10 Best Shell Types in War Thunder

Published 7 July 2026

In the realm of aerial combat within the digital domain of War Thunder, selecting the appropriate ammunition for your aircraft plays a pivotal role in achieving aerial dominance. Amidst the thunderous roar of engines and the ballet of dogfights, the choice of ammunition can elevate you to the ranks of aces or condemn you to the annals of defeat. However, navigating the labyrinth of available ammo types and their complexities can be a daunting task, especially for novice pilots longing to soar above the clouds.

To unravel the intricacies of War Thunder's ammo selection, one must delve into the fundamental aspects that define each type. Understanding the nuances of armor-piercing, high-explosive, and incendiary rounds empowers pilots to tailor their ammo loadouts to specific aircraft and combat scenarios. Armor-piercing rounds, designed to penetrate thick armor, excel against heavily armored targets. High-explosive rounds, with their devastating blast radius, are ideal for crippling enemy aircraft and destroying ground targets. Incendiary rounds, ignited upon impact, excel in setting enemy aircraft ablaze, wreaking havoc upon their fuel tanks and engines.

Beyond the core ammo types, War Thunder introduces a myriad of specialized rounds that cater to specific tactics and aircraft capabilities. Tracer rounds, easily distinguishable by their bright trails, aid in adjusting fire and tracking moving targets. Armor-piercing composite rounds combine the penetrative power of armor-piercing rounds with the explosive force of high-explosives, making them formidable against both armored and lightly protected targets. Stealth rounds, cloaked in obscurity, grant pilots the advantage of surprise, allowing them to strike unseen and unleash a barrage of destruction upon unsuspecting foes. Navigating the diverse array of ammo types and their unique characteristics is paramount to maximizing aircraft performance and emerging triumphant in the aerial arena.

Tracer Rounds: Guiding Your Shots to Victory

Tracer rounds are an invaluable tool for pilots, providing a visual path to their shots, helping them to correct their aim and increase their accuracy. In War Thunder, there are various types of tracer rounds available, each with unique characteristics.

Universal Tracer

Universal tracers are a balanced option, offering a good compromise between brightness and duration. They are suitable for most situations and can be used effectively at both short and medium ranges.

Ground Tracer

Ground tracers are designed to be visible even over long distances, making them ideal for attacking ground targets. They have a longer duration than other types of tracers, allowing pilots to track their shots over longer periods.

Air Tracer

Air tracers are optimized for use against aircraft. They have a brighter glow than other types of tracers, making them easier to see against the background of the sky. However, they have a shorter duration, limiting their effectiveness at long ranges.

AP-T Tracer

AP-T tracers are a specialized type of tracer round that is designed to pierce through armor. They are commonly used in anti-tank aircraft, as they can help pilots to accurately target and penetrate armored vehicles.

Incendiary Tracer

Incendiary tracers are designed to set targets on fire. They are particularly effective against wooden aircraft and other flammable materials. However, they have a relatively short duration and may not be suitable for all situations.

Rockets: Bursting with Explosive Power

Rockets offer devastating punch, annihilating targets with ease. War Thunder features a myriad of rocket options, empowering pilots with immense firepower.

Types of Rockets:

• FFAR (Folding Fin Aerial Rocket): Lightweight and accurate, ideal for destroying ground targets.
• HVAR (High Velocity Aircraft Rocket): Enhanced velocity and precision, effective against aircraft and armored vehicles.
• Tiny Tim: Massive rocket with immense destructive power, capable of incapacitating large targets.
• S-21/24: Soviet-made rockets with various warhead options, including fragmentation and armor-piercing.

Warhead Types:

• High Explosive (HE): General-purpose warheads with a large blast radius, perfect for destroying structures and infantry.
• Fragmentation (FRAG): Warheads designed to create numerous fragments upon detonation, ideal for anti-aircraft and anti-personnel use.
• Armor-Piercing (AP): Penetrating warheads capable of damaging armored vehicles, including tanks.

Rocket Targeting:

Rocket vs. Cannon:

Examples of Rocket Usage:

When choosing the best ammo for your plane in War Thunder, there are a few factors to consider. The most important factor is the type of plane you are flying. Different planes have different strengths and weaknesses, and the best ammo for one plane may not be the best for another. For example, a fighter plane will typically benefit from using high-explosive ammo, while a bomber will benefit from using armor-piercing ammo.

Another factor to consider is the range at which you will be engaging your targets. If you are planning on engaging targets at long range, you will need to use ammo that has a high muzzle velocity and low bullet drop. If you are planning on engaging targets at close range, you can use ammo that has a lower muzzle velocity and higher bullet drop.

Finally, you should also consider the cost of ammo. Some types of ammo are more expensive than others. If you are on a budget, you may want to choose a less expensive type of ammo. However, if you are looking for the best possible performance, you may want to spend a little more money on a higher-quality type of ammo.

People Also Ask

What is the best ammo for a fighter plane in War Thunder?

High-explosive ammo

What is the best ammo for a bomber plane in War Thunder?

Armor-piercing ammo

What is the best ammo for a long-range engagement in War Thunder?

Ammo with a high muzzle velocity and low bullet drop

What is the best ammo for a close-range engagement in War Thunder?

Ammo with a lower muzzle velocity and higher bullet drop