Bos vs Bom vs Bok for a beginner?

[FockeSterben]

So i have played stalingrad a long time ago and only for an hour. ( refunded cause PC couldnt handle it. ) Now i have a new pc and my question is what game to buy. I am totally noob. Played 600h war thunder but only now started using Joystick. And i have no Track IR. So it is realy hard to keep up looking and flying without a problem.

[Libel]

BoK is in development, so I wouldn't worry about going for that.

As of BoM or BoS... choice is yours, really. Base it on the aircraft you want to fly, as when starting out in sim it's best to try and learn one or two aircraft than to stick your finger in every pie, so to speak. Choose whichever has the aircraft that most interest you, and go from there.

As of TrackIR, it's not essential, but it really, really helps. Check out Delanclip for an alternative, but again, don't sweat it immediately until you decide you do want to invest in the game. To begin with, learn to fly using the keyboard to handle camera controls. Bismarck had a good look at doing so for a video (focuses on WT's SB mode, but it works here all the same):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLW_1g4Kz5M Once you've got a crate learned well enough you can put her down on the airfield 90% of the time, and can pull her out of a stall or a spin, then you're in control of her enough to worry about combat, and there's where TrackIR shines. Until you get to that point (especially if you're looking at multiplayer), don't worry about it.

[Finkeren]

My advice:

 

1. Stick to one plane at a time, really learn it in depth, so that you know its flight envelope, optimal performance and complex engine management by heart. Yak-1 is the perfect starter plane, because it's both capable, forgiving and easy to handle while still having all the controls you need to master (unlike its German counterparts)

 

2. Force yourself to go easy on the stick, no matter how stressed out you get, always only ever make deliberate movements, even if they are slower than you want them to be.

 

3. Make survival your only priority, all the time no exceptions. We all have that urge to go out and score kills, making us do stupid mistakes and lose our virtual lives. Treat every mission, where you survive as a major victory and every mission where you are killed as a horrible faillure, even if you scored 5 kills.

 

4. Remember to have fun.

[Gambit21]

I couldn't agree more - stick with one plane for a while and become proficient at flying it - learn it backwards and forwards.

Then expand. My choice is the Yak-1.

 

I flew offline and online in the old IL2 sim the entire time without Track IR and did fine - 13-1 kill ratio online, so it can be done.

You just have to be good with the hat switch.  

 

That said, I have Track IR now and wouldn't go back...doesn't need to be your first priority though right now.

Put it on your list.

 

If you can swing it get BoS and BoM - do it.

BoK will be epic, but you have time.

[ShamrockOneFive]

So i have played stalingrad a long time ago and only for an hour. ( refunded cause PC couldnt handle it. ) Now i have a new pc and my question is what game to buy. I am totally noob. Played 600h war thunder but only now started using Joystick. And i have no Track IR. So it is realy hard to keep up looking and flying without a problem.

 

Welcome! War Thunder is lots of fun (I play it regularly) but it lacks a certain depth that you'll find here.

 

BoK is in early development so there isn't any content to play just yet. I'd make your decision between Battle of Stalingrad and Battle of Moscow. That may come down to what aircraft you want to tackle first. Right now the pricing is the same although BoS was recently on sale.

 

If you're thinking about buying BoK later... perhaps BoS and BoK together is the best option and then add Moscow at a later date if you're really into it. I say that because there is more crossover between the aircraft of Stalingrad (late summer 42 through part of winter 43) and Kuban (spring/summer of 43). That said... there are types in the Moscow expansion that are absolutely worth it too!

 

I would echo the other guys thoughts on learning a single plane at at time. Really get to know whatever it is that you want to fly. Then expand outwards from there.

[SYN_Mike77]

My advice would be to buy BoS first.  The majority of online play is from BoS. You will find yourself relegated to offline only a lot if you buy BoM only.  All engine updates that come with BoM (the newer game) are also provided to BoS.  If money is a consideration but you want both BoS and BoM I would suggest getting the basic game of both and forego the collector planes.  They can be picked up one at a time as funds become available.

[=362nd_FS=Hiromachi]

I'm on the opposite side - BoM is far more appealing with aircraft variety, Moscow map and planeset should not be an issue in any multiplayer scenario. I favor Emil and cant recall any time I couldnt pick it, Ju-88 is probably more popular than He-111 and MiG-3 is just amazing interceptor. And you get really unique P-40 and Mc 202 as well !

[J2_Trupobaw]

BoS is more "basic" and "vanilla", both in terms of aircraft power and their usage. You get good set of iconic fighters in one version or another, straightforward  bomber per side, Il-2 and Stuka - good crossection of the eastern front. BoM is more specialised and flavoured - you get either older and weaker versions of planes from BoS, planes that were obsolete by final stages of BoS timeframe, or planes more unique exotic and specialised than straightforward BoS types.

[216th_Jordan]

 You will find yourself relegated to offline only a lot if you buy BoM only. 

 

Why? You will often find Mig-3s, I-16s  and E-7 or F-2s etc. on online servers. Also all maps are available to everyone in multiplayer.

[SYN_Mike77]

Ah!  I had forgotten that all maps are available online.  So now it depends on what you want to do and which side you generally fly for.  Overall, Pick one, you can't go wrong.

 

Ps: I love the 1941 IL2 that is only in BoM!

[hames123]

Be a Stuka pilot, just remember to Lower the RPM and open radiators.

[Cryptonomica]

As a relatively inexperienced sim pilot who owns BoS and BoM, I've found the Bf-110, Ju-87 and Il-2 the easiest aircraft to learn to fly (and land).

[Jade_Monkey]

Interestingly those three have some of the most sensitive engines in my experience. They all crap out fast if you go over the time limit.

 

Id say the larger the plane, the easier to land in this game. It may be different after the next patch though.

[6./ZG26_Klaus_Mann]

Sometimes it helps to PM people in Squads. They often have the Voice-Comm and enough Experience and Interest in Teamplay to get you going. 

Edited September 26, 2016 by 6./ZG26_Klaus__Mann

[SvAF/F19_Klunk]

..there are alternatives to TIR that suits the wallet better

[Finkeren]

Interestingly those three have some of the most sensitive engines in my experience. They all crap out fast if you go over the time limit.

 

Id say the larger the plane, the easier to land in this game. It may be different after the next patch though.

Agree about the two of them, but I don't think I've ever killed an undamaged engine in the IL-2

[Dutchvdm]

I'm on the opposite side - BoM is far more appealing with aircraft variety, Moscow map and planeset should not be an issue in any multiplayer scenario. I favor Emil and cant recall any time I couldnt pick it, Ju-88 is probably more popular than He-111 and MiG-3 is just amazing interceptor. And you get really unique P-40 and Mc 202 as well !

I agree. I find BOM the more interesting setting. Even considering the fact that you cant fly over the city the map is nicer imho.

 

The only drawback is the limited planeset which doesn't have a lot overlap with BOS or BOK.

 

Grt M

[Pupo]

No one seems to be mentioning this, but if you wait for a while you can get BOS 50% off. Just wait for 1C's next sale (maybe next week for halloween or a bit later for christmas)

 

If you want to play today, buy BOM and by the time next sale comes, you can get BOS too

[=CFC=Conky]

First off, welcome to this forum!

 

In my opinion, BoM has more interesting, but less capable aircraft on the Russian side. Now I have to point out that I haven't had a lot of success with the Mig-3 so I'm a bit biased towards BoS because of the Yak-1. Many players will disagree with me, but there you go. If your main interest is flying for the Axis, BoM has some great kites; I just love the 109E-7, Bf-110 and MC202.

 

Like an earlier poster said, if you can swing it, get BoM first, the BoS when it goes on sale.

 

Good hunting,

=CFC=Conky

[tmcd]

I agree with Finkeren: get BOS first and learn the Yak-1.

 

Stick to one plane at a time, really learn it in depth, so that you know its flight envelope, optimal performance and complex engine management by heart. Yak-1 is the perfect starter plane, because it's both capable, forgiving and easy to handle while still having all the controls you need to master (unlike its German counterparts)

 

New to IL-2, a VR (Oculus Rift) user, I first bought BOM, thinking it was "newer" and would support VR better. A month on, having bought BOS too, I now realize both BOM and BOS have the same engine, also, BOS seems to have MUCH more documentation.

 

Wanting to fly Russian aircraft, in BOM I was flying the IL-2. When I bought BOS and started flying the Yak-1 it was a lot more fun! 

Edited May 18, 2017 by tmcd

[Beazil]

If you wanted to go in historical order you'd start with BOM. BOS was released first but the fight for Moscow was first in a historical sense. Then you could go through them as rapidly or as methodically as you please. That would still give you BOK to look forward to.

Lol, or just look at the planesets and choose the one you like best. You can't go wrong, really. This flight sim stuff can be addictive. Eventually you will likely own them all. There really is a lot to like.

[pShootr]

just look at the planesets and choose the one you like best. 

 

Where can I look to compare what planes come with bom / bos?

[BlackSix]

Where can I look to compare what planes come with bom / bos?

https://il2sturmovik.com/about/

[Ribbon]

It all depends on planeset you prefer, my choice would be 1.BoS, 2.BoK, 3.BoM.

As vuys said stick to one plane and learn it well (yak1 or bf109).

Good luck!

[Finkeren]

Well, obviously you start out with the MiG-3, which means you get BoM.

[sniperton]

I'm relatively new to BoX, and I'd say it's best to begin with BoS. BoM airctaft inventory is more versatile, but if you're a beginner, it's best to start with BoS.

Edited November 9, 2017 by sniperton

[von_Greiff]

@Fockesterben: ...doesn't matter! ....get a used trackIR or any other device....crap one of those machines, get used to it, know what it can and what not, remeber enemys shilouette and what he can or not....and get a real fighterjock!

Welcome, Kamerad!

 

yours

v.Greiff 

[Haza]

So i have played stalingrad a long time ago and only for an hour. ( refunded cause PC couldnt handle it. ) Now i have a new pc and my question is what game to buy. I am totally noob. Played 600h war thunder but only now started using Joystick. And i have no Track IR. So it is realy hard to keep up looking and flying without a problem.

 

FockerSterben,

 

If you buy either BOS or BOM, I will gift you a campaign either Blazing Steppe or Ten Days of Autumn to go with the respective BO? that you purchase (as per the link below).  In addition, I will gift you a collector aircraft of your choosing to welcome you back!!

 

https://il2sturmovik.com/store/campaigns/

 

 

However, I would appreciate proof that you have bought one of the games and by NLT 13 Nov to at least make the sale!!

 

Regards

 

PM me!

[Lensman]

BOM has the disadvantage of predominantly nasty weather with poor visibility (in Campaign mode). This is not ideal for a beginner. BOS is the better all rounder and has the fw 190 A3 which is my preferred ride.

 

This is possibly not suitable but VR is massively superior to Track-IR; I own both. If you can finance and run it then get a Rift!

[Guest deleted@30725]

There is no single beginner map. what you want to do is start with set of planes you like.

 

The starlingrad is a famouse battle for western audiences. it also has the three german planes most people know of with their he111 bomber, stukka dive bomber and the 109 fighter. the russians have their own level bomber, fighter planes and their famous il2.

 

The map is really good. it is a little featureless because of where its set, but flying down the volga chasing an enemy with starlingrad on fire and thematic explosions smashing into the city is still fun years later. ive never gotten bored of these starlingrad planes or the map.

 

As for maps the hilly map of kuban is a joy to fly, but overall, loading up the frozen map of starlingrad and firing up the lagg or yak1 fighters is still great. Sometimes i can almost feel the cold coming through my computer screen.

 

the snow of starlingrad will become tiresome after some months, but luckilly you can fly it in summer of autumn now. You'll become an expert navigator using the map to find that spec of airfield that looks like all the other specks of airfield and hunting for artillery can be an infuriating challenge without labels turned on.

 

whatever theater you buy into first the challenge will be hard at first and youll find yourself getting joy from a job well done and being part of a really good community of people whom many have a passion for aircraft and a good sense of humour.

 

Have fun out there.

[Wedgewood]

I vote BOM because of the i-16,  it's very easy to fly with from both a maneuvering and an engine management standpoint.  It's very easy to handle in the air and with the open cockpit you get a huge amount of situational awareness, and I feel situational awareness is one of the most important skills to have in this game.

[ShamrockOneFive]

In my guide I recommend folks look at Battle of Stalingrad a little more than Battle of Moscow only because of the greater multiplayer range of the BoS aircraft fitting into Moscow and Kuban multiplayer battles. If MP isn't your thing then it matters much less.

 

Wedgewood, you're absolutely right that the I-16 is a gem to fly. Its not high performing but it is a good way to really learn how to manage an aircraft in something that is relatively forgiving.

[BuzzU]

You all do know this thread is a year old? I'm sure the OP is long past his questions.

[sniperton]

Good point, but perhaps others can find it useful. And the veterans are obviously happy to say A or B.

[ShamrockOneFive]

You all do know this thread is a year old? I'm sure the OP is long past his questions.

 

A necrothread for sure but the person who did had a question which we've followed up with. Hopefully it helped that guy out too.

[216th_Jordan]

 

Wedgewood, you're absolutely right that the I-16 is a gem to fly. Its not high performing but it is a good way to really learn how to manage an aircraft in something that is relatively forgiving.

 

I-16 and forgiving in one sentence?! It flies reasonably well within its limits and is sure fun but...

...In no other plane have I spun out on final or screwed up landing or flipped upside down in a turn as in this plane.

Also the suspension is really going to kick your butt on landing I'd say if you learn to fly the I-16 you are also fit to fly the other planes..and it sure is fun

[ShamrockOneFive]

I-16 and forgiving in one sentence?! It flies reasonably well within its limits and is sure fun but...

...In no other plane have I spun out on final or screwed up landing or flipped upside down in a turn as in this plane.

Also the suspension is really going to kick your butt on landing I'd say if you learn to fly the I-16 you are also fit to fly the other planes..and it sure is fun

 

Interesting. I never really had any trouble flying the I-16... seemed fun and well behaved

[AndyJWest]

Interesting. I never really had any trouble flying the I-16... seemed fun and well behaved

 

I suspect that may be something to do with you being an experienced RoF pilot. The I-16 is definitely a seat-of-your-pants plane, and having no pitch trim makes landing tricky. As for what people with little flight sim experience should start with, personally I'd suggest the IL-2. 

[Max_Damage]

Best value for money is of course BOS

[216th_Jordan]

I suspect that may be something to do with you being an experienced RoF pilot. The I-16 is definitely a seat-of-your-pants plane, and having no pitch trim makes landing tricky. As for what people with little flight sim experience should start with, personally I'd suggest the IL-2.

Yep thats what I'd say too. The Il-2 is extremely forgiving. Pulled to hard? No problem, pancakes for a seconds and goes back to normal flight afterwards.

Don't get me wrong, I love the I-16, but its abrupts stalls, tricky landings and its instability with flaps down make it a more tricky bird for beginners. But as we are sitting in front of a computer I think a little challenge isn't too bad

Edited November 12, 2017 by 216th_Jordan