Recommended Terrain/Map for new player; SINAI OR NEVADA

[WAR EAGLE 1]

There may not be a definitive answer to my question which map would you choose if you had the choice of one or the other? Based on my research I've concluded, possibly incorrectly, that the Nevada Map is used primarily for training and becoming proficient in non-warbird modules. There seems to be a consensus that the Sinai map is one of the top 2 maps in DCS currently. Is the question answered based on short-term versus long-term...aka...learning a new module vs. being proficient in a module? It seems, that if I was proficient in any module this question would not arise every time I consider purchasing a terrain/map. I am curious about which map you would choose based on what you know now versus what you did when you started DCS (assuming both maps were available). There is a 3rd possibility and that is to wait for the Kola Map or purchase a module I do not own currently. However, these sales always force that little voice in the back of my head to race forward and tell me not to delay...purchase NOW. 

Lastly, I am curious when the F-4E module is released will most utilize the Nevada Map to become proficient in that module, or do other maps allow options that Nevada Map does? Not urgent to respond as I am leaving for work as soon as I complete this post. If anyone does respond I thank you in advance. 

Thanks in advance

 

thanks to everyone who responded...I sincerely appreciate it and apologize for my delay in acknowledging it.

Edited January 6 by WAR EAGLE 1
ADDING TEXT, A THANK YOU

[western_JPN]

About NOW, Sinai map is very buggy and unstable, bad FPS performance.
Not few owner players are frustrated with troubles.

Coming February DCS update will contain the first bugfix of Sinai map ? That's hoped, but unclear.

For new players, I think better to wait until Sinai's serious bugs will be fixed in the future.

[diego999]

Right now it's a though decision, as Nevada is dull, and looks and feels older than the newer maps.

Sinai looks way better and has the option for naval ops, but the performance isn't good at the moment.

 

[rob10]

Personally I'd lean to Sinai.  We use it on our squadron servers and I don't hear complaints about performance.  Really no reason to pick one over the other from a training perspective.  You can do the same kind of things on both.  Not sure either of those maps have a lot of missions or campaigns (free or paid) on them.  It's more a personal preference thing.

[Mike_Romeo]

7 hours ago, WAR EAGLE 1 said:

There may not be a definitive answer to my question which map would you choose if you had the choice of one or the other? Based on my research I've concluded, possibly incorrectly, that the Nevada Map is used primarily for training and becoming proficient in non-warbird modules. There seems to be a consensus that the Sinai map is one of the top 2 maps in DCS currently. Is the question answered based on short-term versus long-term...aka...learning a new module vs. being proficient in a module? It seems, that if I was proficient in any module this question would not arise every time I consider purchasing a terrain/map. I am curious about which map you would choose based on what you know now versus what you did when you started DCS (assuming both maps were available). There is a 3rd possibility and that is to wait for the Kola Map or purchase a module I do not own currently. However, these sales always force that little voice in the back of my head to race forward and tell me not to delay...purchase NOW. 

Lastly, I am curious when the F-4E module is released will most utilize the Nevada Map to become proficient in that module, or do other maps allow options that Nevada Map does? Not urgent to respond as I am leaving for work as soon as I complete this post. If anyone does respond I thank you in advance. 

Thanks in advance

 

 

 

There is a trial system. You can try out Nevada free for two weeks. Also try out Syria. Not sure if Sinai is available for trial yet but at least try Nevada and Syria.

[MAXsenna]

Syria! Or rather all three. No map will make you more proficient. It's up to how you prefer the make believe. As someone else mentioned in another thread, Nevada has the most missions.

Sent from my SM-A536B using Tapatalk

[Lace]

First off, any map can be used for any purpose.  DCS is a sandbox game and there is no single map which has no greater training utility than any other.  Most modules training missions use the default Caucasus map anyway, so which ever additional maps you buy, you will be limited to 3rd party campaigns, or creating your own missions, as the training content for them will be limited, and in some cases completely absent.

NTTR has been available a lot longer than Sinai, and does feel slightly dated in some ways, but it is still a personal favourite.  Sinai is a great map, with a bit of overlap with the Syria map, it allows some interesting scenarios.  However, unlike Syria, it has no genuine NATO basing options (Incirlik & Akrotiri).  NTTR has only USAF basing options, so massive liberties must be taken when creating scenarios if you want anything other than Red Flag type training exercises, and of course you cannot use naval assets (no CVN on lake Mead!).  Sinai has potential for a modern Egypt/Israel conflict, but not much more than that, unless you are again using a lot of artistic licence to create very hypothetical missions.

TL;DR - NTTR and Sinai aren't particularly versatile if you are a stickler for authenticity, but if not then either will suit your training needs for any platform or time period.

[scommander2]

NTTR has "zone 51 " :-0 

I agree with @Schlingel mit Kringel that the most training programs are with NTTR.

[Dragon1-1]

Also, if you want to do some solo practice, there's an excellent training campaign on NTTR, Speed and Angels, that takes you through a realistic F-14 training course, and also Iron Flag, which is an in-depth training campaign for the A-10C. Also, NTTR has a better price when on sale. Sinai has no campaigns and worse discounts, and it's still a bit of a WIP.

[Ebphoto]

Not sure I get what you mean because Any of the maps can be used for training. Personally I like the Sinai map and South Atlantic map and seem to load those more than others. If your flying helicopters the Normandy 2 map is pretty good and has a ton of little details that make it a lot of fun. I have the Navada map and it’s probably the one I use the least also the Caucus map I don’t fly very often. Syria has a lot of fun areas to fly over and there are a ton of missions and campaigns you can download for it. I wouldn’t worry about training on one map or the other since any will work.

[AKULA_OPTIMUS]

Syria

[j9murphy]

unless you are creating your own missions, take a look at the missions and campaigns (free and paid) that you would like to leverage, and then pick the map with the most that you are interested in.  Let your interest in the missions and campaigns drive the map, not the other way around.

If you just want to look out the window, choose the other sim:)

Edited February 16, 2024 by j9murphy

[YoYo]

On 2/13/2024 at 12:08 AM, WAR EAGLE 1 said:

There may not be a definitive answer to my question which map would you choose if you had the choice of one or the other? Based on my research I've concluded, possibly incorrectly, that the Nevada Map is used primarily for training and becoming proficient in non-warbird modules. There seems to be a consensus that the Sinai map is one of the top 2 maps in DCS currently. Is the question answered based on short-term versus long-term...aka...learning a new module vs. being proficient in a module? It seems, that if I was proficient in any module this question would not arise every time I consider purchasing a terrain/map. I am curious about which map you would choose based on what you know now versus what you did when you started DCS (assuming both maps were available). There is a 3rd possibility and that is to wait for the Kola Map or purchase a module I do not own currently. However, these sales always force that little voice in the back of my head to race forward and tell me not to delay...purchase NOW. 

Lastly, I am curious when the F-4E module is released will most utilize the Nevada Map to become proficient in that module, or do other maps allow options that Nevada Map does? Not urgent to respond as I am leaving for work as soon as I complete this post. If anyone does respond I thank you in advance. 

Thanks in advance

 

 

 

Take Nevada. Map is simply, it means it has better FPS so you can take care better of module, not the map, also its a real place for training too. For the beginning and the first adventure with DCS its a good idea still. Here is a place where I learn new jets :).

[bfr]

I'd also vote for Syria in a 'if you can own only one additional map'.  I think I've got all the modern era maps and Nevada is the one I find myself using the least.

[sirrah]

Fwiw, between Sinai and NTTR, my vote goes out to Sinai

I have a very old system and I play in VR, but Sinai performance for me is really good actually. Much MUCH better than Marianas for instance (although somehow that map runs really poor here) (and no, I don't use any mods).

 

NTTR is 8 years old (correct me if I'm wrong), and imho, it shows. Terrain textures are pretty decent, but the scenery (builings) is outdated, the map is relatively small and there's no sea (which doesn't have to be a problem if you don't fancy naval ops). I personally don't find it worth the full price and I even find the discount price is a bit steep. But as you read in other replies, some find this map awesome, so it's very much personal preferences.

 

My favorite map is Syria. South Atlantic is also beautiful, but I find it less suitable for helo ops (which I slowly came to like most in DCS). 

[WAR EAGLE 1]

THANKS EVERYONE WHO RESPONDED...I APOLOGIZE FOR MY TARDY RESPONSE...I thought I had responded...If curious, I did read every post, appreciate those who took their time to respond and I did follow the consensus from the suggestions. As of Jan 5, 2025, I have not purchased the SINAI Map, nor the NEVADA Map. I have debated whether I should try the Kola or one of the 2 new Middle Eastern Maps. In every review, I've read and video I have watched regarding these, the IRAQ map is seemingly garnishing consistent positive feedback from the community with not much being said about Afghanistan (OR AS BIDEN WROTE WITH A SHARPIE MARKER ON THE SIDE OF 2 storage boxes found in his garage...It was either, "AFGANNISTAND...or ... AFGANISSTAND"...I'm close but have difficulty lowering my intellectual settings to his level...look it up...and that says everything about that man. IMO, due to Brandon using a Black Sharpie, they should be placed on exhibit at the Smithsonian for future Americans to gaze upon and reflect on this time and ask, WHY???  In any case, the DCS Map is AFGHANISTAN, the country so many of us know too well...I will wait for the SPRING SALE before I invest more unless something is released in final form, completed with only periodic patches and updates being needed... In short, I can obtain what I pay for in full...The only aircraft I would be interested in is the F4-U CORSAIR but without II Carriers, strike groups and other aircraft not to mention a map that would need to be split up significantly if mimicking the PTO...I doubt we see that anytime soon if at all...

[western_JPN]

I know, I understand, I'm also interested in the newer map module ... I bought Kola, Afghanistan and Iraq.

They are Early Access products and Works In Progress, equal Unfinished and with many bugs or less airports / airfields / towns built than historical.
That's a reason I don't recommend those newer map modules for others.

Edited January 6 by western_JPN

[Springfield-902]

still no trial for sinai dang ~~ 

[VampireNZ]

On 1/7/2025 at 2:34 AM, western_JPN said:

I know, I understand, I'm also interested in the newer map module ... I bought Kola, Afghanistan and Iraq.

They are Early Access products and Works In Progress, equal Unfinished and with many bugs or less airports / airfields / towns built than historical.
That's a reason I don't recommend those newer map modules for others.

Interested in getting those maps also - but that filesize...yikes. Will be needing to upgrade my 1TB NVMe to 2TB sometime. But at NZ$350 for a Samsung 990 Pro 2TB I am not in any rush lol. 

Prob more likely and less hassle to just not buy the maps lol. Perhaps if HB didn't take up over 30GB of my drive with modules I don't even have installed, I might be more inclined to buy Kola or Afghan map.....

[Flogger23m]

I do like Nevada. Though it does look a bit dated compared to the newer maps the texture pop in is not as bad. And I put DCS on an WD SN850X 4TB NVMe, have a Ryzen 7800X3D, and RTX 4070 Super so my PC is not low end either, but the newer maps like South Atlantic and Kola have long texture pop in when switching views.

My other complaint is the massive amount of random cranes everywhere on the map. Just looks... odd. The Grand Canyon is low in detail. I believe ED has said they plan to introduce updates to the Caucasus & Nevada maps. I do hope they make the Grand Canyon look much higher in detail because it always looked poor, which is disappointing. Otherwise the detail is still quite good, and there are some nice airbases like Nellis, Creech, Area 51 and Tonopah. There are many valleys and mountains which makes for good air to air and nice air to ground. Large urban area as well if you want to to air to ground in a large city or air to air over one.

It is certainly not a realistic map for combat, but I have enjoyed it a lot. Considering its low price I would recommend it.

I also like South Atlantic, which looks amazing, and air to air/anti ship in the mountains and fjords is amazing. The downside is limited air bases for realistic missions. I just bought Kola and may prefer South Atlantic over it despite Kola having many more air bases and being a more realistic for war missions.

I do not have Sinai, Iraq or Afghanistan.

 

[AhSoul]

If you might want to dabble with MP later, get Syria. Most servers use that or Caucasus, and Syria is a really nice map that's had lots of updates. I have Sinai and never use it, and Nevada looks pretty dated.