War Thunder is one of the most popular military combat games today, offering thrilling battles with tanks, planes, and ships. The best part? You can play it on PC, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X|S.
But which platform is the best for War Thunder in 2025?
In this blog, we’ll help you compare War Thunder on all three platforms—based on graphics, performance, controls, player experience, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or a long-time player, this breakdown will help you decide where to play.
Why Platform Choice Matters in War Thunder
War Thunder isn’t just a casual arcade game. It has realistic mechanics, detailed vehicle physics, and multiple game modes. That means your choice of platform can really affect how you experience the game—especially when it comes to graphics quality, controls, and matchmaking balance.
Platform Comparison: PC vs PS5 vs Xbox
| Feature | PC | PS5 | Xbox Series X/S |
| Graphics | Ultra settings, 4K+, ray tracing | 4K 60 FPS, high-quality textures | 4K on Series X, 1440p on Series S |
| Controls | Mouse + Keyboard, HOTAS | DualSense controller | Xbox Controller |
| Performance | Unlocked FPS, depends on hardware | 60 FPS, fast loading | 60 FPS, stable performance |
| Crossplay Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Modding | Full support | Not available | Not available |
| Player Community | Competitive and active | Growing, casual-friendly | Active and casual |
| Best For | Competitive and custom setups | Couch gaming and visuals | Balanced and accessible gaming |
Playing War Thunder on PC
The PC version is considered the most complete way to experience War Thunder. It supports:
- Ultra graphics settings, including ray tracing (with a good GPU)
- Mouse and keyboard for high-precision aiming
- Full modding support, including custom skins and UI tweaks
- Support for HOTAS (joystick + throttle) for flight realism
If you’re into competitive play, custom setups, or want the best graphics and control flexibility, PC is the top choice.
War Thunder on PS5: Smooth and Immersive
War Thunder runs very well on PlayStation 5, offering:
- 4K resolution at 60 FPS
- Faster load times thanks to the SSD
- DualSense features like adaptive triggers and vibration
- Strong stability even during large-scale battles
It doesn’t support mods, but it’s a great option for players who prefer a console environment with fewer setup steps.
War Thunder on Xbox Series X and S
Xbox Series X delivers a similar experience to the PS5:
- 4K visuals and smooth frame rates
- Integration with Xbox Live
- Stable matchmaking and large player base
Series S still performs well, though graphics may be slightly reduced. Overall, Xbox is a great option for players who want reliable console performance and ease of use.
Graphics and Performance Comparison
If you care most about visuals and performance, here’s a quick breakdown:
- PC offers the best potential graphics (if you have high-end hardware). You can play at 4K+ resolutions with ultra settings and unlocked frame rates.
- PS5 and Xbox Series X both deliver consistent 4K at 60 FPS with rich textures and visual detail.
- Xbox Series S still looks good but runs at a lower resolution and may have slightly less detail.
Which Is Better?
- On PC, you get the precision of mouse and keyboard, ideal for fast-paced dogfights and tank sniping. It also allows advanced setups like HOTAS for simulator-style flying.
- On console, you’re limited to a controller, but aim assist helps balance it out. The experience is more relaxed, and ideal for casual or couch gaming.
If you want fast response and total control, PC wins. But for comfort and convenience, console controls do the job well.
Crossplay and Community Support
War Thunder supports crossplay between platforms. So regardless of where you play, you can still compete or team up with friends on other systems.
- PC players tend to be more competitive and use more advanced controls
- Console players may have more casual or mixed skill levels
- The game adjusts matchmaking to account for different input types, so things stay fair
Modding and Customization: Only on PC
One big advantage of PC is modding. You can:
- Use custom skins and sound packs
- Change the user interface
- Install fan-made content
- Access more frequent updates through Gaijin’s PC servers
Modding is not supported on PS5 or Xbox.
Competitive Play: Where Do Pros Play?
Most competitive players, YouTubers, and streamers use the PC version of War Thunder.
- Keyboard/mouse input gives a tactical advantage
- Frame rates and performance are more adjustable
- Better support for squadron tournaments and ranked events
If you’re serious about competitive War Thunder, PC is your best be
Final Verdict: Which Platform Should You Choose?
Here’s a summary based on your playstyle:
- Choose PC if you want the best graphics, precise controls, modding, or competitive gameplay
- Choose PS5 if you want a smooth, high-quality experience with minimal setup
- Choose Xbox if you want a strong balance between visuals, performance, and ease of use
All platforms are capable of delivering great gameplay. Your choice depends on what matters most to you.
FAQs
1. Is War Thunder better on PC or console?
PC offers more features and better controls, but consoles provide a simpler and more accessible experience.
2. Does War Thunder support crossplay?
Yes, War Thunder supports crossplay between PC, PS5, and Xbox players.
3. Can I use a keyboard and mouse on console?
No, War Thunder does not officially support keyboard and mouse input on consoles.
4. Does War Thunder run at 60 FPS on consoles?
Yes, both PS5 and Xbox Series X/S run the game at 60 FPS with stable performance.
5. Can I use mods on PS5 or Xbox?
No, modding is only available on the PC version of War Thunder.
6. Which platform has the most active players?
PC has the largest and most competitive community overall.
7. Is War Thunder free to play on all platforms?
Yes, the game is completely free on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
8. Are there any major gameplay differences between platforms?
Core gameplay is the same, but controls, graphics, and input precision vary by platform.
9. Does the Xbox Series X perform better than Series S?
Yes, Series X supports higher resolution and better visual settings compared to Series S.
10. Can I transfer my War Thunder progress between platforms?
Currently, full progress transfer between platforms is limited and not fully supported.
Conclusion
No matter where you play, War Thunder offers a detailed and action-packed military experience.
If you value graphics, controls, and customization, PC is the best pick. But if you want quick, stable performance and relaxed gameplay, both PS5 and Xbox Series X/S are excellent options.
Choose what works best for your setup, your friends, and your playstyle — and enjoy the warzone.
