Gamepad v. Joystick?

[jbarry39]

I know this is more a console game ported over to PC. Also, not really a flight sim per se...so what would be the best controller. Joystick...or Logitech Gamepad? Advice?

[WeirdWizardDave]

Those are all point of debate. Personally I go joystick or full HOTAS every time. There are arguably a few too many controls to comfortably fit on a control pad (game makes extensive use of multi mode type buttons (tap for function a, hold for function b) and hold a button for a radial menu type controls. So a good HOTAS setup with plenty of buttons for all the controls gives the best result and personally playing in VR holding a joystick and throttle is far more engaging and immersive than a control pad.

[Khronos]

Controller is the best way in this game. I get people wanting to believe it's HOTAS but from my experience there is some kind of input lag on control sticks that just makes the controller superior over all. Presumably it is a bug that needs working on but it legit feels like you're drunk with my X52, I really do want it to work for the immersion factor but it's just a complete fail.

[Twelvefield]

The "lag" comes from a lack of control response curves. A controller uses straight 1:1, while most joysticks poll along a curve. This is super easy to fix, but only if you are a dev.

A controller makes you a better pilot, but stick and rudder is way more fun.

[Justin]

I have a HOTAS and find the button layout to be too cumbersome for Squadrons. Controller works best for me.

[Olympic Fighter]

T16000M user here and I don't detect any input lag compared to controller. I find that manuverability that comes with the HOTAS offsets any slightly disadvantage in aiming precision. Honestly I'm not even sure that there is any disadvantage even in aiming. Just make sure to set dead zone to 0.

[Gourmand]

gamepad is more easy to play at the start, but at the end, the hotas for flight game is more advantageous. maneuvering is more intuitive. so my advice is to try hard the hotas even if at the beginning gamepad seems easier

[Mazryonh]

A joystick and throttle (AKA a HOTAS control scheme) is the best way to control this game, hands down, in terms of immersion and ease of use. This game is already struggling to fit all of its controls on gamepads.