War Thunder: Top Premium Planes To Dominate The Skies
So, you're diving into War Thunder and want to boost your gameplay with some premium planes? Awesome choice! Premium aircraft can seriously speed up your progression, earn you more in-game currency, and, most importantly, give you a competitive edge in those intense aerial battles. But with so many options available, it can be tough to know where to start. Don't worry, guys, I've got you covered! This guide will walk you through some of the absolute best premium planes in War Thunder right now, helping you make the right investment for your play style and preferred nation. We'll look at a variety of aircraft, considering their strengths, weaknesses, and overall value for money. Whether you're a seasoned pilot or just starting out, there's a premium plane out there that will help you rule the skies.
Understanding Premium Planes in War Thunder
Before we get into specific aircraft, let's quickly break down what makes a premium plane different from a regular, tech tree plane in War Thunder. The key differences come down to a few crucial advantages that premium vehicles offer. Primarily, they give you a significant boost to your research point (RP) and Silver Lion (SL) earnings. This means you'll unlock new planes and upgrades much faster, and you'll be able to afford to crew and repair your planes without constantly worrying about running out of funds. This increased earning potential makes premium planes fantastic for grinding through the tech trees of different nations. Secondly, premium planes often come with unique camouflage options, decals, or even a special historical significance that adds to their appeal. Some players simply enjoy collecting these rare and interesting aircraft. In some cases, premium planes may even have slightly better performance characteristics than their tech tree counterparts, although this isn't always the case. It's essential to remember that premium doesn't automatically equal "better." A skilled pilot in a well-chosen tech tree plane can still easily outperform a less experienced player in a premium aircraft. However, that extra boost to earnings and the potential for unique features make premium planes a worthwhile investment for many War Thunder players. They allow you to progress faster, earn more, and enjoy a wider variety of gameplay experiences. The most important thing is to choose a premium plane that suits your play style and the nations you enjoy playing. Think about whether you prefer fast and agile fighters, heavily armed attackers, or strategic bombers, and then look for a premium plane that fits that role.
Top Premium Planes by Nation
Alright, let's dive into some specific recommendations! I've broken this down by nation to help you find the best options for your preferred tech tree. Keep in mind that the "best" plane is subjective and depends on your personal play style, but these are all generally considered to be excellent choices.
United States
The US tree has some fantastic premium options, particularly for fighter pilots. One standout is the P-47M-1-RE Thunderbolt. This thing is a beast at high altitudes, boasting incredible speed and excellent firepower with its eight .50 caliber machine guns. It's perfect for Boom & Zoom tactics – climbing high, diving on unsuspecting enemies, and then zooming back up to safety. It's a forgiving aircraft, making it a great choice for newer players. Then there's the XP-50. Guys, this plane is insane! It has an absolutely ridiculous climb rate, making it incredibly easy to get above your opponents and dictate the terms of the engagement. Its firepower is decent, and its maneuverability is surprisingly good for its size. The XP-50 is a fantastic choice for aggressive players who want to dominate the early stages of a battle. Finally, don't overlook the A2D-1 Skyshark. This attacker is a rocket-slinging monster. It can carry a devastating payload of rockets and bombs, making it ideal for ground attack missions. However, it's also surprisingly capable in air-to-air combat, thanks to its powerful engine and four 20mm cannons. The A2D-1 requires a bit more skill to fly effectively, but it can be incredibly rewarding in the right hands. When choosing a premium US plane, consider your preferred role and play style. If you like high-altitude combat and Boom & Zoom tactics, the P-47M-1-RE is an excellent choice. If you prefer aggressive, early-game dominance, the XP-50 is hard to beat. And if you enjoy ground attack and don't mind a bit of a challenge, the A2D-1 Skyshark can be a real game-changer.
Germany
Germany offers a blend of iconic warbirds and unique experimental aircraft in its premium lineup. A top pick for many is the Do 335 B-2. This twin-engine heavy fighter is an absolute powerhouse. It's incredibly fast, surprisingly maneuverable for its size, and packs a devastating punch with its 30mm and 20mm cannons. The Do 335 B-2 is perfect for head-on engagements and destroying enemy bombers. It's a great choice for players who like to fly aggressively and dish out a lot of damage. Another excellent option is the Bf 109 G-2. This classic fighter is a well-rounded performer that excels in a variety of roles. It's agile, fast, and armed with a potent 20mm cannon. The Bf 109 G-2 is a great choice for players who prefer a more traditional fighter experience and want a plane that can handle almost any situation. For those looking for something a little different, consider the Ju 288 C. This bomber is surprisingly fast and agile for its size, making it difficult for enemy fighters to intercept. It can also carry a significant bomb load, allowing you to deal a lot of damage to ground targets. The Ju 288 C is a great choice for players who enjoy strategic bombing and want a plane that can survive in a hostile environment. When choosing a German premium plane, think about your preferred combat style. If you like brute force and devastating firepower, the Do 335 B-2 is the way to go. If you prefer a more balanced and versatile fighter, the Bf 109 G-2 is an excellent choice. And if you enjoy strategic bombing and want a plane that can outrun the enemy, the Ju 288 C is a solid pick.
Soviet Union
The Soviet premium lineup features a mix of sturdy fighters and powerful ground attackers. One of the most popular choices is the Yak-3 (VK-107). This nimble fighter is incredibly agile and boasts a powerful engine, making it a formidable opponent in dogfights. It's also relatively easy to fly, making it a good choice for newer players. The Yak-3 (VK-107) excels at turning engagements and outmaneuvering its opponents. Then you have the I-16 Type 28. Don't let its small size fool you; this little fighter is a true menace. It's incredibly maneuverable and packs a surprising punch with its two 20mm cannons. The I-16 Type 28 is perfect for harassing enemy bombers and engaging in close-quarters dogfights. However, it's important to note that it's also quite fragile, so you'll need to be careful not to take too much damage. Finally, consider the Pe-2-205. This bomber is a versatile aircraft that can be used for both ground attack and level bombing. It's relatively fast and well-armed, making it capable of defending itself against enemy fighters. The Pe-2-205 is a great choice for players who want a plane that can contribute to the battle in multiple ways. When choosing a Soviet premium plane, consider your preferred combat style and level of experience. If you're new to the game and want a forgiving and agile fighter, the Yak-3 (VK-107) is a great choice. If you prefer a more challenging but rewarding fighter, the I-16 Type 28 can be a lot of fun. And if you want a versatile bomber that can handle both ground attack and level bombing, the Pe-2-205 is a solid option.
Great Britain
The British premium tree offers a range of iconic aircraft with unique characteristics. The Spitfire F Mk XIVc is a classic choice for any aspiring British pilot. This nimble fighter is incredibly agile and boasts excellent firepower with its four 20mm cannons. It's perfect for dogfighting and turning engagements. The Spitfire F Mk XIVc is a well-rounded performer that can handle almost any situation. Another popular option is the Typhoon Mk Ib. This fighter is a fast and powerful aircraft that excels at ground attack and intercepting enemy bombers. It's armed with four 20mm cannons and can carry a significant payload of rockets or bombs. The Typhoon Mk Ib is a great choice for players who like to fly aggressively and dish out a lot of damage. For those looking for something a little different, consider the Hellcat Mk II. This carrier-based fighter is a solid all-around performer that can handle a variety of roles. It's agile, fast, and well-armed with six .50 caliber machine guns. The Hellcat Mk II is a great choice for players who want a versatile fighter that can adapt to different situations. When choosing a British premium plane, consider your preferred combat style and the types of missions you enjoy flying. If you like dogfighting and turning engagements, the Spitfire F Mk XIVc is an excellent choice. If you prefer ground attack and intercepting enemy bombers, the Typhoon Mk Ib is a great pick. And if you want a versatile fighter that can handle a variety of roles, the Hellcat Mk II is a solid option.
Choosing the Right Plane for You
Ultimately, the best premium plane for you depends on your personal play style, your preferred nation, and your budget. Consider what you enjoy doing in War Thunder – are you a dogfighting ace, a strategic bomber pilot, or a ground attack specialist? Think about which nations you enjoy playing and which tech trees you want to progress through. And, of course, consider how much you're willing to spend on a premium plane. Do your research, watch gameplay videos, and read reviews before making a decision. And don't be afraid to try out a few different planes to see what works best for you. With a little bit of effort, you can find the perfect premium plane to help you dominate the skies of War Thunder! Good luck, and happy flying!
