DCS SITREP #1 2025: What will 2025 Bring for DCS World? Reviewing 2024's big Updates

[@bartbroekhuizen5617]

For me Heatblur was really the MVP party of this year within DCS World. Stunning detail in the cockpit of the Phantom and great integration of the manual without having to check pdf files and pages. I hope Heatblur will also upgrade the F-14 cockpit and add the jester menu to be on par with the Phantom. I wish every third party was like them.

[@_Jake.From.Statefarm_]

Dynamic Campaign, ATC, Vulkan. (And keep up with the DLSS updates when they come...)

[@zigzagfly1635]

Need a real ATC System.

[@AdastraRecordings]

50% of my time spent flying in DCS is in the Hind which is a woefully underrepresented module especially when it comes to campaigns, so I really do think the dynamic campaign module absolutely has to be released this year above anything else and should be prioritized for Q1 release. The bias towards bluefor, particularly the F-16C and FA-18C and the choice of maps for campaigns is a major issue for me personally.

[@catfunt5583]

Unfortunately they cannot rush the development of dynamic campaign. I’m sure they are moving at all speed available. And when it’s done it’s done. I too am hopeful to see it in 2025

[@AdastraRecordings]

@@catfunt5583 With the PR disaster of 2024 they're bonkers if they don't prioritize it.

[@petebravo7180]

Rather it not be rushed and work properly when released. Even the dev for bms said their dynamic campaign was a huge huge time sink to do and get eight

[@AdastraRecordings]

@@petebravo7180 I flew Falcon 4 for a couple of years at time of release and even built a PC specifically for that and GPL, it was an utter sh*tshow well after official development stopped, but DCS is coming up on 16 years old now, I agree that they need to get it right, I'm just pointing out that they'll regret it if they don't get it out ASAP.

[@catfunt5583]

@@AdastraRecordings we are in agreement there

[@tfk_woody0190]

I get that you get tired of hearing people complain about how broken DCS is but for example I get a bit tired of spending 12 hours over the week building a mission for our online group The Flying Kiwis only to have either the server crash, or have a heap of connection timeouts, crashes from using the F10 map or having to listen to my team mate complain that the AI aircraft that spotted him through a hill is now behind him and is not bound by the laws of physics. These are fundamental basics that should have been addressed long ago but here we are in 2025 and its as ongoing as it ever has been.

[@stevebarnett-f5o]

To be blunt, I do not give a s**t about anything new, I want to know that the money spent on Harrier, Mig19 and several campaign packs is not now down the toilet. Resolve Razbam. If RB is resolved, Kola, both Kola campaigns, Skyraider and A7 are on my list.

[@Andrew-13579]

I think they need to get some of the fundamental problems fixed. I mean, there will always be bugs to work out. But get these longstanding things done: Like differences between western and eastern winds and altimeter conventions so that both work properly and achieve the desired result depending on the user’s preference. And a reasonably decent ATC that can sequence and vector arrivals to an instrument approach gate or to a visual approach to an overhead break. AI still can’t climb an aircraft properly, cruise economically (which gives range) and enter the overhead break into efficient landing patterns, with realistic landing rollouts. The speeds of a tanker in a pattern are screwed up. You give it ground speed to a point where a pattern begins, but then at what speed, ground speed or indicated airspeed? And I last saw the KC-130 pitching up and down changing speeds fast and slow…totally unusable. And we’re missing a whole lot of fun on WWII naval ships by not having VR work in Combined Arms with being able to man realistic gunnery directors. It’s unrealistic/archaic to man a 40mm or 5-inch using iron sights on the gun-mount…on the only ship where they work, the APA Samuel Chase, where doing so renders all the rest of its guns nonfunctional. And we should be able to occupy gun directors while the AI occupies the remainder as well as the individual 20mm mounts. I think the best part of the WWII aspect will be the Pacific carrier battle groups. Perhaps not on full scale, but one carrier, one battleship or heavy cruiser, one light cruiser and four destroyers as escort, circa 1944. Or even without the heavily gunned battleships and just 2 cruisers and 4 destroyers. With a similar force on the other side. The Marianas map has plenty of ocean area and is sitting there waiting.

[@Spindrift-m8n]

Thanks for the news re. the F4 Corsair. I am hoping to see it, and the F6 Hellcat, this year.

[@pinkfloyd7572]

Kola was my #1. Phantom #2. And ED needs to send some positive vibes in '25 to bring back the love. A dynamic campaign and a Vietnam map will get people back in bed with them.

[@preparedbleach1815]

Once a vietnam map comes out. It will be epic beyond believe 😊

[@GoldenGnu]

Extreme negativity about the RAZBAM fiasco is fully warranted, in my opinion. However, I also see ED moving the core forward with amazing additions that I'm super excited about. I love playing DCS and I really like all the modules I own. I see a bright future for DCS, but, ED stalled my harrier and I'm not going to forget or forgive that

[@UkDave3856]

As good as DCS is, I’ve found myself drifting away from it due to a lack of things to do with these wonderful aircraft and maps. Without a dynamic campaign this sim is withering on the vine

[@ricbish]

Make missions, go online and fly on a good server, find s good group to fly with like Kittyhawk Gaming where we fly a custom made mission every Sunday!! Lots to do, just gotta go find it!

[@UkDave3856]

@ I’ve done all that for hundreds of hours. I like public servers but they tend to veer towards air quake and I’m seeing less and less communication and coordination on my usual servers. The sim needs a fully fleshed out single player mode. Falcon 4 had a brilliant one back in the day, and I think ED are harming their business by dragging their feet on the dynamic campaign.

[@hook86]

You aren't doing it right. Find a coop group, play through the campaigns, utilize MP, get into mission building. I've been flying DCS for literally 14 years and I'm not even close to running out of content.

[@garethbarry3825]

A few days ago, i did something i thought was unthinkable a few years ago- i uninstalled DCS. I have 500+hours in heatblur's f14, and i am still so glad i have learnt so much from it. But eventually, i got bored of all the SP missions, and doing more campaigns needed buying more maps etc etc. I did enjoy a few 1v1 online dogfights, but that was the exception. I absolutely loved il2 forgotten weapons, because it gave me a whole bunch to do.

[@Benom8]

You're right about public servers, haha. Not going to tell anyone they're "doing it wrong", but I agree with the point that finding buddies to fly with for PvE, PvP, custom missions etc is a game changer. Feel free to get in touch if you're looking for a group that does a bit of everything in DCS.

[@thomasfleming8415]

With three highly anticipated aircrafts, three high-potential maps, various campaigns, atmospher/dust/fog, and many core fixes, it seems like 2024 was a good year for DCS, at least for me.

[@jep1103]

Skyraider yes please....re ATC why don't the get beyond ATC on-board, that's a really good atc for msfs. I know a lot of people are unhappy with redfor representation but isn't this down to data! More AI ww2 aircraft needed atm it's boring

[@DaveMcRee]

For me some little things like mission editor adds, paratroopers, the transport aircraft to actually be able to embark/disembark, a c130/alternate spooky version, etc. and very keen to see how the pacific content is going.

[@Mesusir]

... we shall see...

[@mikeck4609]

Not much point in releasing new maps until we get some content for the ones we have (including MP servers using them). But new modules are welcome. For me, the only ones I’m interested in are the A-7 and Tornado; the former has been in development for like 5 years. I would REALLY like to see a campaign and - like others- i am struggling to understand what is so difficult about it. I would also really like some AI improvements relating primarily to friendly Ai: your wingman and friendly flights. Also, some improvement to ground AI. Other than that, I’m very content with where the game is. It runs great for me in VR, it looks better than ever and the campaigns are superb.

[@silentone11111111]

This year needs the dynamic campaign. I’m tired of the sandbox.

[@johanverhoeven3661]

Hopefully they will give more attention to missile behaviour since all the additional eye candy seems to have degraded or introduced bugs on the A2A side. If I want eye candy, I’ll fly MSFS.

[@OnlyNapalm]

I would like to say that I believe the Central Europe map and MiG-29A module will be released next year. I really hope that the Corsair will finally be released along with the Essex-class aircraft carriers. Hopefully, ED will also pleasantly surprise us with something we might not expect, like starting to harness the potential of LLM AI.

[@jarllunde]

Hope to see the skyraider

[@thunderace4588]

Thank you Prickly.

[@CraigTyler-m3u]

Great Video. Of all the comments I could make I'm going with the Campain Comments. For a lot of the newbies some FC3 campaigns with really good Radio voice overs would be nice. They don't have to be simple nor over complicated. The MiG-29 over the Hump Campain was really fun it just needed some better Radio Chatter. So a Few more MiG-29, Su-33, A-10A campaign with good voice overs would be great. Also a FC3 Soviet Pack [ MiG-23, MiG-25, MiG-31, SU-7, and SU-22] would be great. French Pack [Mystere, Mirage III, Mirage V, Etendard, Super Etendard] just an idea.

[@wrld624]

People often focus solely on the negatives. While ED is far from perfect and has made its share of questionable decisions, it’s so sad to see all the improvements overshadowed by criticism. It's taken a long time but the game has come such a long way in the seven years since I started, and it’s in a far better state now than it was back then.

[@carymcrawford]

Will we ever get Vulkan API? I'm hoping to get more performance out of my Quest 3.

[@MichaelMoellerTRLInc]

I'm not a massive fan of the F-100 but I will still buy the module when it's released to support the work the developers are doing. It will be needed to do proper SE Asia scenarios, if we ever get a map anyways.

[@slowhornet4802]

Honestly, that would be the only reason for me, too. Somehow I never fell in love with the F-100 (you could fly it e.g. in "Strike Fighters").

[@TheRpg1964]

Any update to the Top End map? Being an Aussie who spent 90% of his career on F/A-18 hornets and had 2 postings to 75 Sqn at Tindal I am keen to fly in the 'local' domain.

[@slowhornet4802]

The "top end map" is on top of the priority list. Well, when looking at the list from your point of view. Which means....

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

@TheRpg1964 it's still being developed, but I don't have progress information in terms of release dates etc.

[@johnwicks4936]

I spent a lot of money on DCS in 2024. The F4, Kiowa, Kola map, Chinook and Afghanistan map. The F4 and Kiowa were the only ones I'm happy with and as protest I refunded the great F15 I purchased in 2023. Not great odds for satifaction in my purchases so 2025 will be my year of no DCS purchases until things clearly improve and things like the Dynamic Campaign finally appear. I'm done buying early access at small early adopter discounts only to see them 50% off when they are more mature but STILL early access.

[@badgermilk760]

wanna add beta is that! it test the frame of the game and now that is gone the modules will take a big hit on release! so that is also added to maps af and iraq to close together and still in dev is south America and kola and us also remember Sanai. Maps are sent out to quick might be that they want money before World Map (money Grab)

[@pjbunnyru]

blue module, blue module again, also blue module, and again add blue module, and make campaign for blue modules. aren't u bored? Its only interesting if u destroy vilages in afghanistan, syria, iraq, etc. but in pvp, what fun is it for u if there is no aproximateli equal competitor? for those who were waiting for f4, kiowa, chinook - of course, year turned out great, and Im happy for them. but red side got nothing.

[@silentone11111111]

Totally agree. Mig 29 will be a start but it’s a really early version where it will just get owned by the spamram fans in multiplayer.

[@skyhorseprice6591]

I agree that Redfor needs attention. But as I understand it, the problem is getting Russian & Chinese cooperation to model Redfor aircraft. The models have gotten so good because the devs find ways to model an actual physical aircraft, which is hella hard to do with like a SU-30. I don't know how to get around that, but I hope ED finds a way.

[@CodyU571]

Really hoping for fsr 3.1 suppory soon!

[@TheCraigHudson]

2025 needs absolutely needs to land the dynamic campaign if it’s missed again will be a unacceptable shame since it was announced over two years ago. 2. Would love to see a rework of all weapons damage especially splash damage “ example gbu dropped on a hill I want to see the explosion reverb down the hill or take out further enemy elements from greater splash damage. Since Ed is in the business of the most realistic military sim, then for the single player gamers why don’t they create a career system were you can rank up over hrs flown get awards for proficientcies, get further awards or skins unlocks/ or courses like f18 carrier school idk be nice to spice the sim up. “Wide as ocean deep as a puddle at times”

[@johnwicks4936]

2 years ago. Try over 4 or 5.

[@MichaTanny]

Did you see that Aviron release an update on the progress of the Kfir?

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

Nope will check it out...thanks...

[@Stone46988]

Just as I suspected. You're not allowed to give ED criticism. You people just solidified that.

[@RossPlaysGames21]

The number one thing on my list isn't aircraft, maps or core engine features.. It's for everyone working for ED and involved with DCS to start listening to the community and taking all opinions on board. The community has never felt so disconnected from ED.

[@sloppydog4831]

Yes, that's the point. I'm tired of people saying that the negativity stems from the community, that we, the customers, not players, not fan base, but paying customers every pessimistic about DCS. But the problem originates from ED, because they do promise a lot of things and they do not deliver, It's been another year since they promised the Marianas WWII map. It's been another year since they promised the Supercarrier Briefing Room. And WWII is all but abandoned. Also, it is not as simple as going in the forums and complaining about something broken or missing, because they shut down the thread. So, the negativity does not comes from the customers, we are not complaining about it without reason. It is ED, with its bad business practices that bring up to themselves said negativity. And in the end, it is not negativity, it is desatisfaction.

[@rcpilot9963]

I expect to see Magnitute Corsair in DCS 2035 and beyond video🤣

[@TheKurgen]

Digital Cockpit Simulator. I wonder what partial modules and maps will be released this year.

[@greg_mid_tn3150]

So looking forward to the F-100!

[@ShaggNasty-yk1ie]

Still no sign of the Mig 23 😥

[@skarbimirprokopek6512]

Same here, I really wanted the 23. Also, please somebody make the Su-17/22.

[@cs512tr]

i can guess: more rehashed re released modules at silly prices. boring maps drip fed info more early broken access stuff same old

[@rwhunt99]

I do believe they had indicated the F-4u would arrive in the 2nd quarter of 2025 which in my mind means June 30 + one week, lol! I agree, I think they don't want to release it in a vacuum with nothing else, although I think the Forrestal would be coming out with it. They still need more Pacific assets. I am thinking the C-130 should be about ready and then the Hell Cat (although doubtful) would be nice, I am looking forward to the ( Navy P-47 style fighter) that kicks butt. and for God's sake, someone put out a Zero, we need Japanese assets to work with. I do think they could back off the maps for a year until the pacific AO becomes ready. I am glad ED pointed out all they did for 2024, I am tired of the whiners as they enjoy all the hard work ED has done, just to bellyache about their ideas are not being met. I am looking forward to lot's of great flying, and thanks to all the campaign developers for going back and updating their older campaigns with the new technology ED has brought forward. I do think it's going to be a great year ahead.

[@Wolfhound_81]

While I agree with your criticism of the overall negativity in the community, I think you overdid the positivity regarding things like Halfghanistan - offsetting cost of new development is a good thing? If DCS would be as profitable as it should be (without millions getting into The Fighter Collection), the shouldn't need to do this over and over again. Also ofc the Razbam situation really makes it hard to think positive about DCS as a whole, without blaming either party.

[@sloppydog4831]

Yes, I disagree with Prickly on this. Who brings this negativity upon them selves is ED itself. Not the public. It is very tiring seeing some people saying that we shouldn't criticize ED and we don't know how to wait for ED come up with solutions for their problems. But it is all ED's fault, literally. ED has a bad communication with its public, they shut down threads in the forums of people complaining about something that is broken and missing, and it is ED that promises things that cannot, or are not willing to, fulfill. It's been 4 years since ED promised, as a feature, an AI companion for the Mosquito.... and nothing until now. It's been years since ED announced the WWII Marianas map, and another year goes by and...nothing. It's been years since ED promised a Briefing Room fro the Supercarrier...and still nothing. I'm really tired of people saying that we customers, not players, customers, who paid for these products, are filled with negativity. We are not. We are only seeing through some bad marketing strategies and mistreatment by a company that only promises and is lacking on fulfilling basic, promised things.

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

@@Wolfhound_81 not so much the cost of development, the cost to the consumers who can't afford to buy the maps outright.

[@Travis_125]

I uninstalled it but still enjoy content.

[@GPCAPTLionelMandrake]

Dynamic campaign "certainly won't take 5 years" - Wags, 2019. This sums up every bit of well deserved criticism ED gets and it's only the tip of the iceberg. ED are the problem, not a "negative community".

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

@GPCAPTLionelMandrake well, Nick Grey admitted late 2023, they may have bitten off more than they could chew. The guy that developed the campaign for falcon 4 said to do it again today was probably not cost effective. The big issue I suspect is the game engine, see my other video on why we don't have a dynamic campaign, yet.

[@GPCAPTLionelMandrake]

@Pricklyhedgehog72 Sure but it's not the first instance of wildly over promise and under deliver from ED. Not to mention the source of it too, not some low level Dev but right from the top. I don't disagree with any of the practical reasons why it can't be done in 5 years (although I think it absolutely could have if they prioritised it). It's indicative of a much larger problem with ED and how they conduct themselves. Hence the well deserved criticism.

[@bassjunki]

Maybe the last 3 yrs of xx and beyond content 😅