I just bought my first HOTAS! Recommendations for DLC?

[Cmdr_Sam]

I finally found a really good deal on Thrustmaster T16000m flight stick and throttle :)

I used to play MSFS2020 using a gamepad, I tried playing DCS but it was impossible to play with a controller. Now that I have a hotas I want to graduate to DCS.

I want to play multiplayer and fly and learn from you guys. Which map/planes should I buy? I want something that is multirole so that I can experience vast range of gameplay.

Thanks

[Cream Corn Lover]

For a first Map Syria is the best tons of servers use it such as Enigmas cold war which is a popular server.

For the planes you have the choice between a Full Fidelity module where almost everything is modelled or one of the Flaming Cliffs 3 planes which are cheaper but they are non clickable.

For your first plane I would say choose one that Interests you every plane is different and really you need to decide which plane you are the most interested in learning.

[Darkreaver1980]

I woulnt recommend an map yet. Compared to a full module, a map gives you almost nothing. I recommend to get the F16 or F18, both are multirole and can do everything.

If youre into helicopters, apache is where it is :)

[Undead Rufus]

The Hornet and Viper are definitely your best options for multirole. Hornet if you want to do naval operations, Viper otherwise. Viper is more fun to fly IMO, but I haven't flown the Hornet since the pandemic free-to-play period.

You should ultimately get whatever interests you, because everything has a learning curve, and nothing's worse than spending money and getting bored.

[Gambit]

For multirole fighters there really only are the f18 and 16 or the f15e if you want to keep waiting

[Wacky Cat]

F18 is a good first choice, but wait for a sale. It shouldn't be too much longer.

[Hootman]

Ok, this is not a downer post, just be cautious as you are entering a different sim here.

There is a LOT of programming to be done on the HOTAS and keyboards to get it to your liking, unless you can get someone to send you their controller files.

So you MIGHT want to play with the free SU-25 first just to get the feel of things before you invest a lot of money into this, just to make sure you are prepared for the time investment it takes to fully learn an aircraft and all it's systems. I saw once someone posted that the average person can remain proficient on MAYBE 2-3 aircraft at any given time, given the depth of the systems. I'm think I'm pretty good at memory stuff, and right now only fly the AH-64, but I can see 2-3 aircraft probably being about all I could remember at one time, unless you are flying them every day.

Also, up front, you might want to spend some cash on the $10 lifetime license for Voiceattack (probably the best bang for the buck utility for gaming there is), and TrackIR or something similar if you don't already have it.

Just saying, don't get so excited you end up spending a bunch of money you'll regret. The sim is indepth, and setting up a HOTAS for a full-fidelity aircraft can be a daunting task, epsecially one that has a LOT of systems, and two stations (like Pilot and Co-pilot/gunner).

And also don't be afraid to ask if someone already has settings files for the aircraft you want and the HOTAS you have, for both DCS and Voiceattack (if you get it). Basically, if you get settings from someone, you'll need both, because the voiceattack will be based off the keys/buttons assigned to that particular aircraft.

Fly Safe, welcome, and good luck to you!

Hoot out...

[Cmdr_Sam]

Originally posted by Hootman:

Ok, this is not a downer post, just be cautious as you are entering a different sim here.

There is a LOT of programming to be done on the HOTAS and keyboards to get it to your liking, unless you can get someone to send you their controller files.

So you MIGHT want to play with the free SU-25 first just to get the feel of things before you invest a lot of money into this, just to make sure you are prepared for the time investment it takes to fully learn an aircraft and all it's systems. I saw once someone posted that the average person can remain proficient on MAYBE 2-3 aircraft at any given time, given the depth of the systems. I'm think I'm pretty good at memory stuff, and right now only fly the AH-64, but I can see 2-3 aircraft probably being about all I could remember at one time, unless you are flying them every day.

Also, up front, you might want to spend some cash on the $10 lifetime license for Voiceattack (probably the best bang for the buck utility for gaming there is), and TrackIR or something similar if you don't already have it.

Just saying, don't get so excited you end up spending a bunch of money you'll regret. The sim is indepth, and setting up a HOTAS for a full-fidelity aircraft can be a daunting task, epsecially one that has a LOT of systems, and two stations (like Pilot and Co-pilot/gunner).

And also don't be afraid to ask if someone already has settings files for the aircraft you want and the HOTAS you have, for both DCS and Voiceattack (if you get it). Basically, if you get settings from someone, you'll need both, because the voiceattack will be based off the keys/buttons assigned to that particular aircraft.

Fly Safe, welcome, and good luck to you!

Hoot out...

Thank you for answering!
I will play the free modules for now and wait for the sale.

[XIII]

Originally posted by Cmdr_Sam:

Thank you for answering!
I will play the free modules for now and wait for the sale.

Btw, you can trial every module of the game for two weeks, with a 6 month cooldown inbetween.

Otherwhise, agreed with other suggestions:

1. Syria seems like the most versatile and popular map.
2. F16/F18 is the absolute HOTAS multirole aircraft, gives you a bit of everything DCS has on offer.*
3. Flaming Cliffs 3 is simplified controls, but reasonably realistic and a lot of fun.
4. First buy is 50% off for first party modules if you buy on website, otherwise only buy on sale.

*Both are great, people saying "X is better than Y" is pure preference. Those two planes are similar yet different, and every strength has its exception.
Like, F-16 is more fun to fly? Maybe clean, but put a bunch of bombs under it, and suddenly the Viper becomes a boat and F-18 feels way better.
Another example, F-16 is generally better at A2A due to speed, but the F-18 can rely on a more powerful radar, bigger missile-payload and more fuel.
F-18 is more versatile when setting up loadouts, but F-16 has some super-nasty weapon combinations.

Only real issue I could see for you with F-16 is lack of buttons. That plane is great with its HOTAS and a million buttons, but a TM16 stick doesnt got too many. An F-18 would be easier to configure with your HOTAS.

[Emme]

Nice setup to start with. I'd suggest to use two modifier buttons so you can basically triple bind the controls, which will be plenty for every full fidelity module. The setup can be very effective for it's cost, if you're willing to take some time and put in some thoughts on how to set up the controls.

Also if you maybe already own some racing wheel pedals then you can set them up and use them as rudder as well. They will work much better than the FCS pedals due to often having a better range and better resistance due to the springs, which will def result in much more precise rudder inputs compared to the FCS pedals. Having good rudder controls will be crucial if you have the AH64d Apache in mind for example.

o7

[TequilaZaire]

I have the same set up on my old rig and I suggest not downloading or using someone else config file. It honestly causes more confusion than anything as a beginner. It's best to learn as you go, binding as you go so YOU remember the controls, along with placing them in comfortable areas. It will make the complex controls far easier. You can however find basic templates and suggested basics for your module of choice. Binding all that yourself will get you familiar with the menus, settings, and it's good to start being comfortable with that as you'll be doing it a lot.

I suggest the F-18 as you'll learn a lot, can do a large variety of missions, it's easy to bind controls for, plus it's not hard to fly and have fun straight away with.