Please help a brand new player figure out where to start

[Lupus4]

Good afternoon everyone,

 

 

So as the title says, I'm brand new to DCS. This isn't my first flight sim though. I've got a long history of combat flight sims. I've played:

 

 

IL-2 1946

IL-2 BoS

IL-2 CloD

Rise of Flight

 

 

What I miss in the current generation of combat flight sims is carrier ops in the Pacific. The challenge of landing on that pitching deck, of flying over the ocean, knowing there is no safe place to make an emergency landing. There's just something about it.

 

 

I've tried searching and can't seem to figure out the answer. What do I need in order to run single player carrier ops?

 

 

While I really do enjoy a dynamic campaign, one where my success and failure in a given mission matters to the overall course of the campaign. I've got no real interest in the micro-managment of squad resources. I like the idea of a certain level of customization of your plane, but that should be pretty limited.

 

 

While most of my experience is with WWII single engine prop driven planes. I'm open to learning and experiencing the world of the modern jet fighter. I am, however, willing to concede that I want a less technical approach, at least in the beginning. So that I can make the learning curve a little less steep while I get my feet under me. I still want a realistic flight model, limited fuel, limited ammunition, realistic damage model, etc. I'm just not sure about learning all the controls involved, so probably starting with something from a simpler time would be good, like Korea and the Sabre jet maybe?

 

 

Please help give me some direction. I look forward to your input.

Edited April 15, 2020 by Lupus4

[SVgamer72]

DCS is a study sim. You have the basics of flying down (which is a huge part of the learning curve), and now you are at the point where you have to study more complex systems than are found in the WWI/WWII simulated planes you are used to if you are going to invest in DCS.

 

That being said, the best advice I can give you is to buy a DCS plane (or set of planes if you go with Flaming Cliffs 3 bundle) that you are the most interested in learning.

 

You will spend a lot of time with each DCS module becoming competent. You will quickly be able to do basic things, and it is possible to be proficient in every module with enough time and muscle memory. True mastery of the more complex systems is a long term process.

 

A typical full DCS mission will involve the following workflow (FC3 planes are simplified in this regard and a lot like IL2:BoX):

1. Order the ground crew to arming/fuel your plane (if it isn't already armed and fueled)

2. Order the ground crew to apply external power and/or air supplies (if required)

3. Engine Startup (applying power, and fuel)

4. Avionics Startup (radios, screens, systems, INS alignment, lights, etc.)

5. Disconnect external power and/or air supply (if required by step 2)

6. Taxi, Take-Off, fly mission, and return

7. Rearm/Refuel or shutdown

 

Once you learn one module, the rest are easier, because the workflows are the same. You just have to learn different cockpit layouts and air-frame specific procedures.

 

For carrier ops you need a carrier capable plane...

 

Full Fidelity (clickable cockpit) carrier planes in DCS:

F/A-18C

F-14B (the F-14A is still in development but comes with the B when you buy it)

AV-8B Harrier (VSTOL operations)

 

Flaming Cliffs 3(non-clickable cockpits similar to IL2:BoX)carrier planes in DCS:

Su-33

Edited April 15, 2020 by SVgamer72

[Lupus4]

For carrier ops you need a carrier capable plane...

 

Full Fidelity (clickable cockpit) carrier planes in DCS:

F/A-18C

F-14B (the F-14A is still in development but comes with the B when you buy it)

AV-8B Harrier (VSTOL operations)

 

Flaming Cliffs 3(non-clickable cockpits similar to IL2:BoX)carrier planes in DCS:

Su-33

 

 

Thank you. So it looks like it's either the F14 Tomcat or the F-18 Hornet, as I"m not really into Russian planes. Even in IL-2 I only fly them for a change of pace.

 

 

Is there a really good dynamic campaign generator that I can use with one of them or an excellent dynamic campaign available as a module you might recommend?

Edited April 15, 2020 by Lupus4

[SVgamer72]

DCS doesn’t have a “dynamic” campaign yet.

 

Some very clever mission builders and multiplayer server admins have done amazing work getting close.

 

Check out the “Missions and Campaign” section of these forums. You will find a variety of options with feedback from users. That should give you an idea of what is available.

 

If you haven’t already download and install DCS and fly the free SU-25T or TF-51D. You can then download and sample missions and campaigns to see if you like what is available before investing in a module.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rinkerbuck]

There are multiplayer servers that do sort of a dynamic campaign thing though via mods and scripts, it at least makes you feel much more like you're part of a living breathing war. Most of these are coop against AI but there are also ones which are PVP.

[Lupus4]

DCS doesn’t have a “dynamic” campaign yet.

 

Some very clever mission builders and multiplayer server admins have done amazing work getting close.

 

Check out the “Missions and Campaign” section of these forums. You will find a variety of options with feedback from users. That should give you an idea of what is available.

 

If you haven’t already download and install DCS and fly the free SU-25T or TF-51D. You can then download and sample missions and campaigns to see if you like what is available before investing in a module.

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

 

Thank you. I've installed DCS 2.5 from this site, but I haven't actually flown it yet. I'm currently in the process of upgrading my flight controls and will probably wait until I get the new set in before I go full on. Otherwise all the invested muscle memory will have to be relearned.

 

 

I'll check out the "Missions and Campaign" section of the forums. Looking over the history of the F-14 it saw action in desert storm. That might be an interesting theater to look into.

 

 

 

There are multiplayer servers that do sort of a dynamic campaign thing though via mods and scripts, it at least makes you feel much more like you're part of a living breathing war. Most of these are coop against AI but there are also ones which are PVP.

 

Thanks. PVP isn't my thing, although I'll admit that AI can't hold a candle to a real pilot. Co-op sounds much more my speed, but I want to get the hang of what I'm doing before I fly co-op and get someone 'killed'.