Playing War Thunder WW1 tanks means stepping back into the muddy trenches of the Western Front, far away from the supersonic jets and modern composite armor of top-tier matches. Gaijin Entertainment's periodic historical events let players command iconic early-century armor like the British Mark V and the German A7V. If you want to know how these machines handle, what mechanics to expect, and how to unlock permanent rewards, you're in the right place.
The search intent behind this topic centers on understanding event mechanics, vehicle rosters, and optimal strategies for mastering primitive tracks and low-velocity guns. Unlike modern main battle tanks equipped with laser rangefinders and stabilizers, World War I vehicles require patience, precise angling, and a deep appreciation for mechanical limitations. Let's break down everything you need to know about driving these steel boxes into battle.
Entering The Great War Event
Accessing these historical machines requires navigating to the game's special event tab rather than standard tech trees. When the event rolls live, you'll find it via the menu path under Events and Tournaments, listed directly under historical scenarios.
The battles take place on specialized maps modeled after the ravaged landscapes of Flanders. Expect deeply scarred terrain filled with functional trenches, barbed wire barricades, concrete bunkers, and a vast central stretch of No Man's Land. AI infantry units swarm the trenches, adding atmospheric immersion as artillery shells rain down around your clumsy chassis.
Factions and Available Vehicles
The event splits participants into two primary factions: the Triple Entente and the German Empire. Each side features a distinct lineup of historical armor outfitted with primitive weaponry and sluggish engines.
- Triple Entente: Includes the British Mark V medium tank, the French St-Chamond, and the Soviet Garford light armored vehicle. You can also unlock the British H.P.12 bomber for air support.
- German Empire: Fields the formidable A7V, the captured Beutepanzer Mk IV, and the Garford-Beute light tank. German forces also gain access to hydrogen-filled Zeppelins for reconnaissance and strategic bombing runs.
Core Mechanics and Handling Differences
Driving a vehicle from 1916 feels completely different from handling a standard Tier I tank. Real-world WWI armor suffered from notoriously poor power-to-weight ratios, terrible visibility, and mechanical unreliability. To make the gameplay actually enjoyable within the standard game loop, developers implemented specific balance adjustments.
For instance, standard event matches feature boosted mobility settings to help tanks cross heavy mud and steep trench walls. However, if you complete the progression stages to keep these vehicles permanently for Ground Realistic Battles, they revert closer to their harsh historical speed and maneuverability parameters.
Aiming takes practice because most early guns lack gyroscopic stabilization or proper optical sights. You'll often find yourself firing short-barreled howitzers or low-velocity machine guns that demand steep ballistic arcs to hit targets over trench ridges.
Unlocking and Keeping Event Vehicles
If you only play the event casually, you'll experience the machinery temporarily. However, dedicated players can earn and keep permanent event vehicles for their regular tech tree lineups.
Progression relies on accumulating mission points across daily stages. You generally need to complete a set number of stages for both opposing factions by hitting specific score thresholds in matches. Reaching 70% battle activity or higher in qualifying matches also rewards unique cosmetic items, such as historical loading screens, unit decals, and decorative profile icons like the classic Pickelhaube helmet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Jumping straight from modern or mid-war tanks into primitive tracked boxes leads to quick destruction. Keep these tactical realities in mind:
- Overextending into No Man's Land: Crossing open mud without infantry or teammate cover turns your slow vehicle into a stationary target for enemy field guns and artillery.
- Ignoring Angling: Early riveted armor plates offer minimal protection. Even minor enemy autocannons or high-explosive shells can penetrate flat surfaces if you don't angle your hull.
- Fighting Solo: WWI tanks rely on mutual support. A lone tank stuck in a deep trench trench line without assistance is an easy target for flanking opponents.
For more details on game updates and testing environments, check out the War Thunder Official Website and community updates on the War Thunder Wiki.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use WW1 tanks in regular random battles?
Yes, once you complete the required stage progression during the event window, the earned vehicles are added directly to your account as permanent additions for regular Ground Battles.
Do these tanks use historical performance specs in normal matches?
When deployed outside the special event mode, these vehicles feature realistic speed and handling characteristics matching their actual historical limitations.
How do I earn progression stages efficiently?
Focus on objective play, capturing points, supporting teammates, and maintaining high battle activity above 70% to maximize mission point gain per match.
