Is there a WW2 dogfighting server with labels on?

[Jamesp1]

I admit my SA is rubbish and I always lose track if I don't have labels on - are there any popular WW2 dogfighting servers that allow labels?

[cliffy229]

As far as I know all of them use full real settings. It does get easier with practice to keep track of targets and using flak to find targets can help. If all else fails just look around until your framerate plummets, there is bound to be a P-51 shooting in that direction. Hopefully Edge will help with the spotting issues as I think most Warbird pilots prefer to keep labels out of the way.

[Tumbleweed]

I'd love to play more combat missions / dogfights online but I don't simply because I can't see anyone at range which puts me at a massive disadvantage.

 

I've tried all this zooming in and out business but it doesn't feel natural and it gets hella confusing quick. At least for me it does. Between working all the controls, working the keyboard and using freetrack I feel like I need to be an octopus. It doesn't help when your memory is terrible either lol.

 

I've thought about this for a while now myself and what we need is a noob friendly combat server. A place just for those finding their feet that can fly amongst their own skill levels without worrying about spending 20 minutes getting in the air only to become pro fodder 2 minutes later.

 

I'd love to set up and host something but it's so difficult with how DCS is at the minute. I wouldn't know how or where to start. Plus I don't have the hardware or the bandwidth. Hopefully when and if we get a dedicated server solution in Edge, it will be easy to rent out some rack space somewhere and set something up (though I imagine there are plenty enough people waiting for the same thing with the same idea).

 

The only other option then really is to ask one of the WWII server owners if they would consider running a Rookie night once a month or something. A simple MP mission for noobs to get in the air and dogfight with minimal labels - something like a dot.

 

I know I'd DEFINITELY get in on that if they did. :thumbup:

[dooom]

Good feedback - it is a shame many rookies miss out online without labels... Maybe our group can look at your suggestion and think about some options

 

For visibility, I'd recommend the following:

 

1- Study the briefing . If you know what the enemy ground objective is and where it is, you can orbit nearby and watch for tracers either firing at or from ground targets

2- Study the flak maps if the briefing has one.... If you know where your enemy will draw flak you can watch for their puffs and zoom in accordingly when you see them

3- Study the enemy route to target from their airfield.if it passes over land or light coloured terrain, fly your bar cap above that - it's easier to spot them that way. If you have altitude then dive down with speed perpendicular to their path and watch for them against the sky where it is easier to spot them... If you see nothing, zoom up and rinse/ repeat.

 

These are just 3 tactics I use online - the fourth tip is the bible.... Get on comms - if you can't see a bogey, someone will and they can talk you onto target to help

[Tracer1]

I'm in the same boat Tumbleweed. I hesitate to join a server like DOW for that very reason. I'd just be a target for a better player. Its like learning how to fight against Mike Tyson, all you learn is getting the crap kicked out of you : ).

[Darkwolf]

Don't worry. They is "uber" flak in most of the missions. Believe me, even if you would have a F15, it wouldn't be more easy to find targets :P

[dooom]

Yeah the flak use is an unfortunate side effect of limited visibility - that said, there are gaps to be aware of that can be exploited for a predatory advantage ...

 

We sincerely need feedback on flak use... I have scenarios with much less flak in the hopper but they will fail if no one logs in to play them :)

[speckfire]

dooom is it possible to use the 23mm smoke puffs as flak instead of the missile explosion effects?

[LeadTurn_SD]

This may not be practical, or may not be something DoW would want to consider, but there is a client-side "labels mod" that reduces labels to tiny red and blue dots... about the size of a " . "

 

Our small squad sometimes uses this "cheat" when we fly together.... I strongly prefer labels "off", but it is often VERY difficult (too difficult?) to spot aircraft in DCS without labels.

 

Flak is a good work-around for the visibility issues however.

 

Keep up the good work!

[dooom]

dooom is it possible to use the 23mm smoke puffs as flak instead of the missile explosion effects?

 

Stonehouse made the flak script - but i do see where you are join with that recommendation - maybe a mix might be better?

[Tracer1]

Hey Guys,

 

Did anything ever come from this? I mean is there any servers that allow even a blue or red dot for an enemy plane? I'm feeling comfortable driving the P51D and would like to try some combat but right now am still just a target. My only option is hiding at base and hope for a lucky bounce before I get taken out. Not very fun to be honest.

[Charly_Owl]

You can also find a wingman and not hide at your base. :)

[Stonehouse]

I use the trigger explosion action as per Sithspawn's initial experiment and that is hardwired to the effect used within DCS. I think it's basically a 500 or 1000lb iron bomb effect and looks the same regardless of the explosion strength chosen although the damage radius goes up with strength. I guess someone might be able to mod the effect or substitute a different one if they knew what they were doing but it's beyond me.

 

I find that the more visibility mod helps me spot targets further away to some extent but it is still hard when they are lower than you.

[Invisibull]

This easily installed mod should help a lot for those having trouble spotting planes:

 

 

http://alturl.com/247u7

[313_Nevo]

Tracer1 dont worry about your hiding at base. Imho it is valid tactics. Any tactics which puts you into favorable position is valid. Is like hiding and attack from the sun.

 

I know, real world tactics can be boring and frantic dogfight is what everyone is looking for, in some way :)

[Tracer1]

Thanks for the replies guys. I will install that mod tonight and give it a try. I really hope it helps in the meantime. Its not the best solution but right now I honestly cannot spot anything. I'm even going on to the areobatic server, flying near other bases and then try to spot planes where I know they are and I am having a hell of a hard time spotting. I don't know anyone to wing with and I doubt anyone wants to fly with a liability LOL. I'm just going to have to practice and hopefully it will get easier. I don't want to stick around base but I need the flak to spot for me right now. I used to fly Falcon 4 a lot and do prefer real world tactics as Nevo mentioned. I'm definitely not looking for a quick fix, I would fly War Thunder if I wanted that. I've spent a lot of time learning the P51 and feel comfortable with most of the switches etc now, I'm looking for the full experience. I watched a video yesterday of 2 guys using TS comms and they coordinated their actions, now thats flying :)

 

Thanks again.

[DieHard]

Get on the deck, stay low, look up.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I will install that mod tonight and give it a try. I really hope it helps in the meantime. Its not the best solution but right now I honestly cannot spot anything. I'm even going on to the areobatic server, flying near other bases and then try to spot planes where I know they are and I am having a hell of a hard time spotting. I don't know anyone to wing with and I doubt anyone wants to fly with a liability LOL. I'm just going to have to practice and hopefully it will get easier. I don't want to stick around base but I need the flak to spot for me right now. I used to fly Falcon 4 a lot and do prefer real world tactics as Nevo mentioned. I'm definitely not looking for a quick fix, I would fly War Thunder if I wanted that. I've spent a lot of time learning the P51 and feel comfortable with most of the switches etc now, I'm looking for the full experience. I watched a video yesterday of 2 guys using TS comms and they coordinated their actions, now thats flying :)

 

Thanks again.

[Merlin-27]

Thanks for the replies guys. I will install that mod tonight and give it a try. I really hope it helps in the meantime. Its not the best solution but right now I honestly cannot spot anything. I'm even going on to the areobatic server, flying near other bases and then try to spot planes where I know they are and I am having a hell of a hard time spotting. I don't know anyone to wing with and I doubt anyone wants to fly with a liability LOL. I'm just going to have to practice and hopefully it will get easier. I don't want to stick around base but I need the flak to spot for me right now. I used to fly Falcon 4 a lot and do prefer real world tactics as Nevo mentioned. I'm definitely not looking for a quick fix, I would fly War Thunder if I wanted that. I've spent a lot of time learning the P51 and feel comfortable with most of the switches etc now, I'm looking for the full experience. I watched a video yesterday of 2 guys using TS comms and they coordinated their actions, now thats flying :)

 

Thanks again.

 

 

Give it a little time and you will notice a change. I also think you will be surprised how easy it would be to wing up with someone if you ask... And it would be hard to find anyone who would fault you for your spotting. (It's difficult for everyone) The teamwork element through TS makes a world of difference and provides a much more rewarding experience.

[fastfreddie]

Get on the deck, stay low, look up.

 

Or fly in the 3000m to 4000m range and dive down on unsuspecting planes.

[fastfreddie]

I'm in the same boat Tumbleweed. I hesitate to join a server like DOW for that very reason. I'd just be a target for a better player. Its like learning how to fight against Mike Tyson, all you learn is getting the crap kicked out of you : ).

 

To be honest the best learning experience I had was getting the crap kicked out of me by DavidRed and him telling me what I was doing wrong. A couple of other DoW guys helped me out in the beginning in a similar fashion with feedback. I have no problem getting my ass smoked as long as I'm learning so it doesn't happen later on. Your best learning experiences probably won't happen on packed servers with a thousand things going on but facing one better player with feedback. Spotting is only part of the problem for new players ... proper tactics, gunnery, SA, etc all have to be improved.

[gavagai]

I think spotting is the biggest thing hold back multiplayer for WW2 in DCS. With the settings most hosts are using multiplayer is not fun in DCS with the WW2 birds. I don't have the time in my life for flying for an hour and seeing nothing except flak.

 

The flak script is not as helpful as some make it out to be. Where I have seen it only one side gets targeted at a time, so if you dare patrol into enemy territory there is a shoot-me sign over your head while the enemy remains invisible. Also, flak was never any good for pinpointing a single engine fighter at 10,000ft the way it has been implemented here.

 

When I run a multiplayer dogfight I have icons off, but I leave the fog of war map view on. That way you can at least have a sense of who is nearby with the F-10 view. I'll run it again this weekend, so stop on by if you see it. All are welcome.

[313_Nevo]

good place for picking targets other than unmasked by flak is the ACG WWII server

there is good mission - bombers squadron periodically attacking some spot on the map. it is very easy to hang somewhere near the bombers rout and pick up your targets (before targets picks you ;) ).

 

and what is the alpha and omega of the air combat imho? spotting enemy, favorable position, perfect gunnery.. perfection in these and the score can rise ;)

[Merlin-27]

I think spotting is the biggest thing hold back multiplayer for WW2 in DCS. With the settings most hosts are using multiplayer is not fun in DCS with the WW2 birds. I don't have the time in my life for flying for an hour and seeing nothing except flak.

 

The flak script is not as helpful as some make it out to be. Where I have seen it only one side gets targeted at a time, so if you dare patrol into enemy territory there is a shoot-me sign over your head while the enemy remains invisible. Also, flak was never any good for pinpointing a single engine fighter at 10,000ft the way it has been implemented here.

 

When I run a multiplayer dogfight I have icons off, but I leave the fog of war map view on. That way you can at least have a sense of who is nearby with the F-10 view. I'll run it again this weekend, so stop on by if you see it. All are welcome.

 

 

You share an opinion with several others... But not all.

 

Spotting aircraft in DCS may not be easy but it's surely not the "end of the world" crisis that you claim.

 

As you know we used the same fog-of-war settings in the past but since moved on once it became an unnecessary crutch. As far as the flak, while not perfect, is enjoyed by many and serves as merely an addition to the experience.

 

To each his own. Glad to hear you are flying and enjoying your server.

[9.JG27 DavidRed]

I think spotting is the biggest thing hold back multiplayer for WW2 in DCS. With the settings most hosts are using multiplayer is not fun in DCS with the WW2 birds. I don't have the time in my life for flying for an hour and seeing nothing except flak.

 

The flak script is not as helpful as some make it out to be. Where I have seen it only one side gets targeted at a time, so if you dare patrol into enemy territory there is a shoot-me sign over your head while the enemy remains invisible. Also, flak was never any good for pinpointing a single engine fighter at 10,000ft the way it has been implemented here.

 

When I run a multiplayer dogfight I have icons off, but I leave the fog of war map view on. That way you can at least have a sense of who is nearby with the F-10 view. I'll run it again this weekend, so stop on by if you see it. All are welcome.

 

 

and fog of war, where you see labels on the f10map with even the names of the players is not a shoot-me sign over your head???;)

[gavagai]

Fog-of-war F10 map is equal for both sides David. The flak script gives you a tremendous advantage over your opponents if you stay in your own territory.