Hotas or game pad for this game?

[mattshep69]

I have been trying to get a HOTAS, which isn't easy at the moment. Options besides the scalpers are limited. I was set to buy a HOTAS 1, but can't find one. Then I considered an X56, but some of the quality issues have put me off. So my dilemma is, wait to buy a HOTAS 1, or just stick with my steam controller, or buy xn X box game pad. I am interested to hear what you all think. Keeping the costs down is important to me, as I don't know how much I will actually use a HOTAS. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Mazryonh]

"Keeping costs down" is going to be pretty difficult for you because of the scalpers. But think of it this way: assuming you get one at or near MSRP, it'll be a long-lasting investment because it won't be outdated for a long time unlike, say, graphics cards or VR headsets. Just don't feed the scalpers.

I can make some recommendations for good HOTAS systems compatible with this game if you're interested. What quality issues did you see with the X56?

[mattshep69]

Originally posted by Mazryonh:

"Keeping costs down" is going to be pretty difficult for you because of the scalpers. But think of it this way: assuming you get one at or near MSRP, it'll be a long-lasting investment because it won't be outdated for a long time unlike, say, graphics cards or VR headsets. Just don't feed the scalpers.

I can make some recommendations for good HOTAS systems compatible with this game if you're interested. What quality issues did you see with the X56?

Thanks for your reply I saw a few reviews on YouTube about the x56. The quality issues related to button ghosting or failing all together and the joystick not centering. The base for the joystick and throttle also look quiet big, when compared to the HOTAS 1. I like the HOTAS 1 as it is cheap, small to store away, and only 1 USB connection. Obviously the X56 is much better, but the cost is £215 vs £74 for the HOTAS 1, however the X56 is the only one of those 2, that are available near me. £215 is bit more than I want to spend but
I would if I was convinced it would be GVM.

[Mazryonh]

If you make sure you don't get a lemon and make use of your warranty if there's a problem, the X56 should be good value for your money for this game, or other flight sim games because it has a dual throttle which is useful for piloting planes with two engines in more realistic flight sims. Of course if you want to keep the expenses down the Thrustmaster T. Flight HOTAS 1 is more your thing.

If you're willing to shop online the sky's the limit when it comes to choices and prices available, if you're interested in hearing some of what I've found.

[Twelvefield]

I wouldn't say the X56 is much better than the T.Flight. They're both on the cheap side, cheap being relative.

But for true cheap value-to-use ratio, you can't beat the XBOX controller. They don't go obsolete and they last forever. You could even buy a used one and be pretty confident it will last, which is not something I would say for both the T.Flight and the X56. I don't know how the XBOX compares to the STEAM Controller, though. Why wouldn't the STEAM Controller work?

[dande48]

I personally use a Logitech F310 gamepad. They're $15, and I personally prefer them over xbox or PS4 controllers (personally). I've never used a Steam controller.

My general advice for "keeping the costs down" is this: When in doubt, don't spend money. Try the game with your Steam Controller. If you love the game, and are really getting into the competitive scene, THEN consider getting a HOTAS.

[Twelvefield]

There's a thread on how the STEAM Controller doesn't play well with this game, since the joystick emulates a mouse. I can see that as a drawback now.

[mattshep69]

Originally posted by Mazryonh:

If you make sure you don't get a lemon and make use of your warranty if there's a problem, the X56 should be good value for your money for this game, or other flight sim games because it has a dual throttle which is useful for piloting planes with two engines in more realistic flight sims. Of course if you want to keep the expenses down the Thrustmaster T. Flight HOTAS 1 is more your thing.

If you're willing to shop online the sky's the limit when it comes to choices and prices available, if you're interested in hearing some of what I've found.

Yes please as I am still unsure what to buy still.

[Mazryonh]

Originally posted by mattshep69:

Yes please as I am still unsure what to buy still.

This video outlining most of the HOTAS systems for combat space/air flight sim games available in 2020 is where you should start:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ2O4hHN-Bc

For HOTAS systems that reviewers specifically used for this game, check out the following video for the Thrustmaster T16000M FCS HOTAS (which is what I would recommend for this game; even though it has only one throttle it can come with rudder pedals in a bundle combining joystick, throttle, and pedals):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIYmPD4We4s

You can check out a review of the Logitech X56 HOTAS being used for this game here, keeping in mind all the caveats you've heard about them before:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZoQR17UBks

But if money is no object and you don't mind paying boutique prices for boutique quality, go check out the products by VKB[vkbcontrollers.com] and Virpil[virpil-controls.eu]. You can find some reviews of products from these two companies in the description of the first Youtube video I linked. Just remember that VKB doesn't have its own in-house throttle out yet (though one has been "in development" for a long time).

Good luck finding what you're looking for at a good price. Your best bet is to still start with a console controller to find out if this game suits you before diving head-on into HOTAS land.

[kalnaren]

If the quality concerns of an X56 put you off, the T.Flight should send you running in the opposite direction. It's the worst quality commonly available HOTAS on the market.

For overall utility a gamepad will serve you better, it's a more versatile controller and a lot cheaper than a HOTAS. Start Wars Squadron's HOTAS support is also.. janky. It's not terrible and it works well enough but it's not as good as the X-Wing games. Or any other space sim, for that matter. The interface of the game was VERY much designed for a controller and it shows, and unfortunetly prevents one from taking full advantage of a HOTAS system.

Still, I can't play a flying game without a HOTAS. A HOTAS -especially a more expensive one (>$200) makes more sense if you're planning on playing more than one HOTAS game.

Good luck finding one for MSRP right now though. Unless you're going boutique like Virpil or VKB, you're unlikely to find one that isn't being price gouged.

[mattshep69]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I have ordered a X56 now, I should have it by next weekend. I have purchased from a vendor that I can drive to and return it if I get any issues. If you guys have any advice with getting my HOTAS set up, I would be grateful to hear any tips you all might have.

[kalnaren]

Originally posted by mattshep69:

Thanks for the advice everyone. I have ordered a X56 now, I should have it by next weekend. I have purchased from a vendor that I can drive to and return it if I get any issues. If you guys have any advice with getting my HOTAS set up, I would be grateful to hear any tips you all might have.

1. Create your own map/profile, don't use someone else's.
2. Group common controls together (for example, put your targeting controls close together in one place, power controls together in another).
3. Don't be afraid to change your map. When I first started using a HOTAS system, it took me about a month to get a general layout I was comfortable with.
4. If you can find a template online you can print out and fill in where all the controls are mapped, do it (pencil them in). That way you won't HOTAS fumble as much in the middle of combat.