Guides & Tutorials

[Jimmy Arcade]

Information about controls, helicopters etc can be found in the Guides area.

1. Gamepad and Control Guide
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2910713794

2. Helicopter Guide
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2908499881

3. Random Mission Generator Guide
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2871992565

4. Weapon Guide
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2911304601

5. Wingman Guide
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3007750566

Things tend to change quite quickly in Early Access but I'll do my best to keep these guides up to date.

[chris_v_25]

Can you please create a guide on how to find targets. I am just running around hitting "q" and I know that is not what you intended. I assume we are supposed to get down into the TADS and designate targets ourselves?

Thanks!

[XTRMNTR2K]

Originally posted by chris_v_25:

Can you please create a guide on how to find targets. I am just running around hitting "q" and I know that is not what you intended. I assume we are supposed to get down into the TADS and designate targets ourselves?

Thanks!

There are three main ways of locking onto targets, with one additional fourth method.

1. You can manually move the cursor and lock onto targets using the left-hand TSD (Tactical Situational Display). As with all other inputs, make sure controls for this are bound.
2. As you mentioned the second method is directly aiming at something using the targeting pod (TADS) on the right. Pro Tip: Locking the laser on the ground stabilizes the targeting pod, making target acquisition easier.
3. Additionally you can use the "next/previous target" or "nearest threat" (IIRC?) keybinds to switch between targets. Take note that this effectively tells your co-pilot/gunner to lock a target using the TSD. However, they will only toggle between targets in a 90 degree cone ahead of your chopper.

Last but not least there is the "smart targeting" method (the name may actually be different, it's been a while since I've used it). It's a bit finicky to use, but the idea is that it will lock onto the first target that gets near the center of your screen after you have pressed the button. Makes sense if you use it with the IHADSS while looking around.


One more thing: There is one important difference between targets locked via the TSD or CP/G and those locked using the targeting pod: If you are using radar guided missiles - this means one of the Hellfire variants and I think the Brimstone as well because it is fire-and-forget - you WILL need to acquire a lock via the TSD or co-pilot/gunner. It doesn't matter if the radar is on or off (since targets are stationary at the moment), but a laser lock does not count for radar missiles so you will not be able to fire them (they can only be launched with a valid lock).


Now how you set up your controls is completely up to you. Not only does this largely depend on your personal preferences, but also on the number and type of inputs you have available. One way to make efficient use of limited inputs is to use the combined t-pod/TSD controls, which you can toggle between based on the currently active MFD. If you happend to have enough axes and buttons however feel free to go all out and bind each function individually!