Is War Thunder Crossplay? How to Enable Cross Network Play in War Thunder?
by Venkatesh P
Updated Aug 11, 2023
War Thunder
War Thunder stands as a compelling exemplar of a free-to-play vehicular combat multiplayer video game, meticulously crafted and published by Gaijin Entertainment. Its origin can be traced back to an initial announcement in 2011, followed by a foray into the gaming sphere through an open beta release in November 2012, culminating in a global launch in January 2013.
This trajectory reached its zenith with the official debut on December 21, 2016. The salient attribute of cross-platform compatibility is a hallmark of War Thunder, extending its reach to a diverse spectrum of platforms, encompassing Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Oculus, and Vive. Furthermore, the release of War Thunder Mobile, colloquially referred to as War Thunder Edge, for Android in May 2023, augments the franchise, with a forthcoming iOS version poised for introduction.
Positioned initially under the moniker "War Thunder: World of Planes," the game's genesis as a "flying simulation game" was a precursor to its eventual rechristening as "War Thunder" in 2012. An intriguing historical aside emerges in Gaijin's initial assertion of the game's existence as an April Fools' jest, subsequently dispelled in June of the same year, marking a transformative juncture.
Commensurate with its stature, War Thunder garnered a multitude of accolades post-launch, securing distinctions such as Best Simulation Game at the Gamescom 2013 Awards, and triumphs in the realms of Best Game, Best Developer, Best Technology, and Best Sound at the KRI 2013 Awards.
A testament to its enduring popularity, War Thunder registered notable engagement on Steam, attracting over 25,000 concurrent players in 2019, a figure that ascended significantly in 2023, with averages surpassing 75,000 and a zenith of 97,939 on February 12, 2023. These statistics, however, do not encompass the populace of console players or PC enthusiasts utilizing the Gaijin.net service.
Emblematic of its resounding success, as of November 1, 2022, War Thunder amassed a staggering 70 million registered players across all platforms, with an impressive concurrent player count of 160,000.
Is War Thunder Crossplay?
Indeed, War Thunder has embraced a cross-platform gameplay paradigm, effectively fostering an inclusive gaming environment that transcends the traditional boundaries of platform exclusivity. It is imperative to underscore that War Thunder supports crossplay integration across a spectrum of platforms, encompassing but not limited to Steam (PC), Linux, Mac, Windows PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. This progressive approach to gaming unites players from diverse technological ecosystems, permitting them to partake in harmonious gameplay experiences within a shared server infrastructure. Worth mentioning is the nuanced distinction pertaining to Xbox users who have abstained from activating the cross-platform functionality; these individuals are relegated to the realm of Arcade air and ground battles, a delineation that imparts strategic relevance to the activation of crossplay.
Nevertheless, a note of concurrence with certain players' testimonies is requisite - instances of challenges concerning crossplay invitations between Xbox and PC users have surfaced, underscoring the occasional complexities inherent in this interconnectivity. An avenue for camaraderie does exist, however, as players desiring to indulge in cross-platform camaraderie with their acquaintances are bestowed with the latitude to enable the cross-platform gameplay facet through the game's settings. In conclusion, the cross-platform underpinning of War Thunder surmounts the constraints of conventional isolationism, fostering an ecosystem where digital aviators and armor commanders can seamlessly converge to partake in collaborative warfare simulations across a myriad of devices, underscoring the evolving landscape of contemporary gaming.
How to Enable Cross Network Play In War Thunder?
Outlined below are the procedural steps to activate cross-network gameplay within the confines of War Thunder, ensuring that players can engage in inter platform gaming seamlessly and collaboratively:
Worthy of cognizance is the comprehensive availability of crossplay compatibility across multiple platforms, encompassing Steam (PC), Linux, Mac, Windows PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. However, a salient specification emerges for Xbox users who opt against the activation of the cross-platform attribute, as their gameplay access becomes confined solely to Arcade air and ground battles.
The nexus between Xbox and PC users, in particular, has at times been beset by invitation-related discrepancies, warranting consideration. For expedient resolution of any impediments encountered during the activation of cross-network play in War Thunder, recourse to the official support documentation or the collaborative insights shared within the community forums is judiciously advised.
How to invite friends to play cross-platform in War Thunder?
Presented herewith are the sequential guidelines to extend cross-platform gameplay invitations to companions within the realm of War Thunder, underscored by a commitment to formality and originality:
Foremost, it is imperative to ensure the activation of cross-platform gameplay functionality within the game's configuration settings. This can be accomplished through a navigational path involving the "Options" menu, subsequently leading to the "Main Settings" submenu. Within this context, the pivotal toggle labeled "Cross-platform gameplay" demands alteration to the affirmative state, denoted as "Yes."
Upon confirmation of the aforementioned setting, direct your attention to the "Contacts" interface accessible within the hangar environment. Positioned as the second icon from the left at the lower edge of the screen, this gateway facilitates the interaction with fellow players. By invoking the "Invite" button, the avenue to solicit your associates to partake in your ongoing game session becomes manifest.
Alternatively, a right-click gesture upon the profile of an online acquaintance presents the "Invite to Squad" alternative, signifying a diversified approach to camaraderie formation.
Subsequent to the extension of these invitations, a pivotal juncture ensues - upon acceptance of the proffered invitation by your companions, they shall be seamlessly incorporated into your game session, effectuating the manifestation of cross-platform gameplay collaboration.
It is judicious to note that instances of crossplay invitation complications between Xbox and PC participants have been documented, warranting attention. In the eventuality of encountering any impediments during the course of inviting friends for cross-platform gameplay within War Thunder, prudent recourse to the official support documentation or the dynamic communal expanse of the game's forums is unequivocally recommended.
War Thunder Gameplay
War Thunder presents an immersive gaming experience characterized by its multifaceted approach to combined arms battles, encompassing air, land, and sea domains. The game's vehicular repertoire spans a historical continuum, ranging from the pre-World War I era for naval vessels and extending to modern-day military technology.
With an overarching focus on pivotal historical periods such as World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War, players are entrusted with the command of a diverse array of aircraft, ground vehicles, and warships, attributed to nations including the United States, Germany, Russia, Britain, France, Japan, as well as countries with comparatively smaller military profiles, like Italy, China, Sweden, and Israel.
Notably, auxiliary nations such as Finland, South Africa, Australia, Canada, Turkey, Argentina, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, and Romania find their representation either as "sub-trees" within larger research trees or through premium vehicles attainable via real currency or in-game funds.
The game’s vehicular assortment is categorized into three primary classifications: aviation, ground, and fleet, while distinct gameplay modes are segregated into the domains of arcade, realistic, and simulator experiences. Within the aviation domain, the distinction is made between fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, while the fleet component is subdivided into "Bluewater" and "Coastal" naval engagements.
The game’s diversity is further underscored by the availability of single-player historical battles and a cooperative wave survival mode that offers players the opportunity to combat AI-controlled ground vehicles and aircraft.
Remarkably, War Thunder's hallmark events serve as vehicles for inventive experimentation. These events often reimagine historical contexts by introducing innovative variations to established gameplay, exemplified through such creative endeavors as recreating historical battles with specific vehicle constraints, or crafting whimsical scenarios such as inflatable rubber tanks launching potatoes and carrots.
These events, including those designed for April Fools' Day, not only entertain but also offer developers a platform to trial new mechanics before their formal integration into the game. This dynamic approach to event design has engendered a captivating tapestry of experiences that augment War Thunder's appeal and engagement.
Is War Thunder Crossplay - FAQs
Yes, War Thunder offers crossplay functionality, enabling players across different platforms such as PC, Xbox, and PlayStation to engage in collaborative gameplay experiences.
To enable cross-network gameplay in War Thunder, navigate to the Options menu, access Main Settings, and set "Cross-platform gameplay" to "Yes." Then, return to the hangar, choose a game mode, and invite friends to join your session.
Inviting friends for cross-platform gameplay in War Thunder involves enabling cross-platform gameplay in settings, accessing the Contacts window in the hangar, and either using the "Invite" button or right-clicking on a friend's profile to select "Invite to Squad."
War Thunder offers immersive combined arms battles in air, land, and sea environments. Players can command a wide range of vehicles spanning historical eras, such as World War II and the Cold War, across different nations, with gameplay modes including arcade, realistic, and simulator experiences.
War Thunder introduces diverse and inventive events, including historical recreations and imaginative scenarios. These events offer players unique gameplay variations, such as battles involving inflatable tanks or futuristic settings like space battles, showcasing the game's dynamic and creative approach to content.