Enigma's Dynamic Cold War Campaign PVP/PVE Server

[Cab]

3 hours ago, Maximo said:

Guys, 

The following is for a healthy discussion on the future of ECW Server and professional military trained pilots - 'flown F-15 and the F-35' pilots who will only be flying as a squadron of F-4s.  This Server has many guys who are not pilots, trying to learn to fly some of the older modules of jets and the new helos and work and fly on both sides of the ECW family of Blue/Red pilots.

I do not know Lead_Sled and I am sure he is a great military professional pilot anxious to form a team comprised (for now) of highly trained real military pilots that will only be flying the F-4 against the Red team on ECW.  Right now, I have seen on the Server up to 25 F-4 pilots vs 13 or so Red pilots (including helos), hence his comment about kill ratio of five to one against the Red team.  

I think 'Lead Sled' is a nickname for a Navy fighter?  Not sure.

Problem: Too many F-4s allowed on the ECW Server (my opinion)

Solution:  Make the F-4 a 'trophy airplane' on the ECW Server-similar to access requirements of other special jets, for the following reasons:

1. To preserve the balance on both sides of Blue/Red teams with both sides enjoying a relatively even competition with each other's aircraft whereby pilot skills and proficiency can make the difference of winning or losing.  I see about 90% F-4s and very few F-5s, Viggens, A-10s, etc. flying.

2. Many pilots have already spent a small fortune for the existing modules they fly on the ECW Server, having expended a relatively large amount of money and also may not be able to fly them with a full Server of F-4s on the Blue side.

3. The F-4 is still very much in development to fit it onto the ECW Server in a balanced 'modified' version that is realistic for the principles of what the ECW Server was originated for - simplicity in using the modules that already are in use - and purchased, by new and experienced DCS pilots.

4. Twenty five plus F-4s on the Server at one time does not give the other modules a chance to participate in a team environment with their current 'older' modules. 

5.  Let them fly all the F-4s they want to fly on the SPS Contention Server.  The ECW Server enjoys a great aircraft and helo team balance on both sides right now so either buy the F-4 or fly your older modules on another Server (?).  I have no intention of buying the F-4 and appreciate all the hard work and videos that were put out to help us learn the existing selection of flying modules.

His comment about the kill ratio that The Den has racked up here in the early stages of the F-4 implementation are interesting.  (see below)

I believe the following post by Lead_Sled was Sunday, June 16th, 2024:  [bold print added by me for clarity]

For those who serve or have served in the military, thank you for your service.

M.

__________________________________________________________________________________

By LEAD_SLED
Sunday at 03:06 PM in Jets Squadrons

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Posted Sunday at 03:06 PM (edited)

The Den is looking for Blufor Pilots, RIOs, and WSOs!
We are a small (20 Active Pilots), tight knit group of DCS Cold War Pilots, mainly operating during US East Timeslots (2000-0400EST), on Enigmas Cold War Server and SPS Contention.
We are primarily focused on the F-4E , but ALL Blufor pilots and Modules are welcome!
There are no fixed schedules or trainings, however we have several SMEs, including real F-15 and F-35 Pilots. We are primarily made up of current,  and former active duty US military, as well as PvP SIM Pilots with many years of experience from WW2 through Modern contexts. As a group we are generally focused on 1960-1990, roughly speaking.
Our expectations are high, we want people who are committed to being the best at what they do, but we will provide individual and group training as needed.
If you are interested, and this sounds like a group for you, please DM (LEAD_SLED on Discord) me and we can talk about details.

As it stand now, less than one month after release - The DEN is maintaining a 5:1 Kill ratio in the F-4E over Redfor Aircraft in the PvP environment.

[end of his post]

Let him and his friends have their fun for now. You learn a lot about players who gleefully join the team with a 2 or 3 to 1 advantage.

Also, other than the sheer numbers on the server at the moment, the F-4 is just a historical counterpart of the Mig-21. So, there's justification for charging points to use it.

 

[PawlaczGMD]

4 hours ago, Maximo said:

Guys, 

The following is for a healthy discussion on the future of ECW Server and professional military trained pilots - 'flown F-15 and the F-35' pilots who will only be flying as a squadron of F-4s.  This Server has many guys who are not pilots, trying to learn to fly some of the older modules of jets and the new helos and work and fly on both sides of the ECW family of Blue/Red pilots.

I do not know Lead_Sled and I am sure he is a great military professional pilot anxious to form a team comprised (for now) of highly trained real military pilots that will only be flying the F-4 against the Red team on ECW.  Right now, I have seen on the Server up to 25 F-4 pilots vs 13 or so Red pilots (including helos), hence his comment about kill ratio of five to one against the Red team.  

I think 'Lead Sled' is a nickname for a Navy fighter?  Not sure.

Problem: Too many F-4s allowed on the ECW Server (my opinion)

Solution:  Make the F-4 a 'trophy airplane' on the ECW Server-similar to access requirements of other special jets, for the following reasons:

1. To preserve the balance on both sides of Blue/Red teams with both sides enjoying a relatively even competition with each other's aircraft whereby pilot skills and proficiency can make the difference of winning or losing.  I see about 90% F-4s and very few F-5s, Viggens, A-10s, etc. flying.

2. Many pilots have already spent a small fortune for the existing modules they fly on the ECW Server, having expended a relatively large amount of money and also may not be able to fly them with a full Server of F-4s on the Blue side.

3. The F-4 is still very much in development to fit it onto the ECW Server in a balanced 'modified' version that is realistic for the principles of what the ECW Server was originated for - simplicity in using the modules that already are in use - and purchased, by new and experienced DCS pilots.

4. Twenty five plus F-4s on the Server at one time does not give the other modules a chance to participate in a team environment with their current 'older' modules. 

5.  Let them fly all the F-4s they want to fly on the SPS Contention Server.  The ECW Server enjoys a great aircraft and helo team balance on both sides right now so either buy the F-4 or fly your older modules on another Server (?).  I have no intention of buying the F-4 and appreciate all the hard work and videos that were put out to help us learn the existing selection of flying modules.

His comment about the kill ratio that The Den has racked up here in the early stages of the F-4 implementation are interesting.  (see below)

I believe the following post by Lead_Sled was Sunday, June 16th, 2024:  [bold print added by me for clarity]

For those who serve or have served in the military, thank you for your service.

M.

__________________________________________________________________________________

By LEAD_SLED
Sunday at 03:06 PM in Jets Squadrons

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Posted Sunday at 03:06 PM (edited)

The Den is looking for Blufor Pilots, RIOs, and WSOs!
We are a small (20 Active Pilots), tight knit group of DCS Cold War Pilots, mainly operating during US East Timeslots (2000-0400EST), on Enigmas Cold War Server and SPS Contention.
We are primarily focused on the F-4E , but ALL Blufor pilots and Modules are welcome!
There are no fixed schedules or trainings, however we have several SMEs, including real F-15 and F-35 Pilots. We are primarily made up of current,  and former active duty US military, as well as PvP SIM Pilots with many years of experience from WW2 through Modern contexts. As a group we are generally focused on 1960-1990, roughly speaking.
Our expectations are high, we want people who are committed to being the best at what they do, but we will provide individual and group training as needed.
If you are interested, and this sounds like a group for you, please DM (LEAD_SLED on Discord) me and we can talk about details.

As it stand now, less than one month after release - The DEN is maintaining a 5:1 Kill ratio in the F-4E over Redfor Aircraft in the PvP environment.

[end of his post]

It's not a surprise that an elite/serious coordinated unit is able to maintain a 5:1 kill ratio against random people. Honestly, that's actually low. It's not a question of the airplane, as the Mig-21 is a worthy opponent for the F-4. Not sure about the Mirage yet.

People are trying out their new toy. The numbers will probably normalize soon. Although Enigma's idea to make it cost 1 credit was pretty good.

I have the F-4, but choose to fly the Mig-21 for balance and easy kills on newbie F-4 pilots for now 

[Enigma89]

On 6/20/2024 at 8:04 PM, Maximo said:

Guys, 

The following is for a healthy discussion on the future of ECW Server and professional military trained pilots - 'flown F-15 and the F-35' pilots who will only be flying as a squadron of F-4s.  This Server has many guys who are not pilots, trying to learn to fly some of the older modules of jets and the new helos and work and fly on both sides of the ECW family of Blue/Red pilots.

I do not know Lead_Sled and I am sure he is a great military professional pilot anxious to form a team comprised (for now) of highly trained real military pilots that will only be flying the F-4 against the Red team on ECW.  Right now, I have seen on the Server up to 25 F-4 pilots vs 13 or so Red pilots (including helos), hence his comment about kill ratio of five to one against the Red team.  

I think 'Lead Sled' is a nickname for a Navy fighter?  Not sure.

Problem: Too many F-4s allowed on the ECW Server (my opinion)

Solution:  Make the F-4 a 'trophy airplane' on the ECW Server-similar to access requirements of other special jets, for the following reasons:

1. To preserve the balance on both sides of Blue/Red teams with both sides enjoying a relatively even competition with each other's aircraft whereby pilot skills and proficiency can make the difference of winning or losing.  I see about 90% F-4s and very few F-5s, Viggens, A-10s, etc. flying.

2. Many pilots have already spent a small fortune for the existing modules they fly on the ECW Server, having expended a relatively large amount of money and also may not be able to fly them with a full Server of F-4s on the Blue side.

3. The F-4 is still very much in development to fit it onto the ECW Server in a balanced 'modified' version that is realistic for the principles of what the ECW Server was originated for - simplicity in using the modules that already are in use - and purchased, by new and experienced DCS pilots.

4. Twenty five plus F-4s on the Server at one time does not give the other modules a chance to participate in a team environment with their current 'older' modules. 

5.  Let them fly all the F-4s they want to fly on the SPS Contention Server.  The ECW Server enjoys a great aircraft and helo team balance on both sides right now so either buy the F-4 or fly your older modules on another Server (?).  I have no intention of buying the F-4 and appreciate all the hard work and videos that were put out to help us learn the existing selection of flying modules.

His comment about the kill ratio that The Den has racked up here in the early stages of the F-4 implementation are interesting.  (see below)

I believe the following post by Lead_Sled was Sunday, June 16th, 2024:  [bold print added by me for clarity]

For those who serve or have served in the military, thank you for your service.

M.

__________________________________________________________________________________

By LEAD_SLED
Sunday at 03:06 PM in Jets Squadrons

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Posted Sunday at 03:06 PM (edited)

The Den is looking for Blufor Pilots, RIOs, and WSOs!
We are a small (20 Active Pilots), tight knit group of DCS Cold War Pilots, mainly operating during US East Timeslots (2000-0400EST), on Enigmas Cold War Server and SPS Contention.
We are primarily focused on the F-4E , but ALL Blufor pilots and Modules are welcome!
There are no fixed schedules or trainings, however we have several SMEs, including real F-15 and F-35 Pilots. We are primarily made up of current,  and former active duty US military, as well as PvP SIM Pilots with many years of experience from WW2 through Modern contexts. As a group we are generally focused on 1960-1990, roughly speaking.
Our expectations are high, we want people who are committed to being the best at what they do, but we will provide individual and group training as needed.
If you are interested, and this sounds like a group for you, please DM (LEAD_SLED on Discord) me and we can talk about details.

As it stand now, less than one month after release - The DEN is maintaining a 5:1 Kill ratio in the F-4E over Redfor Aircraft in the PvP environment.

[end of his post]

They are just module tourists. They will get bored and move on. It happens with every module.

[Maximo]

For open discussion: [feel free to correct any comments and I will update this posting accordingly]

June 26, 2024.  I'm going to make a prediction and we will see how it plays out:  With Enigma no longer managing the Server in his fair and balanced play due to a well earned 'retirement' for what he has done for the MP/DCS community, the ECW Server will suffer a decline in fairness and balance now because:

1.  HeatBlur will be running the Server as of July 1, 2024.

2. HeatBlur makes the F-4E module so there may not be any restrictions on the airframe, weapons, AI Jester help to pilot, etc.  Reason:  Money - module sales of the F-4E may suffer if the F-4 is restricted on the ECW server in anyway.  

The Red Force will always be at a deep disadvantage with 30+ F-4Es on the Server.  Today I counted 18 F-4Es (plus several other fighters) with 13 Red force pilots including their helicopters.  Without balance, there is no reason to continue working with the few team mates that may show up and hope that F-4 pilots fly Red aircraft to balance out the sides.

Also, I don't think HeatBlur is going to allow full use of the eight weapons stations on the SU-25 and two missiles for loadout.  Today, I was again restricted to four total weapons stations and no wingtip R60missiles.  Pilots will always gravitate to the winning side and the more full-options fighter aircraft (i.e. F-4) - unless you like losing. 

Do you really think that in the future, HeatBlur will reduce missile and weapons stations on the F-4 like they do on the SU-25 and A-10 thereby affecting modules sales?  Are there any other aircraft that have weapons and wing station restrictions on the Red (and Blue) side.  I think we have lived through the Golden Age of ECW MP Server and that things will decline on the Server with no adjustment to cap the number of aircraft such as the F-4 so that other pilots can fly their modules.  The days of a balanced aircraft Blue/Red force are probably over for the foreseeable future.

For those of you that have never flown with less than your aircraft's full weapons loadout -  try it.  Or try the SU-25 with only four weapons stations available, no missiles, on the current ECW Syrian Map.  Remember that the opposing force knows your SU-25 (and A-10) don't have any missiles! (but the F-86 keeps there missiles for some reason and we get to keep the Mig-15 with no missiles obviously)

Thanks again Enigma.  I can appreciate how hard you tried to keep both sides fair and balanced so that we could work as a team to achieve victory and plain and simple to just have fun.

Max.

The F-4 is a great, beautiful module, extremely well made -  for the SPS Contention-like servers.

[Cab]

29 minutes ago, Maximo said:

For open discussion: [feel free to correct any comments and I will update this posting accordingly]

June 26, 2024.  I'm going to make a prediction and we will see how it plays out:  With Enigma no longer managing the Server in his fair and balanced play due to a well earned 'retirement' for what he has done for the MP/DCS community, the ECW Server will suffer a decline in fairness and balance now because:

1.  HeatBlur will be running the Server as of July 1, 2024.

2. HeatBlur makes the F-4E module so there may not be any restrictions on the airframe, weapons, AI Jester help to pilot, etc.  Reason:  Money - module sales of the F-4E may suffer if the F-4 is restricted on the ECW server in anyway.  

The Red Force will always be at a deep disadvantage with 30+ F-4Es on the Server.  Today I counted 18 F-4Es (plus several other fighters) with 13 Red force pilots including their helicopters.  Without balance, there is no reason to continue working with the few team mates that may show up and hope that F-4 pilots fly Red aircraft to balance out the sides.

Also, I don't think HeatBlur is going to allow full use of the eight weapons stations on the SU-25 and two missiles for loadout.  Today, I was again restricted to four total weapons stations and no wingtip R60missiles.  Pilots will always gravitate to the winning side and the more full-options fighter aircraft (i.e. F-4) - unless you like losing. 

Do you really think that in the future, HeatBlur will reduce missile and weapons stations on the F-4 like they do on the SU-25 and A-10 thereby affecting modules sales?  Are there any other aircraft that have weapons and wing station restrictions on the Red (and Blue) side.  I think we have lived through the Golden Age of ECW MP Server and that things will decline on the Server with no adjustment to cap the number of aircraft such as the F-4 so that other pilots can fly their modules.  The days of a balanced aircraft Blue/Red force are probably over for the foreseeable future.

For those of you that have never flown with less than your aircraft's full weapons loadout -  try it.  Or try the SU-25 with only four weapons stations available, no missiles, on the current ECW Syrian Map.  Remember that the opposing force knows your SU-25 (and A-10) don't have any missiles! (but the F-86 keeps there missiles for some reason and we get to keep the Mig-15 with no missiles obviously)

Thanks again Enigma.  I can appreciate how hard you tried to keep both sides fair and balanced so that we could work as a team to achieve victory and plain and simple to just have fun.

Max.

The F-4 is a great, beautiful module, extremely well made -  for the SPS Contention-like servers.

Is the server still on the 1960s map? If so, I think that’s why the A-10 and SU 25 or restricted. It would have nothing to do with Heatblur.

And the F-4 belongs on the Cold War map as much as any other airplane.

Edited June 26, 2024 by Cab

[BLUEmako]

Are the FC versions of the F5, F86 and MiG15 going to be available on ECW?

I have tried to join to check but the current issues with the role select screen mean I can't do anything once I join...

[Cab]

11 minutes ago, BLUEmako said:

Are the FC versions of the F5, F86 and MiG15 going to be available on ECW?

I have tried to join to check but the current issues with the role select screen mean I can't do anything once I join...

When Enigma was still running the server, he said "no". To the best of my knowledge, Heatblur has not commented on that since they took over the server.

[BLUEmako]

14 hours ago, Cab said:

When Enigma was still running the server, he said "no". To the best of my knowledge, Heatblur has not commented on that since they took over the server.

That is an incredibly short-sighted position from enigma. Literally the only recent move to lower the barrier of entry to these cold war classics should be jumped at. Enigma himself posted a video arguing that lower fidelity was the way to go, silly to not support this for the sake of some spawn point edits...

Heatblur please add these fc variants.

Given the relative unpopularity of the sabre and MiG 15 you would only need to convert some of the full fidelity slots to the FC version and then those with fc4 can give these aircraft a go in mp.

[ricktoberfest]

12 hours ago, BLUEmako said:

That is an incredibly short-sighted position from enigma. Literally the only recent move to lower the barrier of entry to these cold war classics should be jumped at. Enigma himself posted a video arguing that lower fidelity was the way to go, silly to not support this for the sake of some spawn point edits...

Heatblur please add these fc variants.

Given the relative unpopularity of the sabre and MiG 15 you would only need to convert some of the full fidelity slots to the FC version and then those with fc4 can give these aircraft a go in mp.

It wasn’t just on a whim. He was talking about the lack of spawn and parking if he had to add slots for so many aircraft. The new dynamic slots are supposed to fix that but I’m not sure if they actually work yet. Look up his answer and you’ll see it’s not as easy as you think 

[Mr.Jazzy]

Where can I read the mechanics of the server, i.e. recon troops range. Didn't find it on Heatblur discord.

[Talisman_VR]

16 hours ago, Mr.Jazzy said:

Where can I read the mechanics of the server, i.e. recon troops range. Didn't find it on Heatblur discord.

I wish this sort of thing could be included on this forum topic for the server.  Especially as I don't engage with Discord.

Happy landings,

Talisman

[Tvrdi]

Is there a good reason why F4 has and F1 doesnt have fox1s?

[Cab]

2 hours ago, Tvrdi said:

Is there a good reason why F4 has and F1 doesnt have fox1s?

It's the 60's scenario. I'm guessing the rational is that IRL the F-4 was operational throughout the 1960's with Fox-1 missiles. On the other hand, the F1 was delivered to the French Air Force in 1974, so it wasn't even operational until mid-1970's.

So, to reflect reality, the F1 wouldn't be in this scenario at all. Removing the Fox-1's seems like the compromise.

Edited July 24, 2024 by Cab

[SparrowLT]

I cant enter anymore this server.. 95% of the times...

 

Every time i try to enter it just freezes in the chose airframe screen.... and i can join other servers with no much problem.. is like if the game colapses or becames overloaded... have 32gb RAM

Edited July 29, 2024 by SparrowLT

[SparrowLT]

Did some more testing.. and still a nightmare..

 

 

Played for a while in 4YA syria server.. it takes a lot at loading but i can play... then move to enigma and nope.. as soon as i got to the slot picking list it just becames unresponsibe and freezes there ... any cliking on screen brings the "DCS has crashed" dialog ...

 

RAM usage at that point on task manager is arround 11-12gb so its not a lack of RAM thing... internet conexion is good ... processor is a 8600K 6 cores.. during freeze one of the cores (usually 0) is at 100%.. killing that in CPU afinity doesnt help at all

[SparrowLT]

Well.. found out more

 

I was trying other servers in Syria to see if it was just an Engima's cold war thing or map+online related.. i was in the Levant Syria server (wich loded fine.. slow at first and takes a lot to load textures but you can play being a bit patentient) and some folk told me to try disabling Supercarrier module..

 

So i tried.. disabled supercarrier.. restarted game and surprise... Enigma's cold war loaded as fine as the other servers...it lags a lot in the slot selection screen but could pick a slow and spawn a jet on the first try same as the others...

 

So aparently something is wrong between SuperCarrier and Enigma's cold was server.... as the other Syria servers dont seem so affected

[elkabungo]

On 7/31/2024 at 11:43 AM, SparrowLT said:

Well.. found out more

 

I was trying other servers in Syria to see if it was just an Engima's cold war thing or map+online related.. i was in the Levant Syria server (wich loded fine.. slow at first and takes a lot to load textures but you can play being a bit patentient) and some folk told me to try disabling Supercarrier module..

 

So i tried.. disabled supercarrier.. restarted game and surprise... Enigma's cold war loaded as fine as the other servers...it lags a lot in the slot selection screen but could pick a slow and spawn a jet on the first try same as the others...

 

So aparently something is wrong between SuperCarrier and Enigma's cold was server.... as the other Syria servers dont seem so affected

i experienced the problem with most of the servers, I deleted the SC and Walla everything works (lots of lags but it still works)

[sthompson]

On 7/18/2024 at 3:51 PM, Mr.Jazzy said:

Where can I read the mechanics of the server, i.e. recon troops range. Didn't find it on Heatblur discord.

This. I'm trying to get back into DCS multiplayer, and when I connect to the HB CWS I'm strongly recommended to read the FAQ on their discord. But I'll be damned if I can find it.

[Cab]

The FAQ on the Discord or the Discord itself?

[sthompson]

42 minutes ago, Cab said:

The FAQ on the Discord or the Discord itself?

The FAQ. I've been subscribed to the Discord for a long time. 

[cyb3rfly3r]

On 8/25/2024 at 2:42 PM, sthompson said:

This. I'm trying to get back into DCS multiplayer, and when I connect to the HB CWS I'm strongly recommended to read the FAQ on their discord. But I'll be damned if I can find it.

Indeed, I could not find it either. There is a Pinned post in the #cold-war-general that has *some* information and in such post there is a link to the latest version of the guide (March '24 at the time of this post). This is still the one edited by Enigma, it does not look like Heatblur updated anything yet. Some information is a little out of date, but mostly useful.

[SparrowLT]

Well couple days ago i tried again without disabling the Supercarrier module and it entered quite good ... so i think it could been actually fixed for a chance..

[Hadeda]

I'm unable to select any blue coalition aircraft spawn slots. Tried selecting a slot in the table as well as on the map.  I briefly get a loading indication but then nothing happens.

Weirdly, the server will happily let me select the F1 but no such luck with the F4 or Huey. Any idea what's going on? Thanks

[Cab]

10 minutes ago, Hadeda said:

I'm unable to select any blue coalition aircraft spawn slots. Tried selecting a slot in the table as well as on the map.  I briefly get a loading indication but then nothing happens.

Weirdly, the server will happily let me select the F1 but no such luck with the F4 or Huey. Any idea what's going on? Thanks

There should be chat entry that explains why

[Skyracer]

Stupid questions: But is this server related to heatblur coldwar?