War Thunder is a game renowned for its intense battles across land, sea, and air. Until now, the game has focused solely on machines of war like tanks, warships, and planes. But that’s changing. For the first time, AI-controlled infantry is joining the fray, thanks to Gaijin’s quirky sense of humor in the form of an April Fool’s Day event—introducing a World War 1 mode.
Historically, War Thunder’s vast lineup of vehicles hails mostly from World War II and later. But this limited-time event, titled ‘The Great War,’ shifts gears to plunge players into the rugged trenches of the Western Front of World War 1, complete with a brand-new selection of ground and air vehicles from that period.
This special event brings seven new vehicles for players to unlock. You can earn these by completing various stages representing both the Allied forces—like Britain, France, and the Soviet Union—and the German Empire over five days during the event’s week-long duration. Once unlocked, these vehicles remain available for you to use in other War Thunder game modes, even after the event concludes.
Interestingly, there are some extra air vehicles you can try out but not permanently unlock. Each side gets access to a bomber plane, and there are massive zeppelins to pilot over the battlefield, capable of unleashing significant destruction from above.
This event is introducing more than just WW1 equipment, though. A groundbreaking feature is making its debut: infantry. Now, AI soldiers will burst from trenches and make daring charges against enemy lines. They’ll even hurl grenades at opposing armor, providing a genuine threat rather than mere cannon fodder.
Gaijin has hinted that “a large-scale closed beta test of infantry will begin soon,” but The Great War serves as an early peek into what these troops can bring to the game, promising to add an exciting new layer to War Thunder’s combat dynamics.
For ages, the community has clamored for the inclusion of infantry in War Thunder, and while it’s promising to finally see them, launching them as part of a WW1-themed April Fool’s event is both amusing and nerve-wracking. Should the infantry prove part of an elaborate prank reserved just for this event, Gaijin might find themselves with a frustrated player base—not to mention a somewhat vexed game journalist!
The Great War mode is currently live and runs until Monday, April 7. If you’re a fan of World War 1 settings—perhaps you enjoyed Battlefield 1—War Thunder on Steam is free to play, offering a gateway into historical military immersion without upfront costs.
But if this doesn’t quite hit your sweet spot, check out our list of the top multiplayer games for alternatives that might resonate more with you. And don’t miss our upcoming PC games guide for what’s on the horizon.
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