DCS noob friendly?

[Username455]

Hello everyone,

 

I am on the fence about getting this game. It would be my first true sim game which makes it a little daunting. I hear this is very complex (but with that comes great reward). Would someone with almost 0 flying experience still enjoy this game? Is the "game" mode good enough for a beginner to get started on to enjoy a few missions? I have always been fascinated by flying so I will be eager to learn, but I don't want to be completely lost, frustrated, and quit.

 

What do you think?

[ErichVon]

Hello everyone,

 

I am on the fence about getting this game. It would be my first true sim game which makes it a little daunting. I hear this is very complex (but with that comes great reward). Would someone with almost 0 flying experience still enjoy this game? Is the "game" mode good enough for a beginner to get started on to enjoy a few missions? I have always been fascinated by flying so I will be eager to learn, but I don't want to be completely lost, frustrated, and quit.

 

What do you think?

 

Yep!

 

I have zero real life flying experience.

 

I have not done Black Shark, yet. I bet that helicopter sim is tougher than Warthog.

 

And 99% of the guys replying are respectful of the new guys.

 

Take it in bite size chunks. You don't have to pay for your mistakes and you get more lives than a cat.

 

Best to join an active squad with a few members to lean on for help.

 

 

:pilotfly:

Edited May 25, 2011 by ErichVon

[EtherealN]

What ErichVon said, though with a few modifications:

 

Black Shark may or may not be "tougher" than the hog. For someone with no sim nor RL flying experience I suspect it'll be harder to learn to fly the Shark by virtue of it being a helicopter and not a fixed-wing (and an unusually stable fixed-wing at that). But the systems are much simpler, staying true to the Russian doctrine of "keep it simple" (and of course owing a bit to the fact that it's a platform that has been starved of funding since the Soviet Union collapsed, so it is relatively old technology). The Charlie-Hog has a much more advanced avionics and sensor suite with many more functions, which adds complexity to the task of learning the avionics.

 

But don't let that dissuade you - 90% of the functionality offered by the SADL, CDU etcetera are things you can do relatively well without (at least in a game environment, don't fly a real A-10C into real battle without knowing them :P). The functions you need to know are typically also the ones that are easiest to learn. (And they are covered by interactive tutorial flights inside the simulator, so you can combine manuals with a "learning-by-doing" approach.)

 

But doing it in bite-size chunks is paramount. It is easy to get tempted into learning this and that and a little bit of that thing over there as soon as you get in the air, and this will hurt retention and leave you frustrated. But as long as you have the discipline to learn one thing at a time you should be fine.

 

One suggestion I would have is to find some way to have the Pilot's Manual available when flying. If you own a Tablet you're set, just put the pdf there, if you have a second computer that can also work, or if you (like me) just have two screens on your computer. That way you can easily check up on things you've forgotten or don't quite seem to "get right" without having to alt-tab and stuff.

 

Once you have the basics down and is able to fly and kill, don't be afraid of hopping online. Most people are friendly to newbies and will answer questions you have. (Note on that: when opening the server browser you might find that most servers are password locked - in this case make sure to check the information on the server; in many cases squadrons lock their servers but leave the password on their TeamSpeak or Ventrilo server in order to encourage people to communicate. "Lonewolfing" and being out of communications can be considered a bit of bad manners.)

[jpanside]

well to answer the question, compared to other games I've played this game is definitely the most noob unfriendly game. you cant really call it a game because of the realism :P

 

if you are the type of person who easily gives up or becomes frustrated then I would not recommend this game because it takes patience and has a high learning curve. however, it is very rewarding and well worth the work! it is very doable and I have received quick answer and lots of help from other pilots.

 

also, there are many video tutorials that can guide you. Still, it will take your over 2 weeks of play to get comfortable and get the basics down. Sometimes longer for folks who have little time.

[Panzertard]

It's a hobby - not a game :D

You'll spend days, weeks and perhaps years enjoying a great sim - and you can come back to it time after time and still learn some new stuff.

So if you're in for a great new hobby - you'll have a blast :)

 

If you're in for some short flights, short breaks from real life, you can do that too - but it requires a bit of learning & study before you get there.

 

Hook up with someone in MP - there are some great guys out there who are eager to teach you new stuff, especially if you're just trying to get set up. :)

Edited May 26, 2011 by Panzertard

[Speed]

I depends on what will make you feel satisfaction. If you only get satisfaction out of completing some really hard mission, dodging missiles, etc, then do not buy this sim unless you are prepared to go through a lengthy learning curve.

 

However, if you get satisfaction out of singularly, just learning how to fly, how to land, how to refuel in mid air, how to start it from a cold jet, how to guide an LGB- then buy this sim. Each of those tasks should be able to be learned in a day (though some will take some practice).

 

So if you don't think you will get satisfaction learning the game, then you might want to stay away. This isn't the kind of game you buy and then only play for three weeks. You play something like this for years.

 

Also if you want to be proficient at combat, you need to at least spend $100 to get yourself an X-52. But a simple joystick will work in the short term as you learn basics.

[Username455]

wow awesome replies, thank you guys!

 

I actually purchased an x52 pro, knowing I wanted to a flight sim. I just needed a push in the right direction. Also, I see there is an ipad app for this game which looked awesome.

 

I think I will be purchasing this now and enjoying a lot of great flights, and a great community by the looks of it! :thumbup:

[Zenra]

The community is second to none.

 

Oh, I am sure you won't regret your investment in the X-52, lots of people here use it and like it, but you won't have to look around long before you are also strongly encouraged to invest in Track IR. I resisted for a while, but didn't realize what I was missing. Just do it - you won't regret it.

[hassata]

In all honesty, no. It will cause a severe addiction which will result in you learning every aspect of flying and flying with frenzied fever such that you very quickly turn into a non-noob. So really, it is a noob-killer! Only difference here is that you will shut the PC down in the early hours with a sense of real accomplishment and education.

[Irregular programming]

This is also my first real sim.

 

There are a lot of great tutorials on youtube that I would recomend over trying to learn from the manual. The Not saying don't read the manual it's a great reference document and really great if you want to know more about a certain thing about the sim but learning from it just gives you an added difficulty.

[Nu-NRG]

The learning curve is steep. It takes time, but trust me when I say ... it does make you feel good when you start to put it all together and everything makes sense.

[JEFX]

Hey, welcome aboard!

One more advice I would like to give you : if this is your first flight sim, there are a lot of things that are not specific to the A-10C that you will need to learn (for example, those of us who have flown sims before look at the HUD and find it quite easy to read, when if it is your first time, you need a detailed explanation of every symbol, which is in the manual by the way).

 

One of the best way to learn quickly and with simplicity is to learn how to set-up simple custom missions yourself (you would be surprised how many people jump into learning this sim and just try and do campaing missions...). The mission editor is not the most user-friendly tool on the planet, but you get to know each other pretty quickly : read the GUI manual and get familiar with how to make simple missions. One of the most important piece of info that newcomers might overlook is that : when you put one A-10C in the map and you want to be its pilot (instead of AI), you need to set its SKILL to PLAYER (on the right pane).

 

You can start by just simply add one or two aircraft, start from the runway, jump in the air and enjoy the beautiful scenery before you move on to trying each system, one at a time.

 

If you have always dreamt of it, you can cheer because this is a blessed moment of SIM history : the best ever (the only time I felt so good was when I studied Falcon 4 in its original big bound manual...) and this is way better and looks lightyears better!

 

have fun and never hesitate to ask, people here are quite nice and helpful to everybody.

 

Jean-Francois

[sorcer3r]

Hello everyone,

 

I am on the fence about getting this game. It would be my first true sim game which makes it a little daunting. I hear this is very complex (but with that comes great reward). Would someone with almost 0 flying experience still enjoy this game? Is the "game" mode good enough for a beginner to get started on to enjoy a few missions? I have always been fascinated by flying so I will be eager to learn, but I don't want to be completely lost, frustrated, and quit.

 

What do you think?

 

Before Black Shark i also had almost 0 flying experience (i never played falcon or lock on). So it is definitely possible to learn this simulation. and you'll enjoy it.

 

if you want to learn quickly (and not only by video tutorials etc.), then there are some nice people that can help you: http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=73911

[GGTharos]

Meh, it /is/ complex, but like anything, it's just a 'machine' that you operate. IN the end you learn actions one by one, and stuff works.

 

My reccomendation for you: Get it. Then, start by practicing flying. Pick up some of the free pilot instruction manuals on the net. Don't use weapons, don't use moving maps or anything, just FLY the thing.

 

Better yet? Shut off the electronics. No HUD, no moving maps, etc. Switch one MFD to DSMS, one to CDU, and voila - no flight data to distract you. Shut off the HUD.

 

Use your steam gauge instruments to start by flying straight and level, then do some 90 degree heading change turns at 30 and 60 deg bank angles while holding altitude within +/-100 feet, and maintaining speed.

 

You'll see, after some practice you'll be flying better than 70% of the folks here. And that's just the flying part ;)

 

Edit: Also, the sim comes with training missions that guide you through operating the aircraft, and there is a /lot/ of community-contributed training material as well, from training missions to youtube videos. And if you're still stumped, there's always this place to ask questions.

 

 

Hello everyone,

 

I am on the fence about getting this game. It would be my first true sim game which makes it a little daunting. I hear this is very complex (but with that comes great reward). Would someone with almost 0 flying experience still enjoy this game? Is the "game" mode good enough for a beginner to get started on to enjoy a few missions? I have always been fascinated by flying so I will be eager to learn, but I don't want to be completely lost, frustrated, and quit.

 

What do you think?

Edited May 26, 2011 by GGTharos

[element1108]

Welcome, no doubt you will enjoy it. It's worth the risk as the rewards and an amazing "game/sim" experienc awaits that will last years not weeks/months.

 

The community is patient and willing to help, so look to us for any assistance. Take it slow, practice makes perfect, and as an x52 owner as well, factor in some muscle memory time for any new hotas.

 

If you enjoy it and funds allow, tracker IR is a huge assistance to the sim.

 

Hopefully we'll see you in the air sometime :).

[STP Dragon]

I am on the fence about getting this game.

 

Hi Username445,

 

Technically yes it is a game... but for the most people here it is a hobby.

It is not a game like "call of duty" you will play for 3-4 days and walked through.

This software is a technical simulation of a real existing fighter aircraft.

You will sit in the cockpit the first time and don't have ANY idea what to do!

But the first time you get the engines running... the sound of the increasing frequence... then you are infected of the DCS virus and you want more and more.

 

DCS is my hobby since two years and I'm one of the "new guys" here...

 

If you choose to buy it, please feel free to join a newcomer training.

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=73911

[Nu-NRG]

But the first time you get the engines running... the sound of the increasing frequence... then you are infected of the DCS virus and you want more and more.

AMEN!

.. RAMP STARTING IT IS THE WAY TO GO! The sound ... the sound .... it's the sound!!!!

 

I wonder if they know the cure for this virus:helpsmilie: .. I take that back ... I don't want to be cured!

[STP Dragon]

Username445, you see?

You will never be lost in this community! :)

 

... but please make yourselfe the favour and don't start with the "GAME MODE"!

Enjoy this simulation as it should be: With PURE REALISM!

[159th_Viper]

.......I will be eager to learn.....

 

That right there is good enough.

 

One thing that might be good to keep in mind is that there's no quick-fix and that it will take you a wee while to get going. If you're willing to be patient and stick it out then you'll be fine - there's not one person here that will not help/assist you - all you gotta do is ask :)

[Helios]

It is not a game like "call of duty" you will play for 3-4 days and walked through.

 

The sim genre has probably ruined first-person shooters and block-buster games for me forever. With PSN back up again I loaded up CoD the other day for the first time since 7-8 months or so, and it was just extremely dull and boring. Same thing seems to happen with most other games. I have successfully resisted the urge to buy Portal 2 and some of the other recent popular titles, knowing it will just be played for 1-2 days.

[SmokeyTheLung]

@username,

 

You've got questions, we've got answers

... (puts on PR hat)

[STP Dragon]

The sim genre has probably ruined first-person shooters and block-buster games for me forever. With PSN back up again I loaded up CoD the other day for the first time since 7-8 months or so, and it was just extremely dull and boring. Same thing seems to happen with most other games. I have successfully resisted the urge to buy Portal 2 and some of the other recent popular titles, knowing it will just be played for 1-2 days.

 

:megalol:

Same here!

 

Is this a part of You know when it's time to take a break from DCS A10-C when.. ???

Edited May 26, 2011 by =STP= Dragon

[hassata]

You've got questions, we've got answers

 

LOL. "If you've got the time, we've got the beer."

[ARM505]

Lol, I've played through Portal 2 twice, and steam says I've played for under 10 hours. I enjoyed the story, but there's no real reason to ever play it again. Sims never end on the other hand, and always present fresh challenges. Get it.

[Mud]

Always willing to help a newbie, but the word noob sends shivers down my spine. Must be a net dinosaur thing ....