War Thunder: Hornet’s Sting Adds Ray Tracing for AMD & Intel GPUs
War Thunder has just received its first major update of 2025, titled « Hornet’s Sting ». This new expansion introduces Ray Tracing for AMD and Intel GPUs, significantly enhancing the game’s visual quality. However, there is a downside for Linux users, as Ray Tracing in War Thunder is only available via DirectX 12.
No Ray Tracing for the Native Linux Version
Unfortunately, this graphical enhancement is only available via DirectX 12, meaning it does not work on the Vulkan engine used by War Thunder’s native Linux version. As a result, Linux players who do not use Proton will not be able to take advantage of Ray Tracing in War Thunder.
Even worse, Proton appears to be experiencing compatibility issues with this update. On a system equipped with an AMD Radeon 6800 XT, using Proton 9.0-4 makes the game unplayable due to numerous graphical bugs and in-game errors that cause crashes. Even with Proton Experimental, these issues persist.
War Thunder AMD Intel GPUs: Should You Stick with the Native Linux Version?
For now, the most stable solution for Linux players is to stay on War Thunder’s native version, although it does not support Ray Tracing for AMD and Intel GPUs or the latest upscalers.
War Thunder AMD Intel GPUs: Exciting New Content in « Hornet’s Sting »
This update is not just about graphical improvements. It introduces a wealth of new content, including:
- New Aircraft: Addition of the F/A-18 Hornet and other planes.
- New Ground and Naval Vehicles.
- Three Graphically Overhauled Maps.
- « Maneuver and Limits Mode » for jets, allowing tighter maneuvers and better nose authority for missile launches.
- UAV Picture-in-Picture Mode.
- User Interface Updates.
- New Tank Gun Sounds, making them more distinct.
A Frustrating Experience for Linux Players
While War Thunder remains an exciting combat game, the neglect of the Linux version for the latest innovations is disappointing. Additionally, the game’s spectator mode has been problematic for years, which negatively impacts players who want to observe their friends in action.
Linux players are hoping that Gaijin Entertainment will restore better compatibility with Proton or improve Vulkan support in upcoming updates.
Conclusion
The « Hornet’s Sting » update for War Thunder brings exciting graphical improvements and new content, but leaves Linux players behind. Until better compatibility is achieved, players must choose between a stable but limited native version or an unstable experience via Proton.