VRHow / Games / War Thunder

War Thunder VR: PC setup, platforms and requirements

Short answer: the main War Thunder supports VR on PC, not on its console versions. You launch VR from the Gaijin launcher with its VR switch, or from Steam using SteamVR. It is a PC VR game, not a native standalone Quest app. Last checked October 11, 2026.

What version has VR?

Gaijin’s official VR mode article says the PC version supports virtual-reality devices and that all game modes are available in VR. It describes aircraft as the best fit because the game provides detailed cockpits; it also specifically mentions throttle and control-stick controllers as an option for a fuller aviation-simulation setup. The same article says current VR uses the OpenXR standard, after VR support moved from the older device-specific approach.

This is the full War Thunder game with a VR presentation, not a separate Quest edition. The official game overview lists Windows, Linux and Mac alongside PlayStation and Xbox platforms, but Gaijin’s VR documentation is explicit that VR mode is not available on console versions. Do not assume that installing War Thunder on a PlayStation or Xbox enables headset VR.

Native standalone, PC VR or console?

Path	What the official sources confirm	What you need
PC client	VR mode in the PC version; OpenXR	A supported computer, the game client and a compatible VR device
Steam	Steam lists “VR Supported” and SteamVR	A PC running War Thunder through Steam; keyboard or gamepad is required by the Steam listing
Console	VR mode is not available in the main console versions	Do not buy the console version expecting War Thunder VR

There is no official evidence in these sources of a native standalone Quest build. If a Quest owner streams the PC client through a PC-VR connection, the game is still running on the computer; that is not a native Quest app. The official pages also do not enumerate individual headset models, so VRHow does not claim model-by-model compatibility.

How to start War Thunder in VR

Choose the PC route. Either download the client from the official War Thunder site, or install the Steam version. The Steam listing identifies Gaijin Entertainment as developer and Gaijin Network Ltd as publisher.
For the direct PC client, use Gaijin’s official installation instructions: download the installer, choose a language and destination, finish setup, then let the War Thunder Launcher complete its download.
In the game launcher, turn on the VR switch, as described in Gaijin’s VR article, and start the game with your headset ready.
If you use Steam, launch War Thunder and choose the VR option when Steam offers the SteamVR launch path. Steam’s listing says the VR mode uses SteamVR and requires a keyboard or gamepad.
Begin with aircraft if your reason for using VR is cockpit immersion. Gaijin says all modes are available, while calling aircraft the best way to play; it does not promise a particular control layout for every headset or controller.

Official PC requirements

For Windows, Gaijin’s official requirements list a minimum of Windows 10 64-bit, a dual-core 2.2 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, a DirectX 11-level card such as AMD Radeon 77XX or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660, broadband internet and 23.1 GB for the minimal client. The recommended specification is Windows 10/11 64-bit, an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 3600 or better, 16 GB RAM, a DirectX 11-level card or higher (Nvidia GeForce 1060 or higher, or Radeon RX 570 or higher), broadband internet and 75.9 GB for the full client. These are the game’s published PC requirements, not a guarantee of smooth VR performance.

Gaijin also publishes Mac and Linux requirements on the same page, but the VR article only establishes VR for the PC version and does not provide a separate VR performance tier. The Steam page’s Windows minimum additionally lists 70 GB available space and identifies SteamVR as the VR runtime, so storage figures differ between the direct-site and Steam listings. Check the store or launcher you will actually use before installing.

Buying and setup guidance

Already own a PC copy? Try the Gaijin launcher’s VR switch first; you do not need to purchase a separate “VR edition” according to the official VR documentation.
Prefer Steam? The base game is listed as free to play, with SteamVR support. Confirm your PC and input device meet the Steam listing before downloading.
Using a Quest? Plan for PC VR access through your chosen PC connection method. Do not look for a native standalone Quest install based on the sources checked here.
Using PlayStation or Xbox? Treat the main game as non-VR. Gaijin separately references Aces of Thunder, a different aerial VR spin-off, so it should not be confused with War Thunder.