Today, Gaijin Entertainment outlined the third closed beta test phase for its hit free-to-play MMO military simulator, War Thunder Infantry.
War Thunder Infantry Test Phase Three introduces its largest map to date, new large-scale gameplay mechanics, and a range of player-requested improvements ahead of the next testing period.
The new map, Kivu, is located in Central Africa, features a battlefield, and is approximately four times larger than those of previous infantry maps. To support the broader environment, Gaijin Entertainment revealed it has further optimized server performance and plans to test 64-versus-64 matches again, allowing up to 128 players per session.
Kivu also introduces region-specific character models, equipment, and a limited arsenal of U.S. and Soviet-era weapons and vehicles. U.S. equipment includes the M4A1, SCAR-L, XM5, M1A2 SEP V2 tank, LAV-AD, and AH-64A helicopter, while Soviet forces gain access to weapons such as the AK-12, AK-15, SVDM, and T-90M tank, as well as the Mi-28N attack helicopter.
Arcade Battles will return during the third test of War Thunder Infantry, adding revised spotting mechanics intended to reduce reliance on enemy markers in favor of visual identification. Alongside this, enemy markers will no longer appear through vegetation or at long distances, and will only display when players have a clear line of sight.
Heavily equipped soldiers will also move faster in Arcade Battles than in Realistic Battles to maintain a quicker pace. Kivu will even introduce a new large-scale objective mode featuring five capture points and several experimental mechanics.
Players will be able to respawn at friendly-controlled objectives rather than only at their starting base, while separate UAV control ranges and transport vehicles are also being tested for larger battles. A new passenger vehicle capable of carrying up to five soldiers allows squads to travel together across the battlefield, with passengers able to take over driving if the current driver is eliminated.
War Thunder Infantry Test Phase Three also introduces dedicated graphics settings for Infantry modes, allowing players to adjust visual options independently from the rest of War Thunder. According to the developers, the feature was among the most requested additions by previous closed beta participants.
Earlier infantry maps, including Granitograd and Al-Massa, have received environmental improvements, including adjustments to destructible objects and bullet penetration across various materials. Select firearms now feature camouflage skins that automatically adapt to the active battlefield.
Gameplay balance has also been revised, with RPGs, MANPADS, and drones now restricted to specific classes rather than being available to every soldier. Other additions include a Total Dominance mechanic that accelerates ticket depletion when one team controls every capture point, reworked grenade physics and animations, an optional angled weapon grip for improved sight visibility, concussion effects from nearby explosions, and an experimental system that allows players to respawn twice with the same soldier.
Gaijin Entertainment promised that a complete list of changes will be published on the official forums for closed beta participants. Players who have not yet participated in testing can still apply for access before the third test begins. For more info on this and other updates, like the ones coming to War Thunder: Heavy Cavalry, be sure to check back to the site.
