Much more relatable middle ground between Warthunder and DCS if you are looking for a simulator other than DCS itself.

It offers single player progression campaigns (especially good ones with Pat Wilson's Campaign Generator) which is a big point for WT player since DCS practically lacks any gameplay besides just simply learning to fly and fight in a particular plane, planes here can be flown with mouse if your REALLY want to (but in the end you want a HOTAS eitherway), but offers simulation close to DCS as far as WW2 tech goes and each expansion gives you 8 planes at a time + some single collector planes that are rather cheap on a sale.

If DCS is Arma of plane simulation, meaning you have to build your own fun in there, the IL2 is an actual game with long term gameplay modes. Multiplayer is alive enough that you can dogfight with randoms too, but most people play it alone or with friends in COOP campaigns that take you through 41 - 45 years of war.

Bonus: Has tank combat expansion with multicrew, but that one is kind of "early access". IL2 lacks grind, you just play campaigns you want exactly with settings you want them to have.

Downsides: slow new content release and ONLY WW1 and WW2 historical theaters. IL2 lacks grind, there are no unlocks to work towards save for new planes your squadron gets as years progress in chronological procedural campaign. If you end up liking it you will need to buy HOTAS and maybe TrackIR / VR to properly experience it.

Much more relatable middle ground between Warthunder and DCS if you are looking for a simulator other than DCS itself. It offers single player progression campaigns (especially good ones with Pat Wilson's Campaign Generator) which is a big point for WT player since DCS practically lacks any gameplay besides just simply learning to fly and fight in a particular plane, planes here can be flown with mouse if your REALLY want to (but in the end you want a HOTAS eitherway), but offers simulation close to DCS as far as WW2 tech goes and each expansion gives you 8 planes at a time + some single collector planes that are rather cheap on a sale. If DCS is Arma of plane simulation, meaning you have to build your own fun in there, the IL2 is an actual game with long term gameplay modes. Multiplayer is alive enough that you can dogfight with randoms too, but most people play it alone or with friends in COOP campaigns that take you through 41 - 45 years of war. Bonus: Has tank combat expansion with multicrew, but that one is kind of "early access". IL2 lacks grind, you just play campaigns you want exactly with settings you want them to have. Downsides: slow new content release and ONLY WW1 and WW2 historical theaters. IL2 lacks grind, there are no unlocks to work towards save for new planes your squadron gets as years progress in chronological procedural campaign. If you end up liking it you will need to buy HOTAS and maybe TrackIR / VR to properly experience it.