“Ranking up” in War Thunder means unlocking the next vehicle rank in a nation’s research tree — moving from rank I biplanes and light tanks all the way to rank VIII jets and modern MBTs. It’s a different thing from your player level (the number next to your name), which we cover in how to level up in War Thunder.
This guide explains exactly how rank unlocks work after Gaijin’s research-tree changes, and the most efficient ways to earn Research Points (RP) so you climb faster without burning out.
Table of Contents
How vehicle ranks work
Every research tree (Aviation, Ground Forces, Helicopters, Bluewater and Coastal Fleet) is split into ranks I to VIII. To start researching vehicles in the next rank, you need to have researched or bought a set number of vehicles in the current rank.
- Hover over a locked vehicle to see the requirement, e.g. “Rank III vehicles researched: 4/6”. The first number is what you have, the second is what you need.
- Premium and event vehicles count toward that number, so a premium can unlock the next rank sooner.
- Rank I is a “preview” rank. Gaijin removed the research link between rank I and rank II vehicles for ground and air trees, so once you reach rank II you can research any line you like.
- Grouped vehicles (folders) — similar vehicles stacked in one slot — need fewer Research Points than standalone vehicles, which speeds up progress down a line.
Requirements are occasionally adjusted with major updates, so always check the in-game tooltip rather than an old list.
1. Research the vehicles you’re actually playing
You earn RP for the vehicle currently selected for research in that nation and branch. Two rules make a big difference:
- Use vehicles close in rank to what you’re researching. If you research a vehicle several ranks above the one you’re playing, the RP you earn toward it is reduced. Researching at the same rank, or one rank up, is the most efficient.
- Keep a vehicle selected at all times. If nothing is selected, excess RP goes into a pool that’s spent less efficiently. Set your next target as soon as a research finishes.
2. Play objectives, not just kills
RP rewards come from activity score, not only destroyed enemies. Capturing points, scouting enemies for your team, assisting, damaging, and hitting ground targets in air battles all add to your reward. A player who caps and scouts on a losing team can still out-earn someone who sat at the back all match.
Winning also boosts rewards, so stay in the fight with a backup vehicle instead of leaving early.
3. Grab the daily and weekly bonuses
- First win of the day for each nation gives a large reward multiplier — rotate nations to collect several.
- Daily login rewards include boosters and occasionally Golden Eagles.
- Battle tasks (daily, weekly and special) give extra RP and Silver Lions; easy ones only take a few matches.
- Battle Pass seasons add tasks and boosters even on the free track.
4. Use boosters at the right time
Boosters multiply RP or Silver Lions for a set number of battles. Save the bigger RP boosters for when you’re grinding a long, expensive research — high-rank vehicles cost hundreds of thousands of RP — rather than burning them at rank I where everything unlocks quickly anyway.
5. Premium account and premium vehicles (optional)
A premium account increases the RP and Silver Lions you earn from every battle, and premium vehicles add a research bonus of their own. Neither is required — every regular vehicle can be researched for free — but if you plan to play a lot over a short period, premium time gives the biggest boost per Golden Eagle spent.
6. Spade your favourite vehicles
Researching all modifications on a vehicle (called “spading”) makes it noticeably stronger: better engine, repair kits, new ammunition. Spaded vehicles survive longer and score more, which earns more RP for your next vehicles. Prioritise survivability and firepower modifications first.
7. Pick the right game mode
- Arcade Battles are shorter, so you get more matches per hour and easier rewards early on.
- Realistic Battles pay higher rewards per battle and suit you once you know the maps.
- Simulator Battles pay well but have a steep learning curve.
Most players progress fastest in the mode they enjoy and perform best in, so don’t force yourself into one.
Quick reference
| Goal | Best move |
|---|---|
| Unlock the next rank sooner | Research the cheapest vehicles in your current rank, or use a premium of that rank |
| Earn more RP per match | Play objectives, scout, stay alive and win |
| Avoid wasted RP | Always keep a vehicle selected; research near your rank |
| Faster long grinds | Save RP boosters for expensive high-rank research |
| Spend money wisely | Premium account first, then a premium vehicle at the rank you’re grinding |
Common mistakes that slow you down
- Rushing to top tier with stock, unspaded vehicles and struggling in every match
- Researching across too many nations at once and spreading RP thin
- Leaving battles after one death instead of using backup vehicles
- Buying a top-tier premium when you’re still learning rank III
FAQ
How many vehicles do I need to unlock the next rank?
It varies by nation, branch and rank. Hover over a locked vehicle in the tree to see the exact “X/Y vehicles researched” requirement for your current game version.
Do premium vehicles count toward rank requirements?
Yes. Premium and event vehicles count as owned vehicles for their rank, so they can open the next rank early.
Is rank the same as Battle Rating?
No. Rank decides where a vehicle sits in the research tree; Battle Rating (BR) decides who you’re matched against. Vehicles of the same rank can have quite different BRs.
Can I rank up without paying?
Yes. Every tree vehicle can be researched with RP earned in battle. Paying only speeds things up.
Want to earn extra rewards with friends? Join a squadron — see how to get squadron points in War Thunder. If the launcher keeps opening with Windows, here’s how to stop War Thunder opening on startup.
Hi, I’m Emam Hasan — an English teacher and the founder of Anirban Lexicon Center in Mirpur, Dhaka. I run Takedownloads to share honest game guides, tips and app reviews that help players choose well and play better. Alongside teaching, I work in digital marketing and SEO, and I enjoy turning complex topics into simple, helpful lessons anyone can follow.
