Is it possible to play DCS without a VR headset?

[Switch]

First off, I'm playing this on a 1080p gaming laptop with a 1660Ti, not a desktop.

I live in a tiny home with satellite internet, and the notion of getting a VR headset and the whole kit is completely out of the question.

That being said, I've learned the fundamentals of the F-15C in startup, taxi, takeoff. I'm still working on my landings, but I'll get there..

For fun, I've tried to run some easy 1v1 instant action missions with some combat with them, but I can't shoot down anything that's not a defenseless bomber.

I feel like without a headset, I basically can't do anything in this game besides free flight.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I can't seem to find a toggle switch that locks the in-cockpit camera to the locked on target, so as soon as lock breaks, I have no idea what's going on.

I designated the hat switch on my joystick to camera panning, but it's only up/down/left/right and It's extremely difficult to track anything.

So what does one do in this game, when all they've got is the regular monitor, keyboard and mouse, and basic joystick?
It really seems that the only way to play this game, really, is to Nut up and go all in on an Index and HOTAS or GTFO.

[Sizigmund]

Opprinnelig skrevet av Soup Chewer:

@Sizigmund

I could write a wall of text telling you just how predictable (and hence boring) the AI is, how humans are unpredictable and even intelligent sometimes 😅 (which makes MP interesting and forces people to learn stuff), how DCS PVP servers differ A LOT in terms of complexity, features, style, etc...

But nothing I can write will make you realize these things, you have to discover them on your own.

I'm totally agree with you. The AI is very predictable in all PC games, not only in DCS, but it doesn't mean that it is easy to play agains it. I'm not flying only one favorite airplane of mine, so each time, the gameplay is different for me. For example, I've decide to try a free SU-25T campaign now, and it is very hard dynamically campaign. If you are not succeed in one mission, you go back to a previous mission. I like campaigns because there is some kind of goal I need to achive. In SU-25T campaing for example, I need to clear the way for my ground units so they are able to move through the enemy lines. The campaigns I like the most is MiG-29S "Over the hump" campaign and SU-25 "Revanche" campaign of Flaming cliffs 3 DLC. I just don't like to play PVP, because there usually no goals. Yes, it is nice to compete with other players, but just shoot each other is not a style of gameplay that I like. Really, I get borred by this style of gameplay, even that to play agains other players is harder then to play against AI.

But we got offtopic here. The question was if it is possible to play this game without Track IR and VR. So I can tell, that it is possible. It will be harder than to play with tracking device, and I'm sure that in multiplayer PvP it will be much harder, but again it is possible. If OP only begins to play this game I don't think that it is reasonable to buy all the devices for this game, because maybe OP will not like this game. So why spend money now? I think it is better to try this game with a joystick and if you feel that this game is definitely for you, then start buying additionall devices to make your gameplay much comfortable.

[UkrainianDoomer]

You absolutely need a TrackIR or VR goggles to play DCS or any other combat flight sim. Because it's just another controller that is required to get the most out of a flight sim.

Sure you can play a shooter game without a mouse, by just using arrow keys to look around, or you can play a racing game with just a keyboard - and it will be playable - but why would you refuse the level of comfort dedicated controllers provide?

And yes, you can use TrackIR with a laptop, it will work just fine - you will just have a considerably smaller precision due to the small screen.

FaceTrackNoIR and the likes will not do it - because your webcam is most likely not only limited to 30 fps, but has a considerable lag before the video is sent to your computer - making head tracking very uncomfortable. Imagine running the game at 60, but the game reacting to your movement only every second frame - add the video lag and you get up to a second of delay in addition to skips.

Only top of the line laptops will have good, fast webcams - but if you are spending $3000-4000 on a laptop - surely you can afford TrackIR or even VR anyways

[X_Deadmeat_X]

Simplest answer is yes you can do it but the better your hardware, the better your experience.

A basic joystick is better than just a keyboard, a mid range HOTAS is better than a basic joystick and a top of the line HOTAS and pedals like a real aircraft has is best.

Not having to take your hands off the controls and eyes off the screen to hunt for a key combination on your keyboard in the middle of combat makes a big difference. When I stepped up from a Logitech 3d Pro to a fairly low end X52 HOTAS I became far more effective simply because I could slew Maverick seekers/TPODs/Cursors about while still being 100% in control of my speed and aircraft attitude. Aircraft like the F18 and A10 became enjoyable to fly and fight in rather than a constant struggle of keyboard button mashing.

You can use keyboard/joystick for view control but a head tracker gives you far better situational awareness in a fight. You only have so many fingers and thumbs so better they are on the plane controls rather than tied up scrolling around. You may be the edge case where you have 10 years of practice and muscle memory built up but generally speaking then all other things being equal with two players of equal skill the guy with a head tracker is at a significant advantage at close range ACM. Of course for ground attack or BVR engagements the advantage is less pronounced.

This is where I am just now. Without a head tracking solution I can fly the plane or I can watch the enemy but doing both at the same time is not effective. Like the real pilots say "the enemy you didn't see is the one that kills you".

[JG1_Dobratz]

you could try ed tracker. works like a mobile phone. wired and wireless. http://www.edtracker.org.uk/