New Ninth Wave update expands War Thunder with 40 new vehicles and Tank Soccer event

Developer Gaijin Entertainment has officially released the latest content expansion for its military combat simulator. The major update, called Nona Onda, has been implemented on global servers and can now be accessed by the entire active user base. The data package brings profound structural modifications to the game mechanics, in addition to considerably expanding the arsenal available to the different nations represented in the title.

This first major content delivery of the year focuses on diversifying tactical options on virtual battlefields. Developers included more than four dozen new or improved war machines, ranging from state-of-the-art jet fighters to ground-based armored vehicles with modern defense systems. The update responds to ongoing community demands for greater balance in high-level matches and the inclusion of contemporary weapons technologies.

In addition to the permanent additions to the military catalog, the studio has reactivated seasonal competitions that temporarily change the traditional dynamics of the simulator. The launch period coincides with the opening of alternative game modes, designed to offer dynamics focused on quick entertainment and teamwork outside the usual historical rigor that characterizes standard combat simulations.

Strategic reinforcements in military airspace

The military aviation segment received additions that redefine confrontations at high altitudes. The main highlight is the introduction of the J-15T fighter jet, integrated into the Chinese technology tree. Esta air superiority aircraft arrives equipped with full compatibility for electromagnetic catapult systems, facilitating operations from modern aircraft carriers.

The offensive capability of the J-15T is enhanced by the integration of PL-12A long-range missiles. Este weaponry allows engagements beyond visual range, forcing opposing pilots to adopt complex evasive maneuvers and stealth approach tactics. The presence of this aircraft changes the meta established in higher level aerial battles.

The Estados Unidos military also received a substantial upgrade to its naval fleet. The F/A-18F Super Hornet, in its two-seat configuration, was added to the American inventory. Este multirole fighter brings exceptional versatility for ground attack missions and rapid interception of aerial targets.

The Super Hornet implementation provides players with a robust platform to carry a wide range of guided munitions and air-to-air missiles. The game’s two-seat configuration reflects the division of tasks between piloting and operating weapon systems, optimizing efficiency in combat scenarios saturated by anti-aircraft defenses.

Expansion of the land arsenal and modern armored vehicles

The land battlefronts underwent a tactical reformulation with the arrival of new support and direct attack vehicles. The US military now has the M1296 Dragoon, a highly mobile variant of the Stryker family, designed to provide rapid fire support with its 30mm cannon. Paralelamente, the British tree was reinforced with the 155 mm AS90 self-propelled howitzer, a heavy artillery system capable of delivering devastating attacks over long distances, requiring operators to have in-depth knowledge of ballistics and strategic positioning on the map.

Other nations also received crucial equipment to maintain competitiveness at the upper echelons. The Italian Centauro II (P) emerges as a formidable threat thanks to its 120 mm smoothbore cannon and advanced protection systems against improvised explosives, ensuring survival in urban environments. Já the Japanese line gained a historic reinforcement with the 10 cm Canhão Autopropulsado Tipo 1 Ho-Ni II, built on the chassis of the Tanque Médio Tipo 97

Graphic and physical evolution in the oceanic environment

The Nona Onda update implemented a complete restructuring of the graphics engine responsible for rendering the oceans. The programmers applied a new advanced shading system that calculates in real time the interaction between dynamic light sources, the positioning of the player’s camera and the water surface.

One of the most impactful technologies added is Dispersão Subsuperficial. Este feature calculates the refraction of light below the waterline, giving a volumetric and realistic appearance to the waves, especially during weather transitions and time variations within naval departures.

Anisotropic reflections have also been recalibrated to accurately respond to multiple viewing angles. Essa technical improvement eliminates old visual distortions and ensures that the sun’s glare over the sea reacts in a physically correct way, while the new particle system manages explosions and water columns more fluidly.

Competitive dynamics in the seasonal sporting event

Alongside the military simulation updates, Gaijin Entertainment opened the 2026 edition of the Tank Soccer event, a temporary competition that transforms the battlefield into a high-octane sports arena. The tournament, which runs until the end of March 2026, replaces ballistic projectiles with a giant ball, requiring players to use specially modified tanks with jump thrusters and rapid acceleration systems to perform acrobatic maneuvers. Matches are organized in specific time windows daily, promoting a highly competitive environment where coordination between team members is essential to scoring goals and registering assists. Individual and collective performance is converted into progression points, which in turn unlock a series of exclusive limited-edition rewards, including commemorative themed decals and three-dimensional decorations that can be permanently applied to land vehicles in the user’s main inventory.

Restructuring of the research and economy tree

The injection of dozens of new vehicles required a meticulous reorganization of every nation’s technology trees. Lower and mid-tier Veículos have had their research requirements adjusted to create a more logical progression flow up to the newly added tier VI gear.

The simulator’s internal economy also underwent specific revisions. Reward multipliers for actions in battle have been rebalanced to ensure that repair costs and advanced ammunition acquisition remain sustainable, encouraging continued participation in high-level engagements.

Interface improvements and visual immersion

The immersion inside the cockpits received special attention from the three-dimensional modeling team. Diversos veteran aircraft cockpits have been remade with high-resolution textures and fully functional flight instruments, responding in real-time to maneuvers and engine status.

The user interface in the main menus and during matches has been optimized to reduce visual clutter. Marcadores of targets, damage indicators and the tactical radar now feature a cleaner design, making it easier to quickly read critical information during the most tense moments of combat.

Cross-platform availability and global access

The Nona Onda update is now available for download on all supported platforms, including personal computers and PlayStation family consoles. The cross-server architecture ensures that the player base remains unified, allowing veterans and newcomers alike to explore the new technological additions and participate in the seasonal sporting event without hardware barriers.