How do I access the War Thunder dev server?
Summary
Q.How do I access the War Thunder dev server?
A.When the Dev Server is open you download and run the special Dev Server launcher from War Thunder’s official site (or copy your game folder and enable dev mode), install it into a separate folder, and sign in—the Dev Server is only available during limited test windows announced on the official news/forums.
More info
The quickest way to access War Thunder’s Dev Server is to download the official Dev Server launcher from War Thunder’s website when a test window is announced, install it into its own folder (separate from your live client) and start that launcher; the Dev Server is only open during scheduled test windows and uses a temporary/test copy of your account so progress won’t carry back to live. See the official dev-server install guide on the War Thunder site for the download and announcements (official dev server guide).
If you prefer not to download a separate installer you can copy your existing War Thunder folder and enable dev mode — the community wiki documents an alternative method (create an empty file named matchingdevmode or add a yunetwork curCircuit:t="dev" entry to config.blk) that forces the client to update to the dev build. Practical tips:
- Install the Dev client to a separate folder so it doesn’t overwrite your live client.
- Start the Dev launcher only during announced test windows; if you get “game hasn't been activated for your account” or connection errors, the server is likely closed or full. See Gaijin Support for related error guidance (Gaijin support article).
Always check the official news/forum posts for download links, schedules and known bugs before trying to join.
