Where to find loading screen settings in War Thunder

War Thunder stores loading screen preferences in the game's settings menu, not in a separate launcher or configuration file. You reach them by opening the game, logging in, and navigating to the main menu — the screen you see after the initial loading sequence completes.

From the main menu, look for the gear icon or "Settings" button, usually positioned in the upper right or lower right corner. Click it to open the settings panel. The exact placement varies slightly depending on your platform (PC, PlayStation, or Xbox), but the settings menu exists on all three.

Once inside settings, you are looking for a section labeled "Graphics," "Display," or sometimes "Interface." This is where loading screen options live. Not all sections of settings contain loading screen controls, so if you do not see the option in the first tab you open, move to the next one.

Key Takeaways

  • Loading screen settings are found in the main menu settings panel under Graphics or Display, not in a launcher or separate process.
  • War Thunder offers preset loading screens and the option to disable custom backgrounds, but you cannot upload your own image files.
  • The "Random" setting cycles through available loading screens automatically each time you load into a match.
  • Changes to loading screen preferences take effect when ready and do not require restarting the game.
  • If a loading screen setting does not appear to change, clearing your game cache or verifying game files can resolve display issues.

Selecting a preset loading screen

War Thunder includes several built-in loading screens tied to different nations and vehicle types in the game. Once you locate the loading screen option in your Graphics or Display settings, you will see a dropdown menu or list of available screens to choose from.

Each preset typically shows a preview image so you can see what it looks like before selecting it. Common options include screens featuring Soviet, American, German, British, Japanese, Italian, and French vehicles, as well as screens themed around specific game modes like air battles or ground combat.

Click or highlight the loading screen you want, then confirm your selection. The change applies when ready — you do not need to restart the game or return to the main menu for it to take effect. The next time you load into a match, you will see your chosen screen.

Using the random loading screen option

If you prefer variety, War Thunder includes a "Random" setting that cycles through different loading screens each time you enter a match. This option is usually listed alongside the individual preset screens in the same dropdown menu.

Selecting "Random" means the game will pick a different loading screen from the available pool each time you load into a battle. This is useful if you like the aesthetic of multiple screens but do not want to manually switch between them.

The randomization does not include loading screens you have not unlocked or disabled. If you have narrowed your available screens by hiding certain options, the random selection will only pull from the ones you have left visible.

Disabling or hiding loading screens

Some players prefer a minimal loading screen or want to hide screens they do not like. War Thunder allows you to disable individual loading screens so they do not appear when you use the random option, though you cannot remove all screens at once.

In the loading screen settings menu, look for checkboxes or toggle switches next to each preset. Unchecking a screen removes it from the random rotation and prevents it from appearing during matches. You can disable as many or as few as you want, but at least one must remain enabled.

If you want a completely blank or minimal loading screen, check whether War Thunder offers a "Default" or "Minimal" option in the list. Some versions of the game include a plain screen with just the game logo or a straightforward background.

What you cannot customize in loading screens

War Thunder does not allow you to upload custom images or create personalized loading screens from your own files. The game restricts loading screens to the presets it provides, which keeps all players seeing consistent content while the game loads.

You also cannot adjust the text, logo placement, or other elements that appear on the loading screen itself. Your only control is choosing which preset to display or whether to randomize between them.

If you are looking for a way to modify the loading experience further, some players use third-party launcher software or graphics overlays, but these fall outside the game's official settings and may not be supported by War Thunder's developers.

Troubleshooting loading screen changes that do not appear

Occasionally a loading screen change does not take effect visually, even though the setting has been saved. This usually happens when the game's cache has not refreshed or when display files have become corrupted.

The first step is to close War Thunder completely and reopen it. This forces the game to reload all display assets, including loading screens. If the change still does not appear, try clearing your game cache through the launcher or settings menu — the exact method depends on whether you are on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox, but most launchers include a "Verify Game Files" or "Clear Cache" option.

If you are on PC and using the official War Thunder launcher, right-click the game in your library and look for "Verify" or "Repair" options. On console, you may need to clear the game's local data through your system settings, though this will not affect your account or progress. After clearing cache or verifying files, restart the game and check whether your loading screen preference now displays correctly.

Loading screens and game performance

Changing your loading screen selection has no effect on frame rates, loading times, or overall game performance. The loading screen is a static image that displays while the game loads assets in the background, so switching between presets or enabling random rotation will not make matches load faster or slower.

If you notice that loading times have increased after changing your loading screen setting, the change itself is not the cause. Loading time increases are usually tied to your internet connection, hard drive speed, or the complexity of the map you are loading into. Reverting to a different loading screen will not resolve the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a screenshot or photo as my loading screen?

No. War Thunder only allows you to choose from the preset loading screens the game provides. You cannot upload custom images or use files from your computer as loading screens. Your options are limited to the built-in presets and the random rotation feature.

Do loading screen changes sync across different devices?

Yes, if you play War Thunder on multiple devices with the same account, your loading screen preference will carry over. The setting is tied to your account, not to a specific device, so changing it on PC will affect what you see on PlayStation or Xbox as well.

What happens if I disable all loading screens?

You cannot disable all loading screens at once. War Thunder requires at least one preset to remain enabled. If you try to disable the last remaining screen, the game will not allow it. You must always have at least one screen active.

Do different loading screens load at different speeds?

No. All loading screens are the same file size and complexity, so they load at identical speeds regardless of which one you choose. Loading time is determined by your hardware and internet connection, not by the visual content of the loading screen itself.

Where is the loading screen setting if I cannot find it in Graphics?

Check the Display, Interface, or General settings tabs — the exact location varies by game version and platform. If you still cannot locate it, try searching the settings menu using any search function the launcher provides, or consult the in-game help menu for the current location of loading screen options.