Reaching the top of the leaderboards in War Thunder’s aerial combat is quite the challenge. The skies are populated with virtual Red Barons who seem nearly impossible to match in skill and even tougher to evade. The idea of taking on these skilled pilots instead of merely dodging them can be daunting for newcomers to one of the finest flight simulators. If you favor ground combat instead, be sure to explore the top tank games available on PC.
Although the realistic penetration and ballistic mechanics are quite similar to those found in War Thunder’s Ground Forces, the heightened speed and agility in the air create a completely different experience for aerial combat.
Moreover, there are no routes available to direct efforts towards significant areas of disagreement, resulting in a conflict that can swiftly transform into a chaotic scene filled with burning debris, gunfire, and, on rare occasions, a fully operational aircraft soaring above. That operational aircraft is your objective. This is your roadmap.
Keep it simple.
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For many novice pilots, success is often equated with extravagant maneuvers and daring stunts. As you gaze out from the cockpit amidst the chaos of battle, it’s simple to deceive yourself into believing that the continuous series of loops and spins you execute is beneficial to you or your squad.
It’s not the case. Please cease.
Although many of these maneuvers serve a purpose in War Thunder, you may not immediately grasp how to utilize them effectively in the beginning of your fighter pilot journey. You’ll achieve a higher number of kills by sticking to the basics rather than trying to replicate your favorite moments from Top Gun. Maintain a straight flight path, familiarize yourself with your aircraft, and engage with simpler targets until you gain confidence in your flying skills.
Just so you know, executing barrel rolls can help you reduce your aircraft’s speed quickly, but it doesn’t grant you or your aircraft any special abilities.
Familiarize yourself with your aircraft.
Leverage your strengths while steering clear of your weaknesses. In War Thunder, the characteristics and performance of your aircraft are just as crucial as your piloting skills. A quick and agile turn-fighter excels in intense dogfights, but it becomes vulnerable when engaged from afar. On the other hand, operating a heavy fighter requires careful energy management during attacks; if you sacrifice your speed by turning too sharply with your opponent, you may end up in a precarious position.
Dedicate ample time between games to analyze your aircraft’s statistics in the hangar, and you’ll quickly discern whether you’re suited for executing aerial maneuvers or if it’s wiser to engage enemies from the security of the clouds.
Steer clear of direct collisions.
It may appear to be a straightforward suggestion, yet many pilots find themselves lured into a direct confrontation. Even if you manage to evade a catastrophic crash, the chances of either party coming out of the situation unscathed are quite low.
When you spot an aircraft heading directly towards you, don’t view it as a noble contest where the outcome relies on fate. Instead, take evasive action right away, or you risk a fatal collision for both.
Engage with utmost severity.
In War Thunder, aircraft come with restricted ammunition and extended cooldown periods, making it essential for pilots to time their shots wisely to survive throughout the match. Additionally, the effectiveness of your plane’s weapons diminishes significantly beyond 500 meters, and sustained firing will lead to a drastic drop in accuracy.
Typically, taking down an enemy aircraft can be accomplished with just a few short bursts from your machine guns. By focusing on slower targets and approaching them with a well-planned attack instead of a quick, hasty shot, you can make the process of eliminating them much simpler and avoid getting entangled in prolonged dogfights.
Blast and zoom
A strategy primarily utilized by heavyweight pilots, the boom and zoom technique is a fundamental approach for experienced War Thunder aviators. The core principles of this tactic are straightforward: ascend to a significant altitude, swoop down on an adversary beneath you, leverage the speed acquired during the descent to close in on your target, eliminate them, and then climb back up to regain altitude before depleting your energy.
In a heavy fighter that lacks agility for dogfighting, employing boom and zoom tactics proves to be the most efficient way to accumulate kills. By staying primarily at elevated altitudes, you can avoid the chaotic engagements of dogfighters beneath you, allowing you to carefully choose and eliminate targets. This approach requires a great deal of self-control and patience, yet it can be extremely deadly when executed correctly.
Keep an eye on your back.
Staying alert can be a lifesaver in War Thunder. The mark of a skilled pilot isn’t merely the ability to lose a pursuer, but rather the capability to avoid being pursued altogether. Regularly scanning your surroundings, particularly the area above, greatly enhances your chances of spotting and dodging any adversaries preparing to launch an attack.
Being aware of your surroundings can greatly benefit your offensive strategies. Understanding the positions of your teammates can offer valuable support if you come under attack and require assistance. Additionally, watching for enemies who are not paying attention can create opportunities for easy eliminations.
Conquer the Split S technique.
Not only will you impress others by mentioning that you just performed a Split S, but this maneuver is also perfect for shaking off a pursuer or positioning yourself behind an opponent. Essentially, the Split S sacrifices altitude for increased speed and a shift in direction, enabling you to quickly reverse your course to either escape or launch an attack on an adversary.
The maneuver is straightforward: execute a half-turn to position yourself upside-down, then transition into a half-loop to fly parallel to the ground beneath you. When you use this technique against an opponent moving in the opposite direction below, it sets you up for an ideal attack. On the other hand, if you’re being followed, a Split S maneuver can provide a speed increase and a shift in direction, enabling you to gain the upper hand against your chaser.
Understand your adversary.
Analyzing the statistics of your own aircraft is just one aspect of the overall strategy. While understanding your own strengths and weaknesses is essential, it’s equally important to identify potential threats in the air and recognize those who may be vulnerable targets.
Take the time to investigate any aircraft that have previously posed challenges for you, as this will help you recognize their weaknesses and gain an advantage in future encounters. For instance, while the He 112 is armed with a formidable selection of weapons that enhance its effectiveness in aerial combat, its limited maneuverability renders it ineffective against biplanes or lighter fighters.
Leverage your fellow team members.
In the midst of intense aerial battles, a player can always find a sense of security by taking cover with their allies. Although the outcomes may not be as evident as in the Ground Forces game, moving towards a cluster of teammates is a straightforward method to evade any attackers.
Assisting friendly combatants can be a compelling reason for many to pursue their targets, as their adversaries are often already preoccupied, making for a swift elimination. Additionally, maintaining proximity to at least one ally can be advantageous, as you never know when you might require each other’s support.
Agricultural land objectives
If your goal is to progress through the various levels and numerous aircraft in War Thunder, targeting the scripted ground units to accumulate kills is an effective strategy. In matches where the competition revolves around the remaining ground units for each team, focusing on eliminating anti-aircraft units and armored convoys can also enhance your team’s objectives.
The points can be utilized to explore different aircraft and acquire enhancements, helping you to clarify the research direction you wish to pursue. Why invest countless hours perfecting your flying abilities when you can simply acquire the top aircraft in the tier and begin your learning journey from that point?
