Vehicle Destruction Overhaul for SB

[S0lver1]

Would you like to see a more realistic “Crew Killed, No Fire” state implemented in Simulator Battles?

• Yes, it would significantly increase realism and immersion for SB.
• No.
• I’m not sure / I’d like to discuss the details further.

1. The Problem

In its core, War Thunder is a game that prides itself on its damage model and simulation aspects. However, one area where it falls short, especially in Simulator Battles (SB), is the visual and mechanical outcome of a vehicle’s destruction.

Currently, when a tank is knocked out, the result is almost always a spectacular explosion or a raging fire. While this provides clear feedback in Arcade and Realistic battles, it becomes an oversimplification in Simulator mode, where immersion and realism should be paramount.

This system ignores a common real-life outcome of a tank being knocked out: the vehicle simply stops, becoming a silent, immobile wreck. The crew is either killed or abandons the vehicle, but the tank itself does not necessarily burn or explode.

2. The Solution

I propose a rework of the destruction mechanics exclusively for Simulator Battles to bring them in line with other serious ground vehicle simulators (like GHPC, Steel Beasts, etc.).

The core idea is to introduce a “Crew Knocked Out” state that does not automatically trigger a fire or explosion.

• New “Immobilized/Abandoned” State:
  • If a tank is defeated solely by incapacitating the crew (shrapnel, overpressure) without detonating the ammo rack or fuel tanks, the vehicle should simply stop in place.
  • It will not burst into flames. It becomes a static wreck.
  • If the crew had time to bail out (or if any crew survived), the hatches should be open . This provides a visual cue to other players that the tank is dead.
  • If the engine or radiators were damaged (without a fire), a faint wisp of smoke could rise from the rear to further indicate a “knocked out” state.
• No Change to Catastrophic Kills:
  • Ammo rack detonations and severe fuel fires will still result in the spectacular explosions we have now. This preserves the “OH SH*T” moment for a well-placed shot.
• Gameplay Interaction:
  • If a player is unsure if a wreck is truly dead (e.g., hatches are closed because the crew died instantly), they have two options: 1) Assume it’s dead and move on (realistic uncertainty), or 2) Take the safe route and shoot it again to set off its ammo, confirming the kill with a firework display. This adds a layer of tactical depth.

3. Why This Should Be Implemented

• Realism & Immersion: This is the biggest one. Simulator mode should aim for authenticity. Battlefields are littered with silent “monuments,” not just burning husks.
• Tactical Depth: It creates uncertainty. Did I kill that tank or just its driver? Is that T-72 up ahead a live threat or a dead wreck? This forces players to use their eyes and judgment, not just rely on the game’s binary “alive/dead” visual cue.
• Atmosphere: Silent, disabled tanks contribute to the eerie, immersive atmosphere of a simulated battlefield. It tells a story.

4. Visual References

Silent wrecks on a real battlefield:

Example of this mechanic working in another simulator:

[Kievskiy_Minipig]

Also sl rp reward messages. They just reveal impostors and allies easily.

[CharAznable3]

There is risk that vehicles abandoned with minimal damage could cause people to get trolled thinking there about to get a kill and spam complaints that’s its glitched. The open hatches will be a must but this should be in all game versions.

Expanding on this with infantry some vehicles like a APC or armored car might be left behind when infantry is capturing a building may have the doors open. This might make a kill easier by allowing a drone get to the squishy inside / small arms ammo box.

This might also be useful feature for ground drones and Teletanks which don’t have a crew.

[Nostalgistic]

+1, but those overhauls should be also applied to AB/RB. I also want to have the immersion of realistic vehicle destruction mechanism in those game modes. I strongly dislike to see unrealistic fire after MGing an enemy vehicle’s crew and disabling it.

It doesn’t make a logical sense to just limit it to SB.

[Exocetta]

Yes but… I don’t think most players, even GSB players, are ready for the frustration and… even gaming shenaigans that could occur if there aren’t definitive visual cues that the vehicle is knocked out.

But yeah, it would be more realistic. To a degree. I mean IRL vehicles were not riddled for the fun of it. The US Army’s rule of thumb is “keep shooting until it either burns or changes shape”.