastating 610 mm torpedoes. It is an excellent support ship![/p]
[p][/p][p][/p]
  • [p]The A6M5 Ko (rank IV) is an early modification of the A6M5 carrier-based fighter, with an additional 50 rounds of ammo. At its rank, almost nothing can match its maneuverability! Two 20 mm cannons and two 7.7 mm machine guns will punish any enemy that gets too close, and it can even mount bombs for some light CAS duties.[/p]
[p][/p]
Open the “Japan’s National Foundation Day” trophy!
[p][/p]
[p]When: From February 11th (07:00 GMT) until February 18th (07:00 GMT).[/p][p] [/p][p]Task: Earn 3,000 mission points in battles where you used Japan vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the “Japan’s National Foundation Day” trophy! [/p]
[p][/p][p]Inside this trophy, you’ll receive one of four decals that were previously available on this day:
[/p]
[p][/p]
[p][/p]
[p][/p]
[p][/p]
[p]“Symbols of Japan” decal[/p]
[p]“Dancing Cranes” decal[/p]
[p]“Day of Japan” decal[/p]
[p]“The Guardian of Japan” decal[/p]
[p][/p][p]If you already have all four decals, you’ll receive a trophy and get one of the following when opening it:[/p]
  • [p]20-50% Research Point booster for 3-10 battles[/p]
  • [p]20-50% Silver Lion booster for 3-10 battles[/p]
  • [p]3-5 universal backups[/p]
  • [p]1 day of Premium account[/p]
[p] [/p][p]Please note: After finishing the task, you need to collect the reward manually.[/p][p] [/p][p]Additional details:[/p]
  • [p]You can complete the task in random battles, except for \[Assault] mode.[/p]
  • [p]Track your progress in the hangar by clicking Nickname → Achievements → Holidays → Japan’s National Foundation Day.[/p]

Great War Thunder Deals at the Steam PvP Festival!

[p][/p][p]This February, Steam is hosting a festival dedicated to PvP games, and of course War Thunder is participating! This is your chance to pick up packs at a great discount![/p][p][/p]
[p]When: From February 9th (18:00 GMT) until February 16th (18:00 GMT), the following packs are available at a 50% discount:[/p]
[p][/p]
  • [p]CF-188 Hornet Pack[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]
  • [p]MiG-23ML Pack[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]
  • [p]JH-7A Prototype Pack[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]
  • [p]USS Maryland Pack[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]
[p][/p][p]Please note! After this discount ends, these packs will be removed from being able to be purchased on Steam.[/p]

Screenshot Competition – Tailored for Combat!



Welcome to the 210th War Thunder Steam Screenshot Competition!


Thank you to everyone who shared their screenshots last week! This week’s theme highlights vehicles that have been customized for the battlefield. Pick out a unique camouflage, distinctive decals, or a full custom skin, and capture a screenshot showing how your vehicle has been tailored for combat. The three most popular and three selected by us will get 300 GE. See the winners down below!

[h2]Let’s begin the 210th edition of our competition![/h2]

Create a stunning screenshot and submit it on the War Thunder Steam Community Hub with the tag #WTscreen210. You have time until the 13th 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 include a custom camouflage, decals, or decorations.
    You must add the #WTscreen210 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 209th edition – Streets of Conflict![/h2]

[h3]Winners selected via community votes:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3657218914
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3658188084
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3657510079

[h3]Winners selected by our judges:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3658742064
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3658055543
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3657324218

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