A6M2 "Zero" In War Thunder : A Basic Review

Checking out the Mitsubishi A6M2 "Zero" fighter in War Thunder to see how it holds up in the current meta. The zero is known for being a potent close-in dogfighter, but its top speed is limited ...
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro & History
02:34 Systems & Weapons
04:12 Flight Performance
06:08 Combat Tactics
08:47 Miscellaneous
09:44 Conclusions

[@TimsVariety]

More info on convergence and vertical targeting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmaynYmEhKZkaLM

[@whothoughthandleswereagoodidea]

I cant believe they're putting this thing up against the F-14 in the next patch

[@Basicallybaltic]

Gotta love unknown movie references

[@tmik3443]

The final countdown

[@MrSeon123]

BR compression is just getting worse and worse each patch 😔

[@onezerotwo]

F-14 doesn’t stand a chance!

[@Jacky-zt5ch]

Certified Final Countdown moment

[@Cryo_Cake]

classic plane, shame gaijin keeps upping their BR's due to how bad american mains do against it

[@jirakriss3402]

yeah a6m2 has the same br. as f4u corsair lol

[@HMSVanguard46]

Historically accurate atleast lmao

[@ayylmao8901]

It's because gaijin can't be assed to fix the zero's FM so it actually compresses at high speed like it's supposed to. This was one of the issues the A7M tried to fix, but in WT it compresses harder than the zeroes!

[@ayylmao8901]

​​​@@HMSVanguard46 Not really. try taking a zero into a high speed dive. You'll notice something's off.

[@TolerablyInterested]

Every time I fly a zero some p51 or fw190 always tries to turn fight me even when they have a speed advantage

[@fuso8639]

American mains when they see this plane: "imma dogfight it so it has better winrates there for its going to face jets next patch"

[@NukeFinity]

Nah just Boom and zoom it to death

[@norske_ow3440]

The a6m5 can already face a few jets

[@Trilobiteer]

Playing through the Zeroes taught me a lot about defensive maneuvering and trigger discipline, still remember some of my dogfights over Saipan from 8 years ago while I was grinding through the line as a brand new player and it's definitely still one of my all time favourite aircraft both in and out of the game, thanks for the review Tim!

[@MaineDoesYT]

I believe in A6M6c supremacy. The self sealing tanks have saved me so many times. Plus the armament is amazing. The manga skin for the A6M2 is top notch though

[@v3es473]

The flight performance of the A6M6 is quite a bit worse than the A6M5 for example

[@kringe700]

I would argue that the A6M6c is the best Zero variant due to its sheer versatility. Nobody is gonna expect a Zero doing boom-and-zoom and high-speed combat.

[@commandoepsilon4664]

Really? In my experience self sealing fuel tanks in Warthunder make planes less survivable. I can count on one hand the number of time a self sealing fuel tank actually stopped my plane from burning down by sealing, as opposed to the dozens to hundreds on time I've survived in a Zero because the unprotected fuel tanks leaked all their fuel thus extinguishing the fire.

[@TeaTime574]

@@commandoepsilon4664 the point of self sealing isnt to stop fires its to simply stop all the fuel from draining out so you can make it home

[@commandoepsilon4664]

​@@TeaTime574Sure, but in Warthunder the airfields are so close to the AO that preventing minor fuel leaks is totally meaningless and they can't stop major fuel leaks, only slow them down. So all the self sealing fuel tanks end up doing in Warthunder is make your fuel tanks burn longer because it slows the fuel leak prolonging fuel tank fires, thus killing you.

[@TheRealCharter]

Theres something very relaxing about playing the Japanese tree. The whole Zero line leading up even into the N1K2 are all just so forgiving. And the A6M5 Ko cant be understated with how much SL it prints!

[@SgtMWsubject77]

One historic thing that actually works in WT is what the US Navy learned from the Akutan Zero, in flight performance tests it was learned that it compressed badly in high speed dives especially ones to the right. So if you've got a heavier/faster plane than a zero you can reliably get out of a bad fight by diving and rolling to the right provided you've the altitude, sometimes a zero player will follow you into the dive and'll compress and rip their wings off but in my experience most zero pilots aren't dumb enough to follow you in a dive, same as irl so it's a unique example of art imitating life

[@pomelo9840]

mitsubishi is truly great at designing stuff, this thing was a menace

[@TheGrandNarwhal]

I recently started chipping away at the Japanese tech tree as a France main and the agility of their aircraft is such a breath of fresh air. I'm a huge fan of the zero for simulator battles. Great review, Tim.

[@phillyflyers27]

I love your historical information intros because it gives context to why the planes are designed how they are. It is also fairly original when it comes to WT reviews. Good content.

[@camilorodriguez5602]

American mains when tey see this plane be like: *TURNFIGHTEABLE*

[@BlitZnGodzilla117]

In their p47s no less

[@fre_]

My favorite line of fighters, mostly because of its simplistic playstyle that's especially handy for newbie me. Now I'm slowly inching past the F-104J to (hopefully) get the F-15J someday. I still regularly play the Zeroes alongside the Reppu though. Just pure fun.

[@movieboy6]

I pretty much grinded the entire Japanese line to the F-16AJ using the A6M5 Ko and then the Ki-200, and the Japanese tree in general is my most played. 100% agree with you, it's just comfy and enjoyable

[@fre_]

The thing I love most about the Zeroes is that you almost always get your hands dirty on the dogfight, it's a lot more fun than BnZing especially on 1v1s

[@Swimmy109]

Honestly, my all time fav line of planes. So much fun seeing a Fw-190 or a P51 try to turnfight me lmao. Im so glad you made a vid about it :D

[@Nate_935_]

But it’s extremely unfun when the 190 or p51 knows what they’re doing and just clap you with boom and zoom shenanigans

[@Swimmy109]

@@Nate_935_ nah, I'd win

[@Nate_935_]

@@Swimmy109 oh my bad

[@ODST_Parker]

The Zero in general is one of my favorite planes to play, and I'm enjoying going through and finally spading them all. A6M2 is probably one of the best relative to BR, especially now that the A6M5 Ko was needlessly up-tiered. It's fast enough, it's incredibly nimble, the firepower is powerful if you conserve ammo, and the armor doesn't matter if nothing ever touches you.

[@Terrados1337]

It's fun if a bit seal clubby. Most players at that BR haven't figured out how to deal with a Zero. But if you run into players who know more advanced tactics than hammering the S key you will spend most of your matches chasing planes double your speed. And then dodge, and then chase, and then dodge, and then chase, and then they push a headon cause they are impatient and you pilot snipe them but a single stray 7.7 turns your zero into a match stick. Still kinda fun tho.

[@jackgibbons2075]

Enjoyed the history at the start. Thank you for the video.

[@zackwaffen9210]

I can tell how much work you put into these videos. I always watch the whole thing. Really do appreciate it Tim.

[@volatile5460]

The green they put on these things is so unbelievably pretty

[@Sepulchh]

One of my favorite fighters, cheers Tim.

[@123123boobies]

Good video as always Tim.

[@Nate_935_]

I’ve never really experienced much control lock up oddly enough. It has a low rip speed but it pulls really well until then. The plane in real life probably compressed but this is warthunder we’re talking about here.

[@valrond]

Despite being severely overtiered, yes, it does, because too many people just go into turn fighting, even at 5.0. Now, the players that know a bit, just boom and zoom and don't turn with the zeroes.

[@AnakinSkyobiliviator]

The Zeroes are great, taught me a lot about trigger discipline, but in return I am forced to learn how to energy fight properly when everyone already has a grasp on it...

[@GenFalcon]

Just bought this. Loving it

[@miquelescribanoivars5049]

1:10 Sorry but I gotta say the line: Armour plating and self-sealing tanks were not omitted in the design that would eventually become the A6M, because at that time barely any fighter aircraft was designed with provision for armour and self-sealing tanks. The Bf-109, Spitfire, Hurricane, P-38 and F4F among others were *NOT* designed with those features and they didnn't start to receive them until 1940 or later.

[@PanArbuz-7466]

I like watching your videos even if i'm not interested in playing the vehicle you are reviewing. I think that's saying something.

[@TimsVariety]

Sadly, my overall reach is still tiny. I'm expecting this vid to be well below my (already small) channel average.

[@PanArbuz-7466]

@@TimsVariety I'm sorry to hear that, I wish you all the best.

[@RogueKnight768]

I like adding arcade for props

[@TimsVariety]

From what I've seen, most players in the prop tier play a LOT of arcade battles, so I always try to include some AB footage in prop vehicle vids.

[@zanaduz2018]

I think this speaks to the effective death of AAB at jet tiers though.

[@TimsVariety]

@@zanaduz2018 I've discussed it more in some other vids, but above 8.3-8.7 or so, AAB is a toxic slag heap that is best avoided.

[@zanaduz2018]

@@TimsVariety I'm aware. I believe I've commented about the topic when you specifically addressed it during your once-yearly bomber rework video, but current ARB should be relabeled AAB for jet tiers, and in its place the "Air RB EC" concept should get expanded on (both in map size and scope of actual theatre operations) to provide jets with the needed spacing and targets to allow evasion tactics for strike and bomber aircraft to thrive.

[@kiri101]

I bought the Chinese premium one to get from Reserve to jets, and boy did it teach me patience and aim. Can't catch them? Let them chase you at a favourable altitude and then turn on them :P

[@slayo710]

I've been starting the Japanese tech tree in the last week, you reading my mind or something? Lol

[@KaguyasBeat]

Definitely tougher to play starting out with a fresh crew to... 24/7 blackout experience

[@cmdrTremyss]

That teaches you about delicate stick control ;)

[@Ironhideunlimited]

I personally believe the A6M3 is the best of the lot, it addresses the cannon ammo, dive speed and roll issues at only .3 BR's higher, and while the A6M5 is technically better performing, at its BR the weaknesses of its speed is too easily exploited by faster aircraft.

[@svidentkyrponos7530]

And now the A6M5 Ko is extremely overtiered

[@C76Caravan]

Yep, one of those 3D models that could use a complete new remodel, the cockpit even more than the external model.

[@DzinkyDzink]

If you had to pick one A6M out of them all which one would it be?

[@TimsVariety]

Probably this one - the A6M2 - because of the opposition it goes up against.

[@rainsilent]

^ Very much this. Later A6Ms don't get much faster or better in climb and they get worse in terms of turn rate because they get heavier. So the higher you go in BR with the A6Ms the bigger the performance gap between you and the relative opposition. To boot Ki-43s are of similar performance and are at notably lower BRs. The Ki-43-I and -II even have Japanese 12.7s which are fairly strong in game at the moment making their firepower equal but with more ammo.

[@jovanni_orb5116]

Great content.

[@meatballwanger]

This is the best thing I ever saw.

[@FelixTheory]

Had the chance a few days ago to play the A6M3, ended with an Ace in 5 minutes. It also comes with a drop tank, which is very handy if you want to use a minimum fuel and more manoeuvrability.

[@Kay_213_]

Glorious nippon steel!

[@RigstersJourney]

Good video on this aircraft. There is one minor thing id like to point out for the tech tree zeros that should bear noting, the a6m5 otsu inmo is not worth playing much outside of collecting , the extra firepower it brings makes it more like a really slow boom and zoomer for its br. the a6m5 hei is a much better late war tech tree zero in comparison. the final version a7m2 though doesn't turn as fast as the earlier variants finally gets the ability to dive more often.

[@FelixTheory]

Back when I did low tier ground for China I would use the A6M2, since the enemy doesn’t suspect a chines zero I had a field day. Even got it aced because I played it that much.

[@SerosNym]

The earlier Zeroes, along with the Spitfires, were my first foray into air combat in War Thunder, many years ago. I find the Zero to be too 'binary' in combat; either your opponent turns with you and you instantly twist around and obliterate them halfway through their turn, or they disengage with you and leave you in the dust. Feels like you can't take much credit for your wins *or* losses because in both cases they are dictated more by the plane's limitations and your opponent's behavior rather than your own actions. That being said, I found some success playing the Chinese premium one recently(still frustratingly slow and unable to force engagements), the cannons are a lot more damaging than they used to be which helps make up for the poor ballistics and ammo count. I wish Gaijin would stop uptiering these kinds of turnfighter aircraft. They both hard counter and are hard countered, and their low speed becomes more and more crippling as they go up in BR. It sucks when your only hope for getting kills in some matches is praying that enemies hand their lives to you on a silver platter by trying to turnfight you.

[@Potatoies]

They made a whole lotta planes!

[@admiral_knox6050]

Is the J6K1 on your list for prop reviews yet? I got it out of one of the gambling crates this winter and I've really been enjoying it, even flying against jets.

[@TimsVariety]

I'll get to it eventually, but it won't be soon. I try not to do things broadly in the same category (ie "Japanese prop fighter") too close together.

[@Kaitou702]

Zero was a nightmare for Spritfire pilots in realistic mode, but still most of Spiritfire are faster but turning fighting wont save then, and lucky for then we only have A6M2N un BR. 3.7 while they have Spritfire in 3.0 which is unfair tbh.

[@razvy6949]

Yesterday I've played the A5M6 I think it was called, 5.0, and I don't get how planes that barely get over 400 kph are at 5.0

[@sayorisione8868]

If you needed some help with the japanese you can always use me. But you did a fantastic job

[@cokelover45]

Hi Tim, I saw you did a first impression for the Barak II, can you please do a full review?

[@TimsVariety]

I'm waiting for some current events to die down a little, as I don't want to deal with the comment section .....

[@cokelover45]

@@TimsVariety Oh okay, very sorry.

[@BasedGrandmasKitchen]

Do you know if you can ever do a review on the BV-238 I dont buy any premiums before watching a review from you and/or Tankenstein

[@TimsVariety]

Its actually on the short list, but wont be for at least 3 or 4 weeks.

[@BasedGrandmasKitchen]

@@TimsVariety ah no problem I can wait

[@DE787-8]

Tracer belts for cannons have all HE, so probably better for air to air. Or at least they were back in the day, not sure how they are after all the real shatter stuff

[@svidentkyrponos7530]

But the tracer shells have half the explosive of the HE shells in the universal belt

[@FirstDagger]

Sadly Zeros are still lacking the inert gas purging which would make the fuel tanks explode less.

[@Bombrothers]

neat

[@edugon3c]

i love prop videos

[@TimsVariety]

If only about 20,000 more did 😅

[@r.u.s.e3586]

The zero was a really good plane IRL. A shame the way it's been implemented in the game though.

[@jussi8111]

zeros are all nice and good untill you realize they are all basicly the same and the br just goes up and higher brs its maneuverability dosent matter if the enemy has more than 2 braincells and dosent try to turn with you

[@soldat88hun]

>almost untouchable 2.7 corsair says hi really, it is only good against idiots, which is most of the playerbase so it gets this ridiculously high BR, along with the other japanese planes.

[@hypermelon_8654]

History part in later parts of the video style is better. Game plane THEN real life history makes it flow better.

[@haekal610]

"First" - 🤓☝

[@pogessor]

Instead of speed-up video playback, it is better to cut the video. In my opinion.

[@TimsVariety]

Its a tough line to walk - sometimes I want to highlight the "hurry up and wait" problem, and show most of the full match, but speeding up footage can get weird sometimes. Someday I'll find a good solution.

[@portal5886]

Cool If you Type first your a nerd

[@cringepog2758]

Should add since its a myth and I would like it to be busted: when the zero was designed, armor and self sealing fuel tanks didn't exist, the design team of the zero couldn't sacrifice a design element that was not yet in use. Later on of course they did not up armor the zero during the war to its detriment, but early on, it was as protected as any other fighter. If you want to learn a lot more, drachinifel has a good long video on zero myths up on his channel

[@deadstop4434]

I love talking this into ground realistic and defending allied tanks from all the cas players