Is it worth getting into DCS without a flight stick?

[SimpleSnek]

I love flight sims and mil sims of all kinds; but my last flight stick broke on me awhile back and I can't afford a new one yet.
I would mainly being playing on either keyboard and Mouse or PS controller for this game and would it just be a hassle trying to learn it before I get a new stick?

I mean eventually i'll be getting into this game to play it; I just really want to know if I should wait and save up or start playing now. Also In IL-2 sturmovik some Mp sessions are also locked for flight stick only, is that the same case here too? Thanks

[SSerponi76]

IMHO no: wait untill you can buy a new stick.

[Crossbone]

It can be done, I used an Xbox controller before but you have to get creative with bindings and controller curves however forget about doing aerial refueling until you get a stick and even then its hard!

[Gunn]

I started playing DCS last month with just an xbox controller and the 2 free aircraft it came with. I've since then built an entirely new system, and bought a HOTAS and TrackIR.

The point I'm making here is that if you're at all interested in combat aviation, you're gonna get sucked in, addicted, and want it ALL! it's a slippery, expensive slope. The more you put into it, the more you get out of it. DCS is my new drug. Best of luck to ya! :)

[SimpleSnek]

Thanks yall for the input, Think I will wait for a flight stick but for the heck of it ill try my with controller later. Cheers!

[Gunn]

Originally posted by SimpleSnek:

Thanks yall for the input, Think I will wait for a flight stick but for the heck of it ill try my with controller later. Cheers!

Give this video a watch. It'll get you setup enough to have some fun. This is the setup I used to get my controller up and running and flyable in DCS until I got a HOTAS.

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

[SimpleSnek]

Will do! Can't wait to try it!

[Vsk]

Originally posted by SimpleSnek:

Thanks yall for the input, Think I will wait for a flight stick but for the heck of it ill try my with controller later. Cheers!

I can fly all the planes in FC3 and the MiG 21 using mouse and keyboard. How? I use virtual controller and vJoy. Would recommend!

[Maki Nishikino]

You're much, much better off with a HOTAS setup. Personally I use a VKB Gladiator NXT and Thrustmaster TWCS (I modded the latter).

[zm*****]

You can use the time while you're saving for a new flight stick to learn the systems and procedures of whatever aircraft you will be flying so that you're ready to engage when you do get it.

[Richardus]

Get a secondhand stick. Even if it's just a cheap one it'll help you develop some feel for flying around so you don't waste time on learning a method only to later have to get used to a different

[NO FEAR]

Buy a Tmaster 16000m

[Kuba_Q]

To me, a stick (preferably HOTAS, but not mandatory) and a head tracking device are a must for this sim. I can't even imagine playing flight sims without TrackIR.

[Maki Nishikino]

Originally posted by Kuba_Q:

can't even imagine playing flight sims without TrackIR.

I used to but yeah, it's so much better now that I have TrackIR.

[Troll Norris]

Depends on which kind of humour you like. :)
Is DCS:W playable without joystick? Yes, it is. Also you can use the "arcade mode" to make it easier. But most servers runs in "sim mode" So in that case you will be mainly in single player mode. Which might be fine. There is a lot of missions to play, community made included.

But In my opinion it is not as fun as using the "sim mode" which is DCS mainly designed for. Which will need the stick. Yes, there are plenty people who love to suffer and plays the sim mode with keyboard and mouse only. Will it suite yourself? Who knows.

[SSerponi76]

Originally posted by Kuba_Q:

I can't even imagine playing flight sims without TrackIR.

I've played fly sims for 25+ years without it. Believe me: you can do it ;-)