Optimization Idea: Making Naval Forces an Optional Download

Intro:
Let’s talk about disk space and game optimization. War Thunder is getting bigger with every update, and for many players, especially those on laptops or older PCs, storage is a real issue. I have an idea that could help everyone.

1. Modular Client System:
Why not make Naval Forces (Coastal and Bluewater) an optional download? Similar to how high-resolution textures are handled. If a player doesn’t play ships, they shouldn’t be forced to have 20-30GB of naval assets on their drive.

2. FPS and Performance:
Even if you don’t play naval, the game still loads some assets and keeps them ready. For players with low-end systems, a “leaner” client without unused naval models and textures could potentially improve stability and loading times.

3. Respecting Player Choice:
We already have a choice between “SD” and “HD” clients. Adding a “Ground/Air Only” option would be a huge “Quality of Life” improvement for a large part of the community. People with slow internet would also be able to get into the game much faster.

Conclusion:
This isn’t about removing Naval — it’s about giving players the choice of how to use their disk space. What do you guys think? Would you delete the Naval part of the client if you had the chance?

FAQ: Clarifying the Optional Download Idea

Q: Are you trying to kill the Naval mode?
A: Not at all! I just want to give players a choice. If someone only plays Tanks and Planes, they shouldn’t be forced to store 25GB of ship models they never use.

Q: How would this work for matches where ships and planes meet?
A: Simple. If you don’t have Naval downloaded, you just won’t be able to join Naval battles. In Mixed battles (if they ever happen for infantry/planes), the game could use low-poly “proxy” models or simply require the download for those specific modes.

Q: Will this actually improve FPS?
A: Yes, for people with slower HDDs or limited RAM. A lighter client means faster loading times and less clutter for the game engine to manage during startup.

Q: Is it hard for developers to implement?
A: Many modern games (like CoD or Halo) already use a modular system. War Thunder already has “SD” and “HD” versions, so the foundation for this is already there.

Q: What if I decide to play Naval later?
A: You would just go to the launcher settings, check the “Naval Forces” box, and the game will download the missing files. It’s all about player freedom!

Disclaimer:
I am not a member of the Gaijin development team. These ideas are purely based on my personal experience in the Infantry CBT and my passion for tactical shooters like Ready or Not and Squad. My goal is to provide constructive feedback and suggest ways to improve the game’s atmosphere and mechanics. All suggestions are subject to balance and technical feasibility as determined by the developers.

Make russia an optional download. If I don’t want to get matched against overpowered, unrealistic, broken russian vehicles, I just don’t download them.

I play naval and I honestly agree

At the bare minimum ranks 3+ for coastal and bluewater should be an optional download since you can’t uptier yourself with a plane like you can in ground rb

Exactly! High-rank naval models are huge and take up so much space. Making them optional would be a great middle ground for everyone.

Haha, good one! But jokes aside, my point is strictly about technical optimization and saving disk space for people on laptops or slow HDDs