Why I Play War Thunder Simulator Battles

[@kevinwinters4803]

I had the same progression as you: arcade -> realistic-> sim. Now I play DCS. I enjoyed my time in Warthunder, but I can’t go back. As you noted you found sim mode to be more rewarding than realistic. Maybe because it is more immersive forcing the player view to be from the cockpit. I find DCS to be even more immersive with interactive cockpit controls. But DCS has a learning curve. I’m not sure I would be playing it if I didn’t start off progressing through Warthunder games modes first.

[@involuntarycommander8804]

Yeah I might progress to DCS in the future like you, but at the moment I feel like War Thunder is easier to just jump into a game with. Correct me if I am wrong. Maybe when I get more interested in immersion than pvp :) I agree, War thunder have been really important to funnel players to DCS and the whole air combat genre which is a good thing.

[@thatonekull]

I came from DCS actually, of course I still fly it but I've been enjoying the variety of aircraft with actually fairly realistic flight models compared to the DCS counterparts. I usually just turn off the HUD for full immersion and fly out with friends. It's actually really good, probably comparable to Flaming Cliffs 3 on DCS, though slightly lower quality of course.

[@p0stezz]

@@involuntarycommander8804 I don't believe you will like DCS - every time I upgrade my gpu I update the DCS and try it - every few years - DCS is still looking terrible and doesn't work smooth (even on 3080) . Very few players and just boring flying around. The fun with DCS for me was only while learning how to take off properly. I am only flying ww2 aircraft there, maybe it is more interesting with the modern planes but it is not my thing.

[@clementnoel6663]

@@involuntarycommander8804 I followed the same path too : arcade -> realistic -> sim -> DCS. The bigger obstacle i had was to understand the "mechanical" management of DCS. Looking back i noticed that manual engine control (in WT) might help you out on this specific topic ;)

[@joesmith8655]

@@p0stezz 100% this. I sunk too much money getting the spitfire. Then channel map - to find no one plays it. Then the Normandy map.. the graphics are awful in VR too Then got the av8 because everyone plays jet there. But felt like I was actually doing a job learning how to fly it. I don’t want a sending job. I play for fun.

[@r.c.a.f_lynx9992]

Welcome to sim. I should mention, you should not ride the throttle like you would do in arcade or realistic. If your plane is overheated for too long, the engine will quit on you. In addition, if you need the WEP and cant use it because your engine is overheated - it can get you killed. This is more of an issue in the higher tier prop planes.

[@ignasanchezl]

Cold weather in a tropical variant, he could WEP all the way like he did.

[@jornalnumero1]

i think the real problem with the throttle is you can't brake and mess with your attemp to shot the enemy becase you just had overrun it and now he's on your back. PEW, you're done!

[@hungrydingo7037]

I keep mine at about 70-85% 60 if I’m just cruising

[@crlourenco88]

I played SB for over 6 years, and I've been taking a break since. Good to know that this mode isn't dead already. Cherrrs

[@involuntarycommander8804]

It's good not to exhaust yourself on a game. FYI I just checked Steam charts and saw the monthly player base of the 3 big flight combat games: DCS: about 1000 players monthly Il-2: 300 players monthly War thunder: 60 000 players monthly. Let's say only 2% play sim battles in War thunder it still would be the biggest "sim" game. (Console players excluded). So I would say the game is far from dead :)

[@willsimpson3783]

Why I play Sim: It's a challenge. It's fun. The rewards make if worth it. You can play the objective.

[@tu7765]

Its not worth It anymore

[@kwilliams3161]

@@tu7765oh yes it is take a premium in there

[@evolve117]

9k to 10k rewards for one battle. A lot better than the average realistic battle to be honest just need to strafe ground targets and get 1 or two air kills​@@tu7765

[@halops117]

The jump from this to IL2 is a very small jump. I would really recommend you go fly in il2 the feeling is even greater and the planes are very well made and more detailed than war thunder.

[@involuntarycommander8804]

Thanks for the tip. How is the matchmaking and playerbase in il2?

[@mackan072]

@@involuntarycommander8804 it was healthy enough some 2 or so years ago when I last played it. You had no issues what so ever getting into, and finding populated servers. Combat also felt more "natural" in IL-2 BoX

[@involuntarycommander8804]

Ok, thanks for the info. I always had the assumption it would be more difficult to get into a game in il-2.

[@jimlthor]

@@involuntarycommander8804 I find IDing enemies a lot harder in IL2. I usually can't yell who is an enemy until they're shooting at me in multiplayer But single player, especially in VR, is amazing. Even the WW1 planes are super immersive. Probably the best VR experience that exists

[@jornalnumero1]

well, at IL2 all you need to is identify if the plane is an allied one or enemy model, based on the plane itself and the insignia they have at wings. i played rise of flight, from the same developer, and isn't hard to learn the differences among planes of both sides.@@jimlthor

[@wasbedeutetjku]

Gunnery in the spit is especially hard. I think you did very well!

[@involuntarycommander8804]

Thanks man! Yeah I have to set the pitch sensitivity way lower for the spit to get some kind of stability and not to fall intro a spin.

[@That_guy1607]

Tbh I was scared to start but now I’m making over 500sl a match and 100k rp in my a10. And I could argue that it’s easier than air rb cause you don’t have to constantly worry about someone on your 6 and it’s more relaxed, and the kills fell more rewarding and satisfying.

[@ayuwoki453]

And you can respawn unlike rb

[@andresinchausti3841]

A good configuration of controls is VITAL, it took me a long time to configure the mouse and keyboard for the simulator, I also use an xbox360 joystick, well configured I feel comfortable with both, the difficult part is knowing what each thing does in the configuration section, but it is very complete I'm really enjoying it with good controls, I recommend investing a good time to the controls to those that come from RB, it feels much better

[@lordbumpy3634]

They do need brighter the cockpit hud (gun sights), and they do need give us sunglasses, and tints for modern jets.

[@joematt-tk9ob]

I find sim mode really fun too. This was a really fun video. Superb flying!👍👍

[@involuntarycommander8804]

Thanks man! 😊

[@LondonsFrost]

You play well and your voice is relaxing as hell lol just earned a sub my guy.

[@involuntarycommander8804]

Thank you kindly :)

[@AndreasNK]

Yea i agree with you War thunder simulator feels like a completely new game to me after arcade and simulator. To guys who are new no you do not need hotas to play simulator. It will be challenging at first with mouse and keyboard but when you figure it out it is as good as hotas and i speak from my own experience since i play both ways. When im lazy to plug my hotas and i just want to jump in endurance for 20 min i play with mouse and keyboard. One thing i do when i swap between these 2 i have saved keybind profiles so i can load them right away and im good to go.

[@involuntarycommander8804]

Good insights! Does not swapping between m&k and hotas affect your gunnery? There is a lot of muscle memory involved in aiming. Maybe it is less important in higher tier jets.

[@AndreasNK]

@@involuntarycommander8804 Well i am kind new too but the more i play the more i realize its about right position between you and your target than aiming. So yea you should try to get high energy and place your plane's nose properly against your target. (aim with plane's nose). Something like that guy on your video who "stole" your kill. He actually did what i try to learn and i try to say here. High energy you shoot you go. The more you stay on a rate fight the higher chance someone will get you before you get your target. Its how i die most of the times chasing a target on a rate fight not paying attention on my 6. Now for longer shots i am not sure i avoid these.

[@SPFLDAngler]

Playing with my tflight HOTAS one is much much harder than with the mouse as a joystick mode.

[@SPFLDAngler]

What you’re talking about. High energy go in take the shot and get out, that’s what they call “boom and zoom”

[@involuntarycommander8804]

@@AndreasNK yeah I agree. Energy advantage is important. Sometimes you can force or lure an enemy aircraft such as a typical boom and zoomer down low and then you will have the advantage if you fly a more nimble aircraft. Then it could be effective to stay on target for an extended period of time. You have to watch out for tunnelvisioning though! :D

[@Daniel-CMelinte]

That YAK 1 flying like nothing happened is really dodgy .

[@wulfaxe7661]

Nothing like playing a relaxing game of sim, you get a few kills, base bombing and ai killing, all x3 times

[@WoundChannel.]

I stopped playing arcade once i purchased the A10 premium. I've been primarily playing air rb lately and it's so much fun sneaking in low and taking out two bases with 6 2klb bombs. I've had several players fly right over me without noticing me, only to be taken out with one of my air to air missiles. When i get time later this week i will try out simulator battles. I dont play in 3pp, just cockpit and the other view with the white measurments and bomb reyicle.

[@involuntarycommander8804]

Did you try simulator battles? :)

[@WoundChannel.]

@involuntarycommander8804 Not yet, it wanted me to do the takeoff and landing tutorial again. Couldn't get the damn plane off the ground so I gave up.

[@johnsledge3942]

I went from Arcade, Realistic, Sim, and now I’m just getting into IL-2. I still play WT sim whenever I feel like flying in the pacific. Next up is DCS lol

[@Sheltemz]

Once you have gone DCS you will never look back 😆

[@Gunslinger218]

Me and you have either flown together or fought each other. I'm part of the Old Guard been with War Thunder since 2013. Great video

[@involuntarycommander8804]

Probably both! Thank you :)

[@Gunslinger218]

See you up there !!! Happy hunting @@involuntarycommander8804

[@SilentHillFan2009]

go to american tech tree. grind for F6F-7N set up radar confuguration. get easy kills. literally profit. it's as dirty as it is easy.

[@involuntarycommander8804]

Interesting tactic! I can see it being useful to spot bombers.

[@stealthfox374]

I think I have played with you before Mr_Bombastic seems very familiar but simulator battles is also my favourite gamemode. I made a montage of it not long ago for fun but once you get the hang of it it gets super enjoyable

[@involuntarycommander8804]

I agree with you, and yes, I've been enjoying sim for a while, so it's not unlikely that you've seen me around :)

[@o_gpotterhead]

Sims just goated

[@TommTooTone]

if you set your prop feather to 85-90% you can run full throttle with less heat. thanks to war thunders lack of torque physics you can really bog em down in a dive if your frame can take it.

[@michelefusco9685]

Nice flying man! Those 7.7s are a pain when it comes in term to kill something ahah See you in the skies 🛩

[@involuntarycommander8804]

Thanks! Yes they certainly have a will of their own... Oh yes, watch your six 😉

[@fuzz1bear111]

My only complaint about air sim battles is absolutely getting destroyed by players who play with an Xbox controller. I have a horse and everything. I love the objective gameplay, “establish air supremacy over c5” or “intercept bombers last seen D1” love that stuff, and I love the immersion too. It’s just annoying getting demolished by players with a controller icon by their name. Tell if it’s a skill issue or if that’s a real problem 😂

[@involuntarycommander8804]

I think you have just come across some slilled console players! I don't think they have an advantage over people that use a hotas or m&k. Do you have a head tracker of some kind to help you look around?

[@fuzz1bear111]

@@involuntarycommander8804 I don’t, I don’t really understand how those work. I’ve noticed some of the hardcore players use those. They worth it?

[@involuntarycommander8804]

@fuzz1bear111 a head tracker fills the same function as VR, enabling you to look around only using head movements. Head trackers work by recognising how you move your head and then exaggerating that movement. For example, in order to look behind you, your head only has to move about 30 degrees. You get used to it quickly. I hope that helped. I use a head tracker and I wouldn't play without it.

[@fuzz1bear111]

@@involuntarycommander8804 that sounds hella cool thanks! Any recommendations on what to get?

[@involuntarycommander8804]

I use a TrackIR5. I have no other experience. And it has worked for me for 5 years or more without fail.

[@Roadsideadventures]

I’ve only just started war thunder, have a Logitech x56 hotas but boy it’s a steep learning curve, I’m in the mk2 spit atm

[@involuntarycommander8804]

Nice! I used the same hotas in this video or rather the old variant, the x55. The spitfire is a bit harder to learn than most planes, but it is worth the effort since it is very powerful. I noticed I got better when I reduced the pitch sensitivity in settings.

[@Roadsideadventures]

@@involuntarycommander8804 I’ve turned my sensitivity up, I’ve lost some stability but I like to be aggressive and do sharpe angles so need as much movement as possible. Going from controller to joystick is interesting 🤣 just need some pedals as jaw messes me up most

[@involuntarycommander8804]

I see, that's good! As long as you can fly without entering flatspins too often! I just got pedals, it took me a few days to get used to them after twist on the joystick. I love the minute rudder movements you can make.

[@SuperCrumpets]

i highly recommend lowering pitch multiplier to around 70%

[@involuntarycommander8804]

I agree! I use 0.8 multiplier

[@Thatone_germantanker1942]

I play on xbox and in SB the spitfire pulls SO FLIPPING HARD

[@involuntarycommander8804]

Yes 😆 Try the clipped wing one in BR 5.0 if you dare!

[@chippisc7120]

Lol. They added friendly player markers to this mode? Back when I played it, you had to guess by view :o

[@ayuwoki453]

Its kind of necessary now since you will have the same country on two different teams which means its near impossible to identify friends or foes based on the plane they're flying.

[@chippisc7120]

@@ayuwoki453 wow really?🥲 Kind of happy I stopped playing a few years ago now

[@ayuwoki453]

@@chippisc7120 If you play with a plane on ground simulator it won't show allied planes tho but at least you won't have the same countries on two teams.

[@milonavarro]

This looks like so much more fun I’m going to get a hotas soon to give this a try. Mouse and keyboard is really hard lol

[@involuntarycommander8804]

It is super fun! I should tell you that I also use a head tracker. TrackIR is the one I am using. If you are interested. It does help alot. See you in the skies!

[@eagler8196]

Aces high for the best multiplayer ww2 online sim going...air, sea and land

[@csongorkovacs4696]

Is the la-200 a good jet to play in simulator?

[@nicolasnicolas3889]

I think I was in a game with you yesterday? Or this week anyway? I just serviced my laptop and decided to play SIM after a few years, I need a head tracker of some sort though it must help loads....also I should fly Russian planes! xD

[@involuntarycommander8804]

I only flew in ground battles yesterday. Trying to score some ground kills in the Do 335 😀 Yeah a head tracker is useful and brings alot of immersion to the game mode!

[@olivermurray8713]

I really struggle with the spitfire in sim with its pitch up. Even when setting the trim, i find the engine starves waaaay more. How do you tend to counter this? Just found your channel & love it, btw

[@involuntarycommander8804]

Try lowering the pitch sensitivity. Thanks, man. I'm glad you enjoy it!

[@nixwtstream8703]

I really like your video editing software, what do you use if I may ask?

[@PvtPartzz]

Any tips for learning to sim better with WWII aircraft? I find it very difficult to get guns on target for any amount of time. My gunsight will just bounce all over the place. I use a pretty decent joystick and do very well with jets but props are a very different. Do you do anything specific with your axis control settings or sensitivity to help overcome the ‘bouncy’ nature of the aircraft controls in props? If so, do you revert those changes when flying jets?

[@involuntarycommander8804]

I use a linear axis for the pitch control. It is better for my muscle memory. Also, tune down the pitch axis sensitivity. You will lose some turn rate and the ability to recover from a dive if you turn the sense down too much. But it could be worth it if you feel that your aim is to jumpy. I don't really play jets.

[@involuntarycommander8804]

Another thing is to get used to an aircraft and get some muscle memory how it handles. Also use test flight to trim the aircraft to a stable level flight for a speed that you think you will most of your shooting

[@brandonchambers5300]

I love sim especially in props way more rewarding, and i love to hunt you cant really hunt in rb or ab

[@involuntarycommander8804]

Hey that's an excellent point. You are actually able to hunt people using the sun, clouds or the ground as cover. Some planes almost require the element of surprise to be viable.

[@brandonchambers5300]

@involuntarycommander8804 yeah I'm on ps5 so this is the only sim I can play but for a free to play it's good, and I'm at the point where I can tell what kinda fight it's gonna be just by the merge, love a good dog fight, win or loose

[@involuntarycommander8804]

@brandonchambers5300 a good dogfight is definitely something special!

[@brandonchambers5300]

@@involuntarycommander8804 my favorite prop has to be the f4u4b chefs kiss what's yours

[@involuntarycommander8804]

The F4U-4B is really good. Awesome guns and a really fast plane with decent turnrate. I fly most planes. So it's hard to pick a favourite. Spitfire mk.IV, La-7, Fw109-A4, Bf109K, P-51D-30 are all very enjoyable and competitive. I also like the F4U4B :)

[@Soubugadomesmo]

Como você faz para movimentar a visão como no vídeo? Estou jogando com o logitech extreme 3d pro e tenho muita dificuldade de acompanhar o inimigo porque não tenho una forma eficiente de movimentar a cabeça do piloto. Você joga muito bem :)

[@involuntarycommander8804]

Eu uso o TrackIR para olhar ao redor. E obrigado.

[@Soubugadomesmo]

@@involuntarycommander8804 Obrigado a você por me responder.

[@Sako47PL]

Yyyyy.... eeeee..... with is.... yyyyy..... eeeeee....

[@villagerscout1023]

I will admit Warthunder Sim is pretty fun but only thing that's been bugging me is the lack of realism and, yes I am aware Warthunder has recently added more realistic hit physics when firing at aircraft as like in IL-2, but I still feel like it lacks a bit of realism and still has a bit of an arcade feel to it, if you want a more realistic feel I'd recommend Il-2 it also feels more of a challenge when it comes to managing ww2 aircraft and navigation, only downside of IL-2 is how hardware demanding it is just to enjoy the experience but not as bad as Microsoft flight sim, while IL-2 ( new series) doesn't have a lot of aircraft as Warthunder it can still be enjoyable to many.

[@involuntarycommander8804]

Yeah the realism is perhaps not equal to IL-2 and it is probably beyond repair with all the premium aircraft. But there is a decent number of players in warthunder SB with an OK matchmaking system with objectives while flying in the game. I also have hope for the longevity of the game due to the fact that there is a steady influx of new player from RB who is willing to dip their toes into a slightly more realistic flight experience. Which probably spills over to IL-2 and DCS. And I also think it is really good that IL-2 and DCS exists for the sake of competition in the flight sim genre.

[@RogueBeatsARG]

Whats that red circle that pop up when looking at the YAK?

[@involuntarycommander8804]

I put it there to guide your eyes to the YAK :)

[@Tayplayzz]

Is simulator battle in 3rd person even simulator?

[@ccclll987]

Very nice video!

[@MISTERX_5890]

question. do you know how work planes on xbox one simulator?

[@CursetheVandal]

I want to play sim but its such a pain on console to set up controls

[@involuntarycommander8804]

I dont have any experience with WT on console. I guess jets and stuffares difficult to set up. But ww2 planes should require only a few basic things. Flying, guns, a way to look around and maybe trim. There is probably some video guides for it! :) good luck

[@CursetheVandal]

@involuntarycommander8804 yea jets might be a pain but if i take a few mins and fuck with the controls i could set it up my friend already plays sim battles on console. But man i hate having to set up an entire controller scheme with their confusing menus lol

[@involuntarycommander8804]

Haha I agree. But, I like to to think that all those settings actually gives you a choice if you have preferences. Anyway, I'm glad your friend can help you out. See you in the skies my man.

[@swerzie3]

Yoo NİCE vid dude i have question after apex predators announcement im gettin low research points in sim battles do you know what happened research points in this mod ?

[@involuntarycommander8804]

I have also noticed this, my guess is that they just lowered the income of RP to extend the grind maybe making some people buy from their store to speed the grind up. And thanks!

[@swerzie3]

@@involuntarycommander8804 dude that's just makes killin comunity and game. thats how some good free to play games died u know that too and thanks.

[@involuntarycommander8804]

I still have hope that the snail will make some adjustments to this nerf :)

[@TheBookofLab]

Lmao I never knew I was a huge Chad for play sim battles with a controller on default binds but from the looks of this comment section im forced to believe i'm the only one who can do so 😅😅 at most an m&k is helpful but like why do yall need a whole cockpit setup in ur living room to play a dang sim battle? I wont say its easy but its deffo not hard even on controller lol

[@nomcarver4436]

I got into sim. Just a filthy casual in the mig 21 sps k

[@involuntarycommander8804]

That's nice! I might buy a jet myself soon. The grind is pretty crazy.

[@SzaryVilko]

Hi, i have a problem wtth ir tracking, becouse it is not working now :< worked like 4 times and now is done. I reistaled windows for new system and it is still the same :

[@dmgaming1199]

How do you free look like that I use to use a mouse I would greatly appreciate it if you could help me out

[@involuntarycommander8804]

I use a head tracker and mine is called TrackIR. I couldn't fly without it.

[@potatofuryy]

You free-look by holding down “c”

[@arieflipong405]

can it lock a target like 2:18 on air sim battle ?

[@involuntarycommander8804]

I added the markers in editing to help you spot the targets :)

[@kubusgamer]

Can you show me your war thunder sensitivity ?

[@involuntarycommander8804]

The most important settings are the pitch sensitivity and pitch axis setting if you want a smoother aim. I wouldn't say there is one specific pitch sensitivity setting that works for every aircraft, which is why I have been hesitant of posting it. But, I have been using the lowest sensitivity on pitch sensitivity settings, and the default pitch axis settings. I am using a HOTAS btw. I hope this helps. I recommend messing around in test flight to see which setting fits the aircraft you intend to pilot!

[@iamkkalebb9310]

How does your teamates names pop up like that my time in sim im basically reading plane profiles and then deciding if it’s enemy or not im usually 90% correct but the other 10% are tk

[@involuntarycommander8804]

In EC team member names pop up when you get within a certain range of them. I don't know if this range is extended or the same when flying jets. I also try to recognise the aircraft profile before getting into range and I am always trying to be 100% sure that it's an enemy that I am engaging.

[@iamkkalebb9310]

@@involuntarycommander8804 in jets its 0.40mi away til team names pop up

[@Arma_War_Diaries]

Anyone have any experience flying sim on console?

[@involuntarycommander8804]

I don't have any experience of flying sim on console, but I know that there are lots of people that are doing it and that many of them are really good. I highly recommend trying out sim if you haven't already:)

[@badermediaentertainmentcic]

Yeah, it’s great and the closest you’ll get to a simulation on a console.

[@stealthfox374]

Yes I had trouble making controls at first but when you figure it out it is amazing

[@frandescontrolado]

don´t you get bothered by the mouse players? for me it was a no go...

[@involuntarycommander8804]

For me, I would not want to use a mouse & keyboard after purchasing a Joystick. But I think it is good that there are decent m&k controls so that people can try out sim before they invest in a Joystick. I think this is a huge contributor to how many ppl end up testing sim out in the first place. And more ppl in sim is good :)

[@high-rise8505]

Are you playing on PC or ps4?

[@involuntarycommander8804]

I'm playing on a PC.

[@-m4nGo-]

Man hör att du är svensk :)

[@mrpuck68]

Sweed?

[@involuntarycommander8804]

Maybe ;)

[@peterharrell7305]

RB sucks ass. I'm primarily a sim player but will do some casual arcade when I just wanna club some seals for fun.

[@involuntarycommander8804]

XD Sim is the way!

[@therocinante3443]

Calling warthunder a sim is like calling Jeremy Dewitte a real cop

[@pinkpirat.]

not sim at all

[@involuntarycommander8804]

What are the prerequisites of a sim in your opinion?

[@TabiTheCat]

speak more, stop pausing it makes it hard to follow what yer sayin

[@Mangnus69]

А я тебя встречал как-то, не помню - за или против.