leagues above MSFS. You’ll actually get jet wash flying behind another jet. Autorotate and VRS is decently simulated for the available helicopters. armaments are simulated so that GBU is a physical object with it’s own physics properties or that Sidewinder might lose tracking if the target gets too close to the ground due to ground clutter. And of course if you load that A10 full of cluster bombs, you’re gonna have a hard time taking off with anything more than a half a tank of gas and it’ll probably still struggle to stay aloft. Keep in mind Eagle Dynamics have decades of experience over Asobo so its understandable DCS will have a better flight model.
Some other maybe useful information:
- Graphics are pretty good and have gotten better.
- Weather is…not great but acceptable.
- AI leaves something to be desired but otherwise serviceable. I doubt you’d use it often
- There is freeware available with some really detailed models (with functioning systems). It is hit and miss otherwise
- Atmospheric conditions affect flight characteristics. For example: Flying a Huey high up in the Caucuses requires more power as the air is thinner
- DCS is free to play and comes with two planes: An SU25T (simplified cockpit but same flight model as other planes) and a Trainer P51 (no guns P51 but full fidelity) Flaming Cliffs 3 is 6 planes for $50 but mostly Russian jets (A10A and F15C included with FC3) and only has the high fidelity flight model, cockpits are simplified. If you’re a new player you get to try any module for free for two weeks.
- Purchase anything via the Eagle Dynamics Website, sales tend to be a little more frequent and you can get rewards points to redeem on products. You can redeem Steam purchases to the ED website, but not vice versa
- Above all, if you decide to take the plunge into DCS, have patience. It’s got one of the steepest learning curves regardless of what plane you decide to purchase. The benefit is you can certainly get more than your money’s worth learning just one plane.
- Finally, if you don’t like jumpscares, then keep in mind DCS is a horror game
Please note that MSFS is best for non-military flying but dogfighting and military ops is better on DCS or IL2