Gaijin Entertainment today announced the release of Update 1.71 “New Era” for its vehicular combat MMO War Thunder. The content update opens a new Rank VI for modern ground vehicles, adds almost three dozen of new tanks and aircraft, introduces new locations, and several gameplay features including the ability to control gunner positions on aircraft in first person.
Modern Ground Forces on Rank VI
The new Rank VI for ground vehicles will feature combat vehicles from the 1960’s to 1970’s and introduce technologies typical for modern-day tank construction. New generations of armour - composite and explosive reactive armor (ERA) - will offer vehicles with increased protection against projectiles and missiles. Stabilized cannons allow for more precision based-firing while on the move. Smokescreen launchers, hydraulic suspension systems, and modern Anti-tank guided missile launchers will add new tactical opportunities, making the gameplay on high-ranked vehicles even more dynamic and diverse.
Almost Three Dozen New Vehicles
The first released Rank VI vehicles are the T-64A and BMP-1 for the USSR, the M60A1 Rise(P) and MBT-70 for the USA, the Chieftain Mk.10 and FV102 Striker for Britain, and the KPz 70 for Germany. The other ranks will receive a combined total of two dozen of new tanks and planes. New aircraft include the XA-38 Grizzly for the USA, a ground attacker armed with a 75mm cannon designed to combat heavily armored tanks, and the Soviet flying boat Be-6, which is equipped with a total of five 23mm cannons in three turrets and can carry up to four tons of bombs.
New Locations For Tanks And Aircraft
Accompanying the update is ‘Fulda Gap’, the most modern map ever released in War Thunder. Located at the inner German border during the height of the Cold War, the center point of this scenic map is a wide stretch of land between US and USSR military bases. Featuring peaceful farmland, an old castle and open fields dotted with wind turbines, the map offers diverse combat opportunities, from long-distance sniper engagements to close quarter combat. Another new location is the ‘Imperial Garden’, where the battle will unfold in a picturesque Japanese village located at the foot of a mountain. Additionally, fans of realistic air battles will now be able to fight for superiority in the skies above “Hürtgen Forest”, scene of the longest battle between German and US troops on German soil.
First-person View From Aircraft Turrets
Now introduced for more than 50 aircraft, players can control the gun turrets of their aircraft in an immersive first-person mode, as if they were sitting right behind the cannon.
Update 1.71 “New Era” is now available for all players of War Thunder. The full list of vehicles, features and improvements is available on the official website.
