War Thunder: Controller vs. Keyboard – Which Reigns Supreme?
Is War Thunder better with a controller or keyboard? The short answer is: it depends, but generally, mouse and keyboard offer a distinct advantage, especially in air battles and tank battles requiring precision aiming. While controllers can be viable and even preferable for certain playstyles, the granular control and vast array of keybinds offered by a mouse and keyboard setup typically translate to superior performance. The experience varies significantly depending on the game mode (Arcade, Realistic, or Simulator battles) and the type of vehicle you’re piloting or commanding. Let’s dive into the nuances of each input method and explore why one might suit you better than the other.
The Mouse and Keyboard Advantage: Precision and Control
The primary advantage of using a mouse and keyboard in War Thunder lies in the precise aiming capabilities afforded by the mouse. In air battles, this allows for minute adjustments when lining up shots, crucial for taking down nimble opponents. Similarly, in tank battles, the mouse enables accurate targeting of weak spots on enemy armor, maximizing your damage output.
Keybinds: Unlocking War Thunder’s Complexity
Beyond aiming, the keyboard provides access to a vast number of keybinds. War Thunder is a complex game with numerous controls, from flaps and landing gear to radar, view switching, and specific weapon systems. A keyboard allows you to map all these functions to readily accessible keys, enabling quick and efficient control over your aircraft or tank. This is especially important in Simulator battles, where situational awareness and rapid response are paramount. Controllers, while customizable, simply cannot match the sheer number of available keybinds.
The Mouse as a Flight Stick: A Unique War Thunder Feature
War Thunder uniquely allows players to use a mouse to effectively control aircraft. This “mouse aim” system simulates the feel of a flight stick, offering a blend of precision and intuitive control. This feature is less effective in other flight combat games.
The Controller’s Domain: Immersion and Comfort
While the mouse and keyboard generally offer a competitive edge, controllers have their own strengths.
Immersion: Feeling the Fight
For some players, using a controller provides a more immersive and intuitive experience, particularly when flying aircraft. The analog sticks allow for smooth, gradual movements, which can feel more natural than the abrupt inputs of a keyboard. This can be particularly beneficial in Arcade battles, where maneuverability and responsiveness are key.
Comfort and Accessibility
Controllers are also often more comfortable for extended gaming sessions. The ergonomic design of modern controllers can reduce strain on your hands and wrists, making them a viable option for players who experience discomfort with a mouse and keyboard. Furthermore, controllers can be more accessible for players with certain physical limitations.
Viable in Certain Game Modes
While mouse and keyboard are generally better for aiming, controllers can be viable in certain game modes. In Arcade battles, the simplified flight model and respawn system make precise aiming less crucial, allowing controller users to focus on maneuverability and situational awareness. Additionally, some players find controllers more comfortable for flying bombers, as the focus is less on dogfighting and more on navigating to targets and dropping bombs.
The Best of Both Worlds: Hybrid Setups
Some players even experiment with hybrid setups, using a controller for flight control and a mouse for aiming. This allows them to leverage the strengths of both input methods. However, this approach requires significant practice and customization to master.
Considerations for Simulator Battles (SB)
Simulator Battles demand the highest level of realism. While a joystick would be ideal in that setting, the mouse aim system in War Thunder offers a viable alternative. The depth and complexity of SB necessitate a large number of keybinds, something the mouse and keyboard excels at.
Ultimately: Personal Preference Prevails
Ultimately, the choice between a controller and keyboard in War Thunder comes down to personal preference. Experiment with both input methods to see which feels more comfortable and intuitive for you. Consider your playstyle, the game modes you prefer, and the types of vehicles you enjoy playing.
War Thunder: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you further understand the controller versus keyboard debate in War Thunder:
1. Can I play War Thunder with a controller?
Absolutely! War Thunder fully supports a wide range of controllers, including gamepads and joysticks.
2. Is War Thunder easier with a controller?
Not necessarily. While a controller can be more intuitive for movement, especially in Arcade mode, the mouse and keyboard generally offer better aiming precision.
3. Should I get a joystick for War Thunder?
A joystick can enhance the immersion of flight, especially in Simulator Battles. However, War Thunder’s unique mouse aim system is highly effective, so a joystick is not essential. It should be noted that according to the source article, “joysticks don’t work as well as they should.”
4. How do I look around in War Thunder?
By default, you can “free look” by pressing the “C” key. You can rebind this key in the settings menu under “Common” then “View Controls.” Many players prefer using “Alt” for free look. Holding the right mouse button in ground battles allows you to look around without moving your turret.
5. Is War Thunder realistic or simulator?
War Thunder offers three main game modes: Arcade, Realistic, and Simulator. Simulator battles are based on the most realistic simulation settings, with first-person views and realistic flight physics.
6. What are the recommended system requirements for War Thunder?
The recommended system requirements include:
- OS: Windows 10/11 (64bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 3600 or better.
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
7. Can esports players use controllers in War Thunder?
While not as common as mouse and keyboard, it’s possible. Preference varies by player and game mode.
8. Can you play War Thunder with a touchpad?
While not ideal, some players find a touchpad surprisingly effective for tank battles on laptops, especially when lacking a mouse.
9. What is the dead zone in War Thunder?
The “dead zone” refers to the area a bomber’s gunners cannot reach. This zone was exploited by pilots to avoid being fired upon.
10. Is it easier to aim with a mouse or controller?
Generally, a mouse offers superior aiming precision due to its direct relationship between hand movement and on-screen cursor position. The source article states, “A controller relates position (of the stick) to velocity… That’s just a lot less intuitive than relating position to position, like a mouse does. So, it’s not surprising that mouse is more accurate – it’s just easier for your brain to process.”
11. Are some games better on controller?
Yes. Games that need greater mobility are often better on the controller. For example, third-person action games such as Horizon Zero Dawn.
12. Do people still play War Thunder?
Yes, War Thunder has a large and active player base. As of November 1, 2022, there were over 70 million registered players.
13. Are there bots in War Thunder?
Yes, unfortunately, War Thunder does have issues with bots. Gaijin Entertainment actively works to detect and ban bot users.
14. Do controller players have less recoil?
Interestingly, controller players can achieve greater recoil reduction when prone compared to mouse players in some cases.
15. How do you spot enemies in Realistic battles in War Thunder?
In Realistic battles, enter your binoculars or sniper mode and place your crosshair directly on the target before pressing the active scouting key.
Understanding these nuances of input methods will significantly improve your War Thunder gameplay. Explore different input methods, test different settings, and figure out what works best for you. War Thunder is a deep and complex game that takes time to learn, so don’t be discouraged if you struggle at first. Keep practicing, experimenting, and researching, and you’ll eventually find the setup and strategies that work best for you. Consider researching and exploring the Games Learning Society, which researches games for the purpose of learning! You can find their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.