DCS Mission Editor Tutorial - Walkthrough for a full mission

How to create a fully working "proper" mission from blank screen (start) to the end testing phase. As well as reminding ourselves about mission editor flags and triggers, an essential concept, this video will also tie an increasing number of mission editing bits together, to create a fully working DCS mission that players can go fly.
A "proper" mission should not just be about "killing the bad guy" but it should also have a way to complete it (or even to fail it). This will of course include the usual suspects: Triggers, flags, trigger zones and units, groups and their waypoints, even the "specials" where the waypoint depends on something else to be true, or false.
Included will be an endless cycle for a russian transport helo that is set to fly back and forward between bases on repeat. This can be done for tanks and planes in much the same way.
For those wanting to see every aspect of the editor for DCS, real time what happens - I agree, that is useful for beginners and those in the early stages of making missions - so I've left everything in. Zero video editing, plus it gives others with a passing interested in what making missions is all about.
I maintain absolutely zero coding or scipting is required to make good, lag-free missions.

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

You make a good point about the missions being enjoyable. It seems most mission builders want to shoot you out of the sky as soon as possible. An S-400 SAM site set to the highest skill level, MiG 29's at the highest skill level, etc. I just get set up for my run in and get blotted out of the sky by a AAA that was late activation that I triggered and I never even saw it. Okay, you've proven you can whip any skill level that tries your mission. I promise you the next mission I will pay attention to the author and will avoid his maps in the future. I like a challenge, but give me a chance. If I want to continuously go down in flames, I will try meeting women in my local club

[@Lechuzoh]

Hahahaha. So true and hilarious way to explain. Loved your comment 🤣🤣

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

@@Lechuzoh Thank you

[@DCSDigitalCombatSimulator]

Pinned that's a chuckle I had others might enjoy!

[@grobsop6688]

You can make endless loops of waypoints by pressing Advanced and setting Switch to Waypoint, then select the first waypoint, and the unit will follow the waypoints endlessly.

[@fyrefitrt2]

Great job on the video. Really appreciate the "right to the point" narrative. Not a bunch of endless talking like some other mission tutorials.

[@danielgraves5277]

Great vid on mission building with all elements covered for a full and detailed strike, liked the use of the triggers / flags for waypoint control not seen that covered in such detail before so good job, one tip I picked up when using flags is to add flag number in the trigger description ( f18 been in damas 41*) to keep track of all flags used. Also use the colour highlight once tested as working....Great work again keep it up looking forward to see more mission editing.

[@DCSDigitalCombatSimulator]

Glad it was helpful! That's a great tip you've given me too, colour code what's all good. I will certainly showcase that in a future video - so big thx

[@Lechuzoh]

Loved those 2 tips. Thanks!

[@Fighter_Hussein.T]

Welcome. You did a great job. I want the helicopter to take off (AI) at a specific time that I choose.

[@bazacop1720]

fantastic videos my man very informative great job

[@user-qz3pr911]

Always good stuff. Anything new with 2.9 and mission editor. I recently discovered that ChatGBT can write DCS mission scripts for you. Would be cool vid for 2.9 update and this ChatGBT thing?

[@christopherdraper7131]

Thankyou for the video. I find with the DCS mssion editor, I have no idea what is a realistic scenario. Unless you have a huge amount of knowledge about order of Battle the editor doesnt give you any clue as to what is even vagually realistc. Unlike the aircraft which are super detailed. For me it blows the realism. I would love for there to be a guide to setting up a SEAD mission or Cap Mission or intercept etc. What would a typical package be ?? What is a realistic airfield air defence setup? How many AA guns or layered SAM defence? It seems that DCS is overly focussed on the aircraft systems (I love learning them as much as anyone ) but totally lacks in mission realism (when using the editor) Thats no criticism of your video which was very interesting.

[@channelwright9137]

I can only plan a mission, then play it through the next day/evening as it is indeed tiring. I think it's all the thinking one has to put into the logic, triggers etc... it can be a bit much in one session.

[@DCSDigitalCombatSimulator]

very much, especially when you also try and explain everything you do out loud as you go. I never thought it would as difficult until I tried it. I mean try talking for an hour or 2 into a mic... i think i learnt my lesson the hard way :D

[@anthonysacco5010]

I was able to create a few easy missions. But there's not much out there on how to get your flight wing to drop bombs. Could you do a video on programming friendly AI

[@DCSDigitalCombatSimulator]

Yep I will combine your suggestion with that of another subscriber comment in my next video. Thanks for the idea, stay tuned

[@BattleDX]

How do you disabled those range circlrs in ME?