Is DCS Any Good? Should you even CONSIDER it?
DCS WORLD is an incredibly realistic combat flight simulator that can be download and played for FREE! Eagle dynamics, the creator of DCS World has been constantly improving all aspects of this super complex combat orientated flight simulation with recent additions of full 3D weather systems and volumetric clouds. These recent additions bring an even greater level of realism to the skyscape for us to enjoy. The latest version has introduced multi-threaded support so more of those CPU cores can be utilized to boost performance.
New API Increased Performance.
There are plans for a new graphics API called Vulcan to be implemented to update its overall performance. Vulcan will replace the very old OpenGL API currently in use now. It will improve the overall performance of the simulator bringing smooth performance and less jitters and higher FPS.
Vulcan once implemented which is expected this year will give DCS the ability to use multi core processors more easily. Currently the sim focusses its workloads on only a couple CPU cores when most have six or more plus multithreading performance advantages. This addition did amazing things for X Plane 11 only a year or so ago. DCS World is destined to be even more incredible in both performance and open up more visual enhancements.
Try Before You Buy.
The freedom to try before you buy with no strings attached is absolute piece of mind for new prospective DCS pilots. The simulator comes in two versions the DCS WORLD, the full Release Version where everything has been tested extensively and you should not find any bugs as well as the DCS WORLD OPEN BETA release of DCS World. The advantage of the open beta is the use of freeware mods are normally much more likely to work well in OPEN BETA as well as new aircraft are released here as EARLY ACCESS while the fine tuning and adding more systems takes place.
Both DCS World versions from Release to Open Beta or release gives you the Su-25 Russian ground attack aircraft as well as an unarmed P-51 called the T-51. You can fly these as well as the myriad of mods providing, they are stand alone and do not need a donor aircraft installed to fly them. Fire up your choice of aircraft and discover the vast territory the Caucuses Map offers. Use the Mission Editor to create training and then more complex missions. There are training missions and tutorials for each aircraft to help you get to grips with their systems.
IS DCS ANY GOOD Maps and More!
The included map of the Caucasus has a vast myriad of scenery to discover in your flights. There are cities, airbases plus mountains ranges, deep blue lakes and rivers. Take a low-level trip in your favourite aircraft through the countryside but be careful because the scenery will kill you! The valleys you fly down also have a range of high voltage power lines ready to make you a smoking hole in the ground if you’re not concentrating as well as tall trees ready to get you as you crest a ridgeline in top gun style!
Multiplayer – Your Next Challenge!
Online multiplayer action is where this flight simulator really sets itself apart from other combat sims currently available. There are literally a thousand servers all around the world ready for you to log onto and head into the teeth of mortal combat in your favourite aircraft. There are servers dedicated to WWII combat, some with specific goals for either the blue or red teams to achieve. If you’re a little more modern then there is a range of Korean war vintage earache servers as well as modern conflicts aimed at the latest 4th generation jet fighters and beyond.
PvP & PvE – What’s the Difference?
Some are dedicated to just Player vs Player (PvP) where it will literally be one against another in whatever jet you choose to fly. Certainly my favourite combat at present but Player versus Environment (PvE) also has a huge following with full campaigns being flown by both individuals and virtual squadrons. With PvE the combat is more chaotic with many players in combat all at the same time. Deciding if an aircraft is on the blue or red side is very important also in PvE as in real combat. The fog of war can force mistakes and Blue on Blue shoot downs. Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) is a very big part of this scenario because if your shooting your own people the server will likely ban you from it very quickly.
The Aircraft Choices are Mind Blowing!
The range of pay ware aircraft is extensive and growing all the time. The range of World War II aircraft from the venerable Spitfire, Hurricane, P-51 Mustang with a recent addition of the venerable Mosquito twin engine fighter bomber being added. There are Messerschmitt Bf 109 as well as Focke-Wulf 190 and Russian combat aircraft available from this era.
Moving into the Jet age in Korea we have the Mig 15, 17 and 19 available with Sabre jets to combat the communist threat. Moving into the modern age the quality of aircraft is without a doubt incredible with complex avionics systems and weapons being modelled as accurately as possible with publicly available documentation and aircraft performance manuals. The open beta has an advantage because the aircraft are so complex, they get an open beta release first. It can take a year or more before they are available in the release version of the game, so please be aware of the differences. The Open Beta is a very usable option, and you can actually download both the release and open beta versions and use both as you feel fit. All modules will work in either once in release or those in pre-release will work on the open beta.
There are WW2 aircraft from all parts of the conflict to Korean earache jets and, of course the F14/15/16/18 aircraft with a great compliment of Mikoyan aircraft from the Mig 29 to the Sukhoi range of combat aircraft and helicopters.
Myriad of Maps to Defend!
There has been several maps released, including Syria, Falklands/South Atlantic, and great WW2 maps like Normandy and Southern UK that ties the two together. The ever-expanding list of maps is also complimented by ground operations which is often overlooked. It is possible to have a JTAC on the ground with other ground forces which could be tanks, artillery as well as AAA and missile systems. The ability to combine both air and ground assets in a unified manner makes for a super realistic campaign scenario.
If you have the Open Beta, there are also a lot of Mod aircraft that are free to fly. These often require an aircraft from the Flaming Cliffs 3 pack which has low fidelity but great fun aircraft like the A10, F15 & Mig 29. Aircraft mods vary greatly in their functionality from low fidelity to fully functional standalone aircraft like the incredible A-4C Skyhawk as just one example. This popular model is impeccably modelled both internally and externally with the developer updating and fixing found issues by the community.
The gameplay and depth of the inbuilt scenario editor as well as freeware and payware campaigns which are top-notch make for intense high-quality combat.
Join a Virtual Squadron!
The virtual fighter pilot community has options such as Virtual Squadrons where you can join, and they will take you through training missions like in the real world. Step by step you will learn how to fly, stay in formation, formation tactics then on to BFM or Basic Fighter Manoeuvres or dogfighting. The next step is on to BVR or Beyond Visual Range combat where your launching and avoiding air to air missiles with targets beyond visual range.
These squadrons are welcoming but require you haven the time to commit to joint flights and the training aspects. It’s best to look for a squadron in your region just for time constraints. Very rewarding if you have the time to commit and you will make more friends.
Wrap up Is DCS Any Good?
The multiplayer world is incredible, but the learning to fly is a steep curve for many virtual pilots. The terminology is the first hurdle for new players in this exciting world. It’s a language of its own steeped in tradition and functionality. Learn to survive in your shiny new aircraft takes time and no good how proficient you become, someone will come out of the blue and hand your but to you on a PvP server. It just ensures you are always training and practising your art. There is no room for Mavericks in DCS, team players gain the most from it.
Fortunately, there are so many great tutorials for DCS both on YouTube and here on LetsflyVFR.com to help you understand this complex world. I hope this helps you decide if your a combat simulator like DCS is any good for you and what you desire to do on your next DCS combat flight. You will not look back once you get involved I assure you!
- Fly BFM & Be DOMINANT every FIGHT!
- Beginners Guide to DCS World.
- BFM Don’t Make These Beginner Mistakes.
- Learning The F-16 Viper Incredible!
- More DCS World Tutorials Here!
Author:
Brendon McAliece is an avid flight simulator user with over three decades, holds a Sport Pilot license plus over two decades of military weapons and jet fighters experience around the world. He lives in Thailand with his wife, speaks fluent Thai and loves life, sharing his travel experiences on DreamingGuitar.com & DreamingCoffee.com
