hey man do you know which dcs version did we have the lightnings on dcs? saw some of them on the harrier footage on this video and it looked awesome ngl
My dad was an F-4 and has been an F18 maintainer since desert storm. He absolutely loves the F18 module and his actual squadron skin is featured in the game which he kinda teared up at :'). I was showing him start up and stuff and he said its about 95% correct, the lights, sounds, everything is sooooo on point that he was like how is this unclassified. I then proceeded to bring up the F18 natops on google and he was like ohh... hahaha besides that he absolutely loves DCS and im gunna get him into it.
While yes the F18 can be overwhelming for a new player, it does offer a little bit of everything. You can use the F18 to find out what you like the most and then pick modules for more specialized aircraft.
Yup. I started with the F-18, and its not a problem at all. Just focus on the basic stuff, and the plane is very easy to learn. There is just no point in going for a trainer aircraft at first in DCS, at least for easy of flight. Just gotta remember to ignore extraneous systems that oyu dont need right now. That said, maybe it wouldve been fun to go more low tech to high tech? What ive done as well was the A-4 Skyhawk, woulda recommended that as well. Probably as good or better as the Mig-21 in detail imo.
I'm glad you gave so much love to the Mirage 2000C. That's a module I recommend for people learning the high fidelity because it is full switch, but most of the switches are set-and-forget. It has a great autopilot and a great HUD, and a very good flight model that is easy to control but with delta wing attributes that will punish G-for-brains BFM. I also agree that it's important to learn Fox-1/F-pole before being able to appreciate what Fox-3/A-pole brings to the table. Those training missions are also excellent, and the campaign also builds directly on the training missions as well!
I was flying the F18 around for a good while, then got the p51 because a friend has one and it's just one of the coolest aircrafts in my opinion, very recently I bought the A10 module and it's been so much fun learning, the survivability of these things is mind boggling, I've made it back to base with half a wing missing, rudder gone, engine shot up and was sitting there thinking...this thing is just a flying tank
The eternal question from all of us that are not real pilots. How real is it? Thanks alot for a high level technical review from a real pilot. Great work!
@@connorraab Apparently, heard from someone, the French military uses the a special DCS Version designed for training the pilots, plus, the M2K is one of the Most realistic modules, since the radar is almost 1:1 as the real one
Former Apache pilot here. It’s pretty crazy how much they got right about the 64 module. The sounds, the MFD pages, the HDU, the feel of it all. The sound when you fire up the APU brings back memories. That little howl you hear when you fire up both engines and are waiting for temps and pressures before going to fly with the power levers. Flight model is pretty good, even the feel of the SAS, granted a lot of that is dependent on your peripherals.
When I first started playing, I jumped straight in with the F/A-18C, Although it was overwhelming its such a good aircraft, I have since then moved over to the F-16C Viper. A lot of fun in both of those aircrafts
would it be as easy to move from f-16 to 18? 16 made a lot of sense due to its color screens and stuff. The f18s green and black everything seems like it would mess me up a bit i like seeing red enemy and blue friendly's
@TARKDWELL I got rtx 3080 but if you use somthing like vr its very hard for pc Also pc is still very expencive to get in general (I spent about $ 1500 on pc and that does not include the monitor ore setup
@@emilattila i can run like 90 fps on vr max settings, what kind of ram do you have? also my pc was like $400 more then urs, maybe i have a better cpu?
This is a comment im leaving for both CT and the people that want to start playing DCS. First to CT, i love your channel so ill just give this as constructive critisism, i believe videos like this are a big diservice to people. I like that you talked about alot of modules in the game but i still overall think it is a diservice because at the end of the day, the best tip you can give a new DCS player when it comes to modules is: choose what you are interested in. Giving someone a suggestion on a sertain model is a bad idea because it can make new players feel pressured to play that specific module and be pushed away from the one they might actually want. Ill give you credit tho, this is probably the least biased and most objective recommendation video ive seen. Now to the people scrolling through the comments, DCS is a game that requires quite alot of dedication, patience and money to have fun in, so when it comes to choosing an aircraft, CHOOSE WHAT YOU ARE INTERESTED IN!! Do not listen to ppl that tell you that something like ''no the f14 is too hard for a new player, you should get the f16, that one is easy'' people who say that are not helping you. If you have a favorite aircraft that you are passionate about, the F14, F18, Mirage, whatever it is. CHOOSE THAT ONE! all aircraft in the game are hard in thier own way. Now if you truely have no idea what you want to play, then absolutely this video is great. ty for reading and see you in the skies!
Thanks for the constructive input. Maybe I should have mentioned it in the beginning of the video a bit better, but yes my thought process was really tailored towards giving my personal overview of the situation as I see it as opposed to forcing someone to go for the F-5 when they couldn't care less about it and just want to fly the F-14. However I will still maintain my opinion that anyone wanting to fly the F-14 with no prior DCS or military aviation experience should really start with the F-5 and then move onto the F-14 as this is a) logical progress and b) will be far more satisfying as you'll be able to utilise most of the aircraft's potential (with the F-5) without feeling totally overwhelmed such as with a complex aircraft. So yes, absolutely if you like something in particular, you should get it. I'm just saying that as a learning platform, I think the F-5 is a great fun module and I highly recommend that first. That's just my school of thought. The other one being that you should just go for the one you like most and just take your time learning it (which is your approach). Not saying it's wrong. I'm just saying it's not what I personally think is the best (and most fun) way of approaching the DCS experience from someone relatively new. But I get that everyone is different :)
I own all these but still watched and enjoyed the video. I hardly knew the F-1 existed until it was announced but since release it's gobbled up at least a third my DCS time. Simple to learn, hard to master. I find the flight model really conveys the feeling of flight while sitting at a computer. Low level "one pass haul ass" bomb runs are an absolute blast in that thing. The INS in the EE version will make that a heck of a lot easier. The MB-339 is worth a look too! It's a trainer but it has a pretty nice set of weapons and is great fun for target practice or light attack. I prefer it to the L-39.
You can always declutter the HUD in F14, will leave non moving parts and the most delayed elements would be deleted. Considering you have to look at dials anyway, decluttering should help you adapt to f14 ;)
The problem with the Helos is that the assault ones are designed for 2 crew and as such it's really easy to get totally maxed out really quickly in combat. Normally you would have someone else working the weapons systems for you, one flies one fights principle. I agree with your comments that unless you are already a competent pilot you should start on the f5 or l39 even for experienced pilots the data overload from the systems on the complex gen 4 will push you hard at first. A reminder to all the first rule of flying "Aviate,Navigate,Communicate" in that order weapons deployment etc is way below those, if you dont you will crash or become a victim of friendly fire the second rule is "Survive the Encounter" if that means bugging out so be it trust me they want the plane back its their train set!
Man, you got me interested in the L-39C, and I have SO MUCH fun with it. The full steam gauges cockpit + the trainer roleplay thing... I cannot get enough of this ! Currently training with the RSBN/PRMG navigation system, with the curtain/cover down. I would not recommend it to everybody, because it is sorta "niche" module, but I am loving it.
Great video thanks a lot! As for me I decided to just buy all of the modules ;) reason one would be: because I can (most of them in sales) ;) reason two: to fully support ED, third parties and DCS world to the max, because they're all doing an amazing job to make our dreams come true! and reason three: I couldn't choose between all the cool modules :) I'm well aware that I probably won't learn to fly all the modules propperly! I mean I'm 54 years old ;) but I did at least a cold start and flew a few hours with every single module and I loved every single one of them. I know, no one asked for my little story but I wrote it anyway ;) and sorry for my english, as you can imagine, it's not my mothertongue, cause I'm a dude from switzerland......cheers y'all and despite, which module you'll choose, you'll have a blast, that I can promise you!
I only just started my journey with DCS world last Summer and I already own 20 modules and all maps except for Normandy. I bought all of my modules so far in the sales and got one (Harrier) from air miles. I have spent the most time so far in the F18 hornet and the F14 Tomcat. I love all the aircraft that I have purchased so far, even just sitting in the VR cockpits getting to know the start up procedures is worth the money for me. I dreamt of the day this would be possible since the early days of simulators. Looking forwards to the F4 Phantom and F15 this year, along with all the new maps coming out. I don't like seeing the modules greyed out on the menu screen, got to have them all lol!
@@Peter-lq2ug It depends on how many modules you buy/install. The base game is free and 100gb should be enough. With extra modules you will need more storage space. The maps take up the most space. I'm not sure exactly what size I am at, I would guess around 300 to 400 GB.
I grew up with Mirage F-1's and so could check it against memory, along with in-cockpit films, where it matches performance. The sim has been confirmed to be flying correctly by F-1 pilots...and I have sat and touched it, so can confirm its accuracy. Plus its getting updates on a regular basis... Kola Peninsula = ViggenLand (and GripenLand, SK60Land....) For the DCS pilot on the cheap, the free T-45 and A-4 Skyhawk are a value proposition that's hard to beat - as are the free OV-10 Bronco, VSN F-104G and new BAAS Dynamics SK60
@@kalashnikovdevil FC3 + the Redkod clickable cockpit mod is an awesome combo ! Froggie, MiG-29'd, Su-27 & 33, A-10A and F-15C just come alive when the cockpits work. And the F-15C is deadly now that the radar and TWS have been appropriately upgraded in anticipation of the F-15E, which I am looking forward to with bated breath
Interesting! Thanks for the input! Maybe if they put the F-1 available for a trial I would try it! I'm suspicious as to why they won't make it available for a trial.
Nice List. I would add the JF-17 to the list. Often overlooked, it is funny how easy it is to learn. The quality is great, and it has a wide variety of capabilities :)
Really enjoyed your video. I'm a NOOB to DCS.. just a couple of weeks now. But I've been flying in MSFS and P3D with TacPack for a long time, some I'm not a total flight sim novice. I bought Nevada, the F5, F16, F18 and Super Carrier right out of the gate to take advantage of the 50% new user discount. I've put the F16 and F18 aside for the time being and learning the F5. Seems like I'm on the right path! The M2000 was probably going to be my next purchase and it sounds like that would be a good choice. Thanks for putting this out!
Technically, the Mirage 2000 have datalink, in the form of GCI. You just have to have it setup. Look at your flight notes and codes before taking off. GCI info have been very helpful in many engagements.
I know the music isn't the main aspect of this video but the score to this is fantastic. I had to rewind a few times because between the music and the cinematics, I didn't hear what you were saying. Great Job!
Honestly I feel the complete opposite about the music. All the tracks minus the orchestral ones sound super basic and corporate to me. Especially with how loud the music is in comparison to the commentary, I could see myself and many others clicking off because of that
You should get the one you think's the coolest. That said the F-5's dedicated training counterpart is the Air Force's preferred supersonic jet trainer, the T-38C. So the pros think the F-5's a great bird to learn on too!
F/A-18. I think it is easy to get up in the air and flying (from a Hot Start), tricky to master with an absolute boatload of systems to learn and so many mission types. Just learning how to be competent with the A/A radar takes ages. But you don't really have to learn all those systems until you are ready. I love learning new things in it, like learning JDAMs or Mavericks, midair refuelling or how to do an ACLS night approach. Then you can pick whether you mostly want to be a carrier pilot or don't mind either way, ground attack is your thing, you want to be an air to air master and you can pick another plane to learn from there. And if you just stick with the F/A-18, well you have hundreds of hours of learning and flying possible. And if you are really sure you don't want to experience carrier landings, F-16!
Simple, all of the ones you will fly of course. Been playing since the LOMAC days. The Ka50 was the first clickable cockpit. I recently got the F86 and F5 with the rise of cold war era aircraft and maps. I just got a friend to move from the Hornet to the Viper. They are both great planes but two different animals. When I would use the Viper and he the Hornet. His issue to change to the Viper was speed and fuel economy. He was running out of fuel keeping up with me. This was a great video and agree with the majority of your opinions.
If u have vr headset, vr ready mid range pc and low budget best choice would be VTOL VR. It is not nearly as detailed as DCS or has so much aircraft and maps, but for price of 2 aircraft in dcs u can buy all planes and whole game sooo..... think wisely
Thank you for your report. I agree the best DCS module, the most successful seems to be the Mirage 2000. It is very faithful, but it took a long time to develop it. Personally, I fly on F18 and I have just discovered the F1 mirage, and I'm starting to love this cold war. More difficult but precisely that makes it even more immersive !
I'd strongly encourage newcomers to DCS who are curious about modules and how to approach them to look for many other opinions on modules besides this one.
So I own the mirage F-1 by aerges and it is very pleasant to fly, it's not too difficult surprisingly as the cockpit is quite similar to the m-2000c. It has no FBW so it is a sensitive aircraft, pull too much and you will get a compressor stall. Sounds are very good and internal 3D is good too, One bad point of the aircraft (as the real one) would be the low front visibility due to these metal bars
I'd personally actually go the other way around. I can see what you're doing and from a real pilot training perspective it makes sense. However, at its' core, DCS is a game where consequenses of messing up in a complex aircraft are only as bad as having potentially wasted a short amount of flight time. The F-18/16 are both fly by wire (I find the F-18 is much more forgiving with landing though if you've never flown before). They're both relatively easy to learn to start up (and autostart/hot start is also fine). You don't have to learn all of the systems at once and take it one step at a time. The real risk is you can jump into multiplayer with a less complex aircraft and potentially feel like you aren't achieving much, especially on the modern multiplayer pve environments, wheras with the big fourth gen aircraft you can quickly learn a new weapon system and start blowing stuff up like you're in Ace Combat. I found it more rewarding to then "go backwards" to the less complex jets where I had to really focus on the flying itself and it's more rewarding to have success with them. But I suspect I would've become frustrated if I started out with them.
You've missed the best newbie module - FC3! Learn the radar, learn the realistic flight model, but without the massive system complexity of full fat modules. The second point is the massive UGLY point for the F-14 - the 100% broken replay system. A big downer for the arguably the most beautiful fighter plane of all time. Very useful vid with beautiful cinematography otherwise!
Yeah though to be fair I think lots of the replays are broken for a lot of the planes at least 20-30% of the time :( I should have been more accurate and stated that I was only going to discuss "full fidelity" modules ! Thanks though :)
In terms of which module to buy first philosophies: I'll suggest a third path. Pick the plane that (outside of the simulator) you love the most. That one plane (or helo) that in real life always gets your pulse pumping. Forget the flight module, the capabilities, etc. Fly the one you love because that is the plane that you will love putting the hours into as you build toward mastery. That was the common advice when I was starting and I think it still applies now. Yeah, some planes will be easier to learn or more capable, but flying the one you actually want to fly is the best path toward developing your piloting skills and will, in turn, make all your subsequent modules easier to understand. With regards to the M-2000c - I can't agree enough with you about this plane. It is an absolute joy to fly. I found the systems and workflows to be generally easy and intuitive. And while it does lack the carrying capacity of other planes and it lacks some of the modern weapons and tools, it is still very capable on modern battlefield when used correctly. Your Huey comments are also bang-on. It's a joy to fly. It can be a little complex to learn, but that will be true of most helos. I still have trouble with landings and take-offs, but once in the air and under speed there are few modules I find more satisfying.
+ 1 for the F-5 in terms of being the perfect "rookie" aircraft, especially when they are serious with wanting to learn the basics. Obviously not all the bells and whistles, but back when i returned to flight simming after a pause spanning over multiple years, i very consciously chose the F-5 as well: It's a hands-on plane, and while avionics are analog they still scale up beautifully to other NATO aircraft like the Hornet.. I mean just look at the HSIs for example. Then i learned that having to fly according to bombing tables etc really teaches you more than just the basics of flight, but the basics of ground attack - the same physics and principles learned here still hold true with computer-calculated HUD indications you have in more modern planes. In the F-5 you actually had a look behind the digital magic so it's much easier to learn how these different digital modes work. So, yea actually more like a +3. EDIT: Before my years long pause, i was flying the VRS Superbug in FSX. Coming from that to the DCS Hornet (it's release was the reason why i returned after the pause), it felt spot on in terms of sluggishness. It just felt like a less sluggish VRS Superhornet, which should make sense if both aircraft are modelled more or less correctly in terms of aerodynamics and FCS. Obviously that is very subjective coming from somebody who's only ever flew in sims. Also it's been a while since i flew the F-5 - aren't there dampeners or some other thing (that could be overridden) messing with roll rate? Something in the back of my mind, but might be wrong.
The F-16 really takes the win for me,but the F18 has the carriers. I own the AV8,F15c,and A10 as well but only have the capacity to keep up with 2 aircraft. I can alway come back to the 16 and jump back in if I take time off.
@@CommandT Tbh. I always buy the modules, because I always loved the planes in real life, learn to play them in DCS in a half-ar5ed manner (just enough to start, land and fire a missile) and then drop them for the next module. My pile of shame in DCS is very big.
Thank you for the video, I just purchased the F-16c for my first aircraft. It's been a process to learn, I been doing the modules. For the most part there good, I able to get a grasp but as you said can and is sometimes overwhelming. Luckily have some buddy's that have it and can help with questions. Definitely would of gone with something a little easier to deploy as a first time DCS user.
4:58 I've never used this module (or even played DCS) but shouldn't you turn your radar off well before you get to the flight line? I think the ground crew would be pretty angry at you for that.
You definitely had a different angle . All amazing points. I just found it funny as the Modules you disliked that I love are for the exact reasons I love them. Minus the Harriet’s roll (ngl they kinda nerfed it by messing with the flight module and only allowing weapons profiles from the marines 2015, I.e. we lost our ability to carry 10 GBU-38/12’s or even 6 with wingtip missiles.
I had zero experience in flight sim, or if you count war thunder, then a little bit. But I bought a X52 and downloaded dcs and bought the F16 right away, because it is my favorite plane. I have now played it for 40hours in the f16 module and dcs itself, and I can say, I still have a long way to go, but its fun and rewarding
@@CommandT Yes for sure! and I think it is important for new players in DCS to not get caught up with people telling them to only fly flaming cliffs or other low fidality for the first 500hours. If you have the money and willing to spend it, go for it! And thats why this video is really good, even tho you mention the low fidality planes you still uptalk the more complex planes for new player and make it sound not so impossible after all! Good job man! (and after this video, the F5 looks like my next project)
Oh man, everything you have pointed out about every module in the video, the good, the bad and the ugly I share the exact sentiments! From the FM of the Mig-21, the residual rolls, the Tomcat’s HUD refresh rate, etc. agree 100%. But looks like the 2 modules that I’ll be playing the most in 2023 are the upcoming Strike Eagle and Phantom II. Razbam and Heatblur are going to set some pretty high standards and raise the bar even more.
As a Virtual Mi-8 Pilot I'm offended we weren't even mentioned ! hehe . The Heli-Truck is a blast to fly . The controls are Russian simple ( not necessarily a good thing ) and I believe its more stable to fly than the Huey . It hauls like a Truck and flies like a Rocket-powered truck and takes 3 people to fly properly ( Multicrew YAY ! )
If you're looking to buy your first module on DCS, I would 100% recommend the Hornet. It has good A/A capabilities, great A/G capabilities and nothing really going against it. The F/A-18C is pretty much as complex as many other modules like the F-16C and F-15E, so it won't be "too hard" even for a beginner. Plus, the 18 is a naval fighter, which means you can takeoff and land on carriers, which is great both for practical reason (mission design, distance to target) and the wow-factor. The only advantage the F-16C has over the F/A-18C is it's speed (the F-16C is a speed demon) and the amount of weapons it can carry (which is not really that much more, since the F-16C's fuel consumption and max fuel load is worse than the F/A-18C's, so the 16 must get more fuel tanks and lose some potential weapon slots).
So no mention of the venerable Hip ? For the folks that don't know, the Mi-8 is the hidden gem of DCS. It's like the huey but better in every way. Fight me.
L-39 is a sweetie but the Kursant campaign that was built as a training course for the jet is hard. If you can finish Kursant, you can learn to fly in any fixed wing module out there.
I agree, the time investment is the real hurdle with DCS modules. I could afford to buy a lot more, but after A-10C and Black Shark III, I'm stuck in Learning Curve Land and may never get out to buy another module. Wish DCS could figure out a middle ground between the Basic models and the Full modules to help people like me whose time is more scarce than their money.
the F14 was the first aircraft I bought and I have no regrets, yes it was a bit of a learning curve but it is still easier to learn than the F18 or the A10. It's just slightly harder to fly and requires more patience
I have read about the ED and razbam conflict on forums. Many argue that you shouldn’t buy any razbam module as the situation looks like now as there is no support, broken things and no development. What do you who owns the modules say?
I don’t mean to be “that guy” but the f14’s co pilot is called a RIO (radar intercept officer) and most other aircraft co pilots (f15E, f16 two seat I think, f111A, etc) have a WSO (weapon systems officer) typically the RIO (like jester) mainly deal with radar systems and radar locking, as well as radar slew, while the WSO deals with air to ground and assisting the pilot with the weapons. Btw the WSO in my own opinion is way more important. Mostly because the radar systems need to be viewed by both the pilot and co pilot in the form of the radar screen, some aircraft have a different screen for the other seat, and only the RIO can really operate the radar, unlike a WSO that mainly assists by giving callouts and the full radar picture, but imo it’s the pilot’s job to operate the radar and weapons, yes I’m a fan of the WSO, sue me. ⚠️I SAID SUE ME AS A JOKE IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY⚠️
Bro the two seat version of ka 50, the ka 52 has more combat XP than any other modern helicopter right now. It being in DCS is unbelievably bad ass so I got it the other day
The F-16 used to have a horrendous flight model. You would lose basically all your energy the moment you would start turning, unlike the real aircraft. That has been fixed. I don't know if the specifics of it are currently precise, but it does seem to be close, as far as my limited knowledge can tell
Thanks for the video. I would like to add some coins too. Mostly so that i do not agree with the F-5 and L-39 for beginners. Imo, these are just very limited planes, they are basically hardly more then a late WW2 prop with jet engines. In fact on Enigmas Cold War server, i love to just whip out the SU-25 (non T) and it's aruagbly better than the F-5 as people underestimate the turn ability and those nasty heaters and good A2G load. Much easier than learning drop tables you won't use later since later lanes all have CIP, CCRP and various guidances anyways. Specially for people new to flight sims, and those who hve seen Top Gun or say GS his videos, i would rather suggest a FC3 module, they are a lot more casual and time friendly, wallet friendly so less investment to try game and people can actually take say the F-15C or J-11 to a multiplayer session and actually get some kills. And then when they feel ready to learn a high fidelity they can do so. I think full on high fidelity from the getgo only works for those of us that are proper aircraft nerds and have ample time to learn planes. And even though i am a nerd with a lot of time i will happily jump in a FC3 plane myself when i just want to press E to start it up and press a number to swap hud modes. Also for those that like the A2G role, the free SU25T is a great little plane to cut your teeth on.
A10 and F18. I prefer the Mirage 2000c, and even the F16, but the F18 is closest to being "Feature Complete" (no more updates). The KA50 or Apache. If you want to haul cargo, Mi8. The Harrier is alot of fun too. The other planes type of gameplay isnt the best fit for DCS, but they are all great. Ive never flown JF17, but its the Eastern F16 counterpart if thats your thing.
I have about 70 hours flying time in the SU-25T and about 40 more in the F15C, i was thinkin of purchasing either the F18 or F16, along with the persian gulf map. (if i get the f18 ill probably get the carrier aswell)
Tbh the mirage only lacks in bvr cuz it has an amazing radar but lets be honest here the 530d lacks and you only have two of them but in a dogfight, for me at least its the best 4th gen dogfighter and close range its also an absolute monster i just love how it performs in a dogfight, and, in the hand of a really good pilot it can take down even the raptor (even thought its really rare to find those pilots)
Okay first great video but second i do have some gripes. The mirage 2000 is terrible for bvr, its hard to learn when you have terrible missles. second the f 18 and the f16s radar do everything for you. you click for the settings you want lock the target and boom. Also the f18 and 16 are really easy to learn... The mfds are not complicated and are really intuitive. And lastly the only reason the mirage f1 looks bad for you is because you dont have the module. You have to own the module to see the finer details
only review i disagree with is "the a-10c is not good for beginners" It was an amazing first full fidelity jet for me! its so simple to understand the basics of the sensors and dsms, smooth flight, all weapons are very simple to use, hardest thing is probably rippling jdams using mark points but even that is relatively simple! but yeah I would say its an amazing starting jet. biggest annoyance is its travelling speed but ey thats the tradeoff only problem is going from the a-10 to any other plane, all other jets systems feel so clunky! when i was learning the f-18 (next jet i bought) majority of its screens were quick and simple... except the tgp's, they feel off to me. especially the lightning pod which surprised me! now i pretty much just use the atflir because that one oddly feels better but idk just something id like to point out for anyone debating getting the a-10cII for a first jet
Our weighting systems are vastly different in so many aspects. A big one is; they haven't invented a device yet that measure how little I give a shit about "pilot bodies". If there is one in my cockpit, delete it immediately, that's not me and it's in the damn way! There is a fairly long list of other things that you put a substantial weight on or give no weight at all toward that are opposite of myself as a pilot.
i fly f/a-18c and i learning (on trial) f-14b (and ah64d 1 year ago) and i fly hundreds of hours in il2 sturmovik, i shouldnt have problems with modules like f-16 or mirage 2000, or older aircrafts?
I think the C-101 is much better then the L-39 mainly due to graphical bugs I've had with the L-39 such as my arms sticking out of the window every time I try to move the stick... and the pilot's casual body part dislocation getting in the way of a good flight, and I can't hide the body for some reason so it feels like a poorly made module tome.
edit, my dad wanted to get the L-39 because he wants to fly one IRL one day (as a civilian) and he got the L-39 for us to learn together and they seemed to have fixed a few of these issues, and its actually been fun to do casual flights.
I got both f18 and 16 but I would say start with f16 as I find f18 a bit much more complex with the systems especially its radar for air to air combat and ground weapons. F18 has much more steps and it can frustrate you trying to troubleshoot why things are not firing, locking,etc. F16, more straightforward in my opinion. Downside is f16 is much harder to land compared with f18.
Mirage2000 being the best module in DCS? Tell that to Grim Reapers. Uh...and the Harrier at the end. The wording implies we have a Razbam fanboy here. Still awesome reviews and recommendations. Always a pleasure to see thinks through the eyes of someone with a rather unique view on DCS.
My first two Aircraft on DCS were the Mig-21 and the mirage 2K, they are both amazing with their own problems, like all the modules. I just wish they give more love to the F-5 and mig-21, they deserve It. Btw, I think that the model on the enciclopedia of the F1 is just one of the AI ones, the external model of the CE is much better than that.
My gripe with the L-39 is that its rockets are ridiculously underpowered. The Mirage 2000C is one of the most serious candidate for the title of most realistic module, it's only downside is the lack of proper counterpart like an F-16 blk10 or a clickable Mig-29A. The F-18 and F-16 require expensives HOTAS to be enjoyable, that's why i don't think theyre the best best pick for most beginner.
I am that new player and this video has both helped and made things a lot worse lol. Think I'm going to go with the Cliff3 pack with the F-15, A-10 etc in it, seems like a no brainer for $25. I can't decide between the F-16 or the F-18 though? The F-16 is by far my most favorite aircraft, but the whole carrier take off and landing of the F-18 module is just as tempting. And the time needed to learn both is probably way over my capabilities. ??? Sub'd BTW, awesome video.
Thanks! FC3 pack is a great way to start. I was only talking with reference to high fidelity modules but the Su-27 is hands down one of my favourite aircraft to fly in DCS. F-16 Vs F/A-18... there's just no right or wrong answer. The F-16 is by far the easier one to learn and grasp. But then of course you cannot land on a carrier. However once you do a few carrier landings you may well get bored of them. So F-16 would be a good choice if it's the one you like anyway :)
Hi all, check out my video on how to improve your helicopter flying precision here: ua-cam.com/video/S93n0db3abE/v-deo.html
Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
1:42 - Channel Intro
2:06 - Disclaimer
3:13 - F-5
4:58 - L-39
5:43 - Mirage 2000
8:39 - F/A-18C & F-16C
12:28 - F-14 Tomcat
14:33 - AJS 37 Viggen
16:27 - A-10C Warthog
17:43 - AV-8B Harrier
20:12 - MiG-21bis
21:05 - Mirage F-1
22:43 - Helicopters
hey man do you know which dcs version did we have the lightnings on dcs? saw some of them on the harrier footage on this video and it looked awesome ngl
@@Error-33 Unfortunately that was pre 2.8 with the new weather and clouds
@@CommandT oh cool, thanks for the answer i really appreciate it
Would you say a good way to choose between the f-18 and f-16 is just if you might want to do carrier stuff in the future or not?
@@CommandT sorry but F15C??
My dad was an F-4 and has been an F18 maintainer since desert storm. He absolutely loves the F18 module and his actual squadron skin is featured in the game which he kinda teared up at :'). I was showing him start up and stuff and he said its about 95% correct, the lights, sounds, everything is sooooo on point that he was like how is this unclassified. I then proceeded to bring up the F18 natops on google and he was like ohh... hahaha besides that he absolutely loves DCS and im gunna get him into it.
"My dad was an F-4"
Does that make you an F-14? lol
i'm sure he'll love the upcoming HB F-4, there's also a mod currently which isn't the best tbh
@@SPFLDAngler Son and father lol
@@SPFLDAngler it's F15 i think
While yes the F18 can be overwhelming for a new player, it does offer a little bit of everything. You can use the F18 to find out what you like the most and then pick modules for more specialized aircraft.
I mean that’s another way of thinking about it, true 🙂
Yup. I started with the F-18, and its not a problem at all. Just focus on the basic stuff, and the plane is very easy to learn. There is just no point in going for a trainer aircraft at first in DCS, at least for easy of flight.
Just gotta remember to ignore extraneous systems that oyu dont need right now.
That said, maybe it wouldve been fun to go more low tech to high tech? What ive done as well was the A-4 Skyhawk, woulda recommended that as well. Probably as good or better as the Mig-21 in detail imo.
I'm glad you gave so much love to the Mirage 2000C. That's a module I recommend for people learning the high fidelity because it is full switch, but most of the switches are set-and-forget. It has a great autopilot and a great HUD, and a very good flight model that is easy to control but with delta wing attributes that will punish G-for-brains BFM. I also agree that it's important to learn Fox-1/F-pole before being able to appreciate what Fox-3/A-pole brings to the table. Those training missions are also excellent, and the campaign also builds directly on the training missions as well!
Yep totally agree 👍
@@CommandTI don’t
I was flying the F18 around for a good while, then got the p51 because a friend has one and it's just one of the coolest aircrafts in my opinion, very recently I bought the A10 module and it's been so much fun learning, the survivability of these things is mind boggling, I've made it back to base with half a wing missing, rudder gone, engine shot up and was sitting there thinking...this thing is just a flying tank
The eternal question from all of us that are not real pilots. How real is it? Thanks alot for a high level technical review from a real pilot. Great work!
One of my Viper drivers at work was very impressed with the F-16 module.
If your after true realism the best you can get for modern is the f16 from falcon bms in dcs it's the f18 or f14 imo
@@connorraab Apparently, heard from someone, the French military uses the a special DCS Version designed for training the pilots, plus, the M2K is one of the Most realistic modules, since the radar is almost 1:1 as the real one
Former Apache pilot here. It’s pretty crazy how much they got right about the 64 module. The sounds, the MFD pages, the HDU, the feel of it all. The sound when you fire up the APU brings back memories. That little howl you hear when you fire up both engines and are waiting for temps and pressures before going to fly with the power levers. Flight model is pretty good, even the feel of the SAS, granted a lot of that is dependent on your peripherals.
@@Av8er64 Thank you for your service and for giving us, at least, some feel of how it really is in reality.
When I first started playing, I jumped straight in with the F/A-18C, Although it was overwhelming its such a good aircraft, I have since then moved over to the F-16C Viper.
A lot of fun in both of those aircrafts
would it be as easy to move from f-16 to 18? 16 made a lot of sense due to its color screens and stuff. The f18s green and black everything seems like it would mess me up a bit i like seeing red enemy and blue friendly's
Watching this video when I don’t even have DCS, no HOTAS, no IR head tracker, not even a PC, I JUST WANNA PLAY THIS ART OF A GAME SO BADDDD 😭
It's cinda sad how much you gota drop on a pc that can run this
@@emilattilanot rly, I have a rtx 3070 and I can run it at like 120fps max settings
@TARKDWELL I got rtx 3080 but if you use somthing like vr its very hard for pc
Also pc is still very expencive to get in general (I spent about $ 1500 on pc and that does not include the monitor ore setup
@@emilattila i can run like 90 fps on vr max settings, what kind of ram do you have? also my pc was like $400 more then urs, maybe i have a better cpu?
@TARKDWELL rtx 3070 on its own its 499 how did you get that and pc
I started with f18 last year, I love the plane and it was an incredible learning curve! Now I'm venturing into the A-10C, another learning journey!
Yeah it's fun to learn new stuff indeed :)
F-16 is just my favourite plane ever! Over 500hrs in the Viper and still just scratching the surface of Air-to-Ground abilities
This is a comment im leaving for both CT and the people that want to start playing DCS.
First to CT, i love your channel so ill just give this as constructive critisism, i believe videos like this are a big diservice to people. I like that you talked about alot of modules in the game but i still overall think it is a diservice because at the end of the day, the best tip you can give a new DCS player when it comes to modules is: choose what you are interested in. Giving someone a suggestion on a sertain model is a bad idea because it can make new players feel pressured to play that specific module and be pushed away from the one they might actually want. Ill give you credit tho, this is probably the least biased and most objective recommendation video ive seen.
Now to the people scrolling through the comments, DCS is a game that requires quite alot of dedication, patience and money to have fun in, so when it comes to choosing an aircraft, CHOOSE WHAT YOU ARE INTERESTED IN!! Do not listen to ppl that tell you that something like ''no the f14 is too hard for a new player, you should get the f16, that one is easy'' people who say that are not helping you. If you have a favorite aircraft that you are passionate about, the F14, F18, Mirage, whatever it is. CHOOSE THAT ONE! all aircraft in the game are hard in thier own way.
Now if you truely have no idea what you want to play, then absolutely this video is great.
ty for reading and see you in the skies!
Thanks for the constructive input. Maybe I should have mentioned it in the beginning of the video a bit better, but yes my thought process was really tailored towards giving my personal overview of the situation as I see it as opposed to forcing someone to go for the F-5 when they couldn't care less about it and just want to fly the F-14. However I will still maintain my opinion that anyone wanting to fly the F-14 with no prior DCS or military aviation experience should really start with the F-5 and then move onto the F-14 as this is a) logical progress and b) will be far more satisfying as you'll be able to utilise most of the aircraft's potential (with the F-5) without feeling totally overwhelmed such as with a complex aircraft.
So yes, absolutely if you like something in particular, you should get it. I'm just saying that as a learning platform, I think the F-5 is a great fun module and I highly recommend that first. That's just my school of thought. The other one being that you should just go for the one you like most and just take your time learning it (which is your approach). Not saying it's wrong. I'm just saying it's not what I personally think is the best (and most fun) way of approaching the DCS experience from someone relatively new. But I get that everyone is different :)
I own all these but still watched and enjoyed the video. I hardly knew the F-1 existed until it was announced but since release it's gobbled up at least a third my DCS time. Simple to learn, hard to master. I find the flight model really conveys the feeling of flight while sitting at a computer. Low level "one pass haul ass" bomb runs are an absolute blast in that thing. The INS in the EE version will make that a heck of a lot easier.
The MB-339 is worth a look too! It's a trainer but it has a pretty nice set of weapons and is great fun for target practice or light attack. I prefer it to the L-39.
Interesting! Thanks for the input :)
You can always declutter the HUD in F14, will leave non moving parts and the most delayed elements would be deleted. Considering you have to look at dials anyway, decluttering should help you adapt to f14 ;)
Unexpected meeting in comments Tau :)
Interesting! Didn't know it had this feature :)
The problem with the Helos is that the assault ones are designed for 2 crew and as such it's really easy to get totally maxed out really quickly in combat. Normally you would have someone else working the weapons systems for you, one flies one fights principle. I agree with your comments that unless you are already a competent pilot you should start on the f5 or l39 even for experienced pilots the data overload from the systems on the complex gen 4 will push you hard at first. A reminder to all the first rule of flying "Aviate,Navigate,Communicate" in that order weapons deployment etc is way below those, if you dont you will crash or become a victim of friendly fire the second rule is "Survive the Encounter" if that means bugging out so be it trust me they want the plane back its their train set!
Ha, yes, indeed :) K-50 is single seat and pretty nice mix of precision weaponry and not too difficult to grasp.
Does DCS not allow for 2 players in the same helicopter/jet? I haven't played it yet but curious to give it a try
@@funbarsolaris2822 It does allow that, but you will struggle to consistently find human gunners or RIOs. Most people want to fly.
I free trialed a bunch of aircraft for the first time, and I loved it. Thinking about getting F-18, super carrier, and F-16! I’m really excited.
Man, you got me interested in the L-39C, and I have SO MUCH fun with it. The full steam gauges cockpit + the trainer roleplay thing... I cannot get enough of this ! Currently training with the RSBN/PRMG navigation system, with the curtain/cover down. I would not recommend it to everybody, because it is sorta "niche" module, but I am loving it.
Great video thanks a lot!
As for me I decided to just buy all of the modules ;)
reason one would be: because I can (most of them in sales) ;) reason two: to fully support ED, third parties and DCS world to the max, because they're all doing an amazing job to make our dreams come true! and reason three: I couldn't choose between all the cool modules :) I'm well aware that I probably won't learn to fly all the modules propperly! I mean I'm 54 years old ;) but I did at least a cold start and flew a few hours with every single module and I loved every single one of them. I know, no one asked for my little story but I wrote it anyway ;) and sorry for my english, as you can imagine, it's not my mothertongue, cause I'm a dude from switzerland......cheers y'all and despite, which module you'll choose, you'll have a blast, that I can promise you!
I only just started my journey with DCS world last Summer and I already own 20 modules and all maps except for Normandy. I bought all of my modules so far in the sales and got one (Harrier) from air miles. I have spent the most time so far in the F18 hornet and the F14 Tomcat. I love all the aircraft that I have purchased so far, even just sitting in the VR cockpits getting to know the start up procedures is worth the money for me. I dreamt of the day this would be possible since the early days of simulators. Looking forwards to the F4 Phantom and F15 this year, along with all the new maps coming out. I don't like seeing the modules greyed out on the menu screen, got to have them all lol!
@@tanberjan how much storage does it utilized?
@@Peter-lq2ug It depends on how many modules you buy/install. The base game is free and 100gb should be enough. With extra modules you will need more storage space. The maps take up the most space. I'm not sure exactly what size I am at, I would guess around 300 to 400 GB.
I grew up with Mirage F-1's and so could check it against memory, along with in-cockpit films, where it matches performance. The sim has been confirmed to be flying correctly by F-1 pilots...and I have sat and touched it, so can confirm its accuracy. Plus its getting updates on a regular basis...
Kola Peninsula = ViggenLand (and GripenLand, SK60Land....)
For the DCS pilot on the cheap, the free T-45 and A-4 Skyhawk are a value proposition that's hard to beat - as are the free OV-10 Bronco, VSN F-104G and new BAAS Dynamics SK60
Even the Frogfoot ain't that bad.
@@kalashnikovdevil FC3 + the Redkod clickable cockpit mod is an awesome combo ! Froggie, MiG-29'd, Su-27 & 33, A-10A and F-15C just come alive when the cockpits work. And the F-15C is deadly now that the radar and TWS have been appropriately upgraded in anticipation of the F-15E, which I am looking forward to with bated breath
Interesting! Thanks for the input! Maybe if they put the F-1 available for a trial I would try it! I'm suspicious as to why they won't make it available for a trial.
@@kalashnikovdevil Feels great to fly but it's not an interactive clickable cockpit :(
Nice List. I would add the JF-17 to the list. Often overlooked, it is funny how easy it is to learn. The quality is great, and it has a wide variety of capabilities :)
Really enjoyed your video. I'm a NOOB to DCS.. just a couple of weeks now. But I've been flying in MSFS and P3D with TacPack for a long time, some I'm not a total flight sim novice. I bought Nevada, the F5, F16, F18 and Super Carrier right out of the gate to take advantage of the 50% new user discount. I've put the F16 and F18 aside for the time being and learning the F5. Seems like I'm on the right path! The M2000 was probably going to be my next purchase and it sounds like that would be a good choice. Thanks for putting this out!
Thanks! Pleasure! You'll have fun with the M2000 for sure :)
20:55 lol "something fishy going on" no pun intended? 😂
Technically, the Mirage 2000 have datalink, in the form of GCI. You just have to have it setup. Look at your flight notes and codes before taking off. GCI info have been very helpful in many engagements.
I know the music isn't the main aspect of this video but the score to this is fantastic. I had to rewind a few times because between the music and the cinematics, I didn't hear what you were saying. Great Job!
Honestly I feel the complete opposite about the music. All the tracks minus the orchestral ones sound super basic and corporate to me. Especially with how loud the music is in comparison to the commentary, I could see myself and many others clicking off because of that
You should get the one you think's the coolest.
That said the F-5's dedicated training counterpart is the Air Force's preferred supersonic jet trainer, the T-38C. So the pros think the F-5's a great bird to learn on too!
And that's the only answer
Pretty Incredible Vibe
Beautiful Art
Good work My Man
F/A-18.
I think it is easy to get up in the air and flying (from a Hot Start), tricky to master with an absolute boatload of systems to learn and so many mission types. Just learning how to be competent with the A/A radar takes ages. But you don't really have to learn all those systems until you are ready. I love learning new things in it, like learning JDAMs or Mavericks, midair refuelling or how to do an ACLS night approach.
Then you can pick whether you mostly want to be a carrier pilot or don't mind either way, ground attack is your thing, you want to be an air to air master and you can pick another plane to learn from there. And if you just stick with the F/A-18, well you have hundreds of hours of learning and flying possible.
And if you are really sure you don't want to experience carrier landings, F-16!
Simple, all of the ones you will fly of course. Been playing since the LOMAC days. The Ka50 was the first clickable cockpit. I recently got the F86 and F5 with the rise of cold war era aircraft and maps. I just got a friend to move from the Hornet to the Viper. They are both great planes but two different animals. When I would use the Viper and he the Hornet. His issue to change to the Viper was speed and fuel economy. He was running out of fuel keeping up with me. This was a great video and agree with the majority of your opinions.
Thanks! :)
If u have vr headset, vr ready mid range pc and low budget best choice would be VTOL VR. It is not nearly as detailed as DCS or has so much aircraft and maps, but for price of 2 aircraft in dcs u can buy all planes and whole game sooo..... think wisely
F-16 hands down the easiest to learn and joyful to fly 😁👌
Thank you for your report. I agree the best DCS module, the most successful seems to be the Mirage 2000. It is very faithful, but it took a long time to develop it. Personally, I fly on F18 and I have just discovered the F1 mirage, and I'm starting to love this cold war. More difficult but precisely that makes it even more immersive !
Yeah I'll give the F1 a go once they offer it for a 2 week trial!
I'd strongly encourage newcomers to DCS who are curious about modules and how to approach them to look for many other opinions on modules besides this one.
Yes the more opinions the better :)
Or try the free trials
@@EazyE11 yes, but for new people 14 days is the time required to learn how to start the plane and take off.
So I own the mirage F-1 by aerges and it is very pleasant to fly, it's not too difficult surprisingly as the cockpit is quite similar to the m-2000c. It has no FBW so it is a sensitive aircraft, pull too much and you will get a compressor stall. Sounds are very good and internal 3D is good too, One bad point of the aircraft (as the real one) would be the low front visibility due to these metal bars
This is super useful! I think you just sold me the M2000. Such a sexy looking plane too
Great! :)
I'd personally actually go the other way around. I can see what you're doing and from a real pilot training perspective it makes sense. However, at its' core, DCS is a game where consequenses of messing up in a complex aircraft are only as bad as having potentially wasted a short amount of flight time. The F-18/16 are both fly by wire (I find the F-18 is much more forgiving with landing though if you've never flown before). They're both relatively easy to learn to start up (and autostart/hot start is also fine). You don't have to learn all of the systems at once and take it one step at a time.
The real risk is you can jump into multiplayer with a less complex aircraft and potentially feel like you aren't achieving much, especially on the modern multiplayer pve environments, wheras with the big fourth gen aircraft you can quickly learn a new weapon system and start blowing stuff up like you're in Ace Combat. I found it more rewarding to then "go backwards" to the less complex jets where I had to really focus on the flying itself and it's more rewarding to have success with them. But I suspect I would've become frustrated if I started out with them.
You've missed the best newbie module - FC3! Learn the radar, learn the realistic flight model, but without the massive system complexity of full fat modules.
The second point is the massive UGLY point for the F-14 - the 100% broken replay system. A big downer for the arguably the most beautiful fighter plane of all time.
Very useful vid with beautiful cinematography otherwise!
Yeah though to be fair I think lots of the replays are broken for a lot of the planes at least 20-30% of the time :( I should have been more accurate and stated that I was only going to discuss "full fidelity" modules ! Thanks though :)
In terms of which module to buy first philosophies: I'll suggest a third path. Pick the plane that (outside of the simulator) you love the most. That one plane (or helo) that in real life always gets your pulse pumping. Forget the flight module, the capabilities, etc. Fly the one you love because that is the plane that you will love putting the hours into as you build toward mastery. That was the common advice when I was starting and I think it still applies now. Yeah, some planes will be easier to learn or more capable, but flying the one you actually want to fly is the best path toward developing your piloting skills and will, in turn, make all your subsequent modules easier to understand.
With regards to the M-2000c - I can't agree enough with you about this plane. It is an absolute joy to fly. I found the systems and workflows to be generally easy and intuitive. And while it does lack the carrying capacity of other planes and it lacks some of the modern weapons and tools, it is still very capable on modern battlefield when used correctly.
Your Huey comments are also bang-on. It's a joy to fly. It can be a little complex to learn, but that will be true of most helos. I still have trouble with landings and take-offs, but once in the air and under speed there are few modules I find more satisfying.
+ 1 for the F-5 in terms of being the perfect "rookie" aircraft, especially when they are serious with wanting to learn the basics. Obviously not all the bells and whistles, but back when i returned to flight simming after a pause spanning over multiple years, i very consciously chose the F-5 as well: It's a hands-on plane, and while avionics are analog they still scale up beautifully to other NATO aircraft like the Hornet.. I mean just look at the HSIs for example. Then i learned that having to fly according to bombing tables etc really teaches you more than just the basics of flight, but the basics of ground attack - the same physics and principles learned here still hold true with computer-calculated HUD indications you have in more modern planes. In the F-5 you actually had a look behind the digital magic so it's much easier to learn how these different digital modes work. So, yea actually more like a +3.
EDIT: Before my years long pause, i was flying the VRS Superbug in FSX. Coming from that to the DCS Hornet (it's release was the reason why i returned after the pause), it felt spot on in terms of sluggishness. It just felt like a less sluggish VRS Superhornet, which should make sense if both aircraft are modelled more or less correctly in terms of aerodynamics and FCS. Obviously that is very subjective coming from somebody who's only ever flew in sims.
Also it's been a while since i flew the F-5 - aren't there dampeners or some other thing (that could be overridden) messing with roll rate? Something in the back of my mind, but might be wrong.
What is your opinion about flankers? Are they hard to learn?
Fc3 has the easiest aircraft to learn and buying it allows you to download many mods, if you want flankers just buy the whole fc3 pack
The F-16 really takes the win for me,but the F18 has the carriers.
I own the AV8,F15c,and A10 as well but only have the capacity to keep up with 2 aircraft.
I can alway come back to the 16 and jump back in if I take time off.
"Which DCS Aircraft Module Should You Buy in 2023?"
Me: *all of them*
That's a solid choice! :)
@@CommandT Tbh. I always buy the modules, because I always loved the planes in real life, learn to play them in DCS in a half-ar5ed manner (just enough to start, land and fire a missile) and then drop them for the next module. My pile of shame in DCS is very big.
@@mrsirkosky7618 Ha! A bit of everything is no bad thing :)
Why are the graphics here absolutely fantastic. While mine looks like it belongs on Nintendo .
Thank you for the video, I just purchased the F-16c for my first aircraft. It's been a process to learn, I been doing the modules. For the most part there good, I able to get a grasp but as you said can and is sometimes overwhelming. Luckily have some buddy's that have it and can help with questions. Definitely would of gone with something a little easier to deploy as a first time DCS user.
Main thing is you’re having fun in the process of learning it 🙂
4:58 I've never used this module (or even played DCS) but shouldn't you turn your radar off well before you get to the flight line? I think the ground crew would be pretty angry at you for that.
You definitely had a different angle . All amazing points. I just found it funny as the Modules you disliked that I love are for the exact reasons I love them. Minus the Harriet’s roll (ngl they kinda nerfed it by messing with the flight module and only allowing weapons profiles from the marines 2015, I.e. we lost our ability to carry 10 GBU-38/12’s or even 6 with wingtip missiles.
Great video, i am about to take my first steps in DCS (with steps i mean if i manage to survive the crasches ofc).
I had zero experience in flight sim, or if you count war thunder, then a little bit. But I bought a X52 and downloaded dcs and bought the F16 right away, because it is my favorite plane. I have now played it for 40hours in the f16 module and dcs itself, and I can say, I still have a long way to go, but its fun and rewarding
That's good to hear! It's true that with a complex module you never really run out of stuff to learn!
@@CommandT Yes for sure! and I think it is important for new players in DCS to not get caught up with people telling them to only fly flaming cliffs or other low fidality for the first 500hours. If you have the money and willing to spend it, go for it! And thats why this video is really good, even tho you mention the low fidality planes you still uptalk the more complex planes for new player and make it sound not so impossible after all! Good job man! (and after this video, the F5 looks like my next project)
One answer: The F-15E Strike Eagle (and possibly the Kiowa).
thanks man, this video help me a lot about which DLC should I prefer
Oh man, everything you have pointed out about every module in the video, the good, the bad and the ugly I share the exact sentiments! From the FM of the Mig-21, the residual rolls, the Tomcat’s HUD refresh rate, etc. agree 100%. But looks like the 2 modules that I’ll be playing the most in 2023 are the upcoming Strike Eagle and Phantom II. Razbam and Heatblur are going to set some pretty high standards and raise the bar even more.
Yep indeed!
As a Virtual Mi-8 Pilot I'm offended we weren't even mentioned ! hehe . The Heli-Truck is a blast to fly . The controls are Russian simple ( not necessarily a good thing ) and I believe its more stable to fly than the Huey . It hauls like a Truck and flies like a Rocket-powered truck and takes 3 people to fly properly ( Multicrew YAY ! )
If you're looking to buy your first module on DCS, I would 100% recommend the Hornet. It has good A/A capabilities, great A/G capabilities and nothing really going against it. The F/A-18C is pretty much as complex as many other modules like the F-16C and F-15E, so it won't be "too hard" even for a beginner. Plus, the 18 is a naval fighter, which means you can takeoff and land on carriers, which is great both for practical reason (mission design, distance to target) and the wow-factor. The only advantage the F-16C has over the F/A-18C is it's speed (the F-16C is a speed demon) and the amount of weapons it can carry (which is not really that much more, since the F-16C's fuel consumption and max fuel load is worse than the F/A-18C's, so the 16 must get more fuel tanks and lose some potential weapon slots).
So no mention of the venerable Hip ?
For the folks that don't know, the Mi-8 is the hidden gem of DCS. It's like the huey but better in every way. Fight me.
Yeah I just don't have any experience with it :)
L-39 is a sweetie but the Kursant campaign that was built as a training course for the jet is hard. If you can finish Kursant, you can learn to fly in any fixed wing module out there.
The spitfire is an absolute brilliant model. The CEO of DCS owns a real one !
I agree, the time investment is the real hurdle with DCS modules. I could afford to buy a lot more, but after A-10C and Black Shark III, I'm stuck in Learning Curve Land and may never get out to buy another module. Wish DCS could figure out a middle ground between the Basic models and the Full modules to help people like me whose time is more scarce than their money.
They did say they are working on a more basic version of the sim. Let's see how that goes!
the F14 was the first aircraft I bought and I have no regrets, yes it was a bit of a learning curve but it is still easier to learn than the F18 or the A10. It's just slightly harder to fly and requires more patience
I have read about the ED and razbam conflict on forums. Many argue that you shouldn’t buy any razbam module as the situation looks like now as there is no support, broken things and no development. What do you who owns the modules say?
I've been playing Microsoft Flight Simulator with a Flight Stick and might look into getting into DCS.
as usual , no love for JF-17 :( . such underrated hidden gem
Their sd10 missiles are so deadly
I don’t mean to be “that guy” but the f14’s co pilot is called a RIO (radar intercept officer) and most other aircraft co pilots (f15E, f16 two seat I think, f111A, etc) have a WSO (weapon systems officer) typically the RIO (like jester) mainly deal with radar systems and radar locking, as well as radar slew, while the WSO deals with air to ground and assisting the pilot with the weapons.
Btw the WSO in my own opinion is way more important. Mostly because the radar systems need to be viewed by both the pilot and co pilot in the form of the radar screen, some aircraft have a different screen for the other seat, and only the RIO can really operate the radar, unlike a WSO that mainly assists by giving callouts and the full radar picture, but imo it’s the pilot’s job to operate the radar and weapons, yes I’m a fan of the WSO, sue me.
⚠️I SAID SUE ME AS A JOKE IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY⚠️
My answer is ALL OF THEM!!! they are all awesome
Bro the two seat version of ka 50, the ka 52 has more combat XP than any other modern helicopter right now. It being in DCS is unbelievably bad ass so I got it the other day
The F-16 used to have a horrendous flight model. You would lose basically all your energy the moment you would start turning, unlike the real aircraft. That has been fixed. I don't know if the specifics of it are currently precise, but it does seem to be close, as far as my limited knowledge can tell
Yeah F-16 seems pretty decent nowadays in DCS!
Thanks for the video. I would like to add some coins too. Mostly so that i do not agree with the F-5 and L-39 for beginners. Imo, these are just very limited planes, they are basically hardly more then a late WW2 prop with jet engines. In fact on Enigmas Cold War server, i love to just whip out the SU-25 (non T) and it's aruagbly better than the F-5 as people underestimate the turn ability and those nasty heaters and good A2G load. Much easier than learning drop tables you won't use later since later lanes all have CIP, CCRP and various guidances anyways.
Specially for people new to flight sims, and those who hve seen Top Gun or say GS his videos, i would rather suggest a FC3 module, they are a lot more casual and time friendly, wallet friendly so less investment to try game and people can actually take say the F-15C or J-11 to a multiplayer session and actually get some kills. And then when they feel ready to learn a high fidelity they can do so.
I think full on high fidelity from the getgo only works for those of us that are proper aircraft nerds and have ample time to learn planes.
And even though i am a nerd with a lot of time i will happily jump in a FC3 plane myself when i just want to press E to start it up and press a number to swap hud modes.
Also for those that like the A2G role, the free SU25T is a great little plane to cut your teeth on.
A10 and F18. I prefer the Mirage 2000c, and even the F16, but the F18 is closest to being "Feature Complete" (no more updates). The KA50 or Apache. If you want to haul cargo, Mi8. The Harrier is alot of fun too. The other planes type of gameplay isnt the best fit for DCS, but they are all great. Ive never flown JF17, but its the Eastern F16 counterpart if thats your thing.
I have about 70 hours flying time in the SU-25T and about 40 more in the F15C, i was thinkin of purchasing either the F18 or F16, along with the persian gulf map. (if i get the f18 ill probably get the carrier aswell)
pretty informative video !! thank you
i believe the SU27 Flanker is the best and easy to learn jet and it is a beast
I was referring to full fidelity modules but I do love the Su-27 too 🙂
Great video! Made me buy the harrier lol
I bought the DCS FA-18 as my first purchase. I can't see the point in not going all in.
Idk what to choose f 18 or f 16 bc I am in love with the f 16 but f 18 has better carrier capabilitys
trial runs, trial runs
I am so tempted, but I understand the total costs. So, when I am unable to walk and/or take pictures anymore, I will have to consider sims.
Tbh the mirage only lacks in bvr cuz it has an amazing radar but lets be honest here the 530d lacks and you only have two of them but in a dogfight, for me at least its the best 4th gen dogfighter and close range its also an absolute monster i just love how it performs in a dogfight, and, in the hand of a really good pilot it can take down even the raptor (even thought its really rare to find those pilots)
Thx for the Informations also a good vid👍👍
Okay first great video but second i do have some gripes. The mirage 2000 is terrible for bvr, its hard to learn when you have terrible missles. second the f 18 and the f16s radar do everything for you. you click for the settings you want lock the target and boom. Also the f18 and 16 are really easy to learn... The mfds are not complicated and are really intuitive. And lastly the only reason the mirage f1 looks bad for you is because you dont have the module. You have to own the module to see the finer details
only review i disagree with is "the a-10c is not good for beginners"
It was an amazing first full fidelity jet for me! its so simple to understand the basics of the sensors and dsms, smooth flight, all weapons are very simple to use, hardest thing is probably rippling jdams using mark points but even that is relatively simple! but yeah I would say its an amazing starting jet. biggest annoyance is its travelling speed but ey thats the tradeoff
only problem is going from the a-10 to any other plane, all other jets systems feel so clunky! when i was learning the f-18 (next jet i bought) majority of its screens were quick and simple... except the tgp's, they feel off to me. especially the lightning pod which surprised me! now i pretty much just use the atflir because that one oddly feels better but idk just something id like to point out for anyone debating getting the a-10cII for a first jet
Our weighting systems are vastly different in so many aspects. A big one is; they haven't invented a device yet that measure how little I give a shit about "pilot bodies". If there is one in my cockpit, delete it immediately, that's not me and it's in the damn way! There is a fairly long list of other things that you put a substantial weight on or give no weight at all toward that are opposite of myself as a pilot.
I just want the F-15e and the Apache.
I will keep waiting though for my next play.
I have been on a long hiatus.
I started with the F-14, little did i realise how hard I made my own life initially
Yeah it’s a complicated jet for sure!
The F18 does everything, has the most tutorials, and gets the most effort out of ED and 3rd party developers making campaigns.
i fly f/a-18c and i learning (on trial) f-14b (and ah64d 1 year ago) and i fly hundreds of hours in il2 sturmovik, i shouldnt have problems with modules like f-16 or mirage 2000, or older aircrafts?
Started a week ago. Might try the Harrier.
Man sure i love some ground attack, altough idk. I feel weird about it. Its that...
i m argentinean.
You forget The SA342 Gazelle 😢 I Love it
Yeah it’s not had the best flight model for a while but I hear it’s good now!
F16 is easiest to learn and most fun to fly. I've got most the modern planes and f16 is my main.
Opinion on the mig 29? I love the plane and I’m thinking of getting into dcs but I’m not sure if it’s decent or not. I’m also considering the f-14
Love the MiG-29 but it’s not a full fidelity module. It does have a realistic flight model but systems are simplified. Great jet!
I think the C-101 is much better then the L-39 mainly due to graphical bugs I've had with the L-39 such as my arms sticking out of the window every time I try to move the stick... and the pilot's casual body part dislocation getting in the way of a good flight, and I can't hide the body for some reason so it feels like a poorly made module tome.
edit, my dad wanted to get the L-39 because he wants to fly one IRL one day (as a civilian) and he got the L-39 for us to learn together and they seemed to have fixed a few of these issues, and its actually been fun to do casual flights.
The flight model of the C-101 is also one of the best in the sim. It actually FEELS like flying a plane especially in VR.
I got both f18 and 16 but I would say start with f16 as I find f18 a bit much more complex with the systems especially its radar for air to air combat and ground weapons. F18 has much more steps and it can frustrate you trying to troubleshoot why things are not firing, locking,etc. F16, more straightforward in my opinion. Downside is f16 is much harder to land compared with f18.
Fun fact for anyone wanting to use a T-38 to train with just slap the T-38 Camo on the F-5 and have fun
Mirage2000 being the best module in DCS? Tell that to Grim Reapers.
Uh...and the Harrier at the end. The wording implies we have a Razbam fanboy here.
Still awesome reviews and recommendations. Always a pleasure to see thinks through the eyes of someone with a rather unique view on DCS.
Thanks! I wouldn't call myself a Razbam fanboy though. Most of my hours are in the F/A-18C and the Su-27 :)
Surprised planes like the su27 and f15 aren’t mentioned even tho the disclaimer doesn’t mention those aircraft
I focused on full fidelity modules, that’s why
I would buy the F 14 Tomcat
All of them.
I just dream about a more modern variant of Mirage 2000s, with 6x Micas missile, data link, map etc...
My first two Aircraft on DCS were the Mig-21 and the mirage 2K, they are both amazing with their own problems, like all the modules. I just wish they give more love to the F-5 and mig-21, they deserve It. Btw, I think that the model on the enciclopedia of the F1 is just one of the AI ones, the external model of the CE is much better than that.
After checking the Mirage F1 external model, yes, is that bad. My god, thanks I waited fot the F-4 yo spend my money
Yes hopefully Arges improves on their external model at some point in the future
Also, the A10C(II) is literally the only aircraft that ED actually "finished"
Meaning it's the only ED aircraft not in Early Access...
Just choose the aircraft you love and are interested in this will make it 20× more fun
My gripe with the L-39 is that its rockets are ridiculously underpowered.
The Mirage 2000C is one of the most serious candidate for the title of most realistic module, it's only downside is the lack of proper counterpart like an F-16 blk10 or a clickable Mig-29A.
The F-18 and F-16 require expensives HOTAS to be enjoyable, that's why i don't think theyre the best best pick for most beginner.
F18 as first purchase is the best
How did you get your camera like that 0:55-1:00. Looks like an over the shoulder view i really dig it
That’s one of the official ED trailers so afraid I couldn’t tell you!
I am that new player and this video has both helped and made things a lot worse lol.
Think I'm going to go with the Cliff3 pack with the F-15, A-10 etc in it, seems like a no brainer for $25.
I can't decide between the F-16 or the F-18 though? The F-16 is by far my most favorite aircraft, but the whole carrier take off and landing of the F-18 module is just as tempting.
And the time needed to learn both is probably way over my capabilities.
???
Sub'd BTW, awesome video.
Thanks! FC3 pack is a great way to start. I was only talking with reference to high fidelity modules but the Su-27 is hands down one of my favourite aircraft to fly in DCS.
F-16 Vs F/A-18... there's just no right or wrong answer. The F-16 is by far the easier one to learn and grasp. But then of course you cannot land on a carrier.
However once you do a few carrier landings you may well get bored of them. So F-16 would be a good choice if it's the one you like anyway :)