In War Thunder, the name of the game is mastering deadly machinery—whether that means rolling into battle with tanks, taking on naval warfare with warships, or having intense dogfights high above in aircraft. But up until now, we’ve never seen soldiers sprinting across the battlefield. That’s all changed with the introduction of AI-controlled infantry, rolling out as part of Gaijin’s unique April Fool’s Day surprise—a World War I-themed mode.
While War Thunder typically showcases an impressive lineup of tanks, planes, and battleships from World War II onward, this brand-new, limited-time event shifts gears to an earlier era. Dubbed “The Great War,” this event immerses players in the Western Front of World War I, presenting you with a fresh fleet of ground and air vehicles specific to that time.
In this war game, you’re challenged to unlock seven brand-new vehicles. To do so, you must complete stages on behalf of the Allied forces (Britain, France, and the USSR) and the German Empire across five separate days during this week-long event. Once unlocked, these vehicles will be accessible even after the event concludes, allowing you to continue using them in other War Thunder game modes.
While there’s no shortage of unlockable content, players are also treated to bonus air vehicles, although these can’t be permanently unlocked. Each side gets to pilot a bomber plane, and there are massive zeppelins to commandeer as well. These airships are capable of unleashing gigantic payloads over the battlefield below.
Besides the WWI-era machinery, you’ll notice something entirely new: AI-controlled infantry. This event marks their first introduction to the game, with soldiers jumping out of trenches and rushing enemy positions. They even engage land vehicles with grenades, meaning they’re not just decorative additions or easy targets for your tank’s cannon.
According to Gaijin, this event serves as an early glimpse into what infantry units can bring to the table, hinting at an upcoming large-scale closed beta test focusing on these foot soldiers. Their addition is set to add an exciting new layer to War Thunder’s dynamic battles.
War Thunder fans have long waited for the arrival of infantry troops, despite the game’s vehicle-centric focus. Seeing them finally introduced is both exhilarating and a bit nerve-wracking, especially with their arrival coinciding with a WWI-themed April Fool’s mode. If this proves to be just an elaborate prank, Gaijin may have to answer to some disgruntled players—not to mention one irked gaming journalist!
“The Great War” event is live now, running through until Monday, April 7. For those intrigued by World War I history, or if you’re a Battlefield 1 enthusiast like myself, War Thunder provides a free-to-play experience on Steam that invites you to dive right in without spending a penny.
However, if this isn’t quite your jam, perhaps our list of the best multiplayer games will hit the spot. Don’t forget to peek at our upcoming PC games guide to see what else this year holds.
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