How Necessary is a HOTAS?

[ManfromtheRedRiver]

I've been looking for good VR games for my Vive and heard great things about this game. I'd like to check it out while it's on sale, butI don't currently own a HOTAS and am wondering just how necessary it is for playing in VR. It makes sense that it would be the ideal way to play, but I'm wondering how viable a standard controller is for this game (at least until I decide to drop the extra cash on a HOTAS later on).

[One Eye Jack]

It’s a matter of opinion but I consider a HOTAS indispensable. VR or not. I won’t play any other way.

[Aedrieus]

I've yet to test a HOTAS, but as it is I play with just a regular joystick (a Logitech Cordless Freedom 2.4) and my keyboard as the throttle / other functions. This in combination with VR works pretty well for me.

The next step for me would be getting a chair with mounting points left and right for a split HOTAS like you see in game. But I have neither the budget nor the space for it at the moment.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is, unless you're willing to invest in a good HOTAS right off the bat, consider a decent joystick and keyboard. Or even a "dedicated gaming keyboard" like a Razer Orbweaver. It's up to you, but keep in mind you might be limited on your HOTAS by the number of mappable buttons.

[Swans]

I've played since beta and only ever used an XBox One controller. I do have a HOTAS which I use for flight sims but I consider it overkill for ED. I consider myself fairly casual but I have reached Elite in all 3 careers whilst using my XB1 controller, so its certainly not an impediment to gameplay but, as the person above says, it's all down to personal preference. I play in VR also.

Try it on controller and see how you go.

[morgoth13]

Playstation controller works fine. I almost never touch the keyboard, although I'm sure there's a couple useful functions I could map to it - or that I could take advantage of and never think of using.. You can map an awful lot to a controller, I still have some free spots.

HOTAS would surely be best for immersion, but outside of PvP dogfighting there's probably not much performance advantage.

[Vintamyth]

double joystick is the best for space sim!

[Dolphin Bottlenose]

The HOTAS is as necessary for this game, as the VR is. If you play this game for immersion (and that's why you play in VR, you don't play in VR for the sake of good graphics), then the HOTAS will give you the best immersion points.

It's not necessary, but it's damn fun!

[One Eye Jack]

And another reason to choose a HOTAS. Look down and see what your character is using to fly with.

Yep. A HOTAS. Get a HOTAS. You can thank me later.

[Ultraviper]

personal opinion here but I would not play this game if I couldn't use HOTAS

[Gwyd1on]

HOTAS is certainly an excellent way to play. I recommend THrustmaster t16000m

[One Eye Jack]

Originally posted by Gwydion:

HOTAS is certainly an excellent way to play. I recommend THrustmaster t16000m

I second that choice.

[Noobiecanoobie]

Originally posted by Gwydion:

HOTAS is certainly an excellent way to play. I recommend THrustmaster t16000m

I third this choice.

HOTAS or HOSAS (with a ton of buttons) takes the game to another level.

You can play the whole game with both hands never touching the keyboard and never leaving the HOTAS. This is great for immersion.

Thrustmaster T16000M Joystick + Throttle (and Rudder if you want for space or flight sim, but not necessary) is some of the best value (price & performance) kit you can buy.

[Yaga-Shura]

Personal opinion, would never play this game with a HOTAS.
Dual stick is the only way.

[/me]

The game supports a very wide range of input devices including racing wheels.
You do not need anything else than KB/M to play - not even to compete with the best pilots.
But i do recommend at least a stick or better 2 or a HOTAS setup.It just feels more like flying a spaceship (personal opinion).