Suggestion: Implement Physical Collision for Tank Guns and Turrets

Game Discussion Realistic Battle
,
1

The idea involves two key changes to War Thunder’s ground vehicle gameplay:

  • Disabling the “Invisible Gun”: This refers to the game’s current system where a tank’s cannon does not exist as a physical object in the world. It can pass through solid objects like walls, rocks, or other tanks without any collision. Disabling this would make the gun a physical entity.

  • Adding Gun and Turret Interference: This would introduce realistic collision mechanics. The gun barrel and turret would be unable to move through environmental objects. If you try to traverse your turret while too close to a building, or elevate your gun when underneath a low-hanging bridge, the movement would be blocked.

  • Increased Realism: This change would make the gameplay more authentic by mimicking the physical limitations real tank crews must operate within. A tank’s gun is a large, solid metal object that cannot phase through surfaces.

  • Enhanced Tactical Depth: It would add a new layer of strategy to positioning and close-quarters combat. Players would need to be more mindful of their surroundings, especially in urban environments. It would reward players who use the environment smartly to restrict an opponent’s ability to aim.

  • Frustration and “Jank”: This is often cited as the biggest concern. The mechanic could easily become a source of frustration, especially in the fast-paced, close-range battles common in War Thunder. Getting stuck on a tiny, seemingly insignificant piece of scenery during a crucial fight would feel unfair.

  • Technical Hurdles and Bugs: Accurately modeling the complex collision shapes of every tank’s gun and turret, along with all the destructible objects in the environment, is a significant technical challenge. As one forum user pointed out, this could lead to bugs where “players touching a building with their barrel and their tank getting yeeted into the air”.

  • Balance and Vehicle Disparity: The impact would not be equal for all vehicles. Tanks with long, overhanging gun barrels (like tank destroyers) or those with wide turrets would be at a distinct disadvantage in tight spaces compared to tanks with more compact profiles. This could require sweeping Battle Rating (BR) adjustments to maintain balance.

1 Like
2

I wouldn’t be opposed to this for simulator battles, but this would be extremely annoying for realistic / arcade gamemodes.
Changing the BRs of vehicles because of such a change would be problematic to be honest.

5 Likes
3

Agreed.
Sim is the only mode where this suggestion would be considered semi-viable.
GRB and ARB are just way too arcade-y for this.

5 Likes