• CM52 - the flag in the info card has been corrected.
  
• T-80 (all versions) - a bug has been fixed which affected the acceleration dynamics.
  
• WZ1001(E) LCT - a bug with a collision of the barrel with the hull’s rear has been fixed.
  
• WZ1001(E) LCT - a bug has been fixed which resulted in underestimated armor penetration values equal to ZTZ99A, while featuring higher muzzle velocity (report)
  
• Puma - a bug has been fixed which resulted in the damage to the battle compartment while fire in the ammo bunker behind the turret (report)
  
• ZSU-37, ZiS-43 - a bug has been fixed due where it was impossible to select ammo type in the action bar.
  
• AMX-32 (105) - a bug with the shifted commander’s camera has been fixed.

• A-6E TRAM — a bug has been fixed where the lock-on of the IRST disabled at obtuse angles.

• Tornado GR.1, Tornado IDS ASSTA1, Tornado IDS (1995), Mirage 2000D-R1 - additional camos have been added available for completing tasks and Golden Eagles.

The current provided changelog reflects the major changes within the game as part of this Update. Some updates, additions and fixes may not be listed in the provided notes. War Thunder is constantly improving and specific fixes may be implemented without the client being updated.

Brand new Rank VIII 4th generation aircraft with the iconic trio of the F-16, the MiG-29 and the Tornado! A selection of over 40 new and updated models of aircraft, ground vehicles and naval vessels. New models for naval crews with reworked voice overs for naval events, drop-tank mechanics, two new locations and as always, a long list of bug fixes and smaller updates and changes! Prepare yourself, Apex Predators have arrived in War Thunder!

Please feel free to leave your feedback on this Major update in the feedback thread by clicking here

New aircraft have arrived for every nation represented in War Thunder! Amongst them are the most advanced Rank VIII aircraft in the game, such as the Soviet MiG-29 (9-13) or the F-16A Fighting Falcon, available for USA, China, Israel and Italy!





Brand new mechanics for external drop tanks creates new possibilities for pilots of newly added Rank VIII aircraft! Secondary weapon customization options have been added to more than 20 aircraft and helicopters.



The new premium aircraft will help you reach Rank VIII and try out top new jets much quicker! Check out the MiG-21bis “Lazur-M”, F-104S-TAF Starfighter and Kfir Canard, as well as the F-4J(UK) Phantom II, J-7D and MiG-23ML!


More than 10 new and updated vehicles with SUB-I-II, Khalid and Magach 7C!






Nine new units, among them RN Duca degli Abruzzi, the most advanced vessel of the condottieri class and the American heavy cruiser, the USS Newport News (CA-148) that you can get in the Winter Quest event.




Brand new Gold Quarry and a reworked, winter themed Poland map for Ground Battles!




Seven new tracks for high-ranked air and ground battles, a completely reworked existing soundtrack and brand new voiceover of commands for naval battles!


Download the update and join the battle!

• A-6E TRAM (Store Pack)
  
• F-16A
  
• F-16A ADF

• MiG-21 “Lazur-M” (Store Pack)
  
• Tornado IDS ASSTA1
  
• Tornado IDS (Winter Quest event)

• MiG-23ML (Store Pack)
  
• MiG-29 (9-13)

• F-4J(UK) Phantom II (Store Pack)
  
• Tornado Gr.1
  
• Sea Harrier FRS.1 (squadron vehicle)

• F-4EJ ADTW (Store Pack)

• J-7D (Store Pack)
  
• F-16A MLU

• F-104S TAF (Store Pack)
  
• F-16A ADF (Italy)
  
• Tornado IDS (1995)

• Mirage F1C-200 (Store Pack)
  
• Mirage 2000D-R1
  
• Late 298D (Winter Quest event)

• J35XS (Store Pack)
  
• JA37D

• Kfir Canard (Store Pack)
  
• F-16A Netz

• M728 (Store Pack)
  
• M1128 Wolfpack (premium)

• Ferdinand - updated model
  
• Gepard 1A2

• Strela-10M2
  
• Т-80UM-2 (Winter Quest event)
  
• IS-2 (1944) - updated model

• Khalid

• SUB-I-II

• WZ1001
  
• IS-2 (1944) - updated model

• CM52

• AMX-32/105
  
• 2C bis

• T-55M

• Magach 7C

• Bo 105 CB-2 - Detailed cockpit has been updated.
  
• Bo 105 PAH-1 - Detailed cockpit has been updated.
  
• Bo 105 PAH-1A1 - Detailed cockpit has been updated.

• PT-812
  
• USS Newport News (Winter Quest event)

• V-990
  
• Z-47 (premium)

• Letuchiy
  
• Ryany (premium)

• HMS Abdiel

• IJN Myoko (premium)

• RN Duca degli Abruzzi

• Location for combined battles “Gold Quarry"
  
• Location for combined battles “Snowy Poland”

• Aircraft missions (AB, RB, Enduring Confrontation and Helicopter PvE):
  
  • If the AI operated air defence misses an aircraft it is more likely to take a higher preemptive angle allowing the player to see that it is being shot at. Prior to this change missed shots were mostly behind the player’s aircraft and were difficult to see.
• Night signal lighting has been added to the large dynamic airfields.
  
• Lighting on the location “Ground Zero” has been fixed (switched off).
  
• The physics of the landscape affecting movement on “poor” ground (dirt, snow, etc), have been changed.
  
• Aircraft carrier models for test flights of early carrier-based British aircraft (HMS Illustrious), USA (USS Lexington) and Japan (IJN Shokaku). The escort ships have also been replaced.

• Objects (vegetation like trees and buildings etc.) that are in the battle area of ground battles will now be removed at the start of the battle so that there are no problems with units being stuck in trees and houses.
  
• The distance between the conflict sides in ground battles has been reduced and standardised (there were missions with a distance between troop positions of 2-3 km).
  
• The length of anti-aircraft bursts now depends on their fire rate. Faster anti-aircraft guns now fire shorter bursts so that the number of rounds is about equal at all ranks.
  
• All AI controlled air defences now use tracer ammunition.
  
• A bug that might cause a ground battle to start at the edge of the map but not at the front line, resulting in troops deep at the rear of the enemy and the attack being drawn across the map has been fixed.
  
• The logic of generating a ground battle at the beginning of the mission has been fixed. Now the battle shouldn’t start in squares where the initial points of the player spawns exist (helicopter pads/airfields).
  
• A bug where a convoy with some units stuck in one of the squares was able to cross the front line and go deeper into enemy territory with the rest of the units has been fixed.

• New mission in the “Grand Canyon” location.
  
• The vehicles used in the missions now take into account the regular change of BR ranges simply to avoid situations where aircraft with low BR end up against next-generation anti-aircraft guns.

• New mission in the “Grand Canyon” location.
  
• Falcon and AMX DCA 30 have been replaced with Gepard I.

• M1128 - С76А1 shell has been replaced with the М774. Additional protection in form of grids and side shields is not available as an installed modification.
  
• M42, M42 (Japan) — Rank has been changed from IV to III.
  
• M42, M42 (Japan) — BR in the RB mode has been changed from 4.7 to 4.3.

• 23mm Type 23-2K autocannon — Speed of rounds has been changed from 705 m/sec to 720 m/sec.
  
• 1000 pounds AN-M65A1 bomb — Bomb mass has been changed from 1104 to 1205 pounds. Source: “OP 1280, Aircraft Bombs. OP 2216 Aircraft Bombs, fuzes and Associated components. T.M. 9-1325-200”.
  
• 1000 pounds AN-M65A1 Fin M129 bomb — Bomb mass has been changed from 1205 to 1104 pounds. Source: “OP 1280, Aircraft Bombs. OP 2216 Aircraft Bombs, fuzes and Associated components. T.M. 9-1325-200”.
  
• A2D-1 — The position of the 500 pounds AN-M64A1 bombs on the pylons has been corrected.
  
• Ba.65 (K.14) L — New preset with 4x100 kg SAP 100M bombs has been added to the suspended weaponry. (report).
  
• Buccaneer S.2 - 540 pounder Mk.M2 bomb has been added to the suspended weaponry.
  
• B-25J-1 — Guiding angles of the upper turret have been changed from 89 to 82 degrees.
  
• Do-17 Z-2 — Preset with 10хSC50 + 1xSC250 has been added to the suspended weaponry.
  
• Fokker D.XXX-3 - Amount of the ammunition for the 7.7 mm FN Browning M.30 No.3 machine guns has been changed from 500 to 300 rounds.
  
• F-86F-2, F-86F-25 - 750 pounder М117 bomb has been added to the suspended weaponry.
  
• F9F-8 - Mighty Mouse missile blocks have been added to the suspended weaponry.
  
• F-100D — Amount of the BLU-27 has been changed from 4 to 6 units. Source: “T.O. 1F-100D(l)-1 (31 July 1973) (Change 5-15 September 1978” (report).
  
• Mirage F1C, Mirage F1CT - Amount of flares has been changed from 184 to 252 (report).
  
• S.O.4050 Vautour IIN — A bug where the Т10 151 missiles were missed in the suspended weaponry has been fixed(report).
  
• Z-19 - Set of AKD-9 ATGM has been added as a free set.
  
• Q-5A - 250-3 bomb has been added to the suspended weaponry.
  
• MiG-3-34 — Ammunition capacity of the 20 mm ShVAK cannon has been changed from 200 to 400 rounds.
  
• Su-22М3 — A bug due to which the right 30mm НР-30 cannon wasn’t working when “Flares/Chaff” modification wasn’t installed has been fixed (report).
  
• Yak-38, Yak-38M - Additional R-60 missiles have been added to the suspended weaponry.
  
• F-4J — Helmet-mounted target designation system has been added.
  
• F-104S - Flares and chaff have been added

• A-4B - Displaying of icons for the MK77 Mod 4 incendiary tanks has been corrected.
  
• AD-2, AD-4, AM-1 — Modification for research non-contact 1000 pounds MK 13 Mod 0 mine has been added.
  
• Bf-109 (all modifications) - MG151/20 cannon has been added in the X_Ray view.
  
• Bf-110C-7 - Displaying of the bomb pylon has been fixed.
  
• F3H-2 — Radar model has been changed from AN/APQ-50 to AN/APQ-51. Source: “Navweps 01-245FCB-501 Flight Handbook - F3H-2 , -2M Demon. F3H-2M Standard Aircraft Characteristics - 15 May 1955”.
  
• F7F-3 - Displaying of the weapon icons has been fixed (report)
  
• F8U-2 — Radar model has been changed from AN/APQ-50 to AN/APS-67. Source: “F8U-2 Crusader Standard Aircraft Characteristics - 30 January 1959”.
  
• Hunter F.1 — Radar model has been changed from AN/APG-30 to ARI.5820. Source: “A.P. 4347A Pilot's Notes Hunter F.1”.
  
• MD-500-TOW — Ballistic calculator for unguided rockets has been removed.
  
• Rooivalk Mk1F CSH — A bug where in some cases could cause the pointing cross in the gunner view to extend beyond the pointing area has been fixed.
  
• Seafire FR.47 - A bug that caused the miss of the part of the right flap in the damage model has been fixed.
  
• Swift F.1 — Radar model has been changed from AN/APG-30 to ARI.5857. Spurce: “A.P. 4348A & B Pilot's Notes Swift F.1 & F.2”.
  
• Tiger UHT, A-129CBT — A bug due to which 12,7 mm FN M3P machine guns required two modifications has been fixed.
  
• Q-5L — A bug that caused parts of the aircraft to remain in the air when the wing was torn off has been fixed.
  
• UH-1B, UH-1C, UH-1CXM-30 — Displaying of the 40mm М75 grenade launcher in the X-Ray view has been fixed.
  
• UH-1C, UH-1CXM30 - Displaying of the ATGM weaponry icons has been fixed.
  
• Mi-24 (all modifications) — Displaying of the 23mm GSh-23L cannons in the X-Ray view has been added.
  
• Mi-28N — “MAW” modification has been replaced by “Flares/Chaff” modification.
  
• Su-8 — A bug due to which the stabilizer wasn’t divided into two parts has been fixed.
  
• MiG-23MLA - R-60 missiles have been changed to R-60MK.
  
• MiG-23MLD - R-60 missiles have been changed to R-60M.
  
• F-4EJ Kai - AIM-9L missiles have been added to the armament nomenclature.
  
• MiG-21bis (Sweden) - R-60 missiles have been changed to R-60MK.
  
• T129 - Displaying of the IRCM elements when installing appropriate modifications has been fixed.
  
• AD-2, AD-4 — Modification to research aircraft non-contact 1000 lbs Mk 13 Mod 0 mine has been added.
  
• AH-64 (all modifications), YAH-64 — Magnification of the TADS scope has been changed from 4.1x-81.8x to 3.0х-126.0х.
  
• AH-1F, AH-1S, AH-1Q, UH-1C, UH-1CXM-30 — Magnification of the M65 TSU sight has been changed from 24.0x to 2.0х-13.0х.
  
• A.109EOA-2 — Magnification of the SFIM M334 scope has been changed from 4.1x-81.8x to 2.5х-10.0х.
  
• BO-105PAH-1, BO-105PAH-1A1 — Magnification of the APX 397 scope has been changed from 20.0х to 3.2х-10.8х.
  
• BO-105CB2, Lynx Ah.Mk.1, G-lynx, A-129CBT, A-129A, HKP9A, HKP9A (FC) — Magnification of the HeliTOW scope has been changed from 20.0х to 3.2х-12.0х.
  
• F9F-2, F9F-5 — Modification to research 500 pounds AN-M64A1 bomb has been added.
  
• MiG-23MLA, MiG-23BN, MiG-23MLD — Display of the GSh-23L cannons has been added to the X-Ray view.
  
• Mi-24 (all modifications) — Magnification of the 9С475 sight has been changed from 15.0x to 3.3х-10.0х.
  
• Mi-28NM — A bug where the covers of containers might remain in the air when firing “Vikhr” missiles.
  
• Il-28 (all modifications), Tu-14T, Mi-4AV, Mi-24 (all modifications), Mi-35M, Yak-1 (all modifications), Yak-7B, Yak-3, Yak-9 (all modifications) — A system of inert gas inflation of fuel tanks has been added.

• AD-2
  
• AD-4
  
• AD-4NA
  
• AM-1
  
• AU-1
  
• DH-110 Sea Vixen
  
• F2H-2
  
• F9F-2
  
• F9F-5
  
• F9F-8
  
• F-84F (all nations)
  
• Mi-24A
  
• Mi-24D
  
• Mi-24P, Mi-24P (Germany), Mi-24P HFS 80
  
• Mi-24В
  
• Mi-35М
  
• Su-6
  
• Su-6 (M-71F)
  
• Su-6 (AM-42)
  
• Su-8
  
• Yak-38
  
• Yak-38M

• D-520 – Flight model has been updated. Maximum refuelling capacity has been increased. Weight of empty aircraft has been reduced. Flight performance hasn't changed.
  
• N1K2 (all modifications), SAAB J/A-21 (all modifications), F-105D, F-89 (all modifications) — Engine fire suppression systems have been added.
  
• A6M (all modifications) — Flight model has been updated. Fuel consumption has been updated. Fuel distribution and fuel tank usage order has been clarified.
  
• FW-190A-5 (all modifications) / Ta-152C1 — Flight model has been updated. It is now much easier to perform manoeuvres against propeller rotation direction. When approaching critical angle aircraft become more stable. 3 points landing is now easier to perform.
  
• F4U-4/4b - Engine power has been specified. Work on WEP and 3rd stage has been fixed.
  
• F4U-7 - Engine power brought to the values of F4U-4b (boos has been increased).
  
• Il-28 (all modifications), MiG-17 (all modifications), MiG-15 (all modifications), Tu-14, Yak-28 - Engine fire suppression systems have been added.
  
• La-15/174 — Engine fire suppression systems have been added.
  
• P-63 (all modifications) — Engine start/stop times have been adjusted. Engine RPM dynamics has been improved. Operation of the propeller group as a whole has been improved and stabilised. Aileron efficiency at low airflow speeds has been reduced.

• RN Aquila - Fire rate of the 152 mm/40 Armstrong mod.1899/1916 main calibre guns has been increased to 6 rounds per minute.
  
• Pr.7 “Besposhchadny” - 45 mm anti-aircraft guns have been replaced with 37mm 70-К autocannons.
  
• LCM ZIppo - MG-3 machine guns have been replaced with М73

• IJN Fuso - The belt armour scheme in the area of aft main calibre turrets and aft tip armour have been corrected.
  
• USS Fargo (CL-106) - Bridge location and its armour have been fixed. Fire control centres have been moved deep inside the ship, below the waterline.
  
• HMS Hood - funnel cutouts have been removed from the armored deck. Incorrect armor thickness of some areas of the deck have been fixed. Armoring of the deck above the ammo stowages and under the main gun turrets has been corrected.
  
• Z12 Erich Giese, Z15 Erich Steinbrinck, Emden - the position of the radio room has been corrected. The size of the fuel tanks has been fixed. Position and size of the ammo stowages corrected.
  
• SMS Ostfriesland - a bug has been fixed that made the armour thickness of the coal bunkers equal to 3 mm.
  
• Emden - the models and number of the ammo elevators of the main guns have been fixed.
  
• HMS Diana - the position of the radio room, plot room, and the ammo stowages of the main calibre guns have been corrected. Fuel tanks added. Position and size of the engine and boiler rooms have been fixed. Added armour for the navigation bridge and some air defence installations.
  
• HMS Glorious - armouring of the main calibre turrets has been fixed, the armour layout of the fire director room on the bow has been fixed. The thickness of the torpedo bulkheads has been adjusted. Coal bunkers have been changed to fuel tanks.
  
• USS Alaska - The shape and size of the fuel tanks has been corrected.
  
• IJN Hyuga - Deck armour for bridges has been added.
  
• Admiral Graf Spee - The location of the crew compartments has been corrected.

• New sailor and officer models have been added to each game nation for modern ships. Visual crew models have been replaced on all modern ships.
  
• Parizhskaya kommunaа - 12.7mm DShK machine guns have been moved from the spotlight platform on the mast to the fighting top above.
  
• Folaga - The name of the ship has been corrected (the abbreviation RN has been removed), the flag has been changed to a republican one.

• New AI-controlled WWII aircraft carriers have been added:
  
  • USA:
    
    • USS Lexington (CV-2)
      
    • USS Saratoga (CV-3)
      
    • USS Enterprise (CV-6)
  • Britain:
    
    • HMS Illustrious
  • Japan:
    
    • IJN Shokaku

• Hit indicators (red markers seen at the screen’s sides) have been updated. Hits without armour penetration displayed in grey, new indicators added for the hits that disable a module, a crew member, or initiate a fire in the player’s vehicle.

• F4U-1A (USMC) -Has been removed from the group with F4U-1A
  
• Kfir C.2 - BR for RB has been lowered to 10.7.

• A set of pilot icons featuring modern female pilots has been added. Icons are available for purchase with GE.
  
• M46 “Tiger” - Decal of the tiger has been returned to standard camouflage. Free camouflage of the 73rd tank battalion has been removed.
  
• New collections of decals and decorations for winter events have been added.
  
• Added the ability to purchase camouflages with Golden Eagles or by completing tasks for WW2 era destroyers. Each playable nation has its own typical colour palette and typical designs.

• Suspended fuel tank mechanics have been added for aircraft: Tornado (all versions), МiG-29, F-16 (all versions), Mirage 2000D R1.
  
• A mechanism for determining the explicit activity of a player has been added to naval battles. In cases where during battle and using any weaponry under control of the player, a single hit to the enemy player is not made and therefore the account will not receive awards and achievements for the battle.
  
• Scout drones are now able to put a marker on the map via the target camera. The marker is visible to all allies and shown on the minimap of the team, as well as on the ground.

• The visual effect of pulse-width modulation has been added to missiles with attitude control engines.

• The music for high ranked ground and air battles has been expanded with seven new tracks. Existing tracks have been completely redesigned.
  
• Voice events for all nations in Naval Battles have been completely updated. Each nation has received a new voiceover set in its own language.
  
  Now in a naval battle you can hear three different roles for your naval vessel: Commander, Officers and Sailors. The first one gives orders for running of it and its weapons. The Officers and Sailors will report on the situation in the surrounding waters and the vessel's condition. Enemy detection, their type, direction and distance, your firing results, and more will now be voiced by appropriate reports.
  
  Damage reports, fires or floods, dangerous heeling and broken mechanisms will allow you to not miss anything important and start repairs in time.
  
  Different intonations that depend on the situation and the intensity of the battle, will help to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of sea battles!
  
  When the enemy is distant and your vessel is in no danger, your crew reports and orders will be calm and focused. But when the enemy is near and shots and explosions are thundering all around, it would be difficult to keep a calm tone of voice!
  
  We remind you that the language of the crew's speech can be selected in the game menu: one for all nations or the unique national one.
  
  The U.S. and British navies still use a single voice option (British), but in the near future the US Navy will get its own unique voices.
  
  This is the beginning of a major sound update in naval battle which will be expanded and improved with future updates.
  
  
• The sound of the overall battle picture for ground and naval battles has been adjusted. The attenuation of the sounds of guns and shots and explosions is more consistent with the distance to them allowing more emphasis to be placed on nearer, more important sounds.

The Sea Harrier is a later modification of the British V/STOL Harrier jet fighter that entered service with the Royal Navy in the late 1960s. Soon, the Sea Harrier FRS.1 will come to War Thunder as a new squadron vehicle, available with the release of the “Apex Predators” major update.

Briefly: A modified version of the Harrier jet fighter, adapted for naval operations and featuring a bolstered weapons arsenal.

Features:

• VTOL capabilities
  
• Upgraded secondary weapons
  
• Subsonic
  
• Limited payload

In War Thunder, the Sea Harrier FRS.1 will be a new squadron vehicle awaiting seasoned British pilots in the next major update. Expanding the family of the exotic and highly popular Harrier family of V/TOL aircraft in the game, the Sea Harrier builds upon the capabilities of the familiar Harrier GR.3 and introduces a much more potent arsenal, optimized for air-to-air engagements.




Since one of the key roles of the Sea Harrier FRS.1 is to defend the fleet from aerial threats, its air-to-air weapons arsenal received a notable improvement. Namely, engineers made it possible to outfit the Sea Harrier with the highly potent AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles - one of the best air-to-air missiles available in the game. The Sea Harrier has the unique twin pylons for these missiles, so you’ll be able to carry up to 4 of AIM-9L at once.




Furthermore, the Sea Harrier can also be equipped with a large number of unguided rockets as well as one additional 1,000 lb bomb compared to the land-based Harrier GR.1 - a neat upgrade that will certainly come in handy as it improves the Sea Harrier’s ability to strike ground targets. Apart from the improved weapon selection, the Sea Harrier at its core remains neigh identical to the GR.3 already familiar to some seasoned British pilots. As a result, the Sea Harrier inherits the excellent flight characteristics and of course, the signature V/TOL capabilities, for which its aircraft family is so known for.



Like all other squadron vehicles, the Sea Harrier FRS.1 will be available to players both for squadron activity points and for Golden Eagles. As a reminder: squadron activity points are invested automatically into the research progress of the squadron vehicle of your choice so there’s no need to distribute them manually. Play War Thunder, join squadrons and recruit other players for your own to get the new Sea Harrier as well as other unique squadron vehicles!

Post-war uniforms, a total rehashing of crew voice-overs, as well as a new pack of WWII AI aircraft carriers for air battle modes! Only good news is coming from the sea in the Apex Predators update!

We are pleased to announce new post-war uniforms for the naval crews in all gaming nations. The crews of the later ships and boats in open gun mounts, decks and bridges, as well as those in the rangefinder stations will now have authentic Cold war era uniforms and differs from WWII ships crews.




The loudest improvement in the Apex Predators update is the completely reworked voices of fleet officers and crews during a battle. Orders from the captain, reporting of gun crews and ship damage reports are now heard like never before! The more intense the action is, the louder and more emotional the crew reports. At the beginning of the battle, the reports are short and concentrated, when the enemy appears and the first volleys of guns are made, the reports become louder and more intense, and the first hits on a player’s ship unleash tidal waves of ​​adrenaline!

Every nation speaks its own language with certain emotional features. However we can hardly describe those bright and emotional shouts of, for example, an Italian battleship crew, when amidst the battle - you’d better hear it yourself! By the way, you will be able to control the volume of the crew reports, or even mute them in the sound options.




Some time ago, we presented new AI carriers for Cold War era aircraft. This time we prepared new models for WWII carriers of different nations that will be added to the game in the upcoming Apex Predators update. Please meet IJN Shokaku, HMS Illustrious of the Royal Navy, American USS Lexington, USS Saratoga and a true legend, USS Enterprise. These AI aircraft carriers will act as naval airfields in the aircraft gaming modes of different ranks. Welcome aboard, pilots!

Your screenshots submitted last week looked great! The vehicles with tan camouflages looked right at home in the sand and desert! The three most popular and three selected by us will get 300 GE. See the winners down below!


Create a stunning screenshot and submit it on the War Thunder Steam Community Hub with the tag #WTscreen46. You have time until 23.12.2022 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.

Important addition: Screenshot theme - Cold Steel!

• It’s getting cold out! Do you have screenshots of your vehicles operating in a cold, winter environment?
  
• You must add the #WTscreen46 tag (without other text).

[/b]

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.

[/list]




https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2899961569
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2901588883
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2900135002

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2902284763
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2900880502
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2900208314

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

The winter has arrived - it’s time to warm up in the battles from the Winter Quest in War Thunder! To brighten up the long, dark evenings we have prepared many prizes that you can get for any of your usual activities, because you just need to get points to complete the tasks!

You can get high ranked event vehicles of all types! Trophies with rewards, decal coupons, camouflages for event vehicles, player icons and decorations await you. Low ranked premium vehicles will be given this time to aircraft fans (last time we gave them to tankers).

Let’s light the Christmas tree together!

From 11:00 GMT on the 20th of December, 2022 until 11:00 GMT on the 9th of January, 2023

Participate and get prizes!

France, rank I, premium - more details


Germany, rank VIII, event vehicle - more details


USA, rank V, event vehicle - more details


USSR, rank VII, event vehicle - more details


“Winter Quest” decals

“Christmas Lights” decal


“Powder day” decal


“Secret Santa” decal


“Times to travel” decal


“We can climb it” decal


"Cuckoo Clock" decoration


“Christmas Mill (naval)” decoration


Player icon



Event vehicles in rank IV-VIII and decals will be granted in the form of coupons, while rank II premium vehicles, decorations and camouflages will be immediately activated on the player’s account.

All event rewards will be issued for a specific number of “Marks of distinction” earned in the specified vehicle type in the appropriate game mode.

[expand]



[/expand]

• 50,000 — 100,000 Silver Lions
  
• Silver and EXP boosters
  
• Random wagers and orders
  
• Universal backups (1-3 pcs.)
  
• Random camouflage for a purchased vehicle of any type
  
• 1 day of Premium account

• Activate all 5 coupons for decals on your account to receive the 6th decal “Dear santa I can explain”.

“Dear santa I can explain” decal

More about collections on the WT Wiki!

To get one Mark of distinction for a tanker/pilot/sailor, earn 40,000 mission points in random battles in rank III or higher (from rank I for event vehicles) in the corresponding vehicle type with the corresponding game mode. Points multiplier that varies based on vehicle rank and difficulty level is stated in the task description. The tasks are all the same and are renewed every two days at 11:00 GMT.

Missed Marks of distinction can be purchased for Golden Eagles until January 12th without completing the tasks. You can do that in the menu “Nickname → Achievements → Winter Quest → Tasks for tankers/pilots/sailors.

A unique opportunity to obtain items from past winter events! From December the 20th until January the 9th - the “Ice Chest” and its “Almighty Key” will be available for purchase in the item Store. The “Ice Chest” will bring you unique decals, decorations, vehicles and camouflages from all past War Thunder winter events. Some items from past events appear as coupons for the first time and you will be able to trade them on the Market! Also you can find Silver Lions, boosters, universal backups, wagers and orders.

The cost of the “Ice Chest” is 10,000 Silver Lions, the cost of the “Almighty Key” - 50,000 Silver Lions. “Almighty Keys” can also be obtained for 3 and 10 Marks of distinction of the “Winter Quest” event. All “Ice Chests” and “Almighty Keys” will disappear from the inventory on January 9th at 12:00 GMT, so be sure to use them before then!

“Ice chest” can contain the following rewards (open spoiler)

[expand type=details]
Vehicles (both immediately activated on the account and available as coupons):

• MiG-23MF (Germany)
  
• C. 202D (only direct to the account)
  
• AGS
  
• A.C.I (only direct to the account)
  
• IJN Hayanami (only direct to the account)
  
• MPK Pr.201K
  
• MiG-21PFM
  
• Ro.57 Quadriarma (only direct to the account)
  
• Class 3 (P)
  
• E.B.R. (1954) (only direct to the account)
  
• USS Baltimore
  
• Type K-8 No.13 (only direct to the account)
  
• TIS MA
  
• J6K1
  
• Merkava Mk.2B (USA)
  
• QF 3.7 Ram
  
• Jaguar
  
• PT-811
  
• Fw 190 C
  
• M.B.152C1
  
• T30
  
• SU-85A
  
• PBM-3 "Mariner" (only direct to the account)
  
• Leningrad (only direct to the account)
  
• P-40C
  
• NC.900 (only direct to the account)
  
• Ersatz M10 (only direct to the account)
  
• AEC Mk II
  
• Me 262 A-2a
  
• Ki-21-I hei
  
• LVT(A)(4) ZIS-2 (USA)
  
• Type 62 (USSR)
  
• P-63C-5 (USSR) (only direct to the account)
  
• VK 45.01 (P)
  
• M8A1 GMC
  
• I-301

* the chances of receiving the Type 62 (USSR) are far lower than the other vehicles and are around 0,001%

All vehicles will be immediately credited to the account but there is a chance to get it in form of a coupon unless otherwise specified.

Camouflages (coupons only):

• MiG-23MF (Germany): Tricolor camouflage (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• AGS: Snow w/Open Terrain camouflage MERDC (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• MPK Pr.201K: Deforming camouflage (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• MiG-21PFM: Demonstration camouflage (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• Class 3 (P): PATRIA camouflage (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• USS Baltimore: Deforming camouflage Design 33 16D (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• TIS MA: Bicolor green camouflage (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• J6K1: Experimental camouflage (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• Merkava Mk.2B (USA): Tricolor camouflage (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• QF 3.7 Ram: Late bicolor camouflage (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• Jaguar: Deforming camouflage Bow sea (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• PT-811: Deforming camouflage Design 20L (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• Fw 190 C: Nonstandard tricolor camouflage (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• M.B.152C1: Early camouflage (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• T30: Winter verdant camouflage MERDC (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• SU-85A: Bicolor summer camouflage (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• P-40C: Olive-green camouflage (for the first time in the form of a coupon)

Decorations (both immediately activated on the account and available as coupons):

• Snowboard (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• Snowshoe (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• Biathlon rifle (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• Ice Climber’s Backpack (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• Snowmobile NKL-16/41 (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• DUKW (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• Assault rifle with grenade launcher (USSR)
  
• Assault rifle with grenade launcher (China)
  
• Assault rifle with grenade launcher (Germany)
  
• Assault rifle with grenade launcher (Britain)
  
• Assault rifle (Sweden) (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• Carl Gustaf M/45 (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• Assault rifle (China) (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• Type 63 (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• Assault rifle (Japan)
  
• Assault rifle (USA)
  
• Assault rifle (Britain)
  
• Assault rifle (Germany)
  
• Assault rifle (France)
  
• Assault rifle (USSR)
  
• Christmas Wreath (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• Sleigh (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• Ski (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• Skates (for the first time in the form of a coupon)

Decals (both immediately activated on the account and available as coupons):

• "Warrior of the North" decal
  
• "Warrior of the Slavs" decal
  
• "Desert Warrior" decal
  
• "Guard Warrior" decal
  
• "Warrior of the Rising Sun" decal
  
• "The Sherwood Warrior" decal
  
• "Warrior of the East" decal
  
• "Legion Warrior" decal
  
• Pin-up pilot China
  
• Pin-up pilot Sweden
  
• Pin-up pilot Italy
  
• New Year's pin-up (China) (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• New Year's pin-up (France) (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• New Year's pin-up (Germany) (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• New Year's pin-up (Italy) (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• New Year's pin-up (Japan) (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• New Year's pin-up (Sweden) (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• New Year's pin-up (Britain) (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• New Year's pin-up (USA) (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• New Year's pin-up (Russia) (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• Pin-up pilot USA
  
• Pin-up pilot Russia
  
• Pin-up pilot Britain
  
• Pin-up pilot Japan
  
• Pin-up pilot Germany
  
• Pin-up pilot France
  
• Shark Jaws (1) (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• Shark Jaws (2) (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• Shark Jaws (3) (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• Shark Jaws (4) (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• "Christmas tree" victory marks (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• Xmas Rocket (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• Xmas Sock (for the first time in the form of a coupon)
  
• Xmas Tree (for the first time in the form of a coupon)

Silver Lions

• 10000 — 1000000

Expendable items

• Battle trophy (Research points booster)
  
• Battle trophy (Silver lions booster)
  
• Universal backup
  
• Universal backup x2
  
• Universal backup x3
  
• Random wager
  
• Random order

[/expand]

For those who want to spend not only accumulated Silver Lions, but also Golden Eagles a special New Year trophy is available in the item Store. You can purchase it only for GE but inside it you will find a huge set of useful items: premium account, SL, universal backups and boosters, premium vehicles and also all vehicles that were ever been sold for GE or Warbonds but isn’t tradable now either in the game or on the market (list below)

Purchasing a New Year Trophy is a bargain! If you have opened enough trophies you will be guaranteed of receiving talismans and premium vehicles. And the average value of the trophy contents are almost one and a half times its price.


[expand]
New Year’s trophy purchase price: 999 Golden Eagles
Guaranteed Prize: 1 day premium account + 100000 Silver Lions
Additional Guaranteed Prize:

• 1 day premium account - 15%
  
• 3 days premium account - 10%
  
• 7 days premium account - 5%
  
• 100000 SL - 16%
  
• 250000 SL - 8%
  
• 500000 SL - 4%
  
• 1000000 SL - 2%
  
• 50-300% booster for 1-3 battles - 20%
  
• Universal backup — 3 pieces. - 20%

[/expand]

Additional random prizes:
Talisman for vehicles (15% chance but at least once for every 14 trophy openings); breakdown of chance by vehicle rank:

[expand]

• Rank I - 16%
  
• Rank II - 20%
  
• Rank III - 25%
  
• Rank IV - 18%
  
• Rank V - 10%
  
• Rank VI - 7%
  
• Rank VII - 3%
  
• Rank VIII - 1%

If all vehicles of the dropped rank already have a talisman the player will be refunded fully for the New Year trophy — 999 GE.
[/expand]

Premium vehicles including unavailable for sale (15% chance but not less than once for every 14 trophy openings); breakdown of chances by vehicle ranks:

[expand]

• Rank I - 20%
  
• Rank II - 25%
  
• Rank III - 23%
  
• Rank IV - 15%
  
• Rank V - 10%
  
• Rank VI - 7%
  If all vehicles of the dropped out rank are already there, the player will be refunded the cost of the New Year trophy fully — 999 GE.

[/expand]

Unavailable for purchase vehicles presented in the New Year’s trophy along with the usual premium vehicles:
[expand]

• M26E1
  
• UH-1C XM-30
  
• P-61A-1
  
• Bostwick's P-47M-1-RE Thunderbolt
  
• Lanovski's P-47M-1-RE Thunderbolt
  
• Wetmore's P-51D-10 Mustang
  
• USS Cowell
  
• Pz.Sfl.Ic
  
• Panzer IV/70(A)
  
• He 112 B-1/U2
  
• P-47D (Germany)
  
• La-5FN (Germany)
  
• Tempest Mk V (Germany)
  
• Sea Hawk Mk.100
  
• Z20 Karl Galster
  
• T31
  
• T-34 (1st Gv.T.Br.)
  
• МК-IX "Valentine" (USSR)
  
• KV-1E
  
• KV-2 (ZiS-6)
  
• IS-2 "Revenge"
  
• Mi-24D (USSR)
  
• Pokryshkin's P-39N-0 (USSR)
  
• Pe-2-205
  
• IL-2M "Avenger"
  
• Golovachev's Yak-9M
  
• Fw 190 D-9 (USSR)
  
• Spitfire Mk IXc (USSR)
  
• MiG-15bis ISH
  
• Stroyny
  
• Neustrashimy
  
• Achilles (65 Rg.)
  
• Boomerang Mk II
  
• D.520 (Great Britain)
  
• Typhoon Mk Ib
  
• Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc
  
• Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe
  
• Hunter FGA.9
  
• HMCS Haida
  
• J2M4 Kai
  
• IJN Kiyoshimo
  
• Т-62 №545
  
• T-69 II G
  
• P40 "G.C. Leoncello"
  
• RN Geniere
  
• F-84F IAF (France)

[/expand]

• The exact terms of each task can be found in the “Nickname → Achievements → Winter Quest” window.
  
• To get a Mark of distinction, you need to complete a task in the corresponding vehicle type in the corresponding game mode. For example, a Mark of distinction for a pilot can be received only by playing Air battles (AB/RB/SB).
  
• You can complete the tasks in multiplayer battles in all game modes except for “Assault”.
  
• You can complete the tasks not only in vehicles of Rank III and above, but also in lower rank event vehicles. You could receive those in large events such as winter and summer marathons, WWII chronicles, BP seasons and craft marathons. In the vehicle cards of such vehicles you can find the names of events in which said vehicles first became available in the game.
  
• You have received the Mark of distinction if the achievement’s color is golden.
  
• Missed Marks of distinction can be purchased for Golden Eagles in the Achievements window until January 12th, 2023. Make sure you pick the right achievement category: for tankers, pilots and sailors.
  
• Prizes received in the form of tradable coupons will be available for trading on the market from January 13th, 2023. The time from which the coupon can be traded can be viewed in the game in the coupon description. The option of trading each coupon separately depends on the time of its receipt and doesn’t depend on the vehicle type.
  
• For 8 Marks of distinction you receive an untradable coupon for a vehicle. Upon activating it, you will instantly receive a corresponding vehicle. If you do not wish to use the vehicle and want to sell the coupon on the Marketplace instead, you need the “Upgrade for coupon” item.
  
• For 10 Marks of distinction you receive an untradable “Upgrade for coupon” item. You can use it to make the vehicle coupon you received tradable and then sell it on the Marketplace. The date on which a traded coupon becomes available for sale can be seen in its description in the game.
  
• The “Upgrade for coupon” item has an expiration date. You can either use it or exchange it for Warbonds before it expires.
  
• PlayStation and Xbox players will be able to exchange decal coupons for similar ones. The exchange is available in the “Workshop → Exchange items “Winter Quest” window.

See you on the battlefield!

German top-tier Tornado IDS Marineflieger jet fighter is the main aviation prize of the upcoming winter special event in War Thunder.

Features:

• Variable sweep wing
  
• Large payload
  
• AS.34 Kormoran anti-ship missiles
  
• Supersonic

A unique version of the European multi-role jet fighter comes to the game as the main aircraft prize of the upcoming winter special event in War Thunder. The Tornado IDS Marineflieger is a top-tier variable-swing wing strike aircraft, capable of easily maneuvering at supersonic speeds and offering a good choice of the advanced ordnance.




Sharing many features with the Tornado GR.1, the German naval variant of the Tornado is also distinguished by the capability of combining superb flight characteristics with a high payload. Apart from being able to carry large amounts of conventional ordnance, the Tornado can equip advanced weapon systems. Although, the naval version has no access to the guided bombs, it can be equipped with the all-new AS.34 Kormoran anti-ship missiles with a huge load of explosives. Furthermore, the two 27 mm cannons carried on board allow the Tornado to both stand its ground in a dogfight but also to inflict some considerable damage to ground units during low altitude strafing runs. Tornado IDS Marineflieger can additionally carry Sidewinder missiles - the all-aspect AIM-9L.




The renowned Tornado IDS Marineflieger is a true must-have for fans of modern German military combat aircraft. Want one for free? Soon we will tell you how!

https://steamcommunity.com/games/236390/announcements/detail/6897856842228274708

Duca degli Abruzzi is the lead ship of the final Italian ‘Condottieri’ type cruiser class built for the Regia Marina in the years leading up to the outbreak of WWII. Arriving as part of the next major War Thunder update - “Apex Predators”, Duca degli Abruzzi will soon reinforce the Italian naval tree with its most advanced light cruiser design of the era!

Features:

• Superb firepower
  
• Decent protection
  
• Torpedoes

In War Thunder, Duca degli Abruzzi will be a new light cruiser joining the ranks of the Italian naval tree as part of the next major update Apex Predators coming really soon. Sporting the most substantial weapons arsenal of any Italian light cruiser that came before it as well as an improved armor scheme, Duca degli Abruzzi will show its aspiring captains the full capability of the definitive Italian light cruiser design!



Despite being the final design to make up the broad class of the ‘Condottieri’ class of cruisers, Italian shipbuilders went a bit further with Duca degli Abruzzi in an effort to enhance its capabilities over previous vessels of the series. For starters, Duca degli Abruzzi comes outfitted with 10 6’’ guns - that’s two guns more than any of its predecessors, already familiar to veteran Italian captains. Additionally, the secondary weapons also receive an upgrade through the installation of an additional twin 100 mm turret, bringing their number up to four in total. At the same time, the anti-air and torpedo armament remains neigh identical to the preceding Eugenio di Savoia, resulting in a versatile arsenal ensuring the Duca degli Abruzzi can stand its ground in engagements against both surface as well as airborne targets.



Following the trend set with firepower, Italian naval designers also decided to noticeably improve the protection of Duca degli Abruzzi by increasing armor thickness across the board. Unlike previous ships, Duca degli Abruzzi features a 100 mm thick belt armor supplemented with a 30mm external armor, 135 mm thick turret fronts as well as 140 mm of armor encasing its conning tower. As a result of this and a larger complement, Duca degli Abruzzi is far better equipped to effectively absorb incoming enemy fire, particularly coming from other light cruisers and destroyers. However, despite these notable improvements to its protection, captains should still bear in mind the fact, that Duca degli Abruzzi is a light cruiser at the end of the day and that intensive firefights with larger and more heavily armed warships may not be the best tactic to win battles and spare the ship from an untimely demise.




Due to the increased firepower and protection however, captains will have to make due with a natural tradeoff which comes as a result of this design choice. Namely, unlike previous ships of the ‘Condottieri’ series, Duca degli Abruzzi only manages to get up to a top speed of around 32 kts (59 km/h) due to the ship’s notably increased displacement. As a result, Duca degli Abruzzi, while still being quite mobile for a cruiser design, is far slower and less agile than its predecessors. Nevertheless, aspiring captains of this powerful warship won’t have to worry about lagging behind the rest of the fleet as Duca degli Abruzzi is more than capable of keeping up with most other warships.



Duca degli Abruzzi is soon docking in players’ ports with the release of the “Apex Predators” major update coming soon to War Thunder. In the meantime, be sure to keep scanning the horizon for more news as we continue sharing the latest on what the upcoming update has in store for you. Until then, calm seas and happy hunting captains!

Introducing two new locations for mixed battles that will be added to the game in the upcoming major update. Meet the industrial area of the mine complex in the location "Gold Quarry" and the winter version of your favorite "Poland"!


A large area in a gold mining quarry comes to the game as the new battleground for Mixed Battles. The gold ore refinery plant in the Tien Shan Mountains provides storage, processing and shipping facilities, as well as ensuring operation of quarry vehicles.




The teams will face off trying to control the capture points among the ore heaps, under the concrete walls of the plant's workshops and giant haulage trucks. The location turns out to be very diverse in terms of tactical approaches and offers several options for attacking each capture zone.





An early winter has fallen on a Polish town. Snow has covered the leaves of groves and shrubs that have not yet fallen, the lake near the old castle is covered with ice ... but the war is raging on! Welcome to the winter version of the popular location “Poland”.




You know every street and every bush here, but winter has its own laws! So, for example, snowdrifts will change the familiar shoot-throughs, and the frozen lake has become a new direction for breaking through to capture zones.




In the winter version we tried our best to smooth and fix rare issues of the traditional location, and we need your feedback if we succeeded. Let's take a fresh look at Poland in the Apex Predators winter update!

From December 16th (11:00 GMT) until December 19th (08:00 GMT) join the “Pandora’s Box” special event!

The 10,000 and 20,000 victory points in the event will grant you a special title

“Defender of Pandora” and “Conqueror of Pandora” (consequently).

A special trophy “Pandora’s Box” is granted for each 6,000 victory points earned in battles. Each “Pandora’s Box” trophy contains one of the following prizes:

• 50,000 - 100,000 Silver Lions
  
• 20% - 50% booster for Research Points or Silver Lions
  
• 3-5 universal back-ups for vehicles

You can receive a maximum of 5 “Pandora’s Box” trophies in total.
Join the weekend “Pandora’s Box” special event and get unique titles and trophies with boosters, universal back-ups or Silver Lions!

Pandora is a special planet. The Trade corporation sees it as the only source of the “leaven”, a unique material available only there. The Pandorians see their planet as a living creature with the great Sacred Tree as its heart. The battle fleet from the Corporation begins a fire mission in the Floating Isles region to locate and destroy the Sacred tree. This is how they plan to break down the feisty Pandorians. But the locals have obtained the Corporation’s war machines and are ready to ambush the invaders. Pandora's Box is fraught with trouble. Who will reap the danger? It is for you to decide!

Align with the mighty Corporation, or fight to defend the Sacred Tree, controlling unique flying war machines - the Dragonfly strike ornithopters! Join the Pandora’s Box special event in War Thunder!