War Thunder 2025 System Requirements – Accessibility Meets Upgrades

Gaijin Entertainment’s latest system requirements for War Thunder in 2025 reaffirm the game’s inclusive philosophy while signalling a clear push for hardware upgrades. This analysis examines the specifications, their impact on various player segments, and the broader industry context.

System Requirements Breakdown

The 2025 requirements are divided into minimum and recommended tiers:

• Minimum: Suitable for legacy support on decade-old hardware, allowing gameplay at reduced settings.
• Recommended: A modern mid-range CPU (Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 equivalent) and 16GB RAM to enable smoother performance and higher visual fidelity.
• Graphics: Minimum-level GPUs such as the GeForce GTX 660 or equivalent; recommended GPUs include the GTX 1060 or RX 570.
• Storage: 17GB for core installation; up to 95GB with optional high-resolution textures and voice packs.

Feature	Specification
Publisher	Gaijin Entertainment
Release Status	Available Now
Platforms	Windows, Linux, macOS, PlayStation, Xbox
Genres	Simulation, MMO, Action

Impact on Player Segments

Low-end Systems: Players with older dual-core CPUs and 4GB RAM can still join battles at low settings. Performance will be limited to basic textures and longer loading times on HDDs.

Mid-range Builds: A configuration with a modern quad-core CPU and 8–16GB RAM provides a balanced experience, supporting medium to high graphics presets and smoother matches.

High-end Rigs: Enthusiasts equipped with the latest CPUs, 16GB+ RAM, and advanced GPUs can enable full-resolution textures, ultra settings, and reduced load times on SSDs.

Portable Devices: Handheld PCs and Steam Deck users should maintain medium settings; frame rates and visual quality will vary based on thermal constraints and memory bandwidth.

Storage and Performance Considerations

The disparity between the 17GB core install and 95GB full package underscores the inclusion of high-resolution assets. While optional content enhances immersion, it also demands ample SSD space to mitigate extended loading times. Future patches may further increase storage requirements; players should monitor update sizes and selectively install components.

Industry Context and Trends

Gaijin’s approach mirrors a wider free-to-play model: maintain low barriers to entry for maximum reach, then introduce optional upgrades to incentivize hardware enhancements and premium purchases. Similar trends appear in titles like World of Tanks and Fortnite, where legacy support coexists with high-end graphical options. This strategy sustains a broad user base while driving revenue through optional content.

Conclusion

Opinion: The 2025 requirements affirm War Thunder’s commitment to accessibility, but the leap to recommended specifications signals a shift toward richer visuals and performance. Players on legacy systems can remain competitive, yet those aiming for optimal graphics and smooth gameplay should consider upgrading RAM, CPU, and storage solutions.

Key Takeaway: War Thunder continues to welcome a diverse audience, but the hardware arms race within the community is likely to accelerate as high-resolution content becomes standard.