I’d like to propose a set of updates to the Squadron Battles (SQB) mode that I believe would improve its longevity, competitiveness, and reward structure. SQB is one of the most team-focused and challenging parts of War Thunder, yet it often feels neglected compared to other modes. Here are some ideas for consideration:
1. Rewards & Incentives
Increase Golden Eagle rewards for SQB participation and seasonal performance.
Allow players to earn increased RP for Squadron Vehicles through SQB battles, or make certain Squadron Vehicles only researchable via SQB participation (not all, but enough to give the mode unique importance).
Introduce exclusive decorations, trophies, and decals for SQB players to showcase their involvement.
Add unique seasonal SQB decals to show participation in each season (similar to event decals, but SQB-specific).
Add small GE/SL coupon rewards (5–10%) for top 100 squadrons each season.
2. Squadron Identity & Visibility
Implement squadron icons/logos that display in SQB and on player cards.
Add a squadron advertising option in-game (similar to recruiting posts), so active squads can grow and compete.
3. Game Mode Structure
Rework the bracket system to ensure more balanced matchups across skill levels.
Scale SQB internal points more fairly based on squadron size and participation.
Adjust the win/loss ratio scaling so that a single loss doesn’t disproportionately affect rankings.
Provide higher research rewards for kills and objectives in SQB, since the mode requires more teamwork and coordination than random battles.
These changes would not only make Squadron Battles more rewarding for players who commit time to them, but also strengthen the sense of community and competition that makes War Thunder thrive.
Thanks for your consideration,
Nacrazy, Commander of BLKFT
As a member of BLKFT I whole heartedly agree with my commander but I would agree otherwise as I feel that it would make the gamemode more important even if you were able to research squadron vehicles more not just, keep the current system in place just rework it and make it faster to research
doglover1059 - staff at BLKFT
I’m a member of the FedEx squadron and have been playing this game mode for almost three years now, I would love if this game mode finally got an update.
sorry for the double reply, but I think the rewards for SQB could also up the moral as a whole, it not only encourage SQB players to get on to play but also show that you have participated in SQB
I 100% agree with Nacrazy Blackfoot commander
-silent_siren_190 BKF54
Squadron battles quite literally renewed my interest in the game. Once I reached top tier in a few nations, there wasn’t much else I wanted to work towards that would keep me playing consistently. Now, I have a competitive mode to play and grind vehicles for that gives me a sense of achievement that random battles really can’t fulfill. I know a worry for many War Thunder players and likely the devs themselves is how to make War Thunder last another decade. I think squadron battles is the obvious answer. There’s a reason games like Counter-Strike have lasted as long as they do. I wholeheartedly agree with everything Nacrazy has said and would support any much-needed revitalization in Squadron Battles.
. my 200th rank squad should not be getting molested by ONYX players burners every other games because i have 1500 Elo we don’t have the same squad depth as them, and we’re like 2\30 vs ONYX and real fact 1\11 vs AVR and we only beat them at top tier.
I’d love to get more out of SQB along the lines of rewards and more of a shake up for matchmaking. I understand its the nature of the beast but getting one bad matchup and keep getting curb stomped by one team for 3+ matches in a row really destroys moral to continue to push through the session. In game recruiting would also really be a boon for up and coming squadrons. Its been one of our biggest issues we’ve ran into this year as we’ve started to grow and get serious about SQB.
As a fellow member of FedEx, I would love to see the rework. Placing top 100 feels rewarding already but I feel like for the time and effort we put into it, we need more rewards. I whole heartedly agree with Nacrazy here.
Yes, Squadron Battles should be shown some love to bring in more players and competition. I think having a couple of squadron battle exclusive vehicles will definitely bring in players into the SQB scene in huge numbers. It’s the most teamwork-oriented and I would argue the most fun and accessible competitive mode in War Thunder, and should not be left behind. Currently, it’s just dominated by like one or two squadrons, and the rest of us are fodder for them. It would be awesome for the SQB community to grow and see many more teams.
I’d been playing Warthunder for 10 years and didn’t “discover” squadron battles until someone from BLKFT recruited me 6 months ago - just after seeing the lone Warthunder YouTube spot for squadron battles. Squadron battles is definitely the best game mode where your favorite vehicles have a chance to shine at their own BR. Nacrazy’s recommended changes would certainly incentive new and long-time players to seek active squadrons and properly reward the committed Warthunder fanatics who’ve been keeping this game alive. Make it happen, Gaijin, and keep Warthunder alive for another 10 years.