APEX Gaming PCs: apexgamingpcs.com/products/growling-sidewinder Use Code "Growling" at checkout for 10% off ALL ED Modules (does not include preorder products) Hope you guys enjoyed the video and found it helpful to get started on your journey into DCS, can't wait to see you guys flying over the virtual skies of DCS soon, if there were any questions I missed please comment them below I will attempt to answer them to the best of my ability, thank you watching.
maybe you have problem in vr cause you have a 3080, it has only 10gb, you know.... With the 3090 my vr experience is perfect, i can't play anymore witout vr
Just a note: When GS says “a few days” in regards to learning an aircraft, he means a few days in hours. An hour session for 4 days won’t get you anywhere. 2 days worth of *play time* (48 hours), is more of a realistic expectation.
Eh, I disagree. Depends on the module, maybe. Sure, you'll still learn new details of how to use your plane even hundreds of hours in, but even just a few hours can be enough to get to a point where you can fight things and often win. Just depends on how quick a learner you are.
I agree, it was GS that got me into this despite being a middle aged man. It's great fun. Hats off to you for being able to effecrively use the F15C. I am horrible without a datalink. If the Eagle had it I think it would rule the game.
About 2 years ago this channel randomly came across my youtube feed. 2 years later, I think I've spent close to 5 grand between my computer, hotas, and aircraft. I don't regret a single penny
Can't thank you enough for this content. As a beginner this is invaluable. Coming across your sight inspired me to give DCS a try. PS; you and Longshot throwing those python missiles around like the three stooges in a pie fight almost made me blow hot coffee through my nose. Keep up the good work.
6:09 One thing I found very useful and one that is unique to DCS compared to IL-2 and others, is the ability to assign custom modifiers. This means you are not limited to the usual shift, ctrl, alt, etc. on your keyboard to make more bindings (e.g. 'G' to raise gear and 'SHIFT + G' to lower it,) but you can use buttons on your (cheap) HOTAS as well. I have now assigned the trigger on my T.16000 joystick to be a modifier. This allows me to use ALL other buttons on my HOTAS a second time. You still need to develop muscle memory, but this way is so much more natural and easier than having to remember which 'ALT' key to push together with which letter. You can make more intuitive flows around button groupings for certain systems. This is especially true when you play birds without fully clickable cockpits like the FC3 modules.
Beginner here, do you know how to make a modifier hold activated instead of toggle activated? What I mean is currently when I use the modifier and I want to switch between main and secondary buttons (ex. ‘weapon fire’ and ‘cannon’), i need to use the modifier every single time. I just want it to be hold to use cannons, and don’t press to use weapon for.
First off, you always have some of the most brilliant content to watch, hours and hours of entertainment to enjoy. Secondly, thanks for putting this out, I myself am a space simmer but have wanted to dive into DCS for a very long time with the only thing currently holding me back being getting a throttle and rudder pedals since I run dual sticks for space games. Keep up the fantastic work!
Thank you I really apprecaite your taking the time to watch the content, and yes can't wait to see you in the skies of DCS, the more people the better.
For any beginners out there wondering on the broad ranges of HOTAs, I have a T Flight HOTAS 4 which is maybe $125 to $175 depending on where you get it. I've had it for nearly two years and my experience is great! Also got the rudder pedals that are made by Thrustmaster to connect directly with the HOTAS system. If you want reasonable prices but a true HOTAS and pedal combo, I say go for that one.
I have had several HOTAS including T Flight HOTAS 4. T Flight HOTAS 4 has too few buttons and the two parts are connected with a too short cord. I would much rather recommend Thrustmaster T16000M, which is the best budget HOTAS. Now I am flying with Virpil, which is on another level again, but the I used the T16000 for two years first....
My HOTAS experience so far: Logitech X52 Pro - Has a number of shortcomings for DCS, primarily with a wobbling / imprecise stick design that makes delicate adjustments near center very difficult. I used it off and on for about a year in Elite Dangerous and it's flaws are much easier to overlook in the space sim genre. Lots of buttons and a solid throttle are the pros, the poor stick design being the primary con. Wouldn't recommend for DCS unless you can get it 2nd hand for under $100 (Full retail currently floats around $200 USD) Thrustmaster 16000m - A much more precise stick than the X52, but the stick has less buttons and hats. Throttle tends to get a little sticky and frustrating to use for delicate engine adjustments, but that can be fixed with mods or lube. Plus side is that the throttle has tons of buttons, hats and an integrated rudder. Would recommend as a solid starter HOTAS for the asking price of approx $170 USD. Currently using a VKB Gladiator for the stick (still using the throttle from the TM 16000m). It's a nice upgrade on anything I've had before. Solid resistance, easy to make slight adjustments near center, tons of buttons and hats, just a nice piece of hardware. However, it is a bit pricy... as once shipping was factored in... just the stick alone cost roughly $180 USD. If I continue to get more and more into DCS, I'll probably invest in a higher-end all metal construction HOTAS from somewhere like Winwing or Virpil... but those can easily run over $500 for a full HOTAS before you include shipping.
@@control_the_pet_population thanks man! Good to know these things. I was considering the Logitech, but you've made me pause and possibly consider the VKB instead!
@@narcissus79 No problem. I've had mine for about a month and absolutely no complaints so far. One of those times where I definitely think it makes sense to spend a little extra for the quality of life buff.
@@narcissus79 VKB and Virpil are both top brands. Have equipment from both. But it may be a little expensive if you are a beginner and do not know if this is something for you.
Great stuff, GS! Thank you. The most frustrating part of DCS for me has been the in-game F-18 tutorial. But your videos make me want to put in the time.
Man I gave up on the Hornet. I'm so jealous the load outs it can carry compared to the Viper but I could not get it at all. I got a few PVP kills but likely because the pilots were new or using keyboards because it wasn't skill. If I didnt have coordinates I couldn't hit anything on land either. Such a cool plane but I just couldn't get it. Maybe it was because my 1st real module was the F16 which seems much more intuitive but it was humbling and depressing to not just go thru tutorials and not get it but also have friends spend a few hours walking me through certain things and still not get it.
As a long-time DCS guy (original KA-50 on DVD) I will say you have covered things very well. I would add that if you are asking TrackIR vs VR, also think about motion sickness. If you're prone to easy motion sickness like myself, VR might not be the best option in DCS. TrackIR is very much a legitimate option for keeping eyes-on the enemy when set up right. I've never had any trace of motion sickness from TrackIR due to the constant grounding in space provided by 2D. At worst, learning to keep your head stable long enough for fine clicks on buttons can cause a stiff-neck at first. On the other hand, some of the guys I know like to get a new VR guy in the RIO seat and take them up for flat-spin recovery practice. No really, they're great guys. :D
Hey man, I have been loving the content recently. I used to play DCS but my PC is now not really good enough and my X 52 hotas broke. I loved flying the F15C and the SU25. Gonna be a while until I can afford to get back on the game so keep making awesome content to keep my itch well and truly scratched.
I got the f14 recently, dont regret it one bit, i love being my friends RIO, im still trying to learn, but highly recommend the f14, as well as the f15c
Trackir was the biggest game changer for me. It's invaluable. Then again I never tried it without at least a very cheap HOTAS (Thrustmaster 4). Now I just have a relatively cheap x52 for extra buttons to bind.
is it posibly a coincidence that I started on the day this video came out? you chanel is a gold mine of info man thanks for teaching me in the 6 days ive been playing because of you im able to fire radar guided missiles and simple bfm / bvr tactics. Ive since gain a basic understanding of my SU33 once again thanks alot...
Saw this vid when it released, i joined the discord and watched from a distance before jumping in as its a huge commitment to make. Few days again bought a H.O.T.A.S X52 Pro soon found out my PC needs some upgrades. If anyone reads this and wants to get into DCS I'd say yes. I just wish i wasnt so Idle for so long. Fly high Pilots! ✈️👌
this youtube channel has ben my #1 for dcs world tips and watching video on dcs world i know there are alot of channels out there... maybe its becuz this is the first-ever video channel I've seen of DCS world and im so glad i did I've ben playing dcs world for about 2 1/2 years and fell in love to bad im almost 25 years old wish i would have found this sim when i was 16 lol anyway thanks for the grate videos
FC3 was an excellent suggestion - there's hundreds of hours worth of fun to be had, and it also serves to get you over the hump of DCS's quirks. So by the time you're ready for a full-fidelity module, the only thing you'll be learning is the module.
@@RW-zn8vy In all fairness, when it comes to flight models, you gotta admit FC3 is pretty kickass. Flanker anyone? MiG-29? F-15? In stick-'n'-throttle circles, the hardware is as legendary as the political problems it caused :) There aren't any full-fidelity modules that cover that type of aircraft, not even 4th gen fighters. The F/A-18 is pretty damn cool, but there's no study-sim Flanker, MiG-29 or F-15. The F-16 is cool, but based on my own quasi-insightful ignorance, it doesn't seem to handle right when it's very lightly loaded. It handles like a dog, it isn't snappy and responsive with the razor-sharp handling that videos of the real thing would suggest--just like the A-10C. My graphics card packed it in (1080 Ti) so I won't be doing any flight simming for a very long time. I'm still waiting for the dang Typhoon module and can't even fly it!
There is no going back for me now after playing DCS in VR. None. Nadda. I do not remotely care that I have to lower my graphics settings. And I've used DCS VR for literal years now. You are in the fighter. You are there. I can't live without the true depth perception you get with VR. Especially in helicopters. And the experience even after years never stops blowing my mind.
Can I ask at that point are all of your controls by feel? I’m on the Logitech g940 for about a month with the free a10. I haven’t even came close to memorizing the controls by feel.
I agree, gor vr for xmas like a whole new game. The immersion is amazing. Also for vr get voice attack and speak commands instead of binding them. I never need to touch the keyboard while in VR.
Perfect timing, literally just got to sit down for the first time in a year to actually put some time in the seat. Giving the F-14 a try, so we'll see how it goes..
I’m reasonably new to DCS and fully endorse GS’s recommendations. I started with the exact HOTAS in the video, T16000M, because it was a very good price and has great functionality (especially the throttle). It wasn’t long before I committed to DCS and dove in to a Warthog HOTAS and WinWing panels; do this when you know you’re going to stick with it as it’s expensive, but it is very, very worth it. Especially for the stick - once you get more used to aircraft and combat systems you go looking for more hat switches… The only recommendation I’d differ on is head tracking - not because you don’t need it, I agree that for a decent experience you do need it - just that TrackIR isn’t the only option. TrackIR is a plug-and-play solution but it’s extremely expensive for what it is. The alternative is to get a PS3 Eye Toy camera and do the IR/visible light filter mod (it’s fairly easy, just follow a tutorial here on UA-cam), download the freeware driver and head tracking software, and get a cheaper head mounted device like a Delanclip or Trackhat (or make one if you can find the right IR emitters and can be bothered). I have the PS3 camera and a Delanclip, it was all pretty easy, works flawlessly, and cost me about 1/5th that of a TrackIR system. I have then proceeded to go batshit crazy on my simpit with DDIs, UFC, button panels, etc. It’s too much fun, especially when you can cold start a jet without touching the mouse or keyboard. Look for jeremy_thegoose on Insta for my setup.
@@tommybonhomie9697 the stick has a little throttle on the base, if that’s what you mean. But using the actual stick in a left handed configuration as a throttle wouldn’t work only because the spring returns it to centre, so you won’t be able to leave it at a particular power setting. The proper T16000M Throttle is really good, though.
@@tommybonhomie9697 if it doesn’t stretch you too far financially, get the throttle. One of the best things about the T16000M throttle is the big rocker bar on the front side that can be used as a very decent rudder control. Also, it has a good number of buttons, hats and mini-sticks that make quite a difference when flying a modern jet (quick access things like chaff/flare, air brake, and fine control tasks like the TDC). I found I wanted good rudder controls pretty early on and the T16000 throttle is the best solution short of separate rudder pedals (it’s way better than a stick z-axis (I.e. stick twist) rudder control), but also it’s a decent HOTAS throttle anyway. Excellent bang for your buck.
Just want to say that for the ultra cheap-o head tracking option, I have used a webcam with aitrack+opentrack for a year before I upgraded to vr and it wasn’t terrible. Takes some tunings and can be buggy at times but if you are waiting to invest in something better it can definitely fill that gap.
Just spreading the word of the newer versions of Opentrack: it includes a neuralnet tracker which is absolutely miles ahead of aitrack in terms of reliability. It almost never loses track of your head. In exchange for that, you lose Z-axis tracking but I can give away the Z-axis in exchange for reliability. Pitch, roll, yaw, X and Y work very well and pretty fast.
Hey, good video, i agree on basically everything you stated. I would also add that you can test fly every module (individually) for 14 days every 6 months (if i am not mistaken). So before bying anything you can see for yourself what you can expect, and also gain some experience for free if buying a module is not feasable for you right now.
perfect ! i just installed DCS on my rizen9 mini pc to see how it would run and it seems i can get a verry playable experience at 1080p without over taxing it's cooling capacity. the lower fidelity flaming cliff pack seems ideal in that respect so all i need is a mid range HOTAS and I'm set for a nice consistent learning curve. great video man i think i have a path to approach it.
Man, just bought my first full fidelity module (f16). When I had seen your video first. Was initially leaning towards the hornet, but everything I saw said the viper was better for dogfights.
Well that’s fine man if u like the viper there is no problem with it, the viper is also very capable of air to ground, air to air and sead so plenty to practice and learn there also.
Can you fly the Panavia Tornado in DCS? That's the jet I learned to fly in. By which, of course, I mean that it was the jet used in the air combat sim that I first learned to use, way back in the early 90s. I had to learn how to fly the plane, how to arm it and how to use different weapons (properly), all without a manual. I lost my copy and back in '93 when you lost your manual, you couldn't just find another copy online. You either had to buy the game again, or you had to figure things out without the manual. I fell in love with the Panavia Tornado AND with the AGM 65 Maverick missile!! I LOVED that you could target a specific tank on the ground, 20 Km away, fire the missile and then watch the relay from the optical seeker. You got a missile-eye-view as it flew towards the target, right up to the moment of impact!! The HARM missiles were kinda cool, but the AGM 65 was the best of the lot!! Anyway, if the Tornado is available to fly in DCS, I might end up climbing back into a cockpit...
You should always use the free trial before committing to a purchase. You can trial any aircraft or map module for 2 weeks. The trials even refresh after 6 months.
NOTE: This only applies if you get the game directly from Eagle Dynamics. I do not believe Steam versions of the game are eligible for free trials. Both base versions are still free, however. (I believe you can create an account with Eagle Dynamics, link it to your Steam account and go from there... but free trials are not available directly via Steam)
Great guide, recommended to some FC friend in FFXIV who want to get into DCS, that being said my foremost recommendation is always look at manual, get the plane off ground by trying different button or die trying, then die by 1000+ different way. Dying is much more efficient of a teacher than watching guides.
Got a pc and HOTAS, and vr optimization is in progress. Absolutely awesome experience. Got the hornet and tomcat as my main modules, but I’ve got a lot to learn still!
I downloaded DCS on my old PC running Win 7. I think I only had 8MB ram, and don't even remember the CPU. DCS wouldn't even load the home screen. So I bought a decent mid tier system, and after about 5 minutes in the free SU-25, I bought the FC3 pack. I loved it at first, especially the F-15, but I've had first hand experiences with the F/A-18 and it was only a couple days before I purchased that module. To this day it is still my favorite to fly. Like you said, if you're passionate about a module, that's the one you should get!
DCS has by far the absolute greatest helicopter simulation in the market, so if youre a rotary wing guy and dont care so much about fixed wing, DCS is still the place to be.
OUTSTANDING! I've been on the fence about this for over a year! Ever since MS announced that Windows 7 would not be supported anymore and at the time, they said Windows 10 and FSX wouldn't mix, I was forced to leave my favorite flight-sim platform; (FSX if I wasn't clear). I've since built another PC from the ground up in preparation for installing MSFS and after giving MSFS the very best try I could for over 4 months, (including spending $$$ for 3rd party addons), I found MSFS to fall far short of the FSX platform that I had been flying for well over 9 years. Last night, I decided to 'abandon ship' and will retire MSFS as carefully as I can, including the 1TB NVMe drive that was dedicated to the MSFS installation. I plan to o a complete removal of the software so that I don't have any of it running in the background. From what I've read a few months ago, FSX can run on Windows 10 and I still have the 3-disc installation set. But rather than going right back to FSX, (which is not a shooting sim), I thought I'd look at DCS again. One of the things I really didn't like about MSFS (and have never gotten used to) was the required installations of XBox and Gaming Services. I'm not a 'gamer' and don't need all that stuff but MSFS wanted it, so... I bought the MSFFS Premium and felt I should be able to run it w/o all that other software, but that wasn't the case. I know that it may be very likely that DCS will require the same superfluous software (i.e. Xbox and Gaming Services), and I'm prepared for that if it's as good as it appears. But if there's a way to fly DCS w/o the XBox & GS installations I would be elated. Well thanks again for the great information and now I need to look into those few details and figure out what I'm going to do. I'm entirely covered on all the other points, (the PC, HOTAS, Trackir, etc.), and you've made it clear to me as to which DCS version I feel I should go with. So, I need to get busy! Rich
I feel you. I also wish I could still play FSX for most of the civil and airliner stuff. Felt screwed big time when MS annouced FSX could not play with W10/11. Now I switched to P3D5 but the mojo left - I don't really have the same fun and energy I had with FSX (Mirage III and MD-11 were the biggest loss from FSX). I installed DCS from about 2 years ago but never really went into it. If it was only me I would be playing Flanker 1,5 for military and FSX the remaining and I'll be set.
The thing about being passionate for the aircraft is absolutely true, I was on the fence between the MiG-21 and the Mirage being my first module. I really really loved the MiG, it was the jet aircraft that got me *into* jet aircraft, but I was convinced to get the Mirage over the MiG as a first timer and ended up not enjoying my time. The trial license system came out for DCS months later and as soon as I got a chance to get into the air with the MiG-21I was in love and having so much fun. Despite now owning and enjoying the JF-17 today I still fly the MiG-21 regularly and have gotten a passion for flying the JF-17 as well.
Great advice, Growling Sidewinder. Honest and straight to the point. One thing to remember is that this hobby tend to get expensive. Soon you start getting better GPU/PC, HOTAS, table mounts, rudder, monitor and maybe VR + many modules and maps 😂😂. DCS is addicting, fun and rewarding!
Nice video! You forgot the trial licenses tho this can also give you an idea if your PC can handle the game and I mean 14 days of free Hornet flying is good fun.
When deciding on trackIR and VR I highly recommend finding someone that has a VR headset and trying it first because I have had friends that just cant use them do to nausea and eye strain. I use a riftS and a 3060 laptop GPU and get great performance on multi and singleplayer mission and cant recommend it highly enough.
@@icecold9511 for sure it took me two days to get over some sickness but thankfully my eyes never hurt. We just did the 24hours of daytona and one of the drivers used vr the whole time I could never.
If you have a VR headset, you could get VTOL VR as a taster. It’s a great introduction to simulators, but is simplified compared to DCS. It helped me learn the basics of radar, dogfighting, AtG, BVR, and helicopters. Once you’ve got the hang of it all and played, you could then go into DCS and settle in wonderfully like I did.
Observed your channel a few times in the past, and more recently, once again I got bit by my Combat Aircraft bug, and I subbed to your channel because you have some amazing videos! Thank you for this video in particular because I just got a nice gaming laptop and I've been itching for something far more realistic than Ace Combat, lol.
This is fantastic mate. I just installed DCS for the first time. I've got Logitech 3D Extreme pro joystick. Is it okay for people like me who got into DCS first time?
Should be ok for a while, but you will want to upgrade sooner or later. I'd recommend using the hat switch for trim as it is in real aircraft. Keep your eye on used things, I got a Saitek X-45 for £30 recently.
I got the same joystick three years ago. Cheap and effective. It’s not as precise as the expensive ones but I can use all the Flaming Cliffs planes no problem. I bought the F-5E and the F-14 after to try out the full fidelity planes after i got the basics of BVR and dogfighting somewhat down with the FC planes. You will still need to use your keyboard for a lot of things like radar and wingmen commands but the basic movements, weapons, and takeoff/landing controls are all on the joystick. You will have a lot of fun with it! Let me know if you want help setting up any controls or ask where I have the bindings.
GS, awesome breakdown man. I bought the T. 16000M w/ pedals back before the new year with the exact intentions of getting into DCS. I do have a quick question and does it matter playing the game through STEAM versus downloading it and paying for the modules through EC? This is my main question as I was introduced to the game on STEAM originally. You were the one who rekindled my love for flight sims. Keep rocking the awesome videos!
If you download directly you can access the free trial program (steam doesn't support this) and DCS offers a discounted rate on many modules for your first purchase (steam doesn't offer this).
I got into DCS in December of 2021 so here's my advice. I got the free verson to try it out, test my pc, etc. Then, I waited until black Friday where the modules are up to 75% off and HOTAS systems are cheap. I got my Thrustmaster T16000M with the matching throttle and rudder pedals for just $170! I bought the F-16 viper as my first module because it's a highly capable, high-fidelity aircraft. For my headtracking I use a trackIR alternative by grassmonkey simulations and I got it for $70 and it works just as well and it can be used for all flight simulators.
Thank you for all you do for us on DCS. You've been a big help to me, and I am asking for just a little help with VR if possible. I run quest 2...it's amazing..I get 90fps on virtually every aircraft and map...went for the Pimax 5k super. Loaded up openxr to bypass steamvr, I'm only getting at best 40fps. I have a beast of a system... I5-12600 ASUS ROG Z690 64gb RAM 4x 2tb M2 RTX 3060
I'm actually super thankful for this video, I've been wanting to get into DCS for the longest time and dive into an su-27 or 35, I love flankers and dcs seems to be the only game that does them justice, and hearing that the su-27 is an fc3 module eases my heart a little. also I'm really glad they allow monthly payments
Are there any cheaper alternatives to head tracking thank track IR that you would reccomend? Or should I wait and save for Track IR? Great video as always and at a perfect time! I was just watching some reviews on modules as this came out
Hi, i bought the track ir 5 a year ago. Im Happy with It and its very inmersive and useful. But i heard that with leds and some programmes you can build a track ir. To be fair , i know some people that created their own and works but the original its the original. I recomend you to build It, if It works keep it, if not think on buying It. I Hope u get It. Also not native speaker sorry...
Thank you for the guide. Got my friend into playing DCS, gonna probably send this to him later. However I still have a question, do you use any shaders or filters while playing and what graphic settings would you recommend to turn up to "increase" situational awareness? My problem is that most of the time I see people flying a few miles away from me on the radar/datalink but cant find them visually.
Thanks GS for all of the interesting and instructive content on this combat flight simulator and IL2. I especially appreciate your comparison of track IR vs VR on DCS. One question: do you think that there are any high-end laptops coming out that could handle DCS acceptably well? I realize, of course, that a laptop will not perform as well as a high-end desktop but I was hoping that I might be able to get away with only having to turn down the realism settings slightly on the laptop. One other question, sorry, do you think rudder pedals are a high priority hardware item? Thanks again.
My system is Intel i7 9x series (sorry can't remember the details) 32GB RAM, 1070GTX. It runs very well at 1440 with all detail on high at 30fps. Although look up how to change the AA settings for your GPU as I've recently done and it's now more like 40-60fps!
On rudder pedals, I personally find the twist grip does the job for the rare occasions you need rudder control... Taxi, stall turns, occasional moments to adjust nose on target. If you don't have a twist grip stick, then it's handy, not essential.
I'm not GS nor would I claim to be anywhere near his expertise on flight sim stuff... That said... I think most higher end gaming laptops would do a decent job with DCS at 1080p resolutions. I'd say most gaming laptops that come with 32GB RAM and a 3070 GPU would be sufficient. Again, not an expert, but rudder pedals (or rudder inputs in general) are much more critical in realistic warbird / piston engine planes... where you have to counteract the torque of the propeller... and less critical in modern jets. I'm sure truly talented pilots couldn't live without rudder pedals in anything they fly, but I don't use them nearly as often when flying the fast modern jets.
@@control_the_pet_population Thanks, especially about the use of the rudder. I used to fly my favorite WW2 plane, the BF-109 F4 or G2, and found the rudder really necessary, on takeoff and when side slipping my plane on a hot landing.
Tip for beginners: if your hotas hasnt got enough buttons just get an xbox controller aswell and bind it to things you want on your hotas but cant bind. I started playing dcs with the a10-c module back in 1.5, I had a saitek fly 5 stick and an xbox controller and have some great memories of starting out and learning alongside some people from a community I reached out to once Id learned the very basics of the plane. The xbox thing isnt ideal, but its easier to press a button or move a stick than it is to remember that alt+ctrl+j,k,l,i = tdc slew or whatever when your hotas hasnt got the buttons you need.
You know what. Cause of finding this channel I got into DCS, and at first I didnt think the game was for me. I didnt understand/liked the prices of each aircraft, and thought the game was too difficult/tedious to learn how to play since it is a simulator and not just a game. But darn it, somehow I stuck with the free planes that come with it and NOW bought the Viggen AJS-37 and the F-15 E? I think. Viggen is still pretty hard to use but I LOVE the F-15, and have found that now I have a growing passion for jet fighters, I live in San Diego and at work all day F-16/18 and what looks like maybe F-22/35's pass pretty low almost every work day. thanks for the videos! your knowledge of these planes has helped me understand DCS big time!
Great video! I did exactly as Growling suggested. I downloaded DCS and flew (tried to anyway) P51 and Su 25 for FREE! I loved the game and the graphics, but I am an old PC flying nut from early Microsoft flight games. I had a cheap HOTAS system and it worked just fine. I also suggest you find some flying buddies. I, luckily, had a group of friend that encouraged me to join them and it was a fun experience learning from and with them. If you do not have any flying buddies then look at on line servers and groups. Many are recruiting and would love to add a dedicated and passionate player to their team. After playing for a while I upgraded everything! The only downside to flight sims seems to be the "need" to get better equipment. I went from a $50 HOTAS to a Warthog HOTAS, 3 Thrustmaster Cougars, $2000 PC and building my own button boxes. Growling is correct about buying the plane you want to fly. Mine was the F/A 18c and I love flying it. DCS is more of a sim than a game so learning each aircraft takes time, in some cases lots of time! If you really enjoy flying DCS you will probably end up with a few favorite planes and spending more than you thought you ever would on a flight sim!
1:15 somehow i have learned the F14 and F18 SU33 SU25T in couple days i would say for some people is it that you need time but i needed hours to take of with cold start
I just got off a DCS run that my friend had. I flew the SU-33 (my favorite plane of all time) and it was amazing. I'm sold now, Ima get the SU-33 module and learn the heck out of it
Yeah, Thanks. I can see my Social Security checks marching off to some computer store to get upgraded for DCS and VR (already sprung for TrackIR 5). Great content and I learn something new every session. Thank you.
I appreciate the honesty in saying what you need here. I'm not interested enough to get a stick or track IR (tbh i don't even have much time to learn dcs) but maybe if one day do I know now what's best
I love the idea of flying planes etc but so much work! Just like real life learning jets etc. I don't have the patience and almost certainly can't afford the equipment but I am so fascinated. Interesting.
Man this is one of the more helpful videos i've come across - on any topic - the only thing u don't seem to know is how to make a cockpit that flips you 360* with plane movement - so get on it
Getting a PC built right now for DCS. It'll be interesting learning the aircraft, maybe I'll apply tricks I learned from familiarizing myself with real aircraft. One thing I learned is that avionics is always the steepest learning curve and longest to learn. You just have to take the time to learn how to program everything. As they often say "Garbage in, garbage out". If you fumble even one character or number when you program the FMS you'll find your head buried in the cockpit focusing on the one system not realizing what happened until you get an alarm or radio call from ATC. Anyways it should be a fun challenge learning the different aircraft.
Never been into flight simulators until I saw your videos. Gotta say you’ve got me really interested into dcs now. I don’t think I’ll get into it now because of spec limits but definitely sometime down the road I’ll upgrade my computer and get started! Also I didn’t even know what trackir was until watching this video and I really want to pick one up now for when I play dirt or assetto corsa.
I found it pays to pay close attention to how your aircraft responds to your actions, particularly the warbirds where physics, timing, throttle, and speed play a great deal in their responsiveness.
This video was really helpful! It really answered all my questions before i jumped into DCS! I had purchased a HOTAS a while ago but really didn’t use it because i had no idea what to do and felt stuck. I recently got a VR headset and was debating coming back, and this video really brought me back into the community! Thanks so much!
@Growling Sidewinder >>> *_GREAT_* video -- Thanks for posting this! FWIW: I did NOT know that *_"TrackIR"_* and *_"VR"_* were two separate things. All I knew of was *_VR._* Now I know...👍
I use a PS4 controller. It's not the same hand movements as a stick but it works! Plus I can use the touchpad to look around while flying with the left stick. If you've played with planes on PS4 games, you can map your controls as the same in dcs. After that you just need to get used to realism and physics
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Hope you guys enjoyed the video and found it helpful to get started on your journey into DCS, can't wait to see you guys flying over the virtual skies of DCS soon, if there were any questions I missed please comment them below I will attempt to answer them to the best of my ability, thank you watching.
can i use a ps4 controller on my pc?
How long is the Code active?
Can you do a video on what to do solo
GS what trackir do you recommend? Your content is awesome btw
maybe you have problem in vr cause you have a 3080, it has only 10gb, you know....
With the 3090 my vr experience is perfect, i can't play anymore witout vr
Just a note:
When GS says “a few days” in regards to learning an aircraft, he means a few days in hours. An hour session for 4 days won’t get you anywhere. 2 days worth of *play time* (48 hours), is more of a realistic expectation.
Eh, I disagree. Depends on the module, maybe.
Sure, you'll still learn new details of how to use your plane even hundreds of hours in, but even just a few hours can be enough to get to a point where you can fight things and often win. Just depends on how quick a learner you are.
@@wurfyy and also the system in question. Took me a while to comprehend the 14’s radar, and I’d say I’m a quick learner.
Depends. Learning the weapon systems and how to fly can be done very very quickly.
Obviously it takes days to master.
Or for someone like me a few months in real hours.
Unfortunately I'm in the same boat.
I recently got FC3, have around 50 hours in so far, great fun, I love the F-15C. Watching your videos has been the inspiration to get into DCS.
Thank you and always great to hear more people are getting into DCS.
have you tried any other module so far (through the two weeks free frial) ?
I agree, it was GS that got me into this despite being a middle aged man. It's great fun. Hats off to you for being able to effecrively use the F15C. I am horrible without a datalink. If the Eagle had it I think it would rule the game.
@@TheEnvy44 Nope, haven’t tried any high fidelity aircrafts yet. Though I will in the future.
let us know when it goes 10k
About 2 years ago this channel randomly came across my youtube feed.
2 years later, I think I've spent close to 5 grand between my computer, hotas, and aircraft.
I don't regret a single penny
Can't thank you enough for this content. As a beginner this is invaluable. Coming across your sight inspired me to give DCS a try. PS; you and Longshot throwing those python missiles around like the three stooges in a pie fight almost made me blow hot coffee through my nose. Keep up the good work.
Lol my thoughts exactly
THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS. I am a former aviator (commercial) who wants to try my hand at DCS but I didn't have a clue where to start.
Growling has always been helpful, I asked him multiple times about the F-16 and he responded just in minutes,Great !
Glad to be of service
GS is a certified gigachad, and I mean that in the best way possible
@@ChickentNug loool I'm not sure what a gigachad is but I'll take it.
step 1: be rich
Or don’t be poor
step 3: get a job so its not really an issue
Step 4. Start a budget
@@Salos1 depends on where you live, some places a module is a month's salary
NOO :O
6:09 One thing I found very useful and one that is unique to DCS compared to IL-2 and others, is the ability to assign custom modifiers. This means you are not limited to the usual shift, ctrl, alt, etc. on your keyboard to make more bindings (e.g. 'G' to raise gear and 'SHIFT + G' to lower it,) but you can use buttons on your (cheap) HOTAS as well. I have now assigned the trigger on my T.16000 joystick to be a modifier. This allows me to use ALL other buttons on my HOTAS a second time. You still need to develop muscle memory, but this way is so much more natural and easier than having to remember which 'ALT' key to push together with which letter. You can make more intuitive flows around button groupings for certain systems. This is especially true when you play birds without fully clickable cockpits like the FC3 modules.
Beginner here, do you know how to make a modifier hold activated instead of toggle activated? What I mean is currently when I use the modifier and I want to switch between main and secondary buttons (ex. ‘weapon fire’ and ‘cannon’), i need to use the modifier every single time. I just want it to be hold to use cannons, and don’t press to use weapon for.
First off, you always have some of the most brilliant content to watch, hours and hours of entertainment to enjoy.
Secondly, thanks for putting this out, I myself am a space simmer but have wanted to dive into DCS for a very long time with the only thing currently holding me back being getting a throttle and rudder pedals since I run dual sticks for space games.
Keep up the fantastic work!
Thank you I really apprecaite your taking the time to watch the content, and yes can't wait to see you in the skies of DCS, the more people the better.
what space sims can you recommend?
@@trnlntt2 you should try elite dangerous
For any beginners out there wondering on the broad ranges of HOTAs, I have a T Flight HOTAS 4 which is maybe $125 to $175 depending on where you get it. I've had it for nearly two years and my experience is great! Also got the rudder pedals that are made by Thrustmaster to connect directly with the HOTAS system. If you want reasonable prices but a true HOTAS and pedal combo, I say go for that one.
I have had several HOTAS including T Flight HOTAS 4. T Flight HOTAS 4 has too few buttons and the two parts are connected with a too short cord. I would much rather recommend Thrustmaster T16000M, which is the best budget HOTAS. Now I am flying with Virpil, which is on another level again, but the I used the T16000 for two years first....
My HOTAS experience so far:
Logitech X52 Pro - Has a number of shortcomings for DCS, primarily with a wobbling / imprecise stick design that makes delicate adjustments near center very difficult. I used it off and on for about a year in Elite Dangerous and it's flaws are much easier to overlook in the space sim genre. Lots of buttons and a solid throttle are the pros, the poor stick design being the primary con. Wouldn't recommend for DCS unless you can get it 2nd hand for under $100 (Full retail currently floats around $200 USD)
Thrustmaster 16000m - A much more precise stick than the X52, but the stick has less buttons and hats. Throttle tends to get a little sticky and frustrating to use for delicate engine adjustments, but that can be fixed with mods or lube. Plus side is that the throttle has tons of buttons, hats and an integrated rudder. Would recommend as a solid starter HOTAS for the asking price of approx $170 USD.
Currently using a VKB Gladiator for the stick (still using the throttle from the TM 16000m). It's a nice upgrade on anything I've had before. Solid resistance, easy to make slight adjustments near center, tons of buttons and hats, just a nice piece of hardware. However, it is a bit pricy... as once shipping was factored in... just the stick alone cost roughly $180 USD.
If I continue to get more and more into DCS, I'll probably invest in a higher-end all metal construction HOTAS from somewhere like Winwing or Virpil... but those can easily run over $500 for a full HOTAS before you include shipping.
@@control_the_pet_population thanks man! Good to know these things. I was considering the Logitech, but you've made me pause and possibly consider the VKB instead!
@@narcissus79 No problem. I've had mine for about a month and absolutely no complaints so far. One of those times where I definitely think it makes sense to spend a little extra for the quality of life buff.
@@narcissus79 VKB and Virpil are both top brands. Have equipment from both. But it may be a little expensive if you are a beginner and do not know if this is something for you.
Great stuff, GS! Thank you.
The most frustrating part of DCS for me has been the in-game F-18 tutorial. But your videos make me want to put in the time.
Man I gave up on the Hornet. I'm so jealous the load outs it can carry compared to the Viper but I could not get it at all. I got a few PVP kills but likely because the pilots were new or using keyboards because it wasn't skill. If I didnt have coordinates I couldn't hit anything on land either. Such a cool plane but I just couldn't get it. Maybe it was because my 1st real module was the F16 which seems much more intuitive but it was humbling and depressing to not just go thru tutorials and not get it but also have friends spend a few hours walking me through certain things and still not get it.
As a long-time DCS guy (original KA-50 on DVD) I will say you have covered things very well. I would add that if you are asking TrackIR vs VR, also think about motion sickness. If you're prone to easy motion sickness like myself, VR might not be the best option in DCS. TrackIR is very much a legitimate option for keeping eyes-on the enemy when set up right. I've never had any trace of motion sickness from TrackIR due to the constant grounding in space provided by 2D. At worst, learning to keep your head stable long enough for fine clicks on buttons can cause a stiff-neck at first.
On the other hand, some of the guys I know like to get a new VR guy in the RIO seat and take them up for flat-spin recovery practice. No really, they're great guys. :D
Hey man, I have been loving the content recently. I used to play DCS but my PC is now not really good enough and my X 52 hotas broke. I loved flying the F15C and the SU25. Gonna be a while until I can afford to get back on the game so keep making awesome content to keep my itch well and truly scratched.
I got the f14 recently, dont regret it one bit, i love being my friends RIO, im still trying to learn, but highly recommend the f14, as well as the f15c
Trackir was the biggest game changer for me. It's invaluable. Then again I never tried it without at least a very cheap HOTAS (Thrustmaster 4). Now I just have a relatively cheap x52 for extra buttons to bind.
This answered A LOT thank you for this vid it’s short, to the point, and just what I needed
It takes "PRACTICE" That's why it ROCKS!
This is the first ever Growling Sidewinder video I've watched and Jesus that couple of seconds intro audio gave me the chills.
is it posibly a coincidence that I started on the day this video came out? you chanel is a gold mine of info man thanks for teaching me in the 6 days ive been playing because of you im able to fire radar guided missiles and simple bfm / bvr tactics. Ive since gain a basic understanding of my SU33 once again thanks alot...
my pleasure, glad you find the videos useful and glad to hear you've joined the community, the more the merrier.
bruh i literally decided to start playing DCS yesterday, and i'm just now watching this today. how the universe provides! or in this case, GS.
happy to be of service man
I literally just got the game because of your channel. Perfect timing.
Saw this vid when it released, i joined the discord and watched from a distance before jumping in as its a huge commitment to make. Few days again bought a H.O.T.A.S X52 Pro soon found out my PC needs some upgrades. If anyone reads this and wants to get into DCS I'd say yes. I just wish i wasnt so Idle for so long. Fly high Pilots! ✈️👌
Great review! Thanks for the discount code and your contribution to the community!
My pleasure, it’s the best community to be a part of.
If it is your first purchase you get 50% off by default
@@Recman700 Nah, Ive been at it since 2010.
this youtube channel has ben my #1 for dcs world tips and watching video on dcs world i know there are alot of channels out there... maybe its becuz this is the first-ever video channel I've seen of DCS world and im so glad i did I've ben playing dcs world for about 2 1/2 years and fell in love to bad im almost 25 years old wish i would have found this sim when i was 16 lol anyway thanks for the grate videos
I just downloaded DCS because of you. I can’t wait to play it!
Hey man, iv been recovering from sugary recently and your videos have helped. Thank you : )
Glad to be of service, hope you're well soon. All the best, man.
I was literally just about to download DCS when I saw this in my subscription tab. Thanks bro
FC3 was an excellent suggestion - there's hundreds of hours worth of fun to be had, and it also serves to get you over the hump of DCS's quirks. So by the time you're ready for a full-fidelity module, the only thing you'll be learning is the module.
@@RW-zn8vy In all fairness, when it comes to flight models, you gotta admit FC3 is pretty kickass. Flanker anyone? MiG-29? F-15? In stick-'n'-throttle circles, the hardware is as legendary as the political problems it caused :)
There aren't any full-fidelity modules that cover that type of aircraft, not even 4th gen fighters. The F/A-18 is pretty damn cool, but there's no study-sim Flanker, MiG-29 or F-15. The F-16 is cool, but based on my own quasi-insightful ignorance, it doesn't seem to handle right when it's very lightly loaded. It handles like a dog, it isn't snappy and responsive with the razor-sharp handling that videos of the real thing would suggest--just like the A-10C.
My graphics card packed it in (1080 Ti) so I won't be doing any flight simming for a very long time. I'm still waiting for the dang Typhoon module and can't even fly it!
There is no going back for me now after playing DCS in VR. None. Nadda. I do not remotely care that I have to lower my graphics settings. And I've used DCS VR for literal years now. You are in the fighter. You are there. I can't live without the true depth perception you get with VR. Especially in helicopters. And the experience even after years never stops blowing my mind.
Can I ask at that point are all of your controls by feel? I’m on the Logitech g940 for about a month with the free a10. I haven’t even came close to memorizing the controls by feel.
I agree, gor vr for xmas like a whole new game. The immersion is amazing. Also for vr get voice attack and speak commands instead of binding them. I never need to touch the keyboard while in VR.
Perfect timing, literally just got to sit down for the first time in a year to actually put some time in the seat. Giving the F-14 a try, so we'll see how it goes..
I’m reasonably new to DCS and fully endorse GS’s recommendations. I started with the exact HOTAS in the video, T16000M, because it was a very good price and has great functionality (especially the throttle). It wasn’t long before I committed to DCS and dove in to a Warthog HOTAS and WinWing panels; do this when you know you’re going to stick with it as it’s expensive, but it is very, very worth it. Especially for the stick - once you get more used to aircraft and combat systems you go looking for more hat switches…
The only recommendation I’d differ on is head tracking - not because you don’t need it, I agree that for a decent experience you do need it - just that TrackIR isn’t the only option. TrackIR is a plug-and-play solution but it’s extremely expensive for what it is. The alternative is to get a PS3 Eye Toy camera and do the IR/visible light filter mod (it’s fairly easy, just follow a tutorial here on UA-cam), download the freeware driver and head tracking software, and get a cheaper head mounted device like a Delanclip or Trackhat (or make one if you can find the right IR emitters and can be bothered). I have the PS3 camera and a Delanclip, it was all pretty easy, works flawlessly, and cost me about 1/5th that of a TrackIR system.
I have then proceeded to go batshit crazy on my simpit with DDIs, UFC, button panels, etc. It’s too much fun, especially when you can cold start a jet without touching the mouse or keyboard. Look for jeremy_thegoose on Insta for my setup.
hey i have a question can you use the t16000m flight stick as a throttle?
@@tommybonhomie9697 the stick has a little throttle on the base, if that’s what you mean. But using the actual stick in a left handed configuration as a throttle wouldn’t work only because the spring returns it to centre, so you won’t be able to leave it at a particular power setting. The proper T16000M Throttle is really good, though.
@@grievesy83 yeah i mean the little throttle on the base
@@grievesy83 would it be better to just spend the extra $100 or save and use the lil throttle
@@tommybonhomie9697 if it doesn’t stretch you too far financially, get the throttle. One of the best things about the T16000M throttle is the big rocker bar on the front side that can be used as a very decent rudder control. Also, it has a good number of buttons, hats and mini-sticks that make quite a difference when flying a modern jet (quick access things like chaff/flare, air brake, and fine control tasks like the TDC). I found I wanted good rudder controls pretty early on and the T16000 throttle is the best solution short of separate rudder pedals (it’s way better than a stick z-axis (I.e. stick twist) rudder control), but also it’s a decent HOTAS throttle anyway. Excellent bang for your buck.
Just want to say that for the ultra cheap-o head tracking option, I have used a webcam with aitrack+opentrack for a year before I upgraded to vr and it wasn’t terrible. Takes some tunings and can be buggy at times but if you are waiting to invest in something better it can definitely fill that gap.
Just spreading the word of the newer versions of Opentrack: it includes a neuralnet tracker which is absolutely miles ahead of aitrack in terms of reliability. It almost never loses track of your head. In exchange for that, you lose Z-axis tracking but I can give away the Z-axis in exchange for reliability. Pitch, roll, yaw, X and Y work very well and pretty fast.
Good to here about the F-18C. I was a AT in VFA-82 in 1995-96. Lot 10 and Lot 18. Also spent some time on VFA-204 A models.
Thank u so mutch for helping to grow up this community
As someone in the long sign up process for the USAF Academy, looking to start dcs as a hobby looks fun af.
Hey, good video, i agree on basically everything you stated. I would also add that you can test fly every module (individually) for 14 days every 6 months (if i am not mistaken). So before bying anything you can see for yourself what you can expect, and also gain some experience for free if buying a module is not feasable for you right now.
perfect ! i just installed DCS on my rizen9 mini pc to see how it would run and it seems i can get a verry playable experience at 1080p without over taxing it's cooling capacity. the lower fidelity flaming cliff pack seems ideal in that respect so all i need is a mid range HOTAS and I'm set for a nice consistent learning curve.
great video man i think i have a path to approach it.
Man, just bought my first full fidelity module (f16). When I had seen your video first. Was initially leaning towards the hornet, but everything I saw said the viper was better for dogfights.
Well that’s fine man if u like the viper there is no problem with it, the viper is also very capable of air to ground, air to air and sead so plenty to practice and learn there also.
Can you fly the Panavia Tornado in DCS?
That's the jet I learned to fly in. By which, of course, I mean that it was the jet used in the air combat sim that I first learned to use, way back in the early 90s. I had to learn how to fly the plane, how to arm it and how to use different weapons (properly), all without a manual. I lost my copy and back in '93 when you lost your manual, you couldn't just find another copy online. You either had to buy the game again, or you had to figure things out without the manual.
I fell in love with the Panavia Tornado AND with the AGM 65 Maverick missile!! I LOVED that you could target a specific tank on the ground, 20 Km away, fire the missile and then watch the relay from the optical seeker. You got a missile-eye-view as it flew towards the target, right up to the moment of impact!! The HARM missiles were kinda cool, but the AGM 65 was the best of the lot!! Anyway, if the Tornado is available to fly in DCS, I might end up climbing back into a cockpit...
No you cant :(
You should always use the free trial before committing to a purchase. You can trial any aircraft or map module for 2 weeks. The trials even refresh after 6 months.
For sure! Trails are really good.
NOTE: This only applies if you get the game directly from Eagle Dynamics. I do not believe Steam versions of the game are eligible for free trials. Both base versions are still free, however. (I believe you can create an account with Eagle Dynamics, link it to your Steam account and go from there... but free trials are not available directly via Steam)
@@control_the_pet_population People shouldn't really use the Steam version anyways, but thats how I discovered DCS in the first place.
Great guide, recommended to some FC friend in FFXIV who want to get into DCS, that being said my foremost recommendation is always look at manual, get the plane off ground by trying different button or die trying, then die by 1000+ different way.
Dying is much more efficient of a teacher than watching guides.
Got a pc and HOTAS, and vr optimization is in progress. Absolutely awesome experience. Got the hornet and tomcat as my main modules, but I’ve got a lot to learn still!
Hornet and tomcat- you a big fan of Top Gun as well?
@@loke-42 haha of course
I downloaded DCS on my old PC running Win 7. I think I only had 8MB ram, and don't even remember the CPU. DCS wouldn't even load the home screen.
So I bought a decent mid tier system, and after about 5 minutes in the free SU-25, I bought the FC3 pack. I loved it at first, especially the F-15, but I've had first hand experiences with the F/A-18 and it was only a couple days before I purchased that module. To this day it is still my favorite to fly.
Like you said, if you're passionate about a module, that's the one you should get!
Ya that was pretty much my experience with my old laptop it could barely open the DCS Home Screen lol
DCS has by far the absolute greatest helicopter simulation in the market, so if youre a rotary wing guy and dont care so much about fixed wing, DCS is still the place to be.
OUTSTANDING! I've been on the fence about this for over a year! Ever since MS announced that Windows 7 would not be supported anymore and at the time, they said Windows 10 and FSX wouldn't mix, I was forced to leave my favorite flight-sim platform; (FSX if I wasn't clear). I've since built another PC from the ground up in preparation for installing MSFS and after giving MSFS the very best try I could for over 4 months, (including spending $$$ for 3rd party addons), I found MSFS to fall far short of the FSX platform that I had been flying for well over 9 years.
Last night, I decided to 'abandon ship' and will retire MSFS as carefully as I can, including the 1TB NVMe drive that was dedicated to the MSFS installation. I plan to o a complete removal of the software so that I don't have any of it running in the background.
From what I've read a few months ago, FSX can run on Windows 10 and I still have the 3-disc installation set. But rather than going right back to FSX, (which is not a shooting sim), I thought I'd look at DCS again.
One of the things I really didn't like about MSFS (and have never gotten used to) was the required installations of XBox and Gaming Services. I'm not a 'gamer' and don't need all that stuff but MSFS wanted it, so... I bought the MSFFS Premium and felt I should be able to run it w/o all that other software, but that wasn't the case.
I know that it may be very likely that DCS will require the same superfluous software (i.e. Xbox and Gaming Services), and I'm prepared for that if it's as good as it appears. But if there's a way to fly DCS w/o the XBox & GS installations I would be elated.
Well thanks again for the great information and now I need to look into those few details and figure out what I'm going to do. I'm entirely covered on all the other points, (the PC, HOTAS, Trackir, etc.), and you've made it clear to me as to which DCS version I feel I should go with. So, I need to get busy!
Rich
I feel you. I also wish I could still play FSX for most of the civil and airliner stuff. Felt screwed big time when MS annouced FSX could not play with W10/11. Now I switched to P3D5 but the mojo left - I don't really have the same fun and energy I had with FSX (Mirage III and MD-11 were the biggest loss from FSX). I installed DCS from about 2 years ago but never really went into it. If it was only me I would be playing Flanker 1,5 for military and FSX the remaining and I'll be set.
The thing about being passionate for the aircraft is absolutely true, I was on the fence between the MiG-21 and the Mirage being my first module. I really really loved the MiG, it was the jet aircraft that got me *into* jet aircraft, but I was convinced to get the Mirage over the MiG as a first timer and ended up not enjoying my time. The trial license system came out for DCS months later and as soon as I got a chance to get into the air with the MiG-21I was in love and having so much fun. Despite now owning and enjoying the JF-17 today I still fly the MiG-21 regularly and have gotten a passion for flying the JF-17 as well.
Great advice, Growling Sidewinder. Honest and straight to the point. One thing to remember is that this hobby tend to get expensive. Soon you start getting better GPU/PC, HOTAS, table mounts, rudder, monitor and maybe VR + many modules and maps 😂😂. DCS is addicting, fun and rewarding!
Ubutto makes a decent gaming "Cockpit", and they have mounts for TM and VKB HOTAS setups.
Nice video! You forgot the trial licenses tho this can also give you an idea if your PC can handle the game and I mean 14 days of free Hornet flying is good fun.
Thank you very much for this. It somewhat lowered the barrier for me to join the DCS community
When deciding on trackIR and VR I highly recommend finding someone that has a VR headset and trying it first because I have had friends that just cant use them do to nausea and eye strain. I use a riftS and a 3060 laptop GPU and get great performance on multi and singleplayer mission and cant recommend it highly enough.
And remind them you can get used to VR. Some people give up in 20 minutes.
@@icecold9511 for sure it took me two days to get over some sickness but thankfully my eyes never hurt. We just did the 24hours of daytona and one of the drivers used vr the whole time I could never.
If you have a VR headset, you could get VTOL VR as a taster. It’s a great introduction to simulators, but is simplified compared to DCS. It helped me learn the basics of radar, dogfighting, AtG, BVR, and helicopters.
Once you’ve got the hang of it all and played, you could then go into DCS and settle in wonderfully like I did.
Observed your channel a few times in the past, and more recently, once again I got bit by my Combat Aircraft bug, and I subbed to your channel because you have some amazing videos! Thank you for this video in particular because I just got a nice gaming laptop and I've been itching for something far more realistic than Ace Combat, lol.
This is fantastic mate. I just installed DCS for the first time. I've got Logitech 3D Extreme pro joystick. Is it okay for people like me who got into DCS first time?
I had it and I thought it was okay but it showed its limitations very quickly, felt like I couldn't get the plane to fly straight most of the time
@@twbones99 trim
should be alright, but you’ll probably find yourself upgrading soon.
Should be ok for a while, but you will want to upgrade sooner or later. I'd recommend using the hat switch for trim as it is in real aircraft. Keep your eye on used things, I got a Saitek X-45 for £30 recently.
I got the same joystick three years ago. Cheap and effective. It’s not as precise as the expensive ones but I can use all the Flaming Cliffs planes no problem. I bought the F-5E and the F-14 after to try out the full fidelity planes after i got the basics of BVR and dogfighting somewhat down with the FC planes.
You will still need to use your keyboard for a lot of things like radar and wingmen commands but the basic movements, weapons, and takeoff/landing controls are all on the joystick. You will have a lot of fun with it!
Let me know if you want help setting up any controls or ask where I have the bindings.
Thanks, I didn’t know about this but I’ve installed it thanks to you’re help
GS, awesome breakdown man. I bought the T. 16000M w/ pedals back before the new year with the exact intentions of getting into DCS. I do have a quick question and does it matter playing the game through STEAM versus downloading it and paying for the modules through EC? This is my main question as I was introduced to the game on STEAM originally. You were the one who rekindled my love for flight sims. Keep rocking the awesome videos!
If you download directly you can access the free trial program (steam doesn't support this) and DCS offers a discounted rate on many modules for your first purchase (steam doesn't offer this).
I got into DCS in December of 2021 so here's my advice. I got the free verson to try it out, test my pc, etc. Then, I waited until black Friday where the modules are up to 75% off and HOTAS systems are cheap. I got my Thrustmaster T16000M with the matching throttle and rudder pedals for just $170! I bought the F-16 viper as my first module because it's a highly capable, high-fidelity aircraft. For my headtracking I use a trackIR alternative by grassmonkey simulations and I got it for $70 and it works just as well and it can be used for all flight simulators.
Thank you for all you do for us on DCS. You've been a big help to me, and I am asking for just a little help with VR if possible. I run quest 2...it's amazing..I get 90fps on virtually every aircraft and map...went for the Pimax 5k super. Loaded up openxr to bypass steamvr, I'm only getting at best 40fps. I have a beast of a system...
I5-12600
ASUS ROG Z690
64gb RAM
4x 2tb M2
RTX 3060
a beast of a system. His system: rtx 3060
What a co-incidence. I was actually thinking of requesting u tomorrow to upload a tutorial for beginners. Thanks bro
I'm so poor
2:14, recommends the airframe I spent 20 years working on. Me: YES!!!
woah im early!
I'm actually super thankful for this video, I've been wanting to get into DCS for the longest time and dive into an su-27 or 35, I love flankers and dcs seems to be the only game that does them justice, and hearing that the su-27 is an fc3 module eases my heart a little. also I'm really glad they allow monthly payments
Wait, dcs allows monthly payments for modules?
Are there any cheaper alternatives to head tracking thank track IR that you would reccomend? Or should I wait and save for Track IR? Great video as always and at a perfect time! I was just watching some reviews on modules as this came out
Hi, i bought the track ir 5 a year ago. Im Happy with It and its very inmersive and useful. But i heard that with leds and some programmes you can build a track ir. To be fair , i know some people that created their own and works but the original its the original. I recomend you to build It, if It works keep it, if not think on buying It. I Hope u get It. Also not native speaker sorry...
Use Opentrack and neuralnet tracker if you have a webcam, it's surprisingly good
Youre the best of the best, sidewinder - RW Pilot, dcs enthusiest
Thank you for the guide. Got my friend into playing DCS, gonna probably send this to him later. However I still have a question, do you use any shaders or filters while playing and what graphic settings would you recommend to turn up to "increase" situational awareness? My problem is that most of the time I see people flying a few miles away from me on the radar/datalink but cant find them visually.
Loving your channel 🙂
Personally cannot wait for this video series. I have both F18 and F16 as a newbie and the f16 is a PAIN to land and a newbie 😆
Thanks GS for all of the interesting and instructive content on this combat flight simulator and IL2. I especially appreciate your comparison of track IR vs VR on DCS.
One question: do you think that there are any high-end laptops coming out that could handle DCS acceptably well? I realize, of course, that a laptop will not perform as well as a high-end desktop but I was hoping that I might be able to get away with only having to turn down the realism settings slightly on the laptop. One other question, sorry, do you think rudder pedals are a high priority hardware item? Thanks again.
My system is Intel i7 9x series (sorry can't remember the details) 32GB RAM, 1070GTX. It runs very well at 1440 with all detail on high at 30fps. Although look up how to change the AA settings for your GPU as I've recently done and it's now more like 40-60fps!
On rudder pedals, I personally find the twist grip does the job for the rare occasions you need rudder control... Taxi, stall turns, occasional moments to adjust nose on target. If you don't have a twist grip stick, then it's handy, not essential.
I'm not GS nor would I claim to be anywhere near his expertise on flight sim stuff... That said... I think most higher end gaming laptops would do a decent job with DCS at 1080p resolutions. I'd say most gaming laptops that come with 32GB RAM and a 3070 GPU would be sufficient.
Again, not an expert, but rudder pedals (or rudder inputs in general) are much more critical in realistic warbird / piston engine planes... where you have to counteract the torque of the propeller... and less critical in modern jets. I'm sure truly talented pilots couldn't live without rudder pedals in anything they fly, but I don't use them nearly as often when flying the fast modern jets.
@@gofres Thanks. I appreciate the feedback.
@@control_the_pet_population Thanks, especially about the use of the rudder. I used to fly my favorite WW2 plane, the BF-109 F4 or G2, and found the rudder really necessary, on takeoff and when side slipping my plane on a hot landing.
Tip for beginners: if your hotas hasnt got enough buttons just get an xbox controller aswell and bind it to things you want on your hotas but cant bind.
I started playing dcs with the a10-c module back in 1.5, I had a saitek fly 5 stick and an xbox controller and have some great memories of starting out and learning alongside some people from a community I reached out to once Id learned the very basics of the plane. The xbox thing isnt ideal, but its easier to press a button or move a stick than it is to remember that alt+ctrl+j,k,l,i = tdc slew or whatever when your hotas hasnt got the buttons you need.
Smart bro
This is a great video exactly what I needed to get into DCS. I have been watching your videos for a couple months they🛩️🔥🔥💯 my brother
thank you man, I really appreciate it.
You know what. Cause of finding this channel I got into DCS, and at first I didnt think the game was for me. I didnt understand/liked the prices of each aircraft, and thought the game was too difficult/tedious to learn how to play since it is a simulator and not just a game. But darn it, somehow I stuck with the free planes that come with it and NOW bought the Viggen AJS-37 and the F-15 E? I think. Viggen is still pretty hard to use but I LOVE the F-15, and have found that now I have a growing passion for jet fighters, I live in San Diego and at work all day F-16/18 and what looks like maybe F-22/35's pass pretty low almost every work day. thanks for the videos! your knowledge of these planes has helped me understand DCS big time!
Great video! I did exactly as Growling suggested. I downloaded DCS and flew (tried to anyway) P51 and Su 25 for FREE! I loved the game and the graphics, but I am an old PC flying nut from early Microsoft flight games. I had a cheap HOTAS system and it worked just fine. I also suggest you find some flying buddies. I, luckily, had a group of friend that encouraged me to join them and it was a fun experience learning from and with them. If you do not have any flying buddies then look at on line servers and groups. Many are recruiting and would love to add a dedicated and passionate player to their team. After playing for a while I upgraded everything! The only downside to flight sims seems to be the "need" to get better equipment. I went from a $50 HOTAS to a Warthog HOTAS, 3 Thrustmaster Cougars, $2000 PC and building my own button boxes. Growling is correct about buying the plane you want to fly. Mine was the F/A 18c and I love flying it. DCS is more of a sim than a game so learning each aircraft takes time, in some cases lots of time! If you really enjoy flying DCS you will probably end up with a few favorite planes and spending more than you thought you ever would on a flight sim!
Beyond thank you. You are a gem who helps
1:15 somehow i have learned the F14 and F18 SU33 SU25T in couple days i would say for some people is it that you need time but i needed hours to take of with cold start
I just got off a DCS run that my friend had. I flew the SU-33 (my favorite plane of all time) and it was amazing.
I'm sold now, Ima get the SU-33 module and learn the heck out of it
So funny. Just was asking about how to get into this. First video that should when opening UA-cam. Awesome and thanks
Thanks GS. Very informative and helpful.
Yeah, Thanks. I can see my Social Security checks marching off to some computer store to get upgraded for DCS and VR (already sprung for TrackIR 5). Great content and I learn something new every session. Thank you.
Im planning on beginning in DCS soon. This will help me so much! Thanks GS!
I appreciate the honesty in saying what you need here. I'm not interested enough to get a stick or track IR (tbh i don't even have much time to learn dcs) but maybe if one day do I know now what's best
I love the idea of flying planes etc but so much work! Just like real life learning jets etc. I don't have the patience and almost certainly can't afford the equipment but I am so fascinated. Interesting.
Thank you very much for the very helpful video.
Man this is one of the more helpful videos i've come across - on any topic - the only thing u don't seem to know is how to make a cockpit that flips you 360* with plane movement - so get on it
And here I am with new pedals and proper mounts for my HOTAS...
Playing off my school laptop with specs increaser modules. Having so much fun with my HOTAS F/A-18C Stick 🤩
Take your time. It’s okay to spend weeks just learning 1 aircraft. Like he said, once you do, the skills are transferable to other aircraft.
Getting a PC built right now for DCS. It'll be interesting learning the aircraft, maybe I'll apply tricks I learned from familiarizing myself with real aircraft. One thing I learned is that avionics is always the steepest learning curve and longest to learn. You just have to take the time to learn how to program everything. As they often say "Garbage in, garbage out". If you fumble even one character or number when you program the FMS you'll find your head buried in the cockpit focusing on the one system not realizing what happened until you get an alarm or radio call from ATC. Anyways it should be a fun challenge learning the different aircraft.
Never been into flight simulators until I saw your videos. Gotta say you’ve got me really interested into dcs now. I don’t think I’ll get into it now because of spec limits but definitely sometime down the road I’ll upgrade my computer and get started!
Also I didn’t even know what trackir was until watching this video and I really want to pick one up now for when I play dirt or assetto corsa.
Great man, hope to see you in the DCS skies soon, and yes trackir is very cool, big fan over here.
Very helpful for new DCS pilots.
Finally got a house and now that I have space I’m planning on building my first desktop so I can officially participate in this sim and do it in vr
I found it pays to pay close attention to how your aircraft responds to your actions, particularly the warbirds where physics, timing, throttle, and speed play a great deal in their responsiveness.
I love your tutorial videos
When you post that you're wanting to get into this game in the GS discord and 3 days later he uploads a video.
I´ve been specting a video like this, thanks very much, greetings from Argentina
Wish I'd watched this yesterday, before buying the Gazelle as my first module - could've saved $5!
This video was really helpful! It really answered all my questions before i jumped into DCS! I had purchased a HOTAS a while ago but really didn’t use it because i had no idea what to do and felt stuck. I recently got a VR headset and was debating coming back, and this video really brought me back into the community! Thanks so much!
Over 300+ hr steam DCS play time , but I still watch this vid👍
@Growling Sidewinder >>> *_GREAT_* video -- Thanks for posting this!
FWIW: I did NOT know that *_"TrackIR"_* and *_"VR"_* were two separate things. All I knew of was *_VR._* Now I know...👍
I use a PS4 controller. It's not the same hand movements as a stick but it works! Plus I can use the touchpad to look around while flying with the left stick. If you've played with planes on PS4 games, you can map your controls as the same in dcs. After that you just need to get used to realism and physics
wait the touch pad works on the ps4 controller
@@rinkerchris2474 ya it acts as a mouse
@@skrrtskrrt5621 thats sick
Damn 2 videos within just 1 hour. Thats quite good.