The idea of adding the Landkreuzer P.1000 Ratte to War Thunder is often dismissed due to concerns about realism and balance. While those concerns are valid, they overlook a more reasonable approach: the Ratte should not be added as a standard tech-tree vehicle, but instead as a limited-time event vehicle. In this context, it would not undermine the game’s realism, but instead enhance its variety and entertainment value.
A common argument against the Ratte is that it was never built and existed only as a concept. However, War Thunder already includes vehicles whose historical completeness is questionable. A notable example is the Ho-Ri Prototype, where only the gun was definitively completed, and much of the vehicle’s full design remains speculative. By comparison, while the Ratte was never assembled, elements of its proposed design—such as naval gun concepts and adapted components—were based on existing technology and, in some cases, drawn from real equipment. This does not make the Ratte a fully historical vehicle, but it does place it within a broader category of partially realized or speculative designs that War Thunder has already explored.
That said, the Ratte is undeniably a far more extreme case. Its scale, impracticality, and lack of finalized design make it unsuitable for standard gameplay. Attempting to include it as a regular vehicle would create significant balance problems and conflict with the game’s semi-realistic foundation. However, this is precisely why it is better suited for a limited-time or experimental role.
War Thunder has a long history of April Fools events and special modes that temporarily introduce unconventional or unrealistic content. These events are widely enjoyed because they allow the game to step outside its normal boundaries without permanently affecting balance. The Ratte would fit perfectly into this category. Rather than trying to force it into the standard tech tree, it could be featured as part of a unique mode designed around its strengths and weaknesses.
In practice, the Ratte would likely not be overpowered in a top-tier environment. At battle ratings around 11.0, players have access to advanced aircraft, precision-guided munitions, and high-penetration weapons. A vehicle as massive and slow as the Ratte would be an easy target, making it less of a dominant force and more of a high-value objective. This opens the door to creative gameplay possibilities, such as a “boss battle” mode where one team defends the Ratte while the other attempts to destroy it. In this role, the vehicle’s size and firepower become assets for fun rather than problems for balance.
Ultimately, the inclusion of the Ratte as a limited-time event vehicle would align with both War Thunder’s history and its player base’s interests. It acknowledges the importance of realism by keeping such an extreme design out of standard progression, while still embracing the game’s capacity for creativity and spectacle.
In conclusion, while the P.1000 Ratte is not suitable as a regular vehicle due to its incomplete and impractical nature, it represents a unique opportunity for event-based gameplay. By following the precedent set by vehicles like the Ho-Ri Prototype—while recognizing the greater extremity of the Ratte—War Thunder can introduce something memorable and enjoyable without compromising its core identity.
The specs of the P.1000 Ratte
Armament
1- 2X 28 cm SK C/34 naval gun
2- 2X 12.8 cm Pak 44
3- 2X 37 mm Flak 38
4- 24X 20 mm Flak 30
5- 24X 30 mm Flak 103/38
6- 4X 15 mm Mauser MG 151/15
7- 4X 7.92 mm MG34
Armor
Front 350mm–360mm
Side 200 mm
Back 200 mm
Roof/Underbelly 50mm
Movement
2 × MAN V12Z32/44 24-cylinder marine diesel engines
12,000 to 13,000 kW (16,000 to 17,000 hp)
Suspension was possibly a heavily reinforced torsion bar system, though official schematics regarding the suspension components were never finalized.
Ground clearance- 2 meters (79 in)
Maximum speed 40 km/h (25 mph)
Size (massive)
Length 35 m (115 ft) hull 39 m (128 ft) guns forwards
Width 14 m (46 ft)
Height 11 m (36 ft)