War Thunder's progression system spans from basic biplanes and early tanks to cutting-edge jets and modern armor. This comprehensive War Thunder grinding guide breaks down the most efficient path to advance through the game's extensive tech trees, helping you avoid common pitfalls that trap new players for months. With over 2,000 vehicles across multiple nations, knowing which planes and tanks to prioritize makes the difference between smooth progression and grinding frustration.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Battle Rating and Research Points
- Choosing Your Starting Nation
- Early Game Progression (BR 1.0-3.7)
- Mid-Tier Strategy (BR 4.0-7.7)
- Late Game Grinding (BR 8.0+)
- Common Progression Mistakes
- Premium Account Benefits
- Next Steps for Efficient Grinding
Understanding Battle Rating and Research Points
War Thunder battle rating determines which vehicles you face in matches. Each vehicle has a BR from 1.0 to 12.7, and matchmaking puts you against enemies within 1.0 BR of your highest vehicle. Research Points (RP) unlock new vehicles, while Silver Lions (SL) purchase them.
You need both RP and SL to progress. A common trap involves researching expensive top-tier vehicles but lacking the 1-2 million SL needed to buy them. Always maintain a healthy SL balance by playing profitable mid-tier vehicles between research sessions.
The research efficiency system heavily penalizes using low-tier vehicles to research high-tier ones. A Rank I plane researching a Rank V jet only provides 20% of its normal RP. Stay within one rank of your research target for maximum efficiency.
Choosing Your Starting Nation
Your War Thunder nations guide starts with picking the right country. Each nation offers unique advantages:
USA provides excellent jack-of-all-trades vehicles with strong CAS (Close Air Support) options. The P-51D Mustang and F4U Corsair dominate mid-tier air battles, while Sherman tanks offer reliable performance with good gun depression.
Germany excels at long-range combat with accurate guns and excellent optics. The Bf 109 series and Panzer IV tanks teach fundamental combat skills. However, German armor often lacks reverse speed and side protection.
Soviet Union specializes in close-quarters brawling with sloped armor and powerful guns. The Yak series fighters and T-34 tanks reward aggressive playstyles but struggle at range.
For beginners, USA offers the most forgiving learning curve with versatile vehicles. Check our War Thunder beginners guide for detailed nation comparisons.
Early Game Progression (BR 1.0-3.7)
Focus on learning game mechanics rather than rushing through tiers. War Thunder best planes at low tiers include the German Bf 109 E-3, Soviet I-16, and American P-40E. These fighters teach energy management, aiming, and positioning fundamentals.
For ground forces, prioritize these early tanks:
- M4 Sherman (USA): Reliable armor and gun with excellent gun depression
- Panzer IV F2 (Germany): Outstanding gun that penetrates most enemies
- T-34-57 (USSR): Fast with a deadly 57mm gun
Spend time in each BR bracket learning maps and mechanics. Rushing to higher tiers without solid fundamentals leads to frustration and poor performance. Play at least 50-100 matches in each major BR range.
Research modifications immediately after purchasing vehicles. A stock tank or plane performs significantly worse than a fully upgraded one. Prioritize Parts and FPE for tanks, then mobility upgrades. For aircraft, focus on performance modifications before weapons.
Mid-Tier Strategy (BR 4.0-7.7)
Mid-tier offers the best War Thunder tank guide experience with balanced gameplay and reasonable repair costs. This bracket features iconic World War II and early Cold War vehicles with manageable learning curves.
Key vehicles to prioritize:
Air (BR 5.0-6.7):
- P-51D-30 (USA): Excellent high-altitude fighter
- Bf 109 K-4 (Germany): Outstanding climb rate and firepower
- La-7 (USSR): Exceptional low-altitude performance
Ground (BR 5.7-7.7):
- M18 Hellcat (USA): Fast tank destroyer with excellent mobility
- Tiger II (Germany): Heavy armor with devastating gun
- IS-3 (USSR): Impenetrable frontal armor when properly angled
Mid-tier teaches advanced tactics like angling armor, energy fighting, and team coordination. Repair costs remain reasonable, typically 2,000-8,000 SL per death. This allows experimentation without going bankrupt.
Focus on one or two nations during mid-tier progression. Spreading research across multiple nations slows overall progress significantly. Complete at least one line to Rank IV before branching out.
Late Game Grinding (BR 8.0+)
High-tier progression requires different strategies due to increased costs and complexity. Repair bills jump to 15,000-25,000 SL per vehicle, making premium time and vehicles nearly essential for sustainable grinding.
Top-tier jets demand precise aim and situational awareness. Missiles change combat fundamentals from gun-based dogfighting to beyond-visual-range engagements. Practice in lower-tier jets before attempting top-tier battles.
Modern tanks feature:
- Thermal imaging systems
- Laser rangefinders
- Advanced ammunition types
- Active protection systems
These systems require learning new keybinds and tactics. Thermal vision spots enemies through smoke and vegetation, while laser rangefinders provide instant distance measurements for accurate shots.
Prioritize researching modifications over new vehicles at high tiers. A stock Rank VII vehicle often performs worse than a fully upgraded Rank VI. This creates the infamous "stock grind" where new vehicles feel underpowered until modified.
Common Progression Mistakes
Researching without buying wastes RP when you hit the research cap. Always purchase researched vehicles before continuing to avoid losing potential progress.
Neglecting crew skills severely impacts performance. Prioritize vitality, repair speed, and weapon reload for ground crews. Aircraft crews need G-tolerance, stamina, and weapon maintenance first.
Playing only one game mode limits RP income. Alternate between Air, Ground, and Naval battles for variety and event participation. Each mode offers unique daily bonuses and challenges.
Ignoring modifications leaves vehicles underperforming. A tank without Parts and FPE dies easily to fires and damage. Aircraft without engine upgrades can't compete in vertical maneuvers.
Spreading research too thin across multiple nations slows progress dramatically. Focus on 1-2 nations maximum until reaching desired tiers.
For additional tips on avoiding these pitfalls, visit our War Thunder tips page.
Premium Account Benefits
Premium time doubles RP and SL income, making progression 50-70% faster in practice. The 180-day premium package offers the best value at roughly $0.33 per day.
Premium vehicles provide several advantages:
- Increased RP and SL multipliers (typically 1.3-1.9x)
- Lower repair costs than equivalent tech tree vehicles
- Unique capabilities not found elsewhere
- Crew training bonuses
Popular premium vehicles include the German Premium Bf 109 G-2, Soviet Premium T-34-57 (1943), and American Premium P-51D-10. These vehicles pay for themselves within 20-30 battles through increased earnings.
Next Steps for Efficient Grinding
Start by selecting one nation and focusing entirely on its progression through Rank IV. Master the fundamentals of energy management in aircraft and armor angling in tanks before attempting higher tiers.
Set realistic daily goals like "research one modification" or "earn 50,000 RP" rather than rushing toward specific vehicles. Consistent daily progress beats marathon grinding sessions that lead to burnout.
Consider purchasing premium time during sale events when discounts reach 50% off regular prices. Combine premium time with daily login bonuses and event participation for maximum efficiency.
Join a squadron for additional RP bonuses and social gameplay opportunities. Squadron vehicles provide alternative progression paths and unique rewards unavailable through normal research.