- Yes, it would significantly increase realism and immersion for SB.
- No.
- I’m not sure / I’d like to discuss the details further.
1. The Problem
In its core, War Thunder is a game that prides itself on its damage model and simulation aspects. However, one area where it falls short, especially in Simulator Battles (SB), is the visual and mechanical outcome of a vehicle’s destruction.
Currently, when a tank is knocked out, the result is almost always a spectacular explosion or a raging fire. While this provides clear feedback in Arcade and Realistic battles, it becomes an oversimplification in Simulator mode, where immersion and realism should be paramount.
This system ignores a common real-life outcome of a tank being knocked out: the vehicle simply stops, becoming a silent, immobile wreck. The crew is either killed or abandons the vehicle, but the tank itself does not necessarily burn or explode.
2. The Solution
I propose a rework of the destruction mechanics exclusively for Simulator Battles to bring them in line with other serious ground vehicle simulators (like GHPC, Steel Beasts, etc.).
The core idea is to introduce a “Crew Knocked Out” state that does not automatically trigger a fire or explosion.
- New “Immobilized/Abandoned” State:
- If a tank is defeated solely by incapacitating the crew (shrapnel, overpressure) without detonating the ammo rack or fuel tanks, the vehicle should simply stop in place.
- It will not burst into flames. It becomes a static wreck.
- If the crew had time to bail out (or if any crew survived), the hatches should be open . This provides a visual cue to other players that the tank is dead.
- If the engine or radiators were damaged (without a fire), a faint wisp of smoke could rise from the rear to further indicate a “knocked out” state.
- No Change to Catastrophic Kills:
- Ammo rack detonations and severe fuel fires will still result in the spectacular explosions we have now. This preserves the “OH SH*T” moment for a well-placed shot.
- Gameplay Interaction:
- If a player is unsure if a wreck is truly dead (e.g., hatches are closed because the crew died instantly), they have two options: 1) Assume it’s dead and move on (realistic uncertainty), or 2) Take the safe route and shoot it again to set off its ammo, confirming the kill with a firework display. This adds a layer of tactical depth.
3. Why This Should Be Implemented
- Realism & Immersion: This is the biggest one. Simulator mode should aim for authenticity. Battlefields are littered with silent “monuments,” not just burning husks.
- Tactical Depth: It creates uncertainty. Did I kill that tank or just its driver? Is that T-72 up ahead a live threat or a dead wreck? This forces players to use their eyes and judgment, not just rely on the game’s binary “alive/dead” visual cue.
- Atmosphere: Silent, disabled tanks contribute to the eerie, immersive atmosphere of a simulated battlefield. It tells a story.
4. Visual References
Silent wrecks on a real battlefield:
Example of this mechanic working in another simulator:
