Reminds me of when I first started playing DCS for the first time. I remember reading the su25 manual during lectures in uni rather than taking notes. I just had to throw myself into the technical manuals. Welcome and I hope you have fun!
Having very much learned to fly DCS the hard way, and now having a small squad of good mates a few years later, I was thinking of making some videos about helping noobs get started and learning quickly from my mistakes. This video hits the nail on the head. I learned a lot from reapers vids but now looking back, I realise there's a lot of gaps and incorrect info that I would like to address in my series of noobs vids. Now if only I could win the lottery, quit my job and do this full time...
I started with DCS about 3 months ago. If you wonder wich plane you should buy first and you have limited cash i would recommend you the su-33. This plane costs only 7-15$ and can do carrier missions, air to air combat, air to air refueling and air to ground combat. It is as versatile as the fa-18c but a lot less deep. So a perfect starter. If you have a bit more cash you can straight out buy FC3 for 25$ which will include the su-33 and about 4 other planes. How ever if you are a vet with sims already you might go straight for a full fidelity plane! Also there is second free map right now :) p.s.: buy flight stick/ hotas before new planes and maps
I'm getting into it now. I own the F-15E Strike Eagle module; I have a HOTAS setup using the VKB Gladiator NXT EVO 'SCG' Premium and the VKB S-TECS Mini Plus, and the VKB T-Rudders Mk V. I did not have any of these things three months ago. This simulator has sucked more money out of me in the last three months than anything has in my entire life. And I don't regret a single cent spent.
The last simulation I played was Jane's Longbow. Before that I have fond memories of my c64 playing f-117, f-15 and Steel Thunder. Lol I feel old now... thanks
I'ma be coming over after a few years of inactivity. Used to fly with a squadron on FSX with TacPack and their F/A-18E. I had a ton of fun. We would hop on VATSIM sometimes too just for added realism if we were doing a ferry flight. Like, I will never forget, I was flight lead of a 4 ship flight flying from NAS Corpus Christi to NAS New Orleans on a public relations tour. There happened to be a controller online on the flight. I got bored and we had fuel to spare on arrival, so I keyed up the mic "Freedom 1-1, request vectors out over the gulf, and if you could, could we get a 10,000 foot block?" He did that, and we flew a simulated guns dogfight right there on VATSIM. Then there was a time where it was two of us and of course, air force one ended up in the same airspace as us. As soon as we saw that AF1 was online on VATSIM, we decided we would be escorting him. Had a jolly good time with FSX, ya know? But my computer died and it's been a few years so I'ma hop into DCS now. I'm gonna go with the hornet cuz she's at least decently familiar. Sure the E is a bit different than the C but for the most part, I know how it's gonna fly and how to start her up and do things with her, so I can focus more on weapons systems.
Yes! You won’t regret it! I play DCS whenever I can. The hornet is the most complete multi role fighter we have rn. And getting ground radar soon! Keep it up!
Fantastic video! Having started not long ago, I would also point out for CPG or anyone reading this that DCS & 3rd Party module developers provide excellent in-game tutorials as well. Most things, from preflight, to engine start, takeoff & landing, to weapons employment, are usually covered in a “toggle-this-switch-and-push-that-one” type of in-cockpit lesson format. Again, awesome video!
I'm still trying to determine if I have the time and inclination to dive into DCS and this video was the best summary I have seen on how to get started. Thanks so much and very well done.
Great camera work on your videos. Welcome to the community, I also recently found DCS a few months ago now. It's a great community, and hope it continues to be rewarding. Hope to fly with you sometime.
Wow, Great Video with tons of information, Just getting into DCS and flight sim, last time I was into this type of sim was I bet 35 years ago, with Falcon 3.0, it was a blast, but that long ago I forget how it all worked. Thanks for this video and the great suggestions.
Great video and welcome to the family, man! My favourite module is the Spitfire and I have about 16 others to learn :D F18 is the best all-round and carrier ops are a lot of fun!
Loved this video! Ive dipped in and out of DCS world and never really picked it up and ended up staying with Flight Sim. Currently downloading DCS again and cant wait to check out the resources that you recommend. Thanks for the very informative video :)
2022... Sitting here thinking about getting this game because it looks fun. Come to 10:43 in the video and there it is. An image off a GoPro I helped set up of a flight taken off the USS Carl Vinson in 2012 for a video I made working on the carrier. LOL!
As a Nube, however flying REAL Quarter scale aircraft as well as my TRUE LOVE HELECOPTERS. I have flown with true British Veterans, I can say that Cappy is a good man to follow, and perhaps a Great Man to fight with. I think your evaluation may be based on something other than skill or knowledge, I can'a say however I can say that KNOWLEDGE wherever available is a GOD GIVEN RIGHT!
From my own experience, as a first plane get F18, best all around plane, but if you totally hate air to ground and carrier operations and are 100% about AA, consider F16. F18 is just too slow and heavy if you are only interested in air combat. And whatever you do, don't buy a F14 as the first plane, even if you like Tom Cruise XD.
Unless your the Niche type of person who enjoys failure after failure and trying to figure what the fuck is going on for 100 hours just to emerge as an incredibly capable f14 pilots because you literally learned everything the hard way...... (thats the route I chose, I just like torture I guess)
I don't know whether it was fate or good timing, but my buddies have been wanting to get into DCS recently. Your video makes DCS look more palatable and lass daunting. Thank you for that
I recommend the MFG Rudder pedals, avoid the "plastic" ones as they are junk. MFG Rudder peddles are a little bit pricey at the 300 range but are worth in the long haul.
1988 F/A-18 Interceptor on the Amiga - Music Game Atmosphere - that was my first love in Flight simulators. Then the unrivaled Falcon, still playable today as an extension of Falcon 4 Huge manuals😂
Finally, you need TrackIR if you don't have it already. Was the last thing I bought but instantly realized it should have been the first! You're going to want, TrackIR A HOTAS Flight Pedals VR if you can handle it! But only the newest headsets, anything older than current gen will have to low resolution. And I recommend Thrustmasters MFD's. When you step into flight Sims you quickly realize what you thought was a shallow puddle turned out to be a 5 gaping hole and you're now up your neck in peripherals, PC Hardware, and modules lol. Combat Sims do get easier obviously the more you understand them though.
I have been flying sims since the early 90s; you’ve got off to a fantastic start. I’ll be happy to help with your experiences online should you need a wingman. I’m sure you will enjoy the F18.
military flight sim community badly need the 90s simcade / survey sim titles back, otherwise the newer generations wouldn't be able to get into military flight sim and the genre would die off... back then military flight simmers started with survey sims first, it wasn't until falcon 4.0 (and Jane's Longbow series that appeared first) came along that the hardcore sim scene started to appear. Gaming need it's Jane's Fighters Anthology, F22 TAW, EF2000, or even Strike Commander and the likes back.
@@Napoleonic_S you can fly them old games just fine running DOSBOX etc. DCS also has a “game” mode (which I admit I don’t use myself, but wouldn’t be a terrible place for a beginner I imagine). There’s also the entire Ace Combatbseries for “sim-Cade”.
@@ghostdog688 not the same, even game mode on dcs is different than the survey sims from the 90s, I give you one racing analogy, dcs is like iracing, you can turn game mode but it still wouldn't be forza with all it's bells and whistles. 90s survey sims often have bells and whistles to make them more attractive to newbies.
@@Napoleonic_S well, that’s fair point. 1998’s Falcon 4.0 has been updated to BMS by the community, but that’s just as (if not more) complex compared to DCS.
DCS is amazing in VR as well. I don't have an IR tracker so flatscreen play is not an option (though that delanclip thing looks like a good deal) so I started learning the game on a quest 2 and it's been a great experience. The X56 HOTAS has enough buttons and switches to fly an FC3 aircraft while only rarely needing the keyboard, and the immersion that a VR headset brings is absolutely unparralelled. I'll be flying for 4 hours and completely forget about the brick strapped to my face. Probably not recommended if your VR legs aren't strong though.
Like you I stumbled upon the Grim Reapers and Growing Sidewinder channel. I am a fan of aviation fighter games, but I haven't played a Fighter game in 2 decades. I just found the graphics and actions so cheap in most games. But when I stumbled upon DCS I wished it would have been about 4 years ago. At least I would have bought a gaming PC instead of a high end hp laptop.
@@ControlledPairsGaming to replace my laptop now would cost me over 1600.00. At the time I bought it, it only cost me 1100.00. I could have easily purchased a higher end gaming PC and over time kept updating it. But being that I am now disabled it is going to take some time to get the money together for a proper gaming pc. I have estimated about 2200.00 just for the Tower and probably 6 or 900 for the monitors, and stand, and better Flight controls and rudder controls.
Excellent content and as a new to DCS player myself I found most of the information very useful, many thanks. A couple of other TH-camrs that create really good and informative content are Growling Sidewinder Ralfidude Both provide a pleasing blend of information and humour which sometimes we really need in DCS. Subscribed for more DCS content Regards Pete
Wow! Just came across your channel. Been playing dcs for like 10 years now. Lol I know I'm terrified to go online with people lol Watch all those videos you highlighted by those other channels. I honestly think I just learned more in that short time than a bunch of other videos I watched. Didn't know there a noob friendly multi player server. Wow. Thats good to know. Thank you. I'm subscribing now. Hope to see more video in future and learn more. 🙏.
You didn't mention the interactive training missions that come with each module at all, I'd say they are excellent on the fa18 at least and you can skip all the reading and watching and instead learn directly on the plane itself. You should try them at first if you ever get another module
I mention them in future episodes. This is really just preparing. And as I explained I did the reading and watching after I ordered a HOTAS before it arrived.
Love your take on this, as a fellow immersion seeking gamer. Liked, subbed, and commented!! Also, hard agree about needing the gear and the intro investment. You really need to gear to truly get into this game properly, and I think FC3 is probably the best target for new people wanting to get a wide taste of what the game has to offer.
Same here gonna do F A 18 but it s gonna be a long trip maybe,.. Maybe not. Got also the carrier expansion to feel like a real air support guy to US navy Seal ground operations
IL-2 Sturmovik: Great Battles is the other flight simulator you need to look at. It's strictly WWII and not a full fidelity Sim like DCS but a limited Fidelity one. If DCS is the 10/10 of Simulations IL2 is 7/10 War thunder (sim mode) 4/10 Ace Combat 1/10
Also, IL2 is currently on sale FYI Like DCS you buy aircraft but unlike DCS since they aren't full fidelity modules you buy packs of planes that come with several. It's similar to DCS's Flaming Cliffs pack.
Gungriffen some people would strongly disagree. And if you enjoy immersive experiences, there’s a lot of that in IL-2. “Flying with ACG” shows that for sure.
A big hurdle I’m running into as a new player is key binding. I would love to see a key binding tutorial or basics on knowing what to key bind where to key bind it and what generally works.
I randomly stumbled on this game and I gotta say I could not be more excited to start learning a game. I’m just sort of watching videos to figure out what I NEED before playing and what I can order. The community seems very friendly aswell as I went to one stream and they all gave me so many tips and assured me I could even play on controller if I didn’t have funds for more but once I assured I did , they made sure I understood the difference in buying an actual setup for the game and why it’s almost pushed as a need for the game
This is a niche game. It's hard to get people to play this and even with the ones who try, they expect it to be like Ace Combat and start splashing dozens of bandits 30 mins into the game.
Thankyou for all information. This video changed my mind on weather too get into dcs. Going to micro city mall to get pc. Plus ordering winwing orion f18c throttle and stick, with combat and landing mods. Do you have any recommendations?
Quite annoyed I've started now but i guess it's never too late xd. Thanks man this is very supportive and couldn't thank you enough. It seems like you don't play the game anymore too so yea i am late jesus 😭
I have an idea for the developers, how about letting the players decide how much security they need to get into the simulator. I’m not worried about how I’ll do in this sim I’m worried about how much info I have to give to 3rd and 4th party characters just to get into this sim.
lol, was intrigued by this game with it being free, was thinking about checking it out till I watched this video. The video its self over whelmed me so I can only imagine what the game would do. To complex for me lol.
Got randomly onto your channel and it is a huge help. Especially the reference to colleagues in this area such as Chuck, Wagner, RedKite etc. - Thanks mate!
I know I'm commenting on a 3 year old video but I'm wondering how this hotas has worked out? I'm now getting into DCS and looking to maybe purchase this stick 9:05
Not a bad coverage of things. I would add, as a long-time (Ka-50 Black Shark on standalone DVD retail i.e first-gen ED/DCS) that a pair of rudder pedals is a good investment and pretty much essential if you are considering diving into the helos. Also, perhaps not iterated enough here: THIS IS NOT ACE COMBAT. While the SU-25 and the low-fidelity modules (FC3 and A-10a etc) are 'simple' in their controls (T for target sort of stuff), the full-fidelity modules ARE very, very complicated. Sometimes it is the systems which are complicated (the A-10c can be a bear at first) and other times it is the flight model (the F-14 will just plain kill you if you man-handle it too much). All of them have a learning curve that takes many many hours of flight time in game to adapt to and realize. Many hours... And crashes... Don't let this discourage you! Once you begin to realize the nature of the plane and systems it gets to be extremely fun with a sense of accomplishment. That first carrier landing, or that first 100% air refueling without dropping the boom or drogue, or even that first helmet-sight track and A2A kill in a wild dogfight. Those are the things to strive for....And then perfect through practice. I used to have trouble with refueling and landings in the F/A-18c, but after that first good one it got easier because I knew what I was looking at and for. Making it better, easier each time. Now a three-wire landing is not the exception, but the rule, and tanking is a breeze. Practice and time are the keys. And don't be afraid to ask someone who appears to know what they are doing. Most of the people playing DCS are well aware that they were once newbs and had the exact same questions. Answers are generally handed out in spades and from experience.
May I recommend two things to go with your hotas setup. 1st, Nyogel 767a to grease both the stick and the throttle. There are both how to videos and why to videos here on youtube. 2nd, consider this: www.etsy.com/shop/CoreHawk3D?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=885326705 I've moved on from the TWCS to Virpil, but the TWCS was a great throttle and if I were still using it I'd STRONGLY consider this aftermarket add on as the throttle does tend to bind, and while it's normally ok after you grease it with Nyogel, it's still hard to do aerial refueling and the minute throttle movements required for that.
Headtracking vs VR, what's best? I have a HP Reverb G2, I was planning to try DCS out, but I don't know if having to click on all those cockpit buttons with a mouse, while wearing a VR, will be feasible.
VR is awesome, just make sure you get a USB throttle and stick so you can use all those buttons without needing to use your mouse/take off your headset.
I am a newbie in this case... but im kind of ,,shy'' about joining... because i hate it to play alone by myself and i really dont have any friends playing that game... but i would LOVE to join a community that is kind of ,,helpfull'' and willing to teach me how to fly in DCS :D
an xbox controller could be a semi decent substitute to get a look around inside the game but it's like running a marathon in vans, get a hotas if you don't hate yourself. also don't make my mistake and never buy a thrustmaster hotas one/4/x, they're the cheapest for a reason, get the ones he said in the video and maybe upgrade to a saitek later on if you get really into the game. after that you could upgrade to a more premium setup like a warthog or virpil but if you ask me those are more meant for cockpit builders or people with money to trow away. about the head tracking, there's cheaper alternatives than the IR strap thing using AI face recognition software to track your movement from a webcam or even your Phone. I still recommend the clip over those as it's 100% more accurate and reliable but if you can get the webcam alternative to work I'd recommend prioritizing a nice hotas or even rudder pedals over track IR system
@@ControlledPairsGaming Cheers, G Saitek Pro Flight X56 Rhino arrived today, picked up a second hand one on Ebay (everywhere sold out on new ones) and head tracking IR due in a few days
@@The70s80scollection Hi, I just got my X56 in April after my OLD X52 finally died. Enjoy the new HOTAS - It really is a pretty good value for the money. If you ever get tired of the feel of the flight stick or just want to tinker, check out the spring modification here on ED Forums and Thingiverse. forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=227934&page=4 www.thingiverse.com/thing:2993877 Enjoy!
I have a question concerning the Head tracker, this mite sound silly but if you turn your head, the tracker will change the screen but if you turn your head then you won`t be looking at the monitor, or is the head movement so sensitive that your still looking at the screen
Great video CPG. A good intro to your initial journey into DCS. I look forward to seeing your future ones. BTW, make sure you buy the Heatblur F-14 Tomcat. It's an epic jet.
Wait a minute...At 8:00 you start talking about the head tracking solution. It tracks your head movements the in-game FP camera turns as well. But if you turn you head to your right or left, you are no longer looking at your monitor, right? How does that help? Unless you are using a VR HMD?
Really helpfull vid for me, got one question, you use the Delanclip in combination with an tracking camera, which one? I will check other DCS-ers you have recommended, thanks a lot
Yeah...this was a beautiful mess. I'm 62 years old and I have been playing flight simulators since early mesoliticum ( ie the golden years of Atari and PC's with 400 MB hard drives). I'll definitely consider DCS.
Reminds me of when I first started playing DCS for the first time. I remember reading the su25 manual during lectures in uni rather than taking notes. I just had to throw myself into the technical manuals. Welcome and I hope you have fun!
Thanks for your kind words. And that's exactly how I feel. The process is all encompassing and engrossing.
I have 70 hours in dcs and still don't know what im doing
I like 2585737277472 hours in, I still don’t know what’s going on.
“What’s with all the beeps and squeaks?”
no hate but thats not that many hours, i have 1.2k and i still dont know what im doing
@@II-oy7tewhy don’t you learn what to do then.
1.7 k hrs still never mastered a module
77 .....still cant do F16 cold start
For 3-4K views, this is a really good video. Highly underrated.
Thanks man! I really appreciate that. Slowly but surely growing :)
3-4K views? Dont you mean 39.6K views?
btw, ik this comment was posted 11 months ago, its a joke, just wanted to clarify that :)
@@sasukeofthesharingan7349 you mean 59k veiews?
@@silusstern-8010 you mean 62k views?
@@turtlesallthewaydown820 you mean 70k views
Subbed for more DCS content, The video production quality is amazing.
Appreciate that! Really enjoying DCS and look forward to sharing more.
Having very much learned to fly DCS the hard way, and now having a small squad of good mates a few years later, I was thinking of making some videos about helping noobs get started and learning quickly from my mistakes.
This video hits the nail on the head. I learned a lot from reapers vids but now looking back, I realise there's a lot of gaps and incorrect info that I would like to address in my series of noobs vids.
Now if only I could win the lottery, quit my job and do this full time...
I started with DCS about 3 months ago. If you wonder wich plane you should buy first and you have limited cash i would recommend you the su-33. This plane costs only 7-15$ and can do carrier missions, air to air combat, air to air refueling and air to ground combat. It is as versatile as the fa-18c but a lot less deep. So a perfect starter. If you have a bit more cash you can straight out buy FC3 for 25$ which will include the su-33 and about 4 other planes. How ever if you are a vet with sims already you might go straight for a full fidelity plane! Also there is second free map right now :) p.s.: buy flight stick/ hotas before new planes and maps
If I have a good amount of money then which jet?
@@ItachiUchiha-hr7th F18 or F16 would be my choice.
I'm getting into it now.
I own the F-15E Strike Eagle module; I have a HOTAS setup using the VKB Gladiator NXT EVO 'SCG' Premium and the VKB S-TECS Mini Plus, and the VKB T-Rudders Mk V. I did not have any of these things three months ago.
This simulator has sucked more money out of me in the last three months than anything has in my entire life. And I don't regret a single cent spent.
I'm just starting myself,I see many hours in my future. Looking for the best flight controls to learn with.
The last simulation I played was Jane's Longbow. Before that I have fond memories of my c64 playing f-117, f-15 and Steel Thunder. Lol I feel old now... thanks
Jane's Fighters Anthology was my favorite. God, the mission editor was so good.
Dambusters on Commodore 64 for me 😂
I'ma be coming over after a few years of inactivity. Used to fly with a squadron on FSX with TacPack and their F/A-18E. I had a ton of fun. We would hop on VATSIM sometimes too just for added realism if we were doing a ferry flight. Like, I will never forget, I was flight lead of a 4 ship flight flying from NAS Corpus Christi to NAS New Orleans on a public relations tour. There happened to be a controller online on the flight. I got bored and we had fuel to spare on arrival, so I keyed up the mic "Freedom 1-1, request vectors out over the gulf, and if you could, could we get a 10,000 foot block?" He did that, and we flew a simulated guns dogfight right there on VATSIM. Then there was a time where it was two of us and of course, air force one ended up in the same airspace as us. As soon as we saw that AF1 was online on VATSIM, we decided we would be escorting him. Had a jolly good time with FSX, ya know? But my computer died and it's been a few years so I'ma hop into DCS now. I'm gonna go with the hornet cuz she's at least decently familiar. Sure the E is a bit different than the C but for the most part, I know how it's gonna fly and how to start her up and do things with her, so I can focus more on weapons systems.
Yes! You won’t regret it! I play DCS whenever I can. The hornet is the most complete multi role fighter we have rn. And getting ground radar soon! Keep it up!
Thanks, Joe. It's been such an undertaking but so much fun.
nope the jf 17 is the most complete fighter we have in dcs rn it already had a ground radar on launch
@@breeze9076 unbased
And now we even have modders adding ground radar and all types of advanced features without and SDK
Fantastic video! Having started not long ago, I would also point out for CPG or anyone reading this that DCS & 3rd Party module developers provide excellent in-game tutorials as well.
Most things, from preflight, to engine start, takeoff & landing, to weapons employment, are usually covered in a “toggle-this-switch-and-push-that-one” type of in-cockpit lesson format. Again, awesome video!
Pro tip!
Get multiple monitors so you can have several manuals up at once lol. (I have 4 monitors)
I've got two now and it's a HUGE help!
Downloading dcs world currently wish me luck!
I'm still trying to determine if I have the time and inclination to dive into DCS and this video was the best summary I have seen on how to get started. Thanks so much and very well done.
Great camera work on your videos. Welcome to the community, I also recently found DCS a few months ago now. It's a great community, and hope it continues to be rewarding. Hope to fly with you sometime.
Thanks so much! And I'd love to fly together. You're welcome to join my discord. Have a few DCS pilots hanging out already.
Wow, Great Video with tons of information, Just getting into DCS and flight sim, last time I was into this type of sim was I bet 35 years ago, with Falcon 3.0, it was a blast, but that long ago I forget how it all worked. Thanks for this video and the great suggestions.
Great video and welcome to the family, man! My favourite module is the Spitfire and I have about 16 others to learn :D F18 is the best all-round and carrier ops are a lot of fun!
Thanks you!
Loved this video! Ive dipped in and out of DCS world and never really picked it up and ended up staying with Flight Sim. Currently downloading DCS again and cant wait to check out the resources that you recommend. Thanks for the very informative video :)
2022... Sitting here thinking about getting this game because it looks fun. Come to 10:43 in the video and there it is. An image off a GoPro I helped set up of a flight taken off the USS Carl Vinson in 2012 for a video I made working on the carrier. LOL!
As a Nube, however flying REAL Quarter scale aircraft as well as my TRUE LOVE HELECOPTERS. I have flown with true British Veterans, I can say that Cappy is a good man to follow, and perhaps a Great Man to fight with. I think your evaluation may be based on something other than skill or knowledge, I can'a say however I can say that KNOWLEDGE wherever available is a GOD GIVEN RIGHT!
From my own experience, as a first plane get F18, best all around plane, but if you totally hate air to ground and carrier operations and are 100% about AA, consider F16. F18 is just too slow and heavy if you are only interested in air combat. And whatever you do, don't buy a F14 as the first plane, even if you like Tom Cruise XD.
Unless your the Niche type of person who enjoys failure after failure and trying to figure what the fuck is going on for 100 hours just to emerge as an incredibly capable f14 pilots because you literally learned everything the hard way...... (thats the route I chose, I just like torture I guess)
10/10 dude ! im going down this rabbit whole and so overwhelmed , this is exactly what i needed !
I don't know whether it was fate or good timing, but my buddies have been wanting to get into DCS recently. Your video makes DCS look more palatable and lass daunting. Thank you for that
It's all about knowing where to go to find the info you need. Certainly is an endeavor! Glad you found the video and enjoyed it.
I recommend the MFG Rudder pedals, avoid the "plastic" ones as they are junk. MFG Rudder peddles are a little bit pricey at the 300 range but are worth in the long haul.
DCS noob here, just got the F-18. Cool content! Subbed
Do you play using throttle and joystick or controller pad ?
Appreciate that it's a tutorial by an American for a change.
1988 F/A-18 Interceptor on the Amiga - Music Game Atmosphere - that was my first love in Flight simulators.
Then the unrivaled Falcon, still playable today as an extension of Falcon 4
Huge manuals😂
Finally, you need TrackIR if you don't have it already.
Was the last thing I bought but instantly realized it should have been the first!
You're going to want,
TrackIR
A HOTAS
Flight Pedals
VR if you can handle it! But only the newest headsets, anything older than current gen will have to low resolution.
And I recommend Thrustmasters MFD's.
When you step into flight Sims you quickly realize what you thought was a shallow puddle turned out to be a 5 gaping hole and you're now up your neck in peripherals, PC Hardware, and modules lol.
Combat Sims do get easier obviously the more you understand them though.
I went with DelanClip Fusion and open track. Love it!
holy shit this is a huge step up from war thunder
14:25 glued to that time and taking notes. 5 stars!!!! thanks.
I have been flying sims since the early 90s; you’ve got off to a fantastic start. I’ll be happy to help with your experiences online should you need a wingman. I’m sure you will enjoy the F18.
Having a blast so far. Thanks for reaching out! Would enjoy flying some time.
military flight sim community badly need the 90s simcade / survey sim titles back, otherwise the newer generations wouldn't be able to get into military flight sim and the genre would die off... back then military flight simmers started with survey sims first, it wasn't until falcon 4.0 (and Jane's Longbow series that appeared first) came along that the hardcore sim scene started to appear. Gaming need it's Jane's Fighters Anthology, F22 TAW, EF2000, or even Strike Commander and the likes back.
@@Napoleonic_S you can fly them old games just fine running DOSBOX etc. DCS also has a “game” mode (which I admit I don’t use myself, but wouldn’t be a terrible place for a beginner I imagine). There’s also the entire Ace Combatbseries for “sim-Cade”.
@@ghostdog688
not the same, even game mode on dcs is different than the survey sims from the 90s, I give you one racing analogy, dcs is like iracing, you can turn game mode but it still wouldn't be forza with all it's bells and whistles. 90s survey sims often have bells and whistles to make them more attractive to newbies.
@@Napoleonic_S well, that’s fair point. 1998’s Falcon 4.0 has been updated to BMS by the community, but that’s just as (if not more) complex compared to DCS.
DCS is amazing in VR as well. I don't have an IR tracker so flatscreen play is not an option (though that delanclip thing looks like a good deal) so I started learning the game on a quest 2 and it's been a great experience. The X56 HOTAS has enough buttons and switches to fly an FC3 aircraft while only rarely needing the keyboard, and the immersion that a VR headset brings is absolutely unparralelled. I'll be flying for 4 hours and completely forget about the brick strapped to my face. Probably not recommended if your VR legs aren't strong though.
Like you I stumbled upon the Grim Reapers and Growing Sidewinder channel. I am a fan of aviation fighter games, but I haven't played a Fighter game in 2 decades. I just found the graphics and actions so cheap in most games. But when I stumbled upon DCS I wished it would have been about 4 years ago. At least I would have bought a gaming PC instead of a high end hp laptop.
It's just such a huge investment of both time and money, but man it's a blast.
@@ControlledPairsGaming to replace my laptop now would cost me over 1600.00. At the time I bought it, it only cost me 1100.00. I could have easily purchased a higher end gaming PC and over time kept updating it. But being that I am now disabled it is going to take some time to get the money together for a proper gaming pc. I have estimated about 2200.00 just for the Tower and probably 6 or 900 for the monitors, and stand, and better Flight controls and rudder controls.
Yeah that's likely a fair estimate. I think my setup is in that range.
can't belive this channel had only 6000 sub, congrats from italy
Thanks so much!
i have dcs in my pc but i don't have any joystick or tracking uff
I would like to add: If you have a Quest 2 VR headset, you can use that for looking around in the cockpit.
Excellent content and as a new to DCS player myself I found most of the information very useful, many thanks.
A couple of other TH-camrs that create really good and informative content are
Growling Sidewinder
Ralfidude
Both provide a pleasing blend of information and humour which sometimes we really need in DCS.
Subscribed for more DCS content
Regards
Pete
Wow! Just came across your channel. Been playing dcs for like 10 years now. Lol I know I'm terrified to go online with people lol Watch all those videos you highlighted by those other channels. I honestly think I just learned more in that short time than a bunch of other videos I watched. Didn't know there a noob friendly multi player server. Wow. Thats good to know. Thank you. I'm subscribing now. Hope to see more video in future and learn more. 🙏.
We have almost the exact same setup! I love the delanclip, I have the wired version. Such an invaluable bit of kit
It's so good and at a great price!
What are the pros and cons of wired vs non wired? Thinking of getting the wired as it fits my budget well
You deserve more subscribers for this quality!
I would highly recommend to play it in an Oculus Quest 2. The sensation of reality is aaaaamazing !.
You didn't mention the interactive training missions that come with each module at all, I'd say they are excellent on the fa18 at least and you can skip all the reading and watching and instead learn directly on the plane itself. You should try them at first if you ever get another module
I mention them in future episodes. This is really just preparing. And as I explained I did the reading and watching after I ordered a HOTAS before it arrived.
@@ControlledPairsGaming yes, fair point
My first version of 'DCS' was 'Lock On' :-)
Throwback!
Love your take on this, as a fellow immersion seeking gamer. Liked, subbed, and commented!!
Also, hard agree about needing the gear and the intro investment. You really need to gear to truly get into this game properly, and I think FC3 is probably the best target for new people wanting to get a wide taste of what the game has to offer.
You have a gift when it comes to explaining things. Well done
Same here gonna do F A 18 but it s gonna be a long trip maybe,.. Maybe not. Got also the carrier expansion to feel like a real air support guy to US navy Seal ground operations
IL-2 Sturmovik: Great Battles is the other flight simulator you need to look at.
It's strictly WWII and not a full fidelity Sim like DCS but a limited Fidelity one.
If DCS is the 10/10 of Simulations
IL2 is 7/10
War thunder (sim mode) 4/10
Ace Combat 1/10
Haha love your rating scheme!
@@ControlledPairsGaming I suggest people start with IL2 and "graduate" to DCS once flight mechanics and engine management are easily understood.
Also, IL2 is currently on sale FYI
Like DCS you buy aircraft but unlike DCS since they aren't full fidelity modules you buy packs of planes that come with several.
It's similar to DCS's Flaming Cliffs pack.
Gungriffen some people would strongly disagree. And if you enjoy immersive experiences, there’s a lot of that in IL-2. “Flying with ACG” shows that for sure.
A very complete video for beginner of DCS. Thank you. Subscribed.
A big hurdle I’m running into as a new player is key binding. I would love to see a key binding tutorial or basics on knowing what to key bind where to key bind it and what generally works.
Running the X56 btw
Check Chuck's Guide for your aircraft of choice for excellent keybinding recommendations.
Maverick has started a new era of pilots!!!
Really awesome video pal! So tempted to buy the game and get a sim, looks amazing!
It's a lot to chew on, but an absolute joy to learn.
I crash alot and don't know what the hell I'm doing, I subbed
Glad to have you :)
Man its 3 years later but i had to sub. Too many reasons to list 😂.
❤️ been a while since I've played DCS but it's got a special place in my heart.
I bought A-10c “tank killer”. 127.2 hours later, still not a master at it :/.
So many DCS modules are tough to master, but man if that isn't the joy of it.
Yes, I still am in love with the game! I will always support Eagle Dynamics..
Came here for your DCS content, really like your video formatting
Appreciate that! More DCS in the works. What is it about the formatting you like, if you don't mind me asking?
I’m just trying to take off, I’ve been sitting on the landing strip for 20 min
I randomly stumbled on this game and I gotta say I could not be more excited to start learning a game. I’m just sort of watching videos to figure out what I NEED before playing and what I can order. The community seems very friendly aswell as I went to one stream and they all gave me so many tips and assured me I could even play on controller if I didn’t have funds for more but once I assured I did , they made sure I understood the difference in buying an actual setup for the game and why it’s almost pushed as a need for the game
I feel like at some point the only necessary qualification for becoming a pilot is gonna be "I played DCS World"
downloading DCS right now. Thank you
This is a niche game. It's hard to get people to play this and even with the ones who try, they expect it to be like Ace Combat and start splashing dozens of bandits 30 mins into the game.
Bless you for making this video! Haha 🙏💯💪
Thankyou for all information. This video changed my mind on weather too get into dcs. Going to micro city mall to get pc. Plus ordering winwing orion f18c throttle and stick, with combat and landing mods. Do you have any recommendations?
Quite annoyed I've started now but i guess it's never too late xd. Thanks man this is very supportive and couldn't thank you enough. It seems like you don't play the game anymore too so yea i am late jesus 😭
I'll come back to it. Just don't have the time.
To be good in the virtual reality is possibly as hard as to be good in real life minus the physical limitations.
I have an idea for the developers, how about letting the players decide how much security they need to get into the simulator. I’m not worried about how I’ll do in this sim I’m worried about how much info I have to give to 3rd and 4th party characters just to get into this sim.
lol, was intrigued by this game with it being free, was thinking about checking it out till I watched this video. The video its self over whelmed me so I can only imagine what the game would do. To complex for me lol.
I really loved this game as soon as I started as I just want a challenging game that I can sink time into. But my wallet says no.
32 hours in and just learned the amrams
Lol, I would love to play DCS. I am currently looking to what trackir to get but there all quite expensive at about £45.
Check out delanclip.
@@ControlledPairsGaming This is an update, I bought the head tracker clip plus and it's amazing!
I am going to be in the dcs really soon thanks a lot for you video
Got randomly onto your channel and it is a huge help. Especially the reference to colleagues in this area such as Chuck, Wagner, RedKite etc. - Thanks mate!
Glad it was helpful!
I know I'm commenting on a 3 year old video but I'm wondering how this hotas has worked out? I'm now getting into DCS and looking to maybe purchase this stick 9:05
Not a bad coverage of things. I would add, as a long-time (Ka-50 Black Shark on standalone DVD retail i.e first-gen ED/DCS) that a pair of rudder pedals is a good investment and pretty much essential if you are considering diving into the helos.
Also, perhaps not iterated enough here: THIS IS NOT ACE COMBAT. While the SU-25 and the low-fidelity modules (FC3 and A-10a etc) are 'simple' in their controls (T for target sort of stuff), the full-fidelity modules ARE very, very complicated. Sometimes it is the systems which are complicated (the A-10c can be a bear at first) and other times it is the flight model (the F-14 will just plain kill you if you man-handle it too much). All of them have a learning curve that takes many many hours of flight time in game to adapt to and realize.
Many hours...
And crashes...
Don't let this discourage you!
Once you begin to realize the nature of the plane and systems it gets to be extremely fun with a sense of accomplishment. That first carrier landing, or that first 100% air refueling without dropping the boom or drogue, or even that first helmet-sight track and A2A kill in a wild dogfight. Those are the things to strive for....And then perfect through practice.
I used to have trouble with refueling and landings in the F/A-18c, but after that first good one it got easier because I knew what I was looking at and for. Making it better, easier each time. Now a three-wire landing is not the exception, but the rule, and tanking is a breeze. Practice and time are the keys.
And don't be afraid to ask someone who appears to know what they are doing. Most of the people playing DCS are well aware that they were once newbs and had the exact same questions. Answers are generally handed out in spades and from experience.
May I recommend two things to go with your hotas setup. 1st, Nyogel 767a to grease both the stick and the throttle. There are both how to videos and why to videos here on youtube. 2nd, consider this: www.etsy.com/shop/CoreHawk3D?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=885326705
I've moved on from the TWCS to Virpil, but the TWCS was a great throttle and if I were still using it I'd STRONGLY consider this aftermarket add on as the throttle does tend to bind, and while it's normally ok after you grease it with Nyogel, it's still hard to do aerial refueling and the minute throttle movements required for that.
I've talked on great depth on Nyogel 767A in my reviews of the TWCS later in this series. Truly made the throttle excellent.
this game is so hard, Hopped in and was lost, Tried to take off and ran right off the runway and blew up 😭
I feel like I am back in college with all the studying and learning in this sim. lol
Makes me have an even higher appreciation for real pilots.
Great content thx for all the advice i tried DCS before and uninstalled it time for another crack now a friend has it :)
Headtracking vs VR, what's best? I have a HP Reverb G2, I was planning to try DCS out, but I don't know if having to click on all those cockpit buttons with a mouse, while wearing a VR, will be feasible.
VR is awesome, just make sure you get a USB throttle and stick so you can use all those buttons without needing to use your mouse/take off your headset.
subscribed! learning DCS now haha
I can suggest the A-4 as a challenge
I am a newbie in this case... but im kind of ,,shy'' about joining... because i hate it to play alone by myself and i really dont have any friends playing that game... but i would LOVE to join a community that is kind of ,,helpfull'' and willing to teach me how to fly in DCS :D
I am figure out how to fly up, down, left, right and all that with keyboard and mouse. I am a noob by the way🤓
Upgrade time!
So, do you have to purchase a flight stick and throttle to be able to play effectively?
the SU-33 is a great choice
Thank you so much this was very helpful.
id play if it wasnt so expensive at this point you might as well just sell a copy of the game for 100 bucks
Great video my birthday is tm and i think im getting a joystick so im going to get dcs now.
Just stumbled upon your channel, great video for new DCS players! Great vid!
Thanks so much! Loving the sim and looking forward to making more videos.
Can i use the simjack pedals or i need air craft pedals?
Where is the first part?
Setting up your hotas?
How do the equipment pieces (HOTAS and Headtracking) stack up against Keyboard and Mouse? I plan on getting this game.
Keyboard and mouse is untenable in DCS.
an xbox controller could be a semi decent substitute to get a look around inside the game but it's like running a marathon in vans, get a hotas if you don't hate yourself.
also don't make my mistake and never buy a thrustmaster hotas one/4/x, they're the cheapest for a reason, get the ones he said in the video and maybe upgrade to a saitek later on if you get really into the game.
after that you could upgrade to a more premium setup like a warthog or virpil but if you ask me those are more meant for cockpit builders or people with money to trow away.
about the head tracking, there's cheaper alternatives than the IR strap thing using AI face recognition software to track your movement from a webcam or even your Phone. I still recommend the clip over those as it's 100% more accurate and reliable but if you can get the webcam alternative to work I'd recommend prioritizing a nice hotas or even rudder pedals over track IR system
Simply a brilliant video......loved it!
Thank you so much for your kind words and for watching.
Just what I was looking for, thanks, excellent guild and video editing....
Awesome! Thanks for watching. I'm glad it was helpful!
@@ControlledPairsGaming Cheers, G Saitek Pro Flight X56 Rhino arrived today, picked up a second hand one on Ebay (everywhere sold out on new ones) and head tracking IR due in a few days
@@The70s80scollection Hi, I just got my X56 in April after my OLD X52 finally died. Enjoy the new HOTAS - It really is a pretty good value for the money. If you ever get tired of the feel of the flight stick or just want to tinker, check out the spring modification here on ED Forums and Thingiverse.
forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=227934&page=4
www.thingiverse.com/thing:2993877
Enjoy!
Hold on tight! It's about to get fun. :)
I have a question concerning the Head tracker, this mite sound silly but if you turn your head, the tracker will change the screen but if you turn your head then you won`t be looking at the monitor, or is the head movement so sensitive that your still looking at the screen
You balance it in a curve that exaggerates movement. Most I'm turning my head is 45 degrees
Great video CPG. A good intro to your initial journey into DCS. I look forward to seeing your future ones. BTW, make sure you buy the Heatblur F-14 Tomcat. It's an epic jet.
nah its overrated
i have it and i dont really think it is worth the money
Wait a minute...At 8:00 you start talking about the head tracking solution. It tracks your head movements the in-game FP camera turns as well. But if you turn you head to your right or left, you are no longer looking at your monitor, right? How does that help? Unless you are using a VR HMD?
You build curves into the look axis to amplify the movement using only a slight turn of the head
@@ControlledPairsGaming ahhh, ty for clarifying.
Is this game in vr? It would be awesome to see how you play the game from outside of the game. Like have a camera that shows how you play
Really helpfull vid for me, got one question, you use the Delanclip in combination with an tracking camera, which one?
I will check other DCS-ers you have recommended, thanks a lot
I use delanclip with the PS3 Camera with IR filter removed. It's sold on the delanclip site.
thank you for this
Yeah...this was a beautiful mess. I'm 62 years old and I have been playing flight simulators since early mesoliticum ( ie the golden years of Atari and PC's with 400 MB hard drives). I'll definitely consider DCS.
It's quite the endeavor but really special!
Ok so I just got DCS installed and needing my flight stuck set up. Should I get petals for it or skip that?