The Best Planes In War Thunder

Here are the best planes in War Thunder!

With so many unique nations, their respective tech trees, and premium options to choose from, War Thunder provides a staggering array of aircraft for players to explore. From big bombers and devastating strike aircraft, to nimble fighters and supersonic jets, it's easy to get caught up in analysis paralysis.

Related: Best Games That Use HOTAS

While some players are happy to explore various tech trees on their own and grind out heaps of silver lions, it's not unreasonable to want to save yourself some time. If you're looking to pursue "tried and true" aircraft already popular within the War Thunder community, look no further than these ten best planes.

A versatile rank four British strike plane, the Wyvern S4 can hold on to a surprisingly large quantity of explosive payload. One of its most popular loadouts, 16 RP-3 rockets, allows you to make multiple ground strikes against pillboxes, mildly armored vehicles, and even heavy tanks.

Even better, this plane can put up a strong fight against other aircraft thanks to its four 20 millimeter Hispano Mk. V cannons. If you're forced into a dogfight, try to fight below 3,000 meters, as the Wyvern S4 doesn't have a compressor.

Although it can't carry quite as much payload as the Wyvern S4, the Typhoon Mk Ib/L is a solid rank three British fighter. What the Typhoon lacks in maximum payload capacity is more than made up for with its superb maneuverability and climb rate.

Additionally, with the same four 20-millimeter cannons as the Wyvern S4, and top speeds of almost 700 kilometers per hour with all modules purchased, this plane can be dangerous in dogfights. Keep in mind, though, the payloads you choose can affect your speed.

Recognizable by the classic large red circles on each wing, the A6M5 Ko is a premium rank four Japanese fighter. With a lackluster top speed, you probably won't be able to chase down most enemy fighters, but the strength of this plane, however, is its improved exhaust system.

The A6M5 Ko is able to excel in dogfights through three key advantages: thrust, acceleration, and energy retention. If you learn to take advantage of its nimbleness and excellent turn times and use high altitudes to your advantage, you'll do great in this plane.

There's a reason some players swear by the Yak-3P: it's a devastatingly effective rank three Soviet fighter. From incredible turn speeds and a great acceleration rate to three 20-millimeter cannons that are less prone to jamming, you'll be a formidable adversary in this plane.

Related: Things We Wish We Knew Before Playing War Thunder

Keep in mind, that maneuverability comes at a cost, namely lackluster armor and a proclivity to catch fire from enemy rounds. The Yak-3P does the best fighting from 3,800 meters and below, diving down and getting behind enemy planes until you're close enough to burst them.

Although not particularly well-suited for dogfights, the Do 335 B-2 is nonetheless a strong premium rank four German strike plane. With five cannons total, three of which at 30 millimeters, and the other two at 20 millimeters, this plane can do some serious damage to ground targets.

Although you're incredibly unlikely to win against a fighter, that much firepower, coupled with one of the strongest airframes in the game, makes the Do 335 B-2 perfect for intercepting and destroying bombers or other larger, heftier planes.

Although a bit unusual in its design, the Me 262 A-1/U4 Pulkzerstörer is a rank-five German strike plane that is surprisingly effective in the right hands. Although it takes a lot of research and upgrades to get this plane up to speed, it's well worth it.

Armed with the upgraded 50-millimeter cannon, it's astounding how far you can accurately engage bombers and ground targets, making 500-meter shots routine, and 1,500-meter shots surprisingly possible. Use your climb speed and energy retention to stay far away from potential dogfights and spot targets.

A mammoth of a plane, the B-29A-BN Superfortress is a powerful, well-armored, and heavily armed rank-four American bomber. Despite being bogged down by a sluggish top speed, slow acceleration, and a poor climb rate, this bomber makes up for that with an unfathomable amount of ordinance.

Depending on your choice, you can carry up to 20,000 pounds of ordinance, and with that much firepower, it's easy to bomb from high altitudes, even if it's from 9,000 meters. Plus, at that height, it'll be incredibly hard for most planes to hit you, as they'll likely stall before reaching you.

Although hard to master in realistic battles, the F-86F-30 Sabre is a fantastic rank-five Japanese jet. Sure, it doesn't have the best acceleration or top speed compared to other planes in its rank, but it does have incredible maneuverability thanks to its slats.

Related: War Thunder: Best Mods

If you're vigilant about picking fights with lower-energy planes at higher altitudes, your biggest threat will be tearing your own wings off from high G-force turns and rolls. Another nice bonus of the F-86F-30 is its high ammo capacity and fire rate; don't be afraid to attempt less likely hits.

An iconic plane given its history, the F-14A Tomcat is a dangerous rank eight American fighter jet. Although it doesn't have the most powerful engines compared to other aircraft, this jet does have remarkable energy management and a great top speed.

What really makes the F-14A Tomcat tricky, though, is its offensive capabilities, especially its effective engagement range. With Phoenix missiles, you can engage aircraft from so far away that you'll be hard-pressed to find an enemy that gets a lock on you before you do.

It would be impossible to leave out the infamous MiG-29, a mighty rank eight Soviet fighter jet. The incredibly effective and speedy R-27ER missiles, coupled with an improved radar system and high-velocity 30-millimeter guns make this jet formidable at distances of five kilometers and below.

Use your top speed, maneuverability, and radar system to your advantage, while being mindful of G-force when attempting to dodge enemy missiles, the limits of both IR missiles, and the reliability of your radar against long-range or low-altitude enemies.

Next: War Thunder: Heaviest Tanks

Jack is a freelance writer who developed a love for reading, writing, and apt, tactful language at a young age. Although he originally pursued a degree in computer science, he ended up following his heart, achieving a BA in Communications from Southern New Hampshire University. Whether professionally or recreationally, Jack enjoys writing and learning about topics relating to nature, science, technology, and of course, video games. Games that hold a special place in his heart are Pokemon Emerald, TES: Oblivion, and Age of Mythology.