War Thunder already provides players with the ability to hide cosmetics that don’t match their preferred aesthetic (the “Hide non-historical camouflages” option exists precisely for this reason). The suggestion here is extending that principle to decorations, giving players consistent control over what cosmetics they see across all categories.
Currently, players can filter out visual clutter in one category but have no equivalent control in another, creating an inconsistency in player customization options.
The Problem
Some decorations serve functional or aesthetic purposes: bushes, weapons, historical insignias…Others are just funny like an unexploded ordnance, a mortar or a bicycle. These blend naturally with the game’s visual identity and don’t cause distraction.
Others are purely entertainment-focused and create problems:
- Visual distraction: Fireworks, neon signs, road signs, and animated effects draw attention away from critical gameplay information and map awareness
- Immersion breaking: Anime pillows, mascot characters, christmas decorations and non-military cosmetics contradict the game’s military setting and pull players out of the experience
- New-player confusion: Newer players encounter vehicles covered in anime pillows, neon decorations and multi-species bushes, then question whether the game is serious about its setting, affecting their first impression and engagement
- Competitive disadvantage: In competitive play, visual clutter from opponent decorations can obscure vehicle identification or movement
Players currently have no way to filter these.
Proposed Implementation
Two straightforward toggle options in the Customization menu:
- Show all decorations — displays everything as default
- Show only bushes and ordinary military items — filters out novelty lights, neon signs, anime-themed items, and entertainment cosmetics while keeping functional/historical decorations visible
This mirrors the existing camouflage filter and requires minimal UI changes.
Precedent
Gaijin has already decided players should control what cosmetics they see in the camouflage category. This extends that player-agency principle consistently to all cosmetic categories. The feature already exists as code; this is just scope expansion.
Why It Matters
This isn’t about censoring cosmetics. Players who enjoy these items can display them. It’s about giving other players the same customization control they already have for camouflages; a simple preference setting, not a restriction on what others can buy or equip.
- Yes
- Yes, but with different categories
- No
