If you want to minimize War Thunder's footprint on your PC as much as possible, follow this checklist from start to finish:
A: Yes! The Gaijin Launcher allows you to choose any installation directory. An external USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt drive will work, though load times might be slightly slower compared to an internal SSD.
Before you attempt to download the compressed file, ensure your PC can actually run the game. Even compressed, the game requires decent hardware to unpack and play.
One of the main reasons players search for compressed versions is the game's large file size. The exact space required depends on which client you choose to install. Here are the official numbers from Gaijin Entertainment, the game's developer: download war thunder pc highly compressed
To achieve extreme compression, some "repackers" strip out high-quality textures, music, or language files, which can cause the game to crash or look poor. Recommendation
Smaller archive sizes make it much easier to share the installer with friends via a USB flash drive. The Risks and Drawbacks
Go to the official War Thunder website and download the official installer stub (a few megabytes). Run the installer to open the War Thunder Launcher. If you want to minimize War Thunder's footprint
Sometimes, real-time antivirus scanning slows down the extraction of game files during the download process. (Ensure you only do this if downloading from the official website). Conclusion
Many sites promising "highly compressed" files are fronts for malware, miners, or intrusive browser hijackers.
You do not need to risk your PC's safety on shady websites. The official War Thunder launcher includes built-in options to minimize your download footprint. Step 1: Choose the "Minimal" or "Standard" Client Before you attempt to download the compressed file,
Finding a legitimate, highly compressed version can help you get into the cockpit faster. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about downloading War Thunder in a compressed format safely and efficiently. The Reality of Highly Compressed Game Files
War Thunder is a free-to-play MMO. It receives constant updates. While "highly compressed" repacks exist, they are often created by third parties. The official game developers (Gaijin Entertainment) do not release official compressed versions. Always ensure you trust the source to avoid malware.