War Thunder Connection Issues: Server, Lag, and Disconnects

“Connection to server failed” and mid-match disconnects are frustrating because they usually are not War Thunder’s fault — they are something between you and the server. This guide runs through the fixes in order of how often they actually help.

1. Check the server status first

Before touching your setup, confirm it is not a War Thunder-side outage. Server-status pages and the official channels report maintenance and regional issues. If the servers are down, nothing on your end will help — wait it out.

2. Firewall and antivirus

War Thunder needs outbound access for both the launcher and the game client.

• Windows Defender Firewall — allow aces.exe (the game) and the launcher through both private and public networks.
• Third-party antivirus — add the War Thunder folder to exclusions. Some suites silently block the connection handshake.
• If unsure, temporarily disable the firewall to test; if the game connects, you have found the cause.

3. Router and network

• Restart the router — the oldest fix because it works. Clears a stuck NAT state that causes “connected then dropped.”
• Use a wired connection — Wi-Fi drops and jitter cause the random disconnects players blame on the game.
• UPnP / NAT — if your NAT is strict, enabling UPnP on the router often stabilises the connection.

4. DNS and proxy

• Switch DNS — a sluggish or failing ISP DNS can stall the initial connection. Public DNS (e.g. 8.8.8.8 / 1.1.1.1) is a common, safe fix.
• Disable VPN / proxy — a VPN or system proxy can route you to the wrong region or break the handshake entirely. Turn them off for the test.

5. Choose the right region

War Thunder lets you pick a server region (e.g. EU, US, RU, ASIA). Picking a region far from you guarantees high ping and unstable matches. Select the closest one in the launcher settings. The battle rating explained page is unrelated, but the region choice matters as much as your lineup for stable games.

6. Background bandwidth

Streaming, downloads, or cloud backups on the same connection starve War Thunder of the steady throughput it needs. Pause them during a session.

Most “not connecting” cases are firewall, DNS, or VPN — in that order. Work through 2–5 before assuming the game is at fault. Once you are stable, the controls and settings guide helps you tune the client.