Great video! I have found the F-16c to be a really good module for beginners if you want a modern full fidelity jet. It's quite easy to use with much more focus on HOTAS commands and has less complicated systems/weapons compare to the F/A-18c. Of course you'll lack the extra versatility in weapons, capabilities and carrier ops, but that would be your own choice in the matter.
I love the F-16C. I think it will wind up being nearly as complex as the Hornet once everything is implemented. We will see though. It's very fun to fly though.
Indeed, when I was first getting into DCS I wanted a full fidelity module but was told by most that they are too difficult to learn, in the end I decided to get the F-16 anyways and after I got the basics down, it was great fun and very easy to learn because of the large amount of automation
That's why I'd recommend the A/F18 over the F16 though, there's admiteddly a bit m9re complexity to the hornet but not so much I'd put it in it's own category, and it's jack of all trades nature is definitely worth the extra effort considering the cost of changing your mind when it comes to dcs modules. Then again when I started the F16 was still missing a lot of stuff and back then I was very biased because of that, haven't played it much myself (only during free events) so I don't know how much the improvements have made it more or less beginner friendly
I am choosing F 18.. it's gonna be hard but I really like it. I noticed that there are no modern planes, the new ones are coming so if one wants a just out plane it's not possible. There are several filter one wants to , or I want to respect. I really like how the author of this video explains and shares a mature discussion with all...
One important point thats to be stressed which might reassure newbies is that even the complex modules can also be started up with a short cut and not have to use the full start up procedure.
One thing I will add... do not fall into the 'Merica fan boi cult. I am 'Merican and have been an avid student of military aviation. If you love the 14s, 16s, or 18s, then go for it. But don't discredit other, more foreign, aircraft. You may miss out on some rad birds. Really, you should ask yourself what mission you want to fly then get the aircraft to match.
@@shake307 Thank you! I'd add to what you added and say don't fall into any fan boi cult. So many people only love the machines their country builds, but this sim is an opportunity to enjoy a lot of great machines from all over. A person is doing themselves a huge disservice if they discount any of them. Thanks again!
I owe any appreciation whatsoever of soviet aviation (outside the Mig-25 lol) to the quality of the Mig-21 module and Ralfi and Jive Dilettante's inspirational videos on it.
great video. I've been in DCS for a few years now but don't get a lot of hours in the sim. I think the best answer is to pick a module(s) that you want to learn. Maybe you love the history of that era, or it's a plane you loved as a kid, or it's a plane that every time you see it you want to fly it. DCS takes hours and hours of training time, reading the manuals, watching training videos and putting in flight hours. You will only do that if there is something about the plane that holds your passion. My favorites which get the most flight hours are FC3, MiG15, F86, MiG21, and Viggen. The MiG15, and F86 really surprised me how much I fell in love with flying those planes, and I think it is because I always loved them growing up and would always get really excited to see them at airshows.
In my honest opinion, I watched the whole video before writing this, and I do agree with you because I've heard things like "buy the F-18 or the JF-17 first, it's the best multirole module" and I'm like DON'T do that... Yes, those are the best multirole aircraft in the game, but that does not mean they're the best or the easiest. In my opinion, any new DCS player should get FC3 for the simple reason being "lot ot cheap and simplified aircraft". Unless they're already into hardcore simming, and they want to get hands down the ultimate immersion. And just as a point, FC3 Planes are not Simple Flight Models. They're actually Professional FMs with Simple System Models. They're the cheapest, the easiest to mod, easiest to learn, and great for learning the basics of DCS. Having to learn a full fidelity model before knowing how to BVR, Dogfight, or knowing what is a SAM or Manpad is for example just makes the learning curve much steeper in my opinion. For that reason I encourage people to get FC3 so they learn how to play. But if you want go start with an F-18 or A-10C, go ahead! Just know you're taking a huge learning curve up ahead and I hope you don't give up on it. Great video mate!
For a new player I’d reccomend flaming cliffs, or one of the individual modules from flaming cliffs to learn the basics of military aircraft, that’s what I did before I bought my f14 and now I recently got the Jeff
That definitely seems like a logical progression, but in my case I started with the P-51 and A-10C then went to Flaming Cliffs since they had no high fidelity fast jets at the time. Now I hardly fly FC3 unless I'm just goofing around. Since they don't have clickable cockpits the knowledge doesn't really transfer over, although you can learn a lot of principals that do transfer so it's not wasted effort at all. I guess if new players want to start with something a bit simpler they can get into the action, as it were, a bit quicker with FC3. Or they can just hit a steeper learning curve that takes longer to get used to but in the end offers more fulfilment if they get a high fidelity module from the start. But yes, what you say is definitely a valid point and a good option.
I agree. I bought a range of modules and it was overwhelming until I went back to FC3 and learned ‘the DCS way’ first, via simpler planes. DCS has an awful interface (talking about the admin stuff, the planes as they simulate the real world for the most part and there’s no changing that!:D). Also, I learned the basic controls that are likely to be in all planes (well, three sets of basic controls actually - warbirds, choppers and jets), then I made very similar keybinds for each FC3 plane and then used what I learned as a basis for more complex modules. E.g., flaps, speed brake, comms, uncage, trim as standard assignments (amongst others) and expand from there.
@Gamer From Space. How do you like the tomcat? If you dont mind ,...what made you choose that jet? I'm probably still about 3 months away from getting my first full fidelity jet and I'd like to gather views from as many vets as I can I have flaming cliffs 3 and about 24 hrs in the f15c. I think I made my biggest jump from hr 20 to 24. I'm totally new to this, and this jet is the first I've have ever tried. If u get a moment I'd like your view point. Thanks And any one that wants to chime about their opinions I'm all ears🙂
@@jimkluska253 well now I got most full fidelity jets and flown almost all except the training jets and the mig 19 mig15 and f86. F14 isn't the easiest plane to fly, the phoenix missiles struggle to hit targets as their easily dodged. However flying the f14 feels like you have power, it's a really enjoyable plane to fly. I got the f14 first because most people are getting f16 and f18 as their first full fidelity planes and I don't want to fly the same plane everyone else does. So in a way f14 is more limited, no air to ground missiles, hard to use for bvr, but once you master it it can be competitive. But the topgun vibes you get are unparalleled. You know you can test fly all planes for 2 weeks right, I suggest you do that
@@GamerFromSpace hey, thank you for the reply. I think it's cool that you didnt follow the masses. I didnt know anything about the free trial. But I'm definitely going to check it out so thanks for that!
Yeah the free trials are a great way to figure out what you like. It always takes me 2 weeks to learn the basics so then I have to wait the 6 months to try it again, but it is still a really good way to evaluate.
FC3 hands down... Why, 99.9% of the free mod's are based on it. I use the Stream Deck to remember the short cuts for me. You get 6 airframes that cover all aspects of the game.
I would respectfully, but only partially disagree. FC3 isn't a bad deal...but the best current mods don't require FC3 anymore and I found full fidelity modules to be much better and even easier in the long run. Having said that, I still enjoy going back to FC3 sometimes so if you don't WANT to learn the in depth processes FC3 is a pretty stellar purchase.
If I had this game I will always choose the Grumman F-14 Tomcat model because I love the aircraft and I always will and I don't like the Hornet or the F-16.
My first module the Tomcat. Absolutely love it. I am still learning it really although I've probably spent about 200 hrs in it, but it's an absolute joy. So much so that I've decided to build a full replica cockpit.
Thanks a lot for the video. Having played Falcon 2.0 and EF2000 back in the 90's and IL2 in the 2000's I've wanted to get back into simming. And I was on the fence, until I've seen this video. As soon as I'm back from vacation I'll get the Viper, always been the most beautiful fighter. Salute!
I am happy to help for sure. I wasn't sure if this would be helpful but I just see too many people pushing others to buy specific aircraft. I think you'll enjoy the Viper. It is great fun to fly. Thanks and happy flying!
I would suggest for new people to use the "immortal" settings. Seriously, the first few days I flew, I knew nothing but ground impacts. I'd try to turn, get into a wide spin and *boom*. After those days, I watched some RU-vid videos where actual pilots train Cessna potentials on how to avoid stalls, spins, etc but also how to get out of them. It had an immediate effect on my survival rates, and I no longer need immortality.
Thank you this was really helpful, very torn between the f16 and 18 but didn’t want to buy both cuz I knew I would bounce between the two and never get goof at either one
With my Experience with the MiG-29, and the Su-27 (now I use the Su-33 as I had such bad times with the 27, and everytime, at low speeds, when I pushed my nose down, I'd go in an "Upside-down" flat-spin.), The MiG-29 has a worse radar than the Su-33, and has a worse fuel tank. However, with the weapons, (if you use the MiG-29S, or G) it is pretty much the same. The Su-33 has a better radar, better range, and *probably* has better maneuverability, weapons are the same, but it can be on a carrier. So, If you REALLY like the Su-33, sure, go ahead! However, If you want the MiG-29? sure, go ahead. Just beware of fuel. How about the A-10A, or A-10 CII? In my experience,- actually I've never bought the A-10CII. However, IN my experience with the A-10A, It is like the A-10CII, just less harder, and a "little" bit older systems, but It still has that classic gun sound. If you want the Bf-109? Beware of a few things. 1. It can't turn fight very well 2. beware of your speed when turning too much 3. If things get dire, gain a lot of airspeed, and go into the vertical, where if you are not fighting another Bf-109, you may leave them in the dust, and then destroy them when you go back down. 4. Gears are apparently called "Undercarriage" ??? But If you are looking for a high energy fighter, and also just like the German air stuff, sure! Buy this one. (Also, I still haven't figured out how to fire a missile in the M-2000)... That is MY experience with these planes. However, don't take my advice fully, buy what you WANNA learn, or think what is for you.
Thanks for your honestly and In depth eye level explanation. I wanna get into DCS for 3 years now but it was simply too complicated for me. I think a standart model is the way to go for me.
I have tried to buy an F-5 about 10 times and neither of my cards will work. The website says will not accept prepaid Visa cards or mastercard credit cards. Just how are you supposed to buy one?
You might hit them up via support. I've not tried a prepaid card on that site but I think a lot of sites don't accept them due to limitations with how they work. I've paid with a credit card and a debit card and I know a lot of folks pay with Paypal. Or so I've been told. If you can pay off your Paypal with a prepaid Visa you might see about going that route.
I started watching this video a week ago. Bought the Hornet. Now I’m itching to buy more modules. Viper, Warthog, maps, so many choices. Do you think Starbucks will let me setup my rig after I go bankrupt and my wife divorces me? :)
Ha ha ha, it is addictive. I suffer from a bit of "fear of missing out" syndrome with DCS. I want all the modules just so I don't miss out on anything.
@@311Gryphon I still have only flown the Hornet. I’m having a hard time wanting to start from zero and remap controls on a new module though. I AM very excited to just have those modules in my back pocket for a rainy day.
IMO, if you dont have FC3, get FC3. Its so much value for the money. You learn all the principles of radars, different missiles/bombs and whatnot. Even tho the cockpits are not clickable, it still functions pretty much the same. That way you have time to learn the more general stuff, instead of spending 30 hours to start up your plane.
I partially disagree, but it also depends on what a person wants. I like FC3 and enjoyed it, but I found that it allowed me to develop bad habits when I moved on to high fidelity jets. You can learn some of the system though, so you're not wrong. I learned a lot about the basic concepts of RADAR and RWR, but it's still pretty simplified in FC3. Had the Hornet and Viper been available when I bought FC3 I'd have skipped it and gone high fidelity. However, I do think FC3 is a good value and it can certainly be worth getting.
Most modules will eventually have single missions once they are considered complete but it seems that some of them take a while to get the missions, or they'll have limited numbers of missions that are more like training missions. Once a module comes out of early access, to my knowledge, it should have a hand full of missions though.
Also U can buy extra campaigns If U want to Play solo, thats another Factor... What Module has the best campaigns and as far as i know, the A10 and F18 have great campaigns
You can set yourself some simple missions up in the mission editor. Once you play around with it, it's not too daunting to set up say a fight between your chosen module and 2/3/4 enemy aircraft.
Thanks for this - I will only add that RedKod's Button-mod for the Flaming Cliffs 3 aircraft absolutely transforms them, allowing for a cockpit which is as clickable as possible, making my own experience of them amazingly new again. Would love to have your opinion in this regard.
I have to be careful with how I word my thoughts on the button mod. From the standpoint of the mod itself, the work it took to make it, and the potential for mods in the future I love it. From the added gameplay I wasn't impressed. The systems on FC3 aircraft aren't modelled enough to make it worthwhile for me. There wasn't enough that was clickable, which isn't the fault of the mod, and the things that were clickable are things I don't really need to interact with very often. So it's a great mod, and I do think a lot of people find value in it which is outstanding. It just wasn't for me.
Great video/perspective on the subject of DCS aircraft modules! Honestly, I am pretty bad at learning and remembering how different weapons systems work, but my personal favorite module to fly is the f-16. There are many modules I have not tried, but there's a certain ease about flying the f-16 that I haven't experienced with any of the other modules that I have (also, that afterburner can save you from some pretty stupid maneuvers). I personally just like the looks of the f-16 irl, so that may also be one reason why it's my favorite. One question though; shouldn't the f-14 on your chart be labeled as a variable-sweep jet instead of fixed jet?
Technically yes, you are right about the F-14. It's not a "fixed wing" in the sense that the other are. I was more trying to distinguish between rotary and non-rotary. But you're right. And I love the F-16 as well. I have not flown the M2000 but of all the full fidelity modules I think the F-16 is the most fun in terms of shear power and performance. However, I've been enjoying the Hornet a lot with it's low speed handling. Thanks!
I'm returning now that I have vr coming. I own 8 aircraft modules and it's excruciating to choose one. And there's no end to the worry I haven't purchased the ideal one. I'd be thrilled with any one of them if it weren't for the choice.
It is kind of stressful picking modules. The Eurofighter is nearing completion. That's going to be a slick module. I'm not sure if I'll get it yet or not. Part of me really wants to but I'm struggling to learn the modules I currently have.
My first module was the i-16, the oldest plane in DCS in terms of when it was built. I went with it because in my head I thought that such a old plane would be way simpler to learn than a new plane with computer screens in it. I was way wrong lol. I find the f-18 to be much easier to start up, take off, land. I don't regret my decision though cause learning such a no-nonsense kind of old plane gives you a lot of respect for what we had vs what we have in the history of aviation.
Thank you! That's my personal livery. I patterned it off of a Polish Raven skin I downloaded from the user files but just made my own layer then added my decals.
I am completely new to dcs and dont really know much about the game. If i get the Jf, even if there is no campaign, is there still stuff that i can do?
Most of the modules don't have built in campaigns these days, which is unfortunate. But luckily, you can find some missions and campaigns in the user files section of the digitalcombatsimulator website. Also, with a little bit of work you can build your own missions in the mission editor. And of course you can always join a server that has the JF-17 as one of the client aircraft and fly various missions online.
For someone that just started dcs, I would recommend the F-14 I find it easy to learn and practice, plus you have an AI in the back doing everything for you
I'm learning the MIG 21 right now. It's a simple plane, but its a pain in the ass. I love it and hate it. I've never had such a hard time landing any plane. I'm gonna go fly it now..
Get the one you think is the coolest. You’ll be more likely to enjoy learning it. Don’t let people convince you “x module is better than x”. Each module excels at a role. Some modules excel at multiple roles. Want the tomcat? Get it. Want the Hornet? Get it. Want the viggen? Get it.
Good stuff. I once saw someone say the easiest module to learn, is the module you want to learn and I concur! My first choice was the F-14 because I absolutely love it. I've probably got around 200hrs in it so far and I'm still learning. More recently I bought the Spitfire and I do enjoy flying her although I'm still not great at dogfighting! Currently learning the Huey (in prep for the Apache) and I'd say I've spent about 30-40hrs learning that. My take offs have improved massively, I know the start sequence off by heart, but I can't land it for toffee! It's flaming crater rather than flaming cliffs!
The Huey is so hard to land. I need to get back into it. I still can't land it precisely where I want to, but I can usually get it down on the dirt now. Keep it up! Thanks!
Wenn i started I first bought a SU33 and a F15C. I would recommend both to beginners. Then I wanted a Plane with clickable cockpit, so I bought the Albatross because I thought that a Trainer would be nice to start with. I didnt really play it a lot although ist was really easy to learn. My newest Plane is the Harrier. Its a lot harder than the Albatross but it has a lot more capabilities. The Harrier is a A/G Aircraft but I Love to Play it as a Air Supperiority Fighter. My next Module will be the Viggen. Buy what u want and play it as u want.
Hey, just came across ur channel. I'm a newbie, have a T.M.16000 and f.c.3. Have about 24 hrs in f15. Slowly getting clearer. Liked and agree with the advice you gave. Looking forward to watching more of ur vids
Welcome to DCS and to my channel. If you need any help with the F-15 let me know. It sounds like you have plenty of time in it already but just in case. It took me a bit to figure the RADAR out. Flankertraining helped a lot. They have some in depth videos here on RU-vid. I have one video on the F-15 RADAR that is more of a "quick fix" in case you need it, but I suspect you're already well beyond that.
@@jimkluska253 I'm not sure there would be that much more capability in a high fidelity module, but it would be more challenging in some ways. Mostly in managing the RADAR and in turning fights. The F-16C and F-18C modules both require more footwork to lock targets and maintain lock, and they require a bit more focus to ensure they don't bleed too much energy. The F-15C isn't exactly EASY but it also isn't as difficult to keep up with as high fidelity stuff. But I doubt there'd be much more capability in a high fidelity module. Also, I've always wanted to spend some time in the free Frogfoot but just never have. That seems like it would be fun.
@@mrsirkosky7618 Ha ha ha. I'm glad I'm not the only one that forgets what I've watched. One of these days I may accidentally start an argument with myself in comments.
Personally, I'd recommend going full fidelity and skipping FC3. There are pros and cons to either way and I'd be happy to go into more detail about those if it would be helpful. The short of it is that I think the initial learning curve is steeper and longer in full fidelity but the reward is higher and the skills are more transferable. You'll learn faster in the long run, especially if you have an affinity for one of the advanced modules.
@@311Gryphon This is an update on my progress. I went with the Viper, and I have mastered the viper, tomcat, and apache. Thanks a lot for telling me to skip FC3
@@coletonmoore1674 WOW! That's impressive! I can't seem to make the time to actually master any aircraft. I feel proficient with the Warthog and good enough to be dangerous in the Viper and Apache. Then I'm just okay at the Hornet. I'm terrible in everything else! Great work and I'm very happy that you're having fun and making great progress!
I have actually never flown it. If I could make a guess, I'd say it would be relatively easy in some ways. Most of the jets of that era are pretty easy to fly as long as you don't attempt to pull too many Gs or maneuver too hard. They can maneuver but you can stall out or rip the wings off fairly easy with the lack of Fly By Wire controls.
