Top 10 Tips for Getting Started with DCS World

In this video, I go through my top ten tips for Digital Combat Simulator for beginners and rookies. It wasn't so long ago that I was in the same boat and these are a few of the golden nuggets I wish I had at the start.

If your watching this and have anything to add that you think will help a newbie leave a comment.

Links below for the products mentioned in the video:

Current Flight Sim Setup

Channels to Follow:

[ReflectedSimulations]

I would disagree anout getting the Hornet or FC 3, and I’d rather echo your later advice. Everyone keeps asking which module they should buy. Whatever you buy is a huge investment in time and effort. You’ll only be motivated enough to follow through the learning curve if it’s a plane you’re passionate about. Whatever it may be. Yes the Hornet is a jack of all trades but if you’re not a huge fan, you won’t invest the required time and effort.

[aplaceinthesky]

you should mention also opentrack and AItrack because they are fantastic free program that can be used with a normal webcam and they are very nice in performing, of course track IR is better but it costs 100 or more bucks. Another suggestion is to get yourself pedals if you want to fly helicopter. I find myself stuck with Apache but I found a nice trick: I use Axis wheel(not car wheel) to simulate the rudder in the way that the pedals remain in that position, I don't suggest to use the rudder build in the stick that you can use to turn it like for example the X52 and others have. You forget also that buying directly from Eagle Dynamics gives you the possibility to use the mile reward system that gives you point to use every time you buy a new module

[Carnados]

controller is CRIMINALLY under rated for dcs, i recommend tuuvas's controller settings.

[WhoWouldWantThisName]

I have seen that the A4E Skyhawk is also available and as a free module. That seems to me like another great place to start given it's versatility of mission types and simpl-ER controls, given it's age (analog and just a lot less to manage in the cockpit). I don't know if all that translates into easier to fly but it seems like it might be a solid contender against the Hornet given it's free and probably easier to learn for us beginners.

[Void-hrfz]

When I first started DCS, I started with the F-16 as a first module and was told that I would be too overwhelmed with a full fidelity aircraft as my first. They were all wrong, the F-16 was the best first aircraft in DCS (In my opinion), I had learned it fully in about 4 - 6 months and it was a breeze, a very fun aircraft and it is still my most used aircraft.

[brodiespeiser]

I've been playing DCS for about 6 months. I got into it from OperatorDrewski and Enigma. I wanted to play the cold war server. I bought the F-5 for my first play with a Saitek HOTAS. I have learned a ton and I highly recommend to new players getting a plane they love for their first. However if they still don't know I recommend FC3. You get the most bang for your buck. I find that the older planes usually have a little bit less to learn for new player and Enigma's Cold War server always has a ton of action for a new player looking to get their hands dirty I'm currently teaching one of my friends how to fly the F-5 and he's having a ton of frustrating fun. Thanks for the information. Happy flying!

[michaelpease]

Hosas works too. I have dual VKB gladiators for Star Citizen and the VKB has a dry clutch that can be set to prevent the left stick (throttle) from returning to center.

[gofres]

My advice to friends who aren't sim enthusiasts but looking to get into DCS is always, HOTAS, head tracker and the A10A (or FC3). It's such a simple aircraft to learn (although it didn't feel so simple as a noob) that sets the beginner up well for all other US planes, it's easy to fly, carries a heavy payload so can give the satisfaction of lots of kills per sortie, and it's slow which allows time to think which is critical when learning!
The F15C would be my next suggestion to learn the AA combat manuvres.
Then consider the hifi planes.
I know some have jumped straight to hi fi planes from day one but you guys aren't human 😂

[blenderalien]

I think autostart is poissin in full fidelity aircraft, at least if you want to really learn it rather than just shoot things quickly. If you know what you're doing, it's a lot faster than autostart (at least in the modules I've flown (F16, F18, F14)) mostly due to the alignment process. I argue, learning to turn on everything by yourself gives you the opportunity to learn the cockpit layout and functionality intimately right from the start and also how the systems are designed to work and so on. Now, of course this is primarily true for the rather modern modules. For example, I'd say the ka-50's startup isn't something that elevates your understanding of your aircraft by a lot (compared to the F14 or F16)

[Juvyss]

I majorly violated the idea of not buying too much. I bought all the modules that is included in the 50% off discount for first time buyers in one go.... They got me😢 dont regret it but they definitely got me

[Flyingzypher]

I believe the first thing you need to understand before actually deciding to take the plunge, is to understand that with DCS you can go as close to MilSim as possible; without actually doing it in real life. Where as the low fidelity aircraft like the F-15 or Mig - 29 is more difficult to fly in DCS (as compared to other arcade games out there), it is nowhere as tough as learning to fly a full-fidelity aircraft like the F-14 or F-16. Even primary training planes like the YAK-52 requires you to understand the basics aeronautic principals and be willing to spend of lot of time learning the basics before going into anything tough like dogfighting.

[WhoWouldWantThisName]

Thank you so much for this video. I haven't yet made the plunge into it. I don't even have any of my gear yet. I'm still weighing the whole multi-screen vs VR issue. This is perhaps the best list of `Things to Know BEFORE' I have seen.

[TheKingstarke]

first plane for me is the A10 II talk about long start up lol

[MarcTNL]

1: Totally agree
2: Totally disagree
3: Disagree
4: Agree (however there are easy training servers)
5: Meh, I learned more from YT.
6: Agree
7: I think I agree
8: Agree
9: Agree, but forget the LowFid
10: Agree, and use the open beta

DCS is all about making it as real as possible. Therefore, forget all the LowFid planes (the FC3 package), and don't use auto-start. Online servers, like the Grim Reapers' Stoneburner are ideal for beginners. There are virtually no threats, enough targets and online people (discord !) who will answer questions or even make a point in teaching you stuff.

[klohan-qsvw]

one thing i dont get about the trackir system is that if you for example loock to the left dont you like look awy from the screen and cant see it anymore if you only have one monitor can somebody explain that to me

[jimmace]

Can you play this game on PC? I can't find it

[Jellybeantiger]

Noone on you tube has a general guide on where to put the functions on a hotas, the reason why many give up in the first place.😢

[cannon]

Great to the point info!!! Thank you!!!

[Sandman]

So, if I got DCS on steam, and want to move to the direct link download, will i lose my a/c that i bought through steam?

[p_filippouz]

Gotta prepare for this in case war thunder fails.

I already play (AND LOVE) il-2 1946 so i do have a bit of experience with planes but nothing too special. I dont have a rudder pedal but i guess ill come up with something. And i still have a hotas so...

Thanks for the tips!