F18 Campaign Recommendations

[Ranger1882]

Hi All

I've just finished all of the training and core missions in the standard DCS F18 and Super Carrier modules, and am now thinking of buying a couple of paid for add-on campaigns.

Does anyone have any recommendations?  Are there any 'must do' campaigns?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions

[Yoda967]

My number 1 recommendation doesn't involve the carrier, but has a great story and excellent, highly detailed supporting material: Operation Cerberus North

After that, I recommend the Raven One campaigns, which are both carrier-based.

[Trigati]

I’m just finishing Operation Cerberus North and agree it is really good….finding targets and avoiding air defence are challenging through most of it without being impossible for a novice like me. Final mission is really beating me at the moment as it seems like it’s never the same…probably just my frustration :-)

I didn’t get any major AI issues but I know some campaigns are suffering due to core DCS AI bugs in Open Beta. So if you are also in Beta OCN is a good option.

I did the free Serpent’s head before, although not very well, so I’m planning to try Serpent’s head 2 next rather than Raven One as I’ve not mastered AAR yet.

[AdrianL]

Recommend Bold Cheetah by Sedlo. It is free but close to a paid campign level. Really enjoying it so far 
User Files: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/files/3326679/

Forum thread: 

 

[5e EVC Chappy]

In no particular order:

Raven One
Raven One Dominant Fury
Bold Cheetah
Operation Cerberus North

[dburne]

Badger's campaigns are excellent especially for new Hornet flyers. They start off not too complex and gain in complexity the further you go. I have learned a lot flying his campaigns.

There is currently the freeware The Serpents Head campaign, a nice 6 mission introduction, then there is the pay-ware follow up - The Serpents Head 2 which is fantastic. And then there is Rise of the Persian Lion which is also great. I have had many hours of fun and learned a lot from flying these three campaigns. All utilize the Super Carrier which I love!

 

Edited November 24, 2022 by dburne

[RaisedByWolves]

Bold,cheetah. It’s fee and as good if not better than other paid campaigns.

[wilbur81]

Raven One...

 

[rob10]

If you haven't yet, I'd take a look at the free campaigns in the User Files.  There are some very good ones there.  Paid campaigns mentioned above are also very good.

[Steel Jaw]

8 hours ago, dburne said:

Badger's campaigns are excellent especially for new Hornet flyers. They start off not too complex and gain in complexity the further you go. I have learned a lot flying his campaign

Concurr.  Excellent Hornet missions and voice work on the payware.

Also, and no small point, very easy on VR FPS.

Edited November 25, 2022 by Steel Jaw

[Padre Pio]

Serpent Head 1 (free) and 2 (excellent), maybe Bear Trap (free)

Then, after getting some experience: "Oil in the Water" (free)  and "Rise of the Persian Lion" 

Then, after getting much more experiece: Raven 1 

[Ranger1882]

Thanks for all the great recommendations and advice all, lots of good stuff for me to get stuck into, much appreciated

[Hispanicgamer]

I bought Raven One first and found it to be a bit of a challenge for a low time pilot like me. I am enjoying the hell out of Persian Lion and it has greatly improved my understanding and knowledge about the systems on the Hornet. I also recommend Rising Squall for the training mission that comes with it. I’m really looking forward to finishing Persian Lion before jumping into Rising Squall. I think after that I will be ready for Raven One.


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[BuzzLine]

+1 on all that has been said (except Serpent Head 1&2, too "arcady" for me, but it's a matter of taste). Note that most require additional maps (Persian Gulf and Syria) and usually Supercarrier too. I can't recommend Bold Cheetah enough, it's free and on-par with if not better than most paid stuff.

I'll just add two free campaigns (from the User Files) : Eastern Friendship (Hornet Edition) and Interceptor, both on the Caucasus map. Ground ops. Ah, and Operation Resolute Spear, somewhat repetitive but good practice, for Syria and Supercarrier.

Have fun !

[Steel Jaw]

1 hour ago, BuzzLine said:

I'll just add two free campaigns (from the User Files) : Eastern Friendship (Hornet Edition) and Interceptor, both on the Caucasus map. Ground ops. Ah, and Operation Resolute Spear, somewhat repetitive but good practice, for Syria and Supercarrier.

Weblinks please...reward my laziness. 

[Sedlo]

Hey @Steel Jaw

My First Campaign:

https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/files/3301137/

My Latest:

https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/files/3326679/

Edited November 30, 2022 by Sedlo