Non-Joystick Gameplay

[bnsfc]

Is there anyway at all to play this with out a joystick, as in flight controls using a mouse mode similar to war thunder realistic (or even sim for I have done that as well) controls? I know it wont be "the best" but I can deal with that. I just don't want to fly with trim......

[Maki Nishikino]

Playing with a mouse is possible (I think you need third-party software) but it will more than likely be incredibly frustrating. I do strongly recommend getting yourself a joystick. War Thunder is far, far less complex than DCS: World.

[em]

Turn on "Game Flight Mode" in GAMEPLAY settings at the main menu makes it more manageable with using the arrowkeys to fly, but this is a singleplayer only thing

[woodsguide]

i tried mouse/keyboard for like 16 hrs... just couldnt do it ;o)
so happy the wife got my a flight stick

Logitech Extreme 3D Pro ..was under $40

and so far works well enough. granted ive not logged many hours yet, but at least i can take off and land the starter TF-51D without eating dirt ;o)

[Sizigmund]

To play DCS world without a joystick, you need an additional pair of hands. And this is for low fidelity planes that included in "Flaming cliffs 3" DLC and for free Su-25T that comes with the base game. They have realistic flight model but simplified systems, so an additional pair of hands would be enough to both control them and managing their weapon systems simultaneously.

For high fidelity planes, you need a two additional pair of hands. If you want to fly helicopters with keyboard and mouse, then just forget about it. It will be much better to buy some other game than to buy a helicopter DLC for this game.

[SSerponi76]

Originally posted by bnsfc:

Is there anyway at all to play this with out a joystick, as in flight controls using a mouse mode similar to war thunder realistic (or even sim for I have done that as well) controls? I know it wont be "the best" but I can deal with that. I just don't want to fly with trim......

What do you have against the trim? It is one of the most useful (and used) command in the game. Also, not having a stick does not mean you don't need to trim your plane.

[Troll Norris]

https://youtu.be/TdgKX0LU2fc

[Troll Norris]

Also good one :)
https://youtu.be/rTrhAkTLHCY

[Gunfreak]

You can mabye play as the RIO back in the F14. Lots of button pushes you can do mostly with the mouse.

[Goffik]

War Thunder is a game, DCS World is a simulator, that's the big difference here. I know some people feel that WT is "complex" because it's involves a little more skill than your average arcade flying game, but it still doesn't compare to the complexity of a true simulator.

But to answer the question, anything is "possible" if you put your mind to it. With mouse and keyboard alone you'll be able to take off, fly around, and land. Maybe shoot the guns a little bit too. If that's all you're after, then you're good to go. DCS and the two "starter" aircraft are free, so give it a go.

The real question is, can it be done in a way that is enjoyable and allows you to get the most out of the sim? The answer to that is no, it can't. You will not be able to adequately control a combat aircraft to a level where you will have a chance in actual combat without at least a basic joystick. If you're intending to spend £50+ on a paid aircraft, then do yourself a favour and spend at least the same amount on a joystick first.

[Richardus]

Mate just buy a $20 secondhand joystick. It's a flight simulator, it's pretty much made for use with a HOTAS.

Playing DCS with mouse control is like playing iRacing with a keyboard. Yes it's POSSIBLE, but you're not getting the full experience both in terms of control and immersion. I feel that when you're getting into this level of realism (and cost) you shouldn't be skipping the essentials to save a buck.

I've seen Logitech Attack 3 flight sticks (SUPER basic, but gets the job done for simple planes) go for $5 here and Saitek X52's (proper HOTAS) are usually around $25. Plenty of options if you look around a bit, especially with the worst part of the shortages being over now.