Multiplayer question before we purchase

[Tr1ggerF1nger66R]

Hi everyone,

Myself and several other guys are looking to start playing DCS.  We have a question about multiplayer capabilities before we purchase our planes.

1) Can you fly together on multiplayer missions or as a squadron if you have different jets?

2) Can you play together if several people have jets and some have helicopters depending upon the mission/campaign?

3) Since we are all new to this game, how is the F16-C Viper as a first aircraft to learn?

4) If you want to play carrier based games I presume you must have a Navy based jet like the F/A-18, correct?

5) Last, can you fly a twin engine jet if you have a single throttle stick like what comes with the Thrustmaster T.16000 FCS?

Thank you very much for your assistance.

 

[draconus]

1. Yes.

2. It's hard to play out due to obvious reason that planes get to the AO much faster and hence different timings are needed but with the smart mission edition it can be done ex. using FARPS for helis closer to the danger zone. Helis are meant to work more with ground forces when the sky is cleared.

3. As good as any - if you like it go for it. Just remember it's a complex full fidelity module so you need to give it time to learn, practice and master.

4. F-14A/B or F/A-18C are meant to use with CV/CVNs and Harrier with Tarawa. Of course any heli can land on a ship too. There's also unofficial A-4E-C mod that's carrier capable.

5. Yes, of course. The single throttle is used for both left and right engine then. You can also bind it so you control them separately using different axes or the same one with a modifier.

[MAXsenna]

Agree with Draconus. 

Word of note though. Most missions are made for single player, and the campaign system is NOT designed for multiplayer. The triggers, voice overs etc. 

But have a look at the "Liberation" persistent campaign "system", and consider setting up your own MP server if you guys want to be "alone" and not join the public servers. 

Also, note that every module is free to play on Standalone, (not Steam), for two weeks every six months, so you can try before you buy. Just don't enable all the modules at once. Pick one to try every second week. 

Cheers! 

[Sacarino111]

Hi.

Also, don't forget the two weeks free trial for almost every module, so you and your friends can perfectly try them and buy following your tastes. 

Get the idea that the MP arena is like a sandbox where any module can get in,  as long as the mission editor provided enough places/planes and enough kind of aircrafts/vehicles ( think in Combined Arms).

There are a lot of free servers around where to enter and try the MP capabilities.

Saludos.

Saca111

[Tr1ggerF1nger66R]

Thank you everyone for the replies. 

One of our guys has played a lot of flight sims going back to the Novalogic days.  He even said the amount of information out there on this game is overwhelming - and I have to agree.  I purchased the game about 3 years ago and played it for a while, but I had so many problems with my Logitech Extreme 3D joystick in getting the SU-25T to fly steady I eventually just gave up figuring my joystick had issues.  I did a lot of calibration adjustments and that did nothing to help. Anyways, I'll be buying a new joystick this time around...most likely the Thrustmaster T.1600M FCS HOTAS.

Let me ask you a couple other questions if you don't mind:

1) MAXsenna mentioned "that every module is free to play on Standalone, (not Steam)".  If you purchased DCS on Steam, is there a way to play DCS on Standalone?

2) Rather than the F16-C V is there a jet you would recommend for newbies?

3) Is there a way that six people can play against each other, like 3 on 3?

4) I know there are lot of videos out there.  Are is a series of training videos on the game, controller setup/adjustment, etc. that someone might have put together that you would recommend newbies to look at?

 

Thanks again for your help. 

 

[Sacarino111]

2 hours ago, Tr1ggerF1nger66R said:

Thank you everyone for the replies. 

One of our guys has played a lot of flight sims going back to the Novalogic days.  He even said the amount of information out there on this game is overwhelming - and I have to agree.  I purchased the game about 3 years ago and played it for a while, but I had so many problems with my Logitech Extreme 3D joystick in getting the SU-25T to fly steady I eventually just gave up figuring my joystick had issues.  I did a lot of calibration adjustments and that did nothing to help. Anyways, I'll be buying a new joystick this time around...most likely the Thrustmaster T.1600M FCS HOTAS.

Let me ask you a couple other questions if you don't mind:

1) MAXsenna mentioned "that every module is free to play on Standalone, (not Steam)".  If you purchased DCS on Steam, is there a way to play DCS on Standalone?

2) Rather than the F16-C V is there a jet you would recommend for newbies?

3) Is there a way that six people can play against each other, like 3 on 3?

4) I know there are lot of videos out there.  Are is a series of training videos on the game, controller setup/adjustment, etc. that someone might have put together that you would recommend newbies to look at?

 

Thanks again for your help. 

 

Hi.

1 I know there is a way to switch from STEAM to StandAlone, but since I only have SA I can't tell. Do a YouTube search and you will see.

2 I would suggest the F/A-18, altought I personally prefer the F/16. The Hornet is much more complete and it is very versatile. a great toy to play. Also the aerial refueling is easier.

3 Yes. In Mission Editor (ME) put 3 planes in one side (e.g blue coalition) and other three in the other side (red coalition). There you have.

4 Can't tell, as I havent' seen all of them, but almost all Grim Reapers videos/tutorials have both the flying aswell as the  config/setup. To me @RedKiteis the master of the universe (DCS universe, not DC). he's videos are direct, easy to understand and absolutelly clear.

Saludos.

Saca111

Edited March 26, 2022 by Sacarino111

[MAXsenna]

2. Absolutely! Everything purchased on Steam, will be available in Standalone. Benefits with Standalone is the Miles program, and ED will receive more money from you.

- Login to DCS main site with your ED Account.
- Click "Profile"
- Click "Edit"
- Click "Bind" and I guess you'll get a Steam pop-up where you login to Steam.

Remember to try the modules at the same time. Especially the maps and the Super Carrier with the F-18! 

Hope this helps!
Cheers!

 

Edited March 26, 2022 by MAXsenna
Missing text and picture

[draconus]

 

[Tr1ggerF1nger66R]

Thank you everyone for your help!

Do most people play DCS Standalone or via Steam? 

I purchased everything I have for DCS through Steam (like Flaming Cliffs 3 for example).  Have I wasted my money if I switch to Standalone per MAXsenna's instructions?

Thanks again.  Looking forward to watching some of Grim Reapers and Red Kite's videos.

 

Edited March 28, 2022 by Tr1ggerF1nger66R

[draconus]

6 hours ago, Tr1ggerF1nger66R said:

I purchased everything I have for DCS through Steam (like Flaming Cliffs 3 for example).  Have I wasted my money if I switch to Standalone per MAXsenna's instructions?

No. You can use every DCS module you have bought on Steam after you bind your account to the standalone. It won't work the other way.

[Eugel]

On 3/28/2022 at 1:47 AM, Tr1ggerF1nger66R said:

Do most people play DCS Standalone or via Steam? 

I think most people play Standalone, but it doesn´t really matter, both are fine. In the end, just choose whichever you are more comfortable with.
It doesn´t restrict you in any way when joining multiplayer games.

But as Draconus mentioned, keep in mind that when you buy from the ED store, you can´t activate those modules in the steam version.

[QuiGon]

On 3/26/2022 at 11:02 AM, Tr1ggerF1nger66R said:

1) MAXsenna mentioned "that every module is free to play on Standalone, (not Steam)".  If you purchased DCS on Steam, is there a way to play DCS on Standalone?

With the Standalone version of DCS you get the option of a free trial phase for every module, meaning you can test out every module for free for two weeks at any given time. This option does not exist for the Steam version of DCS. Apart from this there are not really any notable differences between the two.
You can activate modules purchased on Steam in the standalone version, but not vice versa.
 

On 3/26/2022 at 11:02 AM, Tr1ggerF1nger66R said:

2) Rather than the F16-C V is there a jet you would recommend for newbies?

I wouldn't really recommend the F-16 for newbies, as it is a rather komplex aircraft. I would rather recommend to start with something simple like the F-5 Tiger II. But in the end it comes down to your personal preferences and if you put enough effort into learning aircraft systems you can start with any aircraft really.
 

On 3/26/2022 at 11:02 AM, Tr1ggerF1nger66R said:

3) Is there a way that six people can play against each other, like 3 on 3?

DCS is a big sandbox. You can do pretty much anything you like to.
 

On 3/26/2022 at 11:02 AM, Tr1ggerF1nger66R said:

4) I know there are lot of videos out there.  Are is a series of training videos on the game, controller setup/adjustment, etc. that someone might have put together that you would recommend newbies to look at?

There are lots of them, but I don't follow them, so I can't recommend a specific one.

[Dangerzone]

On 3/25/2022 at 11:51 AM, Tr1ggerF1nger66R said:

Hi everyone,

Myself and several other guys are looking to start playing DCS.  We have a question about multiplayer capabilities before we purchase our planes.

A few other thoughts for consideration:

While you can fly with friends with other aircraft in DCS on the same server, if you are new to DCS (and your friends are too) - it may be far more beneficial to start off with the same aircraft. 

When I first started DCS honestly... the systems were overwhelming. What really helped was that I was flying with 2 other friends in the same bird. We'd be able to constantly talk to each other. "Hmmm.. .why isn't this working?". "Have you tried this", etc. The back and forth of us working things out meant that we could lean on each other and made the process far easier than going it fully alone. Another friend came onboard, but had a different bird. He didn't stick with it - found it too hard to learn by himself.  Do not underestimate the complexities of the simulation, or the benefits of having someone else flying the same bird to consult with. It's one thing to watch a video and see that it works. It's another to then find that what you've done doesn't work because you've overlooked something and someone else flying the same aircraft is able to help and vise versa.

There are also a number of 'clans' / 'guilds' / 'squadrons' or whatever the right term is out there, and many have people eager to help and teach as well which might be worth considering joining. I get the desire to fly on a closed MP - but at least give some of these servers a shot - you may find it to be beneficial as well, plus you can fly with others you get to know even when your original friends aren't around. 

As for Steam vs DCS Stand alone - check the prices! I've found with the currency conversion - steam can be significantly more expensive than buying direct at times. Don't just think they're the same price. Also - running stand alone gives you more options and from our own experience... less complications.

It would be my recommendation that even if you still choose to buy through steam - do the migration of each module through to your DCS account after purchase and run your installation via DCS Stand alone (so only the purchase is through steam - not the installation) as I think it will serve you better. FWIW - I'd suggest just buying through ED direct. It helps them out more, but I understand some people are more comfortable buying through steam where they can get refunds, etc (even though you can free trial for 2 weeks if you go direct - but that's a whole new debate) - so if steam will remain to be your preference - buy your modules through steam when you want, but then transfer to the ED account and have a stand alone installation so you can benefit from trials, etc. 

HTH

Edited March 31, 2022 by Dangerzone

[Hiob]

Just a thought:

You can test this all and check out completely for free.

The DCS-Client is a free download, that comes with two aircraft ("simple" SU-25 and full fidelity TF-51 Trainer (civil/unarmed). But you can install the A-4E Skyhawk for free, which is a carrier-capable full fidelity jet. It doesn't offer as much variety and ammunition kinds, or electronic capabilities as a Hornet, but it doesn't overwhelm you with complexity either.

Just a risk and cost free way to get in touch with dcs. From there you can go any way. Invest in a module of your choice and get hooked. 

[One Eyed Ross]

39 minutes ago, Hiob said:

Just a thought:

You can test this all and check out completely for free.

The DCS-Client is a free download, that comes with two aircraft ("simple" SU-25 and full fidelity TF-51 Trainer (civil/unarmed). But you can install the A-4E Skyhawk for free, which is a carrier-capable full fidelity jet. It doesn't offer as much variety and ammunition kinds, or electronic capabilities as a Hornet, but it doesn't overwhelm you with complexity either.

Just a risk and cost free way to get in touch with dcs. From there you can go any way. Invest in a module of your choice and get hooked. 

Plus, the A4 is just a fun airplane to fly.  Sure, not as many bells and whistles, but for putting warheads on foreheads, it is a great plane.

[QuiGon]

8 hours ago, Hiob said:

Just a thought:

You can test this all and check out completely for free.

The DCS-Client is a free download, that comes with two aircraft ("simple" SU-25 and full fidelity TF-51 Trainer (civil/unarmed). But you can install the A-4E Skyhawk for free, which is a carrier-capable full fidelity jet. It doesn't offer as much variety and ammunition kinds, or electronic capabilities as a Hornet, but it doesn't overwhelm you with complexity either.

Just a risk and cost free way to get in touch with dcs. From there you can go any way. Invest in a module of your choice and get hooked. 

You can test ANY aircraft for free for two weeks.

[Hiob]

34 minutes ago, QuiGon said:

You can test ANY aircraft for free for two weeks.

True.

[Hammer1-1]

On 3/24/2022 at 7:51 PM, Tr1ggerF1nger66R said:

Hi everyone,

Myself and several other guys are looking to start playing DCS.  We have a question about multiplayer capabilities before we purchase our planes.

1) Can you fly together on multiplayer missions or as a squadron if you have different jets?

2) Can you play together if several people have jets and some have helicopters depending upon the mission/campaign?

3) Since we are all new to this game, how is the F16-C Viper as a first aircraft to learn?

4) If you want to play carrier based games I presume you must have a Navy based jet like the F/A-18, correct?

5) Last, can you fly a twin engine jet if you have a single throttle stick like what comes with the Thrustmaster T.16000 FCS?

Thank you very much for your assistance.

 

1 Yes

2 Yes

3 Its a work in progress...had you picked it up a year ago, you would have been able to learn the systems as they come out, thus making drinking from the fire hose tolerable. There will be a lot to take in, but there are decent training missions to help out for the most part. Thats not to say its a hard aircraft to learn; mostly takes patience, time and willingness to learn.

4 You do, but you dont. Beauty of DCS is that you can land anything anywhere during certain conditions. People land F-16s and A-10s on carriers all the time in some servers...but dont expect to do ops off of them in anything other than naval aircraft or helicopters.

5 Yes...but dont expect to fly helicopters in the same manner; you need a minimum of 2 axes - 1 for the throttles, 1 for the collective. You CAN fly with a heli using a keyboard working the cyclic, but...would you want to? You can use a rotary slider as an axis for that...not much better than the keyboard, but its still something.

[CaptHawk]

Also, if all of you are new to DCS, it would probably be very beneficial to have someone who has lots of experience fly with you. Help with Multiplayer, setting up your own server, integrating SRS comms,  creating mission/campaigns in the mission editor, what scripting is out there like Moose to help with mission building. There's a lot going on behind the scenes but once it's all set up, it becomes so immersive.

Welcome to DCS!