War Thunder Sim Guide #2 - Control Setup, Keybindings & Improving Your Accuracy

Hey Everyone,
Welcome back to our simulator tutorial series. Today we will discuss how to set up dedicated control profiles, optional keybindings, flight stick calibration & some advice on how to improve your accuracy by adjusting the in game settings of your hardware (axis sensitivity, non-linearity etc). If you are only here for a specific topic, I have put timestamps in the comments section below.
I've done my best to keep these videos as simple as possible, and to keep jargon to a minimum so as to help those who do not speak English as a first language :)
I hope this video helps, especially for any new players to simulator battles. Feel free to comment with any questions or suggestions below!
I stream a lot of my War Thunder gameplay on twitch, follow me here! - / ctearex
--Equipment--
Thermaltake View 27 Mid Tower
i7-8700K (6-Core) 3.70GHz OC to 4.70GHz
MSI Z370 Pc Pro Motherboard
Cooler Master Hyper 212 CPU Cooling Unit
Corsair 16GB DDR4 3000MHz RAM
Corsair 850W CXM Power Supply
1xEVGA GeForce RTX 2080 8GB
2 X 1TB Samsung SSD 860 Evo
2 X 3TB WD Elements HDD
Asus ROG Strix 32" Curved Monitor
ED Tracker Pro
Logitec Xtreme 3D Pro Joystick

[@Iskads]

This is amazingly useful! I'm quite new to War Thunder and I played sim once just for fun and I sucked! This is really useful. Thanks!

[@TeaRexChannel]

Thanks! Definitely give sim another try, a lot of people will happily give you advice!

[@JohannKwan]

Sensitivity 100% gang.

[@kastro4460]

As with the previous episode, already knew most of this, but it's nice to know there's someone out there doing short and simple yet effective guides for new sim players. You got a new sub :)

[@TeaRexChannel]

Eeey thanks! I'm working on a lot more but I can't get anything done until my voice is fully recovered from this illness :'(

[@kastro4460]

@@TeaRexChannel Don't worry about it, take your time to recover and be back as strong as before :)

[@TeaRexChannel]

@@kastro4460 Planning on it!

[@ditso8404]

me wanting to play sim on a keyboard and a mouse lol

[@poplee6478]

Haha yeah I was really confused for a while about what he was talking about lol. So I guess even having a computer doesn't give access to sim air. Huh

[@skeleton_trees]

I've been looking for a sim tutorial for a while cause I'm quite new to this all. these are so helpful thank u

[@adrianstutz3451]

Hell yeah, now i know why everything feels like .5 seconds delayed.

[@DanAlpern]

PS4 guy flying a controller and this helped me understand how to slow my roll/pitch/yaw in SB - thanks!

[@flakeimo8583]

nice video, those informations were really helpful. all that stuff about axis, sensitivity and deadzones can be very overwhelming. thats a piece of gold to have good explanations for that kind of stuff :)

[@TeaRexChannel]

As thanks. Glad it helped!

[@nissansilviakouki]

Very helpful, I'll give it a try. I could takeoff and land verte good but I'd start bouncing up and down trying to aim at another aircraft lol

[@neromastic4512]

So it is Recommended to get a Joystick to effectivly fly a Plane in War Thunder Sim? Because I sure find it hard Flying whit my mouse.

[@paulotremba4688]

Video still helping today

[@masterrTOM]

i have a question, i want to get into sim (with something that isnt a bomber) but i have problems with the camera control (i use a logitec extreme 3d pro) i have the camera control put on the analog on top of the stick and tried a "free smooth" camera that let me look around freely, but it was dificult for me to center the view on the sight of the plane again manually, and now im using a setting that keeps the camera look on the center of the sight, but i can only move the camera in like 90°on every angle (horizontal and vertical), soo i wanted to know if theres some setting i could change so i can look around more comfortable way (also, getting a VR headset is out of my budget)

[@TeaRexChannel]

There should be a keybindings that lets you "reset" the camera to the centre position I think it's either under "common" or "camera" controls. I know a lot of people who don't have head tracking or VR use it successfully :)

[@masterrTOM]

i found the option to reset it in the camera axis setting, thx a lot dude

[@TeaRexChannel]

@@masterrTOM happy to help!!

[@MrNoxxta]

Can anyone tell me how to set up the free look (smooth) on a joystick? I don't own a Head/Eye tracker and that's the only thing that puts me off Sim battles :(

[@ProfessioanllyAVG]

@@MrNoxxta I fly with a stick and all my view controls are done on the keyboard with my left hand. I leave the stick for flying and shooting only. View axis x set to a and d, y axis to s and w. Then I have head movement left and right set to a and d plus left alt, for those looking back and peaking behind you moments. Use spacebar to reset all those and you can get pretty good after practice and playing with sensitivity. Then head movement up and down I set to alt plus s or w so I can set up well with certain gun sights, this I usually set and leave once in the air so I reset it not using space like the rest.

[@deepwaterpaper9618]

One of the best things I've ever done to improve my performance was removing the spring in the 3D pro and cleaning the pots every few months. 10/10 great stick for the money.

[@TeaRexChannel]

Great tip!

[@bernardobiritiki]

@@TeaRexChannel hello i have a question? i have a 1995 joystick and my aircraft keeps going to the left and its always awobboly and i cant tell if its the hardwares fault or poor control setup

[@waveheart5313]

@@bernardobiritiki does it go to the left when you let go of the stick?

[@bernardobiritiki]

@@waveheart5313 yes at first I thought it might be torque but when I'm in flight any turn and the aircraft will in to a flat spin

[@waveheart5313]

@@bernardobiritiki do you have your aircraft trimmed?

[@braedynhoward3644]

3:47 Good to know, I got the Logitech extreme 3d pro for about 30 dollars, glad it is adequate.

[@kez0o9]

Thanks for explaining those axis values in a clear way .good video

[@paint4r]

I've been watching Rex's hangar for a while and had no idea this channel existed. At first I was confused because the voice was very familiar but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

[@DeltaBlues12]

You're a good person for making this. Trying to get into sim mode now, as the arcade mode makes flying with a stick + a rift a bit of a disadvantage relative to KBM, and I'm a little nervous about hopping into my first game. Having a bit of info to go on makes things a tad less intimidating

[@TeaRexChannel]

Sim can be really intimidating at first. It helps if you are able to find somebody to fly with and teach you the basics. However the important thing is to just jump in and play. Learn from your mistakes and relish in your victories. I'm glad my video helps! :)

[@DeltaBlues12]

@@TeaRexChannel Hopped in my first game and got 3 kills in the hour I had to play before I had to abandon the match :) It was really fun, but in VR I really struggled to identify friend from foe without flying right up to people and waiting for the friendly identification to pop up. Are there any tips and tricks on that?

[@TeaRexChannel]

@@DeltaBlues12 Nice work! And Yes there are. Spotting targets at a distance is easier in VR but it's identification is definitely a lot harder like you say. In fact there is a video coming out very soon with the graphics settings that I use. It should be out on Monday or Tuesday! :)

[@NMcG111]

Thank you for the explanations!!!. Still working on getting a suitable HOTAS//TPR/VR setup for EC working. So far, only the ‘smoother’ more stable aircraft seem to be flyable. Was in a match with you last night, just can’t seem to get the Spitfires anywhere near workable, but I see you have… and felt the result.. at least I got one burst in!!!.. any other tips other than practice practice... PS. Keep up the great vids...cheers ...KomodoMeerkat

[@TeaRexChannel]

Haha! I remember that game! I got jumped so many times that match 🤣 Yeah the spitfires are tricky to learn. Im working on a video that will guive people a more thorough understanding on how to fly them. Also if you have to chose between VR and a HOTAS, get VR first. I just use a cheap logitech extreme 3d pro joystick :)

[@NMcG111]

Have an X56 HOTAS setup (side mounted joystick for Elite Dangerous), Thrustmaster TPR and Rift S... certainly adds with realism. Messing about with non linearity curves and control surface percentages today... still haven’t just quite got it right... and my neck’s killing me after getting into furballs, trying to track targets. VR is just too much fun 🤪

[@gonza6388]

Any recomendation for playing on mouse?

[@DrMantisToboggan2005]

“Team Radio messages are important” Me playing without chat for years because Warthunder has the most toxic community💀

[@Lhirstev]

jesus fuck, i clicked through the whole thing randomly, you talk about the flight stick the whole time? how do I turn the engine on properly though?

[@todydn]

I built profiles for every different type of plane i only run full sensitiviry in bombers wich i can turn so fast i can make a full leveled b25 crew black out because i overclocked the controll values using the correction and multiplier to nearly double the input range i have everuthing else lile this as wel and then use base axis sensitivity to dull down the tweakier planes ive also locked the twist out onnmy stick and use bumpers for rudder i fly playstation so i use my regular controller in tandem with my stick for things like switching weapons via the slide pad flaps drag chute ect now i will say stable flying to where you can capably target is pretty rough especialy without camer tracking like you get when using a controller with mouse click view

[@cjaydustie1867]

These guides have been so helpful man! Thank you very much! I’ve been in sim for a while and still learned from these guides.

[@balldude8573]

Just started sim(on ps4 unfortunately) but I have all the hardware for it. Quick question though, I am so garbage it’s not even funny is that normal starting out? I can fly and maneuver no problem but it’s like whenever I see an enemy aircraft it’s game over I get rocked every single time. Just wondering if it’s normal to be sooo bad you can’t even land hits on enemy fighters. I’ve only played a handful of rounds but still

[@TeaRexChannel]

When I first started Sim I was really bad, everybody is when they first start. I didn't start creating content until I was somewhat decent (after about 6ish months) and I am still learning to this day. The important thing is to have fun and learn from your mistakes :)

[@balldude8573]

TeaRex Thanks man I appreciate the reply!

[@chrisgardiner6771]

Out of interest, what settings do you use for Sense of Flight and Camera Shake?

[@CarlosPF94]

You should turn it off or set it to the lowest setting. It’s a hinderance

[@stevenbowen1501]

Is there a way to set up free look to do with the joy stick and holding another button ?

[@scuzzy2142]

Great video. I do think its funny you think the X52 or anything of that series is high end. Thoes are total garbage and have horrible sensors. Check out VKB they blow anything out of the water hands down with magnetic contactless sensors and there superb gimbles and cams. vkbcontrollers.com/

[@TeaRexChannel]

For somebody who has a $50 flight stick almost anything is high end ;) Funny you should mention VKB though, I am actually looking at their stuff right now as I plan my next series of upgrades! Their hardware looks very robust.

[@scuzzy2142]

@@TeaRexChannel I have the VKB space sim stick and it is the best stick I have ever used. they are really high end. I highly recommend that one because it works for all sorts of games very well where the MCG doe not works well with anything that's not atmospheric flight as well due to not having a twist. If you have any questions feel free to ask at any time and keep up the amazing content. I am trying to use your videos to get into sim gameplay in War Thunder but have no one who likes sim so this is how I'm learning.

[@stevemcgee6476]

If I were to set up a joystick (my case 3 D Pro Ext) would the best way is to choose 1 plane only, work on it till I'm happy, save then go on to another or what would you suggest. I would just be working with flight controls and second do you have a good setting I could start with. Also do settings on 1 control surface screw with those on another? Steve

[@TeaRexChannel]

The joystick curves and sensitivity are general settings that apply for all aircraft. I would set it up for the plane you use most and it will be very easy to get used to the others :)

[@stevemcgee6476]

@@TeaRexChannel Thanks for the response so fast (actually thought it wouldn't happen) - I would assume you also mean stay and learn in Sim verses Rel - A/C I like there are a couple in each country and types ie 109s, p-51S, P-38S, fw 190, Spits, Mosquitos, A7M1, Narvel and J21's, ok, I have no scruples...

[@MrPhoenixWT]

How do I change sensitivity for my xbone controller it’s super hard to aim

[@viruspter1dactl]

How do I get my dot moving it's not moving

[@Mike-Urilorib]

Hi there. You mentioned you had an X52 Pro before your current Logitec. Would you mind sharing your pitch, roll and yaw settings you had for your X52? Are they different from what you'vw shown in this video? Thanks a lot.

[@l0rdcroissant]

going to try this for realistic since my settings got screwy after update

[@secretgaming5739]

I have a problem vautours can outurn g91 r4 any tips on how to dogfight with mouse. If I use mouse I am too slow but I can track the enemy kinda if I use keyboard I turn way faster but I lose track.

[@ericandi]

Can you do one of these for tank and ship controls using keyboard and mouse? Many of the tank control fields were empty when I installed WT and I'm really not sure which of the empty control fields should be mapped and what to map them to. Also, can a tank be controlled with flight stick instead of using a keyboard. My flight stick has 36 buttons, switches, dials, etc. so I would have no problem finding a home on my flight stick for every key that's mapped on a keyboard for controlling tanks.

[@---8282]

It’s so stressing bro I have to add all the keybinds to keyboard and mouse I just got it and it’s annoying they are complicated and annoying and to much to do

[@ENG-CT4982]

does anyone know if the Logitech 3D Pro joystick worth it?

[@TeaRexChannel]

Yes its a good stick for a good price

[@MonkeySense]

hi i already learned to take off and fly but i have big problem. nose of my aircraft keeps falling down or pushing up. like this i cant aim or fly straight pls help

[@nepoleonbonaparte3086]

Make an updated one so annoying god

[@karaknor329]

Hahaha i got a logiciel extreme pro to for 20 euro

[@TeaRexChannel]

It's a brilliant stick for the money!

[@lukwen3744]

how do i get rid of the big annoying thing in my screen, the one that tells me where I am moving it kinda ruins the experience... do i need a joystick??

[@Angelo-ef2xu]

Hello , The roll axes numbers will keep the same numbers for the Pitch and Yaw axes ?

[@pilot_xoan]

Really useful!!!

[@connershepherd998]

I won a 1v3 dogfight in an a-10 against 2 su25 and one su22 thanks to your tips!

[@waveman9677]

MERRY CHRISTMAS

[@fnelowet]

This was extremely helpful-- I'm new to War Thunder, and I would have flailed around for a while trying to figure out why my aircraft was unflyable with the WT presets for the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro. Thanks again!

[@gaetanodellaquila4070]

for keyboard players?

[@Paperclip387]

No view controls :(

[@crispiestcone6232]

why dont you just have a download link with your settings it would save so much time

[@katfox2004]

i wish i could use a flight stick but i cant get one for a while so im stuck with my mouse

[@anaayan8261]

tearex can you do a ps4 version because i dont have controls and no axis in war thunder

[@ThatsPerty]

anyone know what to press to get the logo as button 1, 2, 3 etc?

[@budy859]

2:20 I'm not quite to jets yet but i know in the b18b i use the airbrake all the time

[@adammalmstrom4193]

Basic controls 💀

[@NOMAD10671]

Great vid...I look forward to more

[@TeaRexChannel]

Thanks! :)

[@Gadzookss]

Stupid question.. for a returning player thats played since 2013-2015 and recently just started playing late 2020,2021 - i tinkered with some settings and its been driving me crazy i gone fucked up.. but whats the name of the keybind to add a circle onto enemy planes and ground targets? i always liked using that main target feature but for the life of me i cant find any video or guides about keybinds on steam forums or any info.

[@TeaRexChannel]

Common controls > lock target. But it only works for AB & RB

[@treybone3263]

So what you’re saying is I probably need a flight stick rather than mouse and keyboard. I always struggle with maneuvering maybe that’s down to not having a flight stick🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Past10Performance]

If you have a xbox controller that works well compaired to a mouse and keyboard. I use the controller for my flight controlls and keyboard for trim controls, engine adjustment and chat settings. And mouse for gunner controll and free look

[@averagereinhardtmain6572]

I'm tryna find the throttle up and down control.

[@alexnathan7141]

I found setting a button for weapon selection was better than using the individual buttons for main guns or machine guns. Can also set one for secondary weapons. I noticed this is an older video not sure if these functions were available during the time of filming :) but just ideas for if you intend on making new ones.

[@LukeSkywarp]

My throttle only goes from 0% to 100%. How do I fix this? I'm using a Thrustmaster TWCS throttle.

[@TeaRexChannel]

Have you got it bound to its throttle axis or just "minimum" value and "maximum" value?

[@skittlesbutwithchocolatein2274]

my aircraft keeps pulling on the side while in flight

[@TeaRexChannel]

Any aircraft or just one in particular?

[@skittlesbutwithchocolatein2274]

TeaRex all props edit: all props that arent counter rotating

[@TeaRexChannel]

@@skittlesbutwithchocolatein2274 Interesting, have you double checked its not an issue with your joystick?

[@skittlesbutwithchocolatein2274]

TeaRex Hey I got it working! Just had to trim my elevator and ailerons a bit :) now it flyes strait like it’s supposed to

[@TeaRexChannel]

@@skittlesbutwithchocolatein2274 Glad you got it sorted! :D

[@vinnywoods6372]

Need help yaw setting on a joystick do I set it too 100 saturation or less ?

[@TeaRexChannel]

Depends on the stick, and your personal preferences

[@gondyy4463]

I need help, when I started playing war thunder I have the control on mouse, how I switch it to keyboard?

[@TeaRexChannel]

You mean control the plane with keyboard?

[@gondyy4463]

@@TeaRexChannel nvm i got it

[@josemariagomezesparza7626]

Could anyone tell me where the free sight setting is?

[@MrNoxxta]

+1 help us guys without Eye/Headtrackers

[@rkarlson0083]

THANK YOU

[@budy859]

Can you do sim swedish planes

[@TeaRexChannel]

I plan to :)

[@budy859]

Ok thanks. Well I'm getting a flight stick ina month so maby we could fly together.

[@budy859]

Although note that i haven't spent any money on the game... Yet.

[@reststudiosmusic8125]

What setting makes my crosshairs lead, instead of my airplane? its hard to aim with the crosshairs going everywhere. Im using joystick

[@TeaRexChannel]

When you say "going everywhere" are you talking about the crosshairs that are gimballed? (react to the movement of the planes) Like the ones on later US planes.

[@reststudiosmusic8125]

@@TeaRexChannel No, its with all planes, like. When I use the xbox controller, The crosshairs lead the aircraft, and stay closer to the middle. When I use Joystick, it configures it so when my plane moves, the crosshairs go Anywhere I turn to major porportions, like an action cam, instead of like, a fixed follow cam. and its not fixed ish. This is all in Third person view. ANd my joystick used to not do that, until a certain update. So haha, im not sure if there was a setting to fix that. Thanks man, i know its a vague subject

[@PrayedForYou]

Good job Brit