War Thunder has surprised its gamers this month with some of the most exciting updates in months. From a totally new Infantry Beta test to new tech trees being introduced, July has been packed with game-altering updates. If you’re a fan of tanks, an airplane buff, or even just an infantry combat fan now, you won’t want to miss this.
Infantry Beta: A New Way to Play
War Thunder has been all about realistic air, land, and sea combat with its vehicles. But now, for the first time ever, infantry troops are on the battlefield.
On 31st March, 2025, Gaijin officially launched the Infantry Beta Program with a World War I-themed test event. Although at first sight it seemed like an April Fool’s joke, it turned out to be very real. The event had AI-controlled infantry units running, firing, and taking cover behind tanks in iconic battles.
Other gamers have reported that infantry brings a new and exciting aspect to the game. It brings a new dimension of strategy, where tanks have to be careful not just from other tanks but from troops with anti-tank gear.
Key Features of the Infantry Beta:
- AI-controlled infantry units
- New battlefield maps with trenches and bunkers
- World War I uniforms and weapons
- Close-quarters combat missions
The infantry remains non-playable for now, but Gaijin has suggested there would be more to follow. This implies fully playable infantry units or combined-squad battles in the near future.
New Tech Trees Unlocked
In addition to infantry, War Thunder also introduced major tech tree new content for a number of countries. This means more tanks, aircraft, and ships that can be unlocked and used by players in battle.
Highlights
- Several vehicles from early 20th century have been added to the tech trees
- Research paths are easier to advance
- New prototype and experimental vehicles are added
There is more depth to each nation’s arsenal, especially in the lower ranks, with this update. For new players, it’s now slicker and more fun to climb through ranks. For veterans, there are new challenges and secrets to discover.
Community Reaction
As expected, the community has been buzzing. Some are excited about the possibility of infantry battles. While others are worried about gameplay and balance issues.
Top YouTubers and streamers have already showcased the new content, expressing praise at the visuals and new strategies. Reddit forums are rife with discussion on how the game might evolve when infantry becomes a standard of the game.
What’s Next?
Gaijin has vowed more infantry content is in the works. Actually, they are going to:
- Add more historical infantry units
- Develop new game modes for infantry-vs-infantry testing
- Possibly add player-controlled infantry soon
For their vehicles, the developers have teased modern tanks and next-gen aircraft soon this year. The developers are also working on a better matchmaking system and graphics optimization.
A Quantum Leap Towards Combined Arms Warfare
The addition of infantry—even in beta form—is a huge shift in focus for War Thunder. The game has always been all about vehicle combat, from tanks to aircraft to warships. But now, this shift is one step closer to more realistic and combined arms warfare. As it comes with each element of a military force engaged. It’s something the community has been crying out for. Now they get to finally see it start taking shape on the battlefield.
Reactions from Longtime Fans
Most experienced War Thunder veterans were dubious at first. “War Thunder infantry? Isn’t that what Battlefield does?” one of the forum posters wrote. But post-test event, players wrote about how surprised they were at how seamlessly the AI infantry worked in a game known for high-level vehicle combat. Some wrote about how infantry brought surprise and tension to otherwise tank-infested corridors. Whether or not everyone wants it, it’s clear Gaijin has generated interest.
Infantry Tactical Relevance
In terms of games, infantry is hugely tactically important. AI infantry soldiers can halt tank attacks, act as sentries for hostile forces, or resettle campers out of confined spaces. In maps of trench warfare, infantrymen add authenticity and encourage players to consider different lines of attack. As Gaijin continues to work on AI behavior and map design, infantry could eventually be a deciding factor in whose hands the war rests.
Map Design: A Detailed Overhaul
The new maps added with the Infantry Beta have also been well-received. They have trenches that run deep. They have barbed wire, sniper nests, and bunkers hidden underground. They’re not mere scenery, they’re strategic. Tanks now have to navigate more cautiously. With areas of close proximity making ambushes more likely. It’s clear that Gaijin didn’t just introduce infantry. They’re redefining how War Thunder’s maps are played.
Visuals and Animation Improvements
Virtually, War Thunder is still breathtaking. The World War I uniforms, the bolt-action rifles, the gas masks, and the trench explosions are all stunning to behold. Infantry animations moving between cover or rolling out of tank shells are a level of fidelity Gaijin never actually attempted before. Combined with sound design, which has improved—distant rifle fire, muffled explosions—these additions bring immersion to new levels.
Historical Authenticity Still Matters
One of the greatest things about War Thunder has been its historical accuracy, and that is not changing with the new Infantry Beta. From the uniforms they wear to the weapons they shoot, everything has been realistically modeled. Gaijin appears to be honoring military history. Rather than attempting to game it up too much. Which is something that fans of realism appreciate. If infantry is being player-controlled in future updates, this authenticity will be key to keeping.
The Balance Debate Starts
While the anticipation has been real, the community has already posted some valid questions about balance. How will vehicle-infantry interaction work in competitive multiplayer? Will infantry be too killable or an overpowered unit against tanks? While it is simpler to do something with AI troops, introducing player-controlled infantry will mean rebalancing guns, respawn mechanics, and game flow. Gaijin will have to walk on eggshells to maintain fairness.
Tech Tree Renovations Bring Optimism
On the other side of this month’s update, tech tree renovations are bringing optimism for new and veteran players. Countries like France, Italy, and China received revamped vehicle lines that more emphasize their military progress than before. Less favored prototypes like France’s AMX-32 or Italy’s Otobreda series are accessible, adding freshness to lineups that were otherwise stagnant.
Made Smoother
One of the biggest gripes from War Thunder players has been grinding. That is addressed here by simplifying early development paths, especially in lower-rank fights. More tanks and planes are available to unlock through fewer games, granting faster access to legendary tanks and planes. It’s a change that serves to keep new players engaged while giving veterans something to drive toward.
Community Events and Custom Battles
To celebrate the Infantry Beta, Gaijin also released several limited-time events and custom battle servers. They allow players to experiment with new tech trees or experiment with mixed AI-infantry maps. Community-made missions have also expanded, with some creating their own infantry attack waves. Such flexibility is a witness to how dedicated the community is and how sophisticated the tools have become.
Modding and Future Possibilities
Since modding is such a key part of the War Thunder economy, the community is already speculating about what infantry would add to custom missions and mods. Are we finally seeing historical recreations of battles like Verdun or Iwo Jima? Are we going to see user-created campaigns that meld infantry, armor, and aircraft? The potential is staggering, and Gaijin would be wise to fan it further with new mod tools or contests.
A New Audience is Watching
Perhaps most importantly, this update has attracted those players who undervalued War Thunder previously. Tactical shooters or mil-sim players of Squad or ARMA are taking notice now. The addition of infantry can bring in a tide of new users who will enjoy boots-on-the-ground realism. When Gaijin makes good on infantry, stopped by the players, the game can increase from a vehicle simulation to a mass war simulator.
Performance and Optimization Updates
Along with content additions, Gaijin has made significant performance and optimization improvements. Mid-end PC players enjoy smoother frame rates. It has faster loading times, and fewer crashes while participating in epic battles. The new graphics engine manages such complex environments as trench warfare and smoke better without sacrificing performance. This results in the game being playable and accessible to a wide range of systems even with increased realism and the inclusion of AI.
Final Thoughts
This month’s War Thunder news has been a huge leap forward for the game. The Infantry Beta proves Gaijin is willing to take risks and evolve the gameplay in fresh directions. Whether you’re here for tanks, planes, or the future of infantry battles, July 2025 has something for everyone.
See the official War Thunder dev blog for the latest updates, and don’t miss your chance to join in on future beta events!
