Ever since modern aircraft were introduced into Air RB, the mode has essentially fallen apart. It’s no longer a tactical air-combat environment, it’s a chaotic missile-spam festival. Strategy is secondary at best, often irrelevant, and the outcome of engagements feels more like gambling than skillful flying. Team sizes are too large, maps are far too small, and the actual air combat has become shallow and predictable.
With the new experimental event mode Nuclear Thunder, the intention is actually promising: not just air-to-air but also ground targets, anti-air threats, and more combined-arms elements. But the execution, in its current state, is another disaster. Targets are packed tightly together, SAM coverage is everywhere, and the RWR starts screaming before you even leave the runway. Instead of tactical decision-making, the mode feels like trial-and-error chaos.
That said, the direction itself is right. The game desperately needs a mode where modern aircraft can shine, a mode that emphasizes strategy, planning, coordination, and the full spectrum of modern air combat.
Below are some ideas that I believe could push the game toward a healthier and more immersive experience:
1. Larger Maps and More Breathing Room
Modern jet combat is not supposed to happen within a 60-second flight from spawn. Air RB maps need to be significantly larger to support realistic engagement ranges and maneuvering space. With that comes the opportunity to introduce:
- Optional air-to-air refueling for extended missions
- More realistic intercept, patrol, and strike profiles
- Enough space for meaningful flanking, evasion, and tactical decision-making
2. Functional SEAD / DEAD Gameplay
Give players the ability to perform real Suppression/Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses:
- SAM and radar sites that matter and influence the battlefield
- Loadouts and weapons (HARM-style, ARMs, guided munitions) used as intended
- Radar blindness / SAM shutdown when targeted
- Actual layered air defense networks that require coordinated strikes
This opens the door for entire mission types, not just point-and-spray gameplay.
3. Dynamic CAS Requests and Ground Combat Interaction
Instead of static ground targets that nobody cares about, introduce:
- Ground units requesting CAS, with clear objectives (e.g., destroy a specific tank platoon, artillery battery, convoy, etc.)
- Precision strike requirements: target acquisition, proper loadout, attack angle, etc.
- Rewards for accurate and timely support not just flying low and bombing random boxes
This would give attackers and multirole jets a meaningful purpose again.
4. Strategic Air & Ground Objectives
Replace the simplistic destroy bases and win with layered objectives, such as:
Air objectives:
- Defend/attack an AWACS
- Escort or intercept a transport aircraft
- Protect a tanker during refueling operations
Ground objectives:
- Power plants, command centers, radar stations
- Airbases or missile sites that affect enemy capabilities
- Military outposts with actual gameplay impact
You could even include a pre-match planning phase:
Players confirm their loadouts, choose roles (escort, SEAD, strike, CAP), and discuss a general strategy. Then the match begins.
This alone would make gameplay infinitely more tactical and varied.
5. Use the Potential of Modern Aircraft
We currently have 4th–4.5th generation fighters, but none of the depth of modern air combat exists in the game. Missing features include:
- Towed decoys
- Tactical air-launched decoys (MALD-like systems)
- ECM pods and active jamming
- EW interactions (radar degradation, burn-through mechanics, etc.)
- Realistic radar cross-section effects
Even non-stealth jets were designed with reduced RCS aspects. This could dramatically change BVR gameplay and introduce a far more nuanced combat environment.
Conclusion
War Thunder has the aircraft and the technology to deliver an incredible modern air-combat experience. What’s missing is the right game mode, one that emphasizes planning, teamwork, and tactical gameplay instead of missile spam.
Nuclear Thunder is a step in the right direction, but it needs refinement and the community needs a mode built from the ground up for modern jets.
I hope the developers consider pushing in this direction.