Do yourself a favour and google "DCS World" and "IL-2 Great Battles" and avoid War Thunder entirely. If you have even a passing interest in combat aviation, you are better served by those titles than by this pay-to-win GARBAGE.

Only about 10% of my hours are on Steam. Stopped playing once Gaijin began punishing players in SIM mode by nerfing progression. This game is not about skill anymore, the only skill you need is swiping your credit card.

If you buy experience for your crews, your missiles fly better :) Think about that when you wonder if this game is pay to win.

Gaijin, save some face and please make SIM completely free to play, no unlocks, ace crews - leave the grind to the AB and RB modes. Maybe then some players will come back... but probably not.

Do yourself a favour and google "DCS World" and "IL-2 Great Battles" and avoid War Thunder entirely. If you have even a passing interest in combat aviation, you are better served by those titles than by this pay-to-win GARBAGE. Only about 10% of my hours are on Steam. Stopped playing once Gaijin began punishing players in SIM mode by nerfing progression. This game is not about skill anymore, the only skill you need is swiping your credit card. If you buy experience for your crews, your missiles fly better :) Think about that when you wonder if this game is pay to win. Gaijin, save some face and please make SIM completely free to play, no unlocks, ace crews - leave the grind to the AB and RB modes. Maybe then some players will come back... but probably not.