DCS | A Simple "how to get started" Beginners Guide from a DCS "Pilot" with 100 hours

JOIN ME
as I try my best to relay some simple steps and pass on some of my early lessons to help you get your wheels off the ground in DCS.
If you enjoy my videos like & subscribe!
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IMPORTANT! - I COMPLETELEY FORGOT ABOUT TACVIEW! I may do a video on it at some stage in the future. as this is my first channel and it's very new i don't really know where to start. anyway Tacview is massive for helping you from your mistakes and assessing your flights
www.tacview.net/product/about...
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Flight sticks /Hotas/Hosas
www.digitalcombatsimulator.co...
www.logitechg.com/en-us/produ...
www.thrustmaster.com/en-us/pr...
www.thrustmaster.com/en-us/pr...
www.logitechg.com/en-us/produ...
www.logitechg.com/en-us/produ...
www.vkbcontrollers.com/collec...
Head tracking
github.com/AIRLegend/aitrack
github.com/opentrack/opentrack
gaming.tobii.com/product/eye-...
www.trackir.com
VR - there's so many options i couldn't really choose and i don't know enough about VR to make a recommendation.
Aircraft
www.digitalcombatsimulator.co...
Educational -
chucksguides.com
Another beginners guide from reddit u/Goldwolf -www.digitalcombatsimulator.co...
Channels with great DCS content and some great educational stuff as well -
www.youtube.com/@grimreapers/... (how to guides)
/ @spudknocker (handy info and tutorials)
/ @growlingsidewinder (amazing breakdowns of BVR and dogfighting)
If you enjoy my videos like & subscribe!
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Peripherals
VKB SIM Gladiator NXT EVO RH stick
VKB SIM Gladiator NXT EVO LH Omni throttle
track IR5
Logitech G502
Logitech PowerPlay
Logitech G915 TKL
Steel Series Arctis pro Wireless
AOC CQ27G3S 27" QHD 165Hz Gaming Monitor x2
PC specs
Nvidia GTX 2080 Super
AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
Gigabyte Aorus RGB DDR4-3600 32Gg
Corsair HX Series HX750 High-Performance ATX Power Supply 750
Samsung 860 Evo 1TB SSD
Samsung 980 Pro 2TB M.2 Internal SSD
NZXT H710i Premium Mid-Tower
EKWB EK-AIO 240 D-RGB Liquid Cooler

[@Clust3rFunk1]

Yo team! I just wanted to thank you all for the support! I put a fair amount of work into this and it was my first real go at a “high effort video” I’m so humbled and stoked by its reception! I’m thinking of doing a video around trying to “force the merge” in online PVP, it’ll most likely just be footage of me being blown out of the sky over and over again, I’ll try do live commentary as I go. Would you all be keen on seeing something like that? Cheers

[@EbonySeraphim]

It's fine if your significant other doesn't want a simpit in the living room. But if you already have an office/computer area and they're against you building into that area, you should find a new partner. If you're playing DCS, the min-spec I'd ever go for HOTAS is T-1600/TWCS or X-52. Anything below that and you're leaving too much on the floor and you will immediately notice, even as a beginner. Before you jump into guides, I'm starting to realize (after failing to get a friend into DCS) you might want to jump into some basic free flight. Take in the graphics and potential, and then set expectations on learning time and what a person expects to do right and what a person might get away with no really learning. Since DCS is a combat sim, you can somewhat get away with no knowing how to land effectively because you can always go suicidal, and at least the ED base campaign missions don't require you RTB successfully and are completable without a rearm/refuel (that I've played at least). Same with A2A refueling -- this is pretty optional though with the F/A-18 you can get a lot further on some servers if you can do it. After setting expectations, you will know what it is you need to learn and how much effort versus practice and hopefully you have a healthy amount of patience for it. The reality of DCS is this: it's an adult hobby. It rewards you the more learning and practice effort you put into it. If you put zero learning and practice and just try to "do" it won't be very fun. After you have proper expectations, pick a module/plane and stick to learning it at least 70%. As a baseline understand how to interpret your RWR and air radar for contacts if you have one. You absolutely must know how to operate any situational awareness displays (SA page on F/A-18 , HSD on F-16, TAD on A-10C, etc). If it's A2A only, then have an understanding of both BVR and dog fight modes and how to defeat missiles both with counter measures and energy. You shouldn't be wondering "why can't I see/lock this target" and know how datalink (Link16) shows you stuff versus what your plane sees and the meaning of it. If it's A2G know how to use CCRP/CCIP, set up JDAMs and LGBs and drop with reliably on targets. I don't mean "complete training missions and move on." Actually fly missions because stuff will happen and the moment you need to "pickle" and you'll get HUD or stores page indicators about what's wrong that you should understand how to fix versus getting lucky that you set it up right (but don't know exactly how). My point is this, you have to truly "understand" one plane and there's a difference between following instructions blindly, versus being able to read an error/issue and/or troubleshoot and determine what is or what did go wrong. I'd much rather see a learning pilot make a startup mistake 50% of the time but 90% of the time be able to fix the issue mid-air after they observe it; than a learning pilot do things right 95% of the time correct on startup but have a 25% chance of fixing it midair. The former pilot likely fixes their startup over time, and properly sorts out "fence in" checks. The latter pilot likely gets frustrated and blames the plane for messing up at battle time. Startup is important, but just about everything can also be resolved mid-flight if you know the plane well enough.

[@Clust3rFunk1]

I’ll take more time to reply to this once I get home. Thankyou so much for this comment. Anything that expands on what I’ve already shared is very helpful

[@MrScar88]

"But if you already have an office/computer area and they're against you building into that area, you should find a new partner" - This is what i did.

[@burnbarrelnetwork4013]

I first started with the x56 and returned it after 3 days. Picked up the gladiator with a twcs throttle. The gladiator is way above the x56. Been using the acuro marker in opentrack with a webcam and surprised with how well it works. Was not aware of the 50% off first purchased and started with dcs through steam. Great video to help people get started. *update* Ended up switching to stand-alone and picked up f16, f18, a10, carrier, Syria, and PG with the initial purchase. Should keep me busy for a long time.

[@jdzzl]

As someone with a bit of time in DCS (under 500 hours talking but around there), I 100% advise you to go into full fidelity aircrafts and take advantage of 50% off deals with your first purchase. I got the F16 and A10 warthog for $80 total. Now this is someone coming from a previous 900+ hours in Microsoft Flight Sim, flying realistic airliners, and someone who enjoys real procedures. If you haven't done anything like that before and you don't wanna spend the money or just don't know how much you will like it, nothing wrong with starting with the Flaming Cliffs offer, however, I hate keybinds in DCS for basic things and I wanted the real deal so I went straight for full fidelity and haven't looked back. I will say, head tracking is very much a necessity if your planning on flying with a stick in your right hand. I say that because I was flying with a left handed stick from MSFS and could use my right hand to look around with my mouse. Once I got a VKB right handed stick, the game was unplayable without tracking). I tried OpenTrack although that never worked great for me because I did not have a great webcam. If you have a friend that is played the game (sim) for a bit of time and invites you to play with them, I really really hope that you at least take them up on the offer because it is truly its own world of simulation. Please, just take the time to play with your friend in the game once, because I personally have no friends (in real life that I know) that are interested in flight sims, moreover DCS. I looked at DCS before, but never bothered to try the game because I didn't want to fly low fidelity planes etc. etc. Well then I found the two week trials by going directly thru DCS and started out with the hornet, figured it wasn't for me (although I got hooked on the game once I started learning how to fly the jet and use its systems), and then I went to the F16, enjoyed that, and went to the A10C2, really enjoyed that! For me at the time, I have TrackIR and everything now, still struggling to get a perfect tracking profile but I have a pretty good one right now. Hoping to get to the point where I can get comfortable dog fighting or looking around behind me or over me a lot better because I struggle with that and thus prefer hitting ground targets. If I have one thing to say, **DON'T PLAY DCS THRU STEAM, GO THRU THE DCS WEBSITE PLEASE I BEG YOU**

[@RW-zn8vy]

Aircraft* and playing on stand-alone is good for trails sure but let’s be honest ED isn’t doing anything with the money ;(

[@fridjonvilhjalmsson2883]

Thanks very much for the advice. It reminds me of my time when I was a student at UNI, several years ago, where I did some work in the lab to get a few bucks in the pocket showing older inexperienced people how to use a PC and because I was only a couple of pages in front, I could explain better than someone who was fully familiar with the stuff. Some people forget that they weren't borne with all the knowledge. So yes, thanks for putting things over in a way that makes it easier to grasp.

[@RCAndrewuk]

Honestly, pick one hi fidelity plane and then join a friendly multiplayer group like RAF Air that will teach how to fly properly. The multiplayer aspect of this simulation is what sets it apart.

[@Clust3rFunk1]

I live in NZ and finding an AU/NZ community to fly with is probably going to be my next step, great advice, Thanks!

[@mikewright2858]

Note the 50% is for your first order I believe, so if you order every single plane, you still get 50% off. It's a one-time deal I wish I had taken better advantage of. I started with the F-16 but for 50% off I should have snagged at least the F-18 as well.

[@PAKGOV]

Interesting...would love to see u fly Jeff!!!

[@kasper_429]

1:50 Same here. I played BF2 and the OG Microsoft Flight Sim with that stick. Good times.

[@thejetfighter]

Nice! Thanks for the tutorial 😀

[@user-hw8pw9jv8l]

Thats such a usefull video for beginners, I'm already in DCS. But we actually needed a relatively new and well made vid, covering this topic :)

[@Clust3rFunk1]

Thanks! Appreciate the feedback! I may do another in 6 months to update this and try add more to the knowledge base.

[@SiemaZiomek]

I tried VR once before I got it- on my pal's PC, he was playing Elite Dangerous on it. I immediately knew I have to have it in my life for IL2 and DCS :D

[@allantotti]

Great tutorial mate. I've been flying in DCS for 3+ years now but it is always good to see what else is out there. I have the Warthog HOTAS at home with VR and I travel with the Extreme 3D Pro to play on the go. I never knew about the entry level eye tracking, it might be worth considering when I am away. Did I hear a slight kiwi accent?

[@Clust3rFunk1]

Thanks! Yeah I had to look pretty hard to find it but it was a great way to get started. Hope it works on your travels! You sure did! Pretty hard accent to disguise I think haha

[@ewanlad]

this was awesome man! thanks

[@FusionTrain]

I would like to fill in about the X-52 HOTAS as I am currently using it and have been for years. It's an amazing starter stick, yes its plastic what what do you expect at that price point. It feels nice, buttons work well, lights on it are good, only issues I have had has been with the throttle detents getting stuck. This meant I wasn't able to go up to 100% throttle as the detent would physically push the throttle back to about 80%. Though all I did to fix this was unscrew the bottom and grab some plies and just pull out the detent. Took about 5 minutes at max.

[@mattz1559]

I have VR and love it. I used it for sim in Tar Thunder, but since WT's economy isn't good rn, and if it doesn't get fixed, im going to probably prioritize playing sim in DCS more

[@thatguy7085]

I may try this out

[@Adrella_Highwing]

A fellow kiwi on DCS - nice, we should fly out some time. Still learning the ropes, but keen to learn

[@swadeisno1]

All good points - I love my VKB gladiator. Got the thrust master throttle and some bearings for it on etsy - so that it slides smoothly and has indents for mil power. Steam says i have 100 hours in DCS - I think 40% of those hours is my flying into the back of an aircraft carrier in my hornet. Another good tip is that if you dont fly a module regularly - you forget so much stuff.

[@Clust3rFunk1]

I’m about to find that out the hard way I think. I Haven’t flown for roughly a week while I explore some new topics to dive into

[@swadeisno1]

@@Clust3rFunk1 second monitor and Chuck's guide open for quick reference

[@aussieaussieaussie8754]

Grim Reapers got me into this game I'm just about to buy my first high fidelity module after Flaming cliffs purchase

[@BrockvsTV]

MYSH has a great video on flights sticks. The most interesting combo from that video and what I’ll probably do is using the thrustmaster 1600 throttle matched with the VKB gladiator as the stick. Little more pricey breaking things but but you get the best if both worlds it seems

[@Clust3rFunk1]

I initially used the x56 throttle with the VKB right hand stick and it was pretty awesome. changed over to the VKB Omni later on and never looked back haha

[@BrockvsTV]

@@Clust3rFunk1 the Omni does looks good, I just need to try it out. Thank you fir the wonderful video

[@Clust3rFunk1]

@@BrockvsTV I'm very happy with the omni, just in case you couldn't tell. thank you for taking the time to watch it!

[@swadeisno1]

I have that very setup and it's great. But I wish I got the omni setup now. Plus there are discounts from VKB when U buy more stuff.

[@rio197]

Wow, this is something to get a HOTAS for

[@swenic]

Pretty sure there are some low fidelity planes included for free in the "base game".

[@AdizzlePdizzle]

Yes! The SU-25T frogfoot and a weaponless P51 mustang.

[@Clust3rFunk1]

You are indeed correct, thanks!

[@dewfiend]

The TF-51 (weaponless P-51) is actually high fidelity

[@democrack113]

Also there's a free High Fidelity mod being the A4 Skyhawk Mod. It's free and very high quality.

[@jazzorion1]

Virpil also makes good flight sticks and arguably the best throttle on the market right now. I will say for people thinking about it, once you play any flight sim once in vr you will never go back (unless you are one of the unfortunate few where vr makes you nauseous)

[@shaneduc]

I went from a X52 with no ped. to a Winwing HOTAS Orion2 Max and logi ped's. I have TrackIR and Tobii. I use TrackIR less as the light pollution issue. I agree FC3 is the best starter pack... Also 99.9% of all the free mod's use it.

[@Clust3rFunk1]

Yeah FC3 is great! How do you find the Orion2? I’m really interested in getting it eventually!

[@jamilayahyaoui101]

Flying with rudder pedals...rhino x-56 hotas...and trackir too...i didnt hav any issues with 😢...so what s kind of pollution are u talking about

[@jamilayahyaoui101]

Cluster thx for ur tutorial about beginner did u plan to fly choppers ...i need some wingmen

[@Clust3rFunk1]

@@jamilayahyaoui101 i might get around to it soon! I'm taking it slow with DCS at the moment haha

[@seatslider]

Audio here is fine too. Great video. Keep it up :)

[@Clust3rFunk1]

Awesome, thank you!

[@shamarneedham1990]

Do you need VR? No, but for that matter you don't need tgis game. What makes life truly worth living is having what you want. If what you want is the sensation of truly being in the cockpit, the thrill of having to at times nearly turning yourself around as a real pilot would do in a dogfight to track the enemy instead of just tilting you head then you need VR. That btw is merely 2 aspects of the experience.

[@StarcraftGT500]

LOL dude, your intro was great. "Hopefully you don't get thrown into the garage." 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ConfusedCK]

Great video! Helped me alot. I am a content creator too and recently started down the path of DCS and I am hooked. I blew over a thousand USD in just a week, lol. Maybe we can link up and make a video in the future.

[@davidhudson7400]

Kiwi? Great vid!

[@PapaYosif]

vr does have some issues tho for example the screens in the F-18 is very hard to read i always have to bend forward to read it and i dont even try with the bottom screen its only good for the HSD without the map.

[@fortza11]

🙂 . I think it´s super difficult to get started with binding your buttons on the HOTAS you now have, how to use them, etc. There are lots of videos that show how in DCS, but then they don't show where on the HOTAS the specific button is or an alternative. How or which button do you press to throw a bomb, how do you access it - often it's someone who has been playing DCS for 100 years, sitting around with their mouse and talking to someone as if you know what he's talking about. I also need a "Drawing" that shows what each button does, or where to press to be able to throw the bomb, how to choose targets, how to switch to machine guns, etc. Br, the frustrated and soon-to-be former user of DCS 🙂

[@Metoobie]

Do the KB rudder pedals not have toe brakes?

[@chikokishi7030]

Tobii vs trackir: Track ir is much more accurate and reliable. Tobii can drift around and if you're tired or wearing glasses it can struggle. Tobii is less hassle overall though.

[@Aethid]

Yea, I have both and the Tobii just doesn't work reliably, especially if you wear glasses.

[@swangle]

When I load this from Steam to play on my Quest 3 (via my PC) I’m presented with about 5 options in which to load the game. Both VR options don’t show my VR controllers and the Quest acts as though I’m playing via my keyboard, computer or with a joystick any ideas I. How to play this with my VR controllers? Thanks in advance!!

[@Cocokingable1]

If youre serious about the simming hobby i would just straight into a WinWing or Virpil controls setup. Getting cheap controls WILL affect your experience in the game, i do not care what you say to me about that, its true. I started with a TM Warthog and TFRP pedals, going to Virpil WarBRD, T-50CM3 throttle and ACE Rudder pedals has been game changing, i wish i had spend the money one when i was first starting out.

[@RW-zn8vy]

Definitely not winwing and their defective products that customer service won’t fix. Virpil and VKb are the top options. Vkb is great for its price. Virpil is a game changer I agree!

[@Clust3rFunk1]

I think VKB fall on this list. yeah their gladiator series is "entry" level but their gunfighter series, pedals and new throttle look great. I have the gladiators and could only imagine how awesome the higher end equipment is

[@midnight7297]

For the lower end the T16000 are certainly not unreliable products. You're mistaking that for the TM Warthog (of which I have both), though most people still have no issues in general but stiction issues can be fixed - the T16000 is a superb stick for the money using hall sensors without spending Warthog/Virpil/VKB type prices

[@Clust3rFunk1]

I’ve seen a few posts of the sticks dying after a bit so I just went off that. Thanks for the info though!

[@noiwonttellyoumyname.4385]

Just so you know, the T16000 doesn't use all hall sensors: the twist axis is still an old-fashioned potentiometer, and it will almost inevitably kill your stick, because there's a design flaw built into the stick that seems so obvious that I can't believe it wasn't intentional. The weight of your hand pressing down on the stick *will* damage the potentiometer eventually, and that will give your twist axis a complete mind of its own, and the hell with what you want the stick to do.

[@midnight7297]

@@noiwonttellyoumyname.4385 Interesting, I didnt know the Z axis didn't use them,. That being said, while I own the warthog now, I've had the 16000 since 2014 and still going strong, and was never delicate with it

[@noiwonttellyoumyname.4385]

@@midnight7297 My stick lasted from 2015 through 2020 with regular-but-not-harsh use, then over the course of about a month the twist axis started getting progressively more and more unmanageable, until the stick was no longer really usable. Ultimately it worked out: the dead stick was an excuse to buy a VKB instead.

[@wg4112]

@@Clust3rFunk1 my t16000m after 4 years has zero drift or jitter, and works perfectly its one of the most reliable sticks

[@nexe7271]

If you have DCS, I WOULD go out and buy VR. The only way to fly.

[@eriklee4014]

What the best vr head set for dcs

[@jhglaze]

Back in the early 2000’s I simmed Lock on my problem was they didn’t have any American Naval aircraft. I think Flaming Clifts are the extension of lock on, I looks like they didn’t add any US NAVY aircraft so…

[@texenna]

thanks its an insane guide but DCS is too expensive for me lamo I would rather enlist or watch other peoples videos but thank you! I will show this to my friend who wants to get into dcs!

[@Clust3rFunk1]

thank-you for taking the time to watch this guide and share with your friends!

[@goldenultra]

There is also flight gear which is free, it has a great Saab Viggen 2 models and F 16. Saves bandwidth too, u just download the map u use, real weather, even found my house on it.

[@texenna]

speaking of this I am downloading it right now lol. @@goldenultra

[@Enderking394]

Do you need the extra equipment or can I just use my keyboard

[@WhiteBoyEst1994]

Awesome video thank you. Ps as far as your audio I would just get a subscription for audacity and use a De’Esser. Headphone users will thank you lol

[@totallylegit4092]

I hated every moment of the rhino. That cup thing, beyond annyong. Lol

[@jeffreynelson2660]

I loaded DCS on Steam and it doesn't have Modulat Manager nor does it load new content. Any suggestions?

[@chaosbuilder1531]

I also have 100 hours. Just came to this video to see if im doing things correctly lol. I also dont have track ir or anything like that, i use a ps4 controller to look around.

[@inZaneSK]

This is a bit of good info. I started DCS in 2021. Started flying with an Xbox Controller (that was hard) and bought an X52. The X52 lasted about 1.5 years before it needed replacing. I replaced it with a Winwing Orion2 trottle and stick. I use PuckIR from Grassmonkey Simulations (alternative to TrackIR) and sometimes use my Oculus Quest 2 in VR.

[@Clust3rFunk1]

How do you find the upgrade for the x52 to the winwing? And what do you prefer the VR or the head tracker?

[@deathsavearcade3951]

I need a video on setting up the mongoose hotas and nxt gladiator for a plane… literally no idea what to map what not to map and where..: :(

[@FlyingFun.]

What sort of pc spec is needed ? Vr really sounds interesting option. Ive flown ms sim for years and also rc models for even longer, no sim has ever been convincing enough for me but i haven't tried dcs.

[@michaeltrivette1728]

You really are gonna need a high spec pc to use VR.

[@FlyingFun.]

@@michaeltrivette1728 yep I know vr will need a powerful pc, I installed dcs on my i5 laptop but frame rate was about 3 per second lmfao, took 3 hours to install and uninstalled it after messing for 10 mins. I've spent a fortune over the years keeping up with msfs and decided I'm not doing that again. I think cloud gaming is the future , I'd be happy to pay a month subscription as and when I feel like it, I had the Xbox game pass and geforce too and both worked well enough most of the time.

[@haryad5033]

bro i want buy[ pxn 2119 ] and this good ? pleas some one tell me thanks

[@wiebert7239]

Will add the discount is back for new users first buy.

[@danielkuf2593]

Hello mate, I'm struggling with the interface, like how do I make a mission, how do I host a server with a buddy of mine. too much information just to start the game tbf, all these missiles and how to operate them and yet I'm struggling with starting the game itself, is there any guides that you could recommend?

[@Clust3rFunk1]

The mission making a server hosting is something I still don’t quite understand to be honest. I couldn’t really recommend anyone else’s guides yet as it’s something I haven’t really dived into

[@a.common.American]

As someone who literally just started.. This barely touches the surface. A true DCS newbies guide video would be close to 2-3 hours long. This has a hell of a learning curve you must be prepared for. Even just mapping my Orion 2 stick and throttle has been an absolute PITA. I know I'm just a newb to this, and it's worth the investment but just be prepared for frustration and lots of googling and praying to find controller profiles if you've got a complicated throttle body like the orion 2 F16

[@branjosnow6244]

I'm in this boat myself. still stuck on button assignments of my x52, as you said a real PITA.

[@a.common.American]

@@branjosnow6244 Something that helped me a LOT. Two options. 1) Look for the "Chuck's Guide" on your craft. It will always start with a setup of minimum required keybinds and recommendations for where they should go. 2) go through the training with that aircraft and as you go through it assign keybinds based on what that training needs and walks you through. Don't go overboard with keybindings. I think of it as "what do I need to press during flight/combat/critical moments" and anything that doesn't fit that bill I just use TrackIR and mouse to click in-cockpit.

[@branjosnow6244]

@@a.common.American That makes a lot of sense, thank you!

[@Mightymoose02]

04:56: TrackIR is better than Tobii Eye tracker. I sold my Tobii and am much more happy with TrackIR.

[@Clust3rFunk1]

Interesting! Maybe I just need to fine tune my track ir

[@ExarchNZ]

Ahah 6:34 Bro, gonna have to get you back to VID school so you can ID a MiG-29. Also opentrack webcam tracking is very sensitive to lighting, but when its well tuned with a good webcam its as good as TIR5 in my experience.

[@Clust3rFunk1]

Thanks for the feedback haha! I tried so hard to get that right, next time!

[@ronalddobson3130]

is the basic game called "DCS WORLD". Is that what I download?

[@PaddyPatrone]

virpil controls ftw

[@chaadlosan]

Virpil is life!

[@michaelfriscia8166]

She told me it was her or the sim pit, so I threw her out and use the money I saved to upgrade my video card, I figure if she had problem seeing me enjoying the fruit of my labor she doesn't really care about me....

[@fuzzybloodpc9291]

Great video! Sorry for my comment if it got removed for spam I was trying inform other's things some people might miss and just give more info on, check the reply. youtube is weird

[@user-ud3ce8ps2o]

Just want to add more stuff for people that want to read this advanced AYPCHWP (after you played a couple of hours or weeks of playing) you could say. I dont want to bash on Clust3rFunk as he has said on his reddit post he is also new to the game. Also 50% of for first purchase for any new users. HOTAS: he already mentioned good Beginners joystick, soo Here are the premium, cream of the crop HOTAS's: Virpil Winwing and VKB These will last and have every high standard HOTAS's and accessories and will last long years if not more Head tracking: Nothing to say Aircraft: As he said choice what you want to fly because you'll be more motivated to learn it, though I don't agree with buying FC3 first. There is already a SU25T and PT51. SU 25T: is a Russain ground attacker with FC3 controls TP51: A P51 trainer with full fidelity AKA FF for short or clickable cockpit. Personally use this plane as a introduction to FF and ww2 planes Learning: Start with basics as startup, takeoff, landing and maybe in between takeoff and landing learn a system you want to learn while in the air and use Active Pause (search in UI layer) ways to learn is KZbinr's , Chucks guide, the official manuals and in game tutorials KZbinr's like: Grim reapers for F18, F16 (the grim reapers do, do all the aircraft {including mods} but some tutorials are outdated) Redkite Matt Wagner Tricker Bogey dope mambo Spudknocker (

[@Clust3rFunk1]

KZbin is indeed weird but hey it is what is is. Yup I am very new new hence the “beginners beginners guide” statement haha. there’s so much to this game and I just wanted to help from the perspective of someone who just went through the initial learning process

[@Snugggg]

My advice from my experience and mistakes: The cheap cheap cheap thrustmaster "USB joystick" is actually pretty comfortable but its not compatible with everything. can pull the guts out of it and replace with an Arduino-pro micro to improve compatibility and get a pretty good low budget starting stick. t16000m is nice for a while but WILL BREAK. the twist axis is so fragile it really needs a redesign. the throttle can be a bit dodgy after a while too and the rudder paddles are also extremely unreliable long term. its a shame because its a decent package at first but it is not great long term. the Thrustmaster warthog throttle is frankly poor quality and way over priced. took me a while to realize this but I do regret buying it. winwing F-18 throttle is MUCH better quality than the warthog and much better value. you can make custom button boxes. you might think you cant but you can. your smartphone can be your head tracker and it does a good job. "smooth track" or "head tracking" both are great.

[@pepperidgedave]

I just dowloaded DCS. are the aircraft included in the download worth learning?

[@RW-zn8vy]

If you want to learn them, nobody can tell you what’s worth learning the game is interest based.

[@Clust3rFunk1]

agreed. As i mention i've loved the f16 since i was a kid so learning to fly that was great fun

[@Clust3rFunk1]

i got it wrong hahaha

[@PootisPenserPow]

Problem is, i just downloaded it and ive already been looking online for scrapped f-16 cockpits

[@or10nsharkfin]

VKB Gladiator NXT EVO with the S-TECS Mini/Mini Plus. If you don’t get bent over a barrel with shipping, you’ll thank me later.

[@Bongwell420]

can I use a ps4 controller on this?

[@Clust3rFunk1]

you could... But I wouldn't recommend it

[@CompaRichy]

I love my gerach my gerach is so cool i love how i can put my car in my getach

[@arghyaprotimhalder5592]

I ama complete newbie pls guide me

[@user-le8eh8by6h]

Someone's saying don't get your info from the reapers why is that.

[@alphawolf7956]

Free on steam

[@stuartgraham8946]

The closest a kiwi will get to a fighter plane lol

[@Clust3rFunk1]

This hurts right in the feels

[@shiro0804]

I'm here watching this vid that can't afford a PC

[@BlenderGeek4196]

Sadly I just don't think this will work for me cuz I have a joystick and throttle setup and a VR headset but there are so many controls I have to re-map and I don't even know what any of them do. There are a ton of issues with VR and the hand controllers if I used that, and there are way to many issues. And from what I have heard you just shouldnt even play it with a mouse and keyboard. If you have any ideas please let me know but I don't think I will really be able to play this game.

[@rodgerhunter1591]

To be honest I wish for more flaming cliffs aircraft they respect your time not all of us can live our lives on a pc nor would we want to play IL2 at least your time is respected

[@z00li]

6:35 💀

[@RandomInternetDude5000]

So basically theres no reason to play this if you dont have a joystick?=(

[@SnowTiger45]

Just a quick Correction. You do NOT have to Purchase the Game. DCS is FREE to download and play. It comes with a large Map (Caucasus region) as well as a Fully Functioning TF-51 Mustang (Trainer Aircraft .. no guns) as well as the Russian Sukhoi Su-25T ground attack aircraft which does have guns etc however it is NOT a fully clickable cockpit like most other modules/aircraft. SO you can download, install and fly for FREE but it does cost money IF/When you want more aircraft modules. As well there are frequent sales. Do some research before you download and install to determine which download is best for you .. Full Release or Open Beta (keep in mind that there are many more online servers for the Open Beta than the full release version). 😊

[@Clust3rFunk1]

Thank-you for this correction. I actually had no idea that this was the case when I made the video!

[@halogenisys4897]

Wheres Fett at 👀👁👀 i knows ExpertFetts somewhere here if you see him tell him Delta Halo says ONYA

[@Mini_is_Drunk]

I still use mouse and keyboard for this game. You get pretty used to it. I can fly every plane in the game except for the helicopters. Edit: I also don't use the free head tracking, it was to buggy for me and not precise enough

[@Clust3rFunk1]

That’s really interesting! I couldn’t do it and I’m impressed you manage to pull it off with m&k Well done!

[@leogemetro]

Grim Reapers ffs?

[@Clust3rFunk1]

They helped me get off the ground. who would you recommend?

[@leogemetro]

@@Clust3rFunk1 Redkite for starters… there are many more that are not racist nor drop content like if it was an industrial factory (and their quality is non existent).

[@Barney-ic3uy]

Not GR...anywhere but there!!

[@Clust3rFunk1]

i'm starting to learn this the hard way lol, any recommendations?

[@Barney-ic3uy]

@Clust3rFunk I use guys like Tactical Pascal, Redkite, Tricker...occasionally Growling Sidewinder. Although I get the feeling he likes the sound of his own voice..

[@SPFLDAngler]

100 hours isn't that much.... I had 100 hours a little over a week of playing...

[@Clust3rFunk1]

Yeah 100 hours is next to nothing for Dcs, I the hardest part of anything is getting started. So I figured Id try and share that initial process

[@subjectc7505]

Don't listen to people who says GR isn't reliable, they helped me alot with DCS. If they help you, then list out your recommendations. You'll help a newbie for sure.

[@ianrose666]

Or alternatively, listen to people who say they aren’t reliable and why, and make your own choice. Personally, the amount of incorrect info, and the perpetual videos of ‘Cap’ learning the exact same thing you are during the video, made for tired viewing. RedKite, Tricker, Growling Sidewinder, Laobi, even Spudknocker, there’s a whole treasure trove of channels out there with concise, detailed, and correct videos.

[@ianrose666]

Forgot Tactical Pascale, and The Air Warfare Group.

[@subjectc7505]

@@ianrose666 if GR helps him then he should recommend them, just because you and other people don't understand or don't like Caps videos. Doesn't mean people should not watch them, as I said Caps videos helped me a lot.

[@ianrose666]

@@subjectc7505 ‘like’ and ‘understanding’ don’t enter in to this. They have been shown to be factually incorrect a great many times, and have been shown (by their own effort) to be if not entirely untrustworthy, at the very least a source of dubious content. I’d really rather not recommend a source of inaccurate information to anyone, regardless of your anecdotal stance. I’m not even getting in to the issues that the community had with them about the lies about ED giving them ‘exclusive rights’ to sell DCS training, nor the plagiarizing of other community member’s content (including Chucks guides) nor the slurs and ra*ism on display at one point. The list of the reasons why the community have nothing but disdain for Grim Reapers, is rather long. And there’s receipts.

[@subjectc7505]

@@ianrose666 Again just because you don't understand things doesn't mean other people shouldn't watch them.

[@michaeltrivette1728]

100 hours? dude the 63 hours you spent setting up your key binds doesn't count.

[@RW-zn8vy]

It takes 15 minutes at most for keybinds literally every plane is the same just different placement.

[@thatguy7085]

Me flying in DCS is like a Ukraine pilot given an F16 to fly against Russia… nice plane, but the more experienced pilots would murder me.

[@Clust3rFunk1]

Hahaha, it’s all part of the experience! Going from getting your all handed to you to getting those first kills is such a rewarding experience!

[@anbujosh1413]

bro put in a mig 29 picture and says su 25

[@HenryMH.]

just learn.

[@breaklux3823]

dont get your info from the reapers.

[@subjectc7505]

Got all mines from them and had no problems

[@cuttheloop]

envy... it's a bad look

[@michaeltrivette1728]

​@@cuttheloop Quoting Bob "And somehow you still manage"

[@walkershirley140]

Reapers r great wdym

[@xtodnfs549]

@@walkershirley140maybe because they explain things in a very complex way so it’s not that easy this is at least what I feel, when I want a tutorial I first watch the short ones and then the reapers

[@fon-tijn]

Why are you bullying me in the first 10 seconds of the video

[@Little1-1]

From a guy with 100h. Almost learned to takeoff yesterday and now giving "tips"

[@Clust3rFunk1]

I didn’t mean to I swear

[@Clust3rFunk1]

@@Little1-1 i might only have 100 hours in DCS but I've got tens of thousands of hours in "living with a SO"

[@Little1-1]

@@Clust3rFunk1 you killed me ahahah sorry for the nasty comment

[@natiloydboss4]

Actually the first you need to do is get a beast of a pc and not to be stupid that's what the guide should be about

[@midnight7297]

Just got to end of vid with a couple disagreements on the vid. and then you recommend the Reapers channel lol. They're truly awful, get the process wrong half the time and just do silly clickbait type vids. Almost certainly the worst of the "well known ones" and would avoid ditching them asap

[@Clust3rFunk1]

As a newbie I had no idea, maybe I’ll make an updated version of this video down the track with all the lesions learned

[@subjectc7505]

What's clickbait about the Reapers channel? I been watching them for a year and they have helped me understand dcs alot.

[@robadzso]

Grim Reapers for tutorials?? Nah ... There's so much better channels for that. They produce quantity on the expense of quality...

[@dogzero1]

I love DCS and have had it since it came out. Been flying combat flights sims on PC's since the middle 80's. But as much as I love DCS it's just too darn complicated for this old timer now. I wan't something like DCS but with easier game modes, like the old Janes and Microprose games of old.

[@user-fk2gv6jq7n]

Thank you Clust34-1Alpha you did a real good job at explain it! and your advice is really good thank you again!

[@Trankiller]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏