War Thunder has ten nations — USA, Germany, USSR, Great Britain, Japan, China, Italy, France, Sweden and Israel — each with its own aircraft, ground, helicopter and (for most) naval trees. Picking the right first nation makes the early grind much smoother. The good news: you can play every nation for free and switch any time, so this choice isn’t permanent.
Table of Contents
Quick answer
For most new players, start with the USA. It has forgiving tanks and planes at almost every Battle Rating, good guns, and easy-to-fly aircraft. USSR and Germany are close behind — players on the official forum regularly recommend “the big three” for beginners.
Best beginner nations at a glance
| Nation | Ground | Air | Why it’s beginner-friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | Stabilised guns early, good armour, powerful .50 cal planes |
| USSR | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | Tough, sloped-armour tanks with big guns; agile fighters |
| Germany | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Accurate guns and great optics; strong all-round planes |
| Sweden | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Excellent mid-tier tanks and fun light vehicles |
| Great Britain | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | Superb Spitfires; tanks need careful play |
| China / Italy / France / Japan / Israel | Varies | Varies | Interesting but harder or more niche for a first nation |
1. USA — best overall for beginners
- Ground: reliable tanks such as the Sherman family, with stabilisers and good reverse speed that let you peek and retreat safely.
- Air: planes like the P-47 and P-51 carry heavy machine-gun armament and stay strong at high speed, which suits “boom and zoom” tactics new pilots can learn quickly.
- Bonus: the US tree is consistent all the way up, so you won’t hit a nasty weak spot halfway through.
2. USSR — best for straightforward tank play
Soviet tanks combine sloped armour, big guns and low profiles. You can make mistakes and survive. Early fighters like the Yak and La series are nimble and easy to aim. The trade-off is weaker gun depression, so learn to fight from flat ground.
3. Germany — best for accuracy fans
German vehicles reward careful aiming: great optics, accurate high-velocity guns and strong tank destroyers. In the air, the Bf 109 and Fw 190 lines are versatile. Some early tanks are less armoured, so play from cover.
4. Sweden — best “second nation”
Sweden is a favourite among experienced players thanks to standout mid-tier tanks and fun light vehicles. It’s a great pick once you know the basics.
5. Great Britain — best for pilots who love turn fighting
British aircraft, especially the Spitfire line, are some of the most fun planes to fly. British tanks can be tricky early (thin armour, no HE on some guns), so many players grind British air first.
How to choose your first nation
- Pick one ground and one air tree to focus on — RP is earned per nation, so spreading across five nations slows you down.
- Choose what you enjoy. If you love a particular tank or plane, that motivation matters more than tiny stat differences.
- Try premium-free first. Play your chosen nation up to rank II–III before spending anything.
- Use the daily bonuses. The first win of the day for each nation gives extra rewards, so a second nation is worth it later.
Mistakes to avoid
- Picking a nation only for its top-tier jets — it takes a long time to get there.
- Buying a high-tier premium as a new player; you’ll be out-matched while still learning.
- Ignoring crew skills and modifications on your main vehicles.
FAQ
Can I change nations later?
Yes. All nations are open from the start, and progress in each is kept separately.
What’s the best nation for tanks in War Thunder?
For beginners, USA and USSR. Germany and Sweden are excellent once you’re comfortable.
What’s the best nation for planes?
USA and Germany are strong all-round choices; Britain is great if you enjoy turn-fighting.
Next up: learn how to rank up faster and how to level up.
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.
