Hello everyone,
I wanted to open a discussion about the possible addition of modern capital ships to War Thunder’s naval gameplay, specifically ships like the Kirov-class battlecruiser, Ticonderoga-class cruiser, and iconic battleships such as USS Missouri, along with playable aircraft carriers like Admiral Kuznetsov and Western counterparts such as the Nimitz-class.
Modern missile cruisers like the Kirov and Ticonderoga represent an important stage in naval warfare: large, heavily armed ships built around advanced radar systems, long-range missiles, and fleet air defense. Adding these vessels could expand naval gameplay into a more modern era and introduce new mechanics such as long-range missile engagements, layered air defense, and fleet-level coordination.
Playable aircraft carriers could add another strategic dimension to naval battles. For example:
- United States: Nimitz-class
- Russia: Admiral Kuznetsov
- United Kingdom: Queen Elizabeth-class, Ark Royal
- France: Charles de Gaulle
- Japan: Izumo-class
- Germany & Italy: Large helicopter carriers such as Cavour (Italy)
These carriers would allow players to operate carrier-based aircraft for reconnaissance, interception, and strike missions, creating new roles in naval matches where some players focus on fleet defense while others operate aircraft from carriers.
Modern destroyers and cruisers from other nations could also be added to provide variety and better balance among different countries’ fleets. Examples include:
- United States: Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, Ticonderoga-class cruisers
- United Kingdom: Type 45 destroyers
- France: Horizon-class air defense destroyers
- Japan: Atago and Maya-class destroyers
- Germany & Italy: Modern MEKO-class destroyers and large helicopter carriers
These ships would support carriers and larger capital ships while enhancing strategic fleet gameplay.
Important considerations: With the addition of these new ships, naval maps would likely need to be expanded, and top-tier naval Battle Ratings (BR) would likely need to increase from 8.7 up to around 12.7–13.0 to reflect their firepower, speed, and long-range engagement capabilities. Smaller maps or current BRs could make these ships unbalanced or limit their tactical potential.
I’m curious what the community thinks:
- Would ships like the Kirov-class, Ticonderoga-class, or USS Missouri work in War Thunder?
- How could modern missile systems and aircraft carriers be balanced in naval battles?
- Should carriers like Admiral Kuznetsov, Nimitz-class, Charles de Gaulle, or Queen Elizabeth-class be playable units, and how should their gameplay work?
- How could other nations’ modern destroyers and cruisers fit into naval gameplay?
- How should maps and BRs be adjusted to accommodate these larger ships and their longer engagement ranges?
I’d be interested to hear different opinions and ideas on how this could be implemented while keeping the game balanced and fun.
Looking forward to your thoughts.