Online Combat ?

[taffy2jeffmorgan]

Hi All

 

I have been flying combat flight sims for many years, IL-2 Forgotten battles/Battle of Britain/Battle of Stalingrad/Moscow. But I have to be honest and say that I have never pushed the multiplayer button, so i think its about time that I open up this wonderful BoS experience and give it a go !

 

I fly for the fun of it, I'm not an engine manager and I fly with simple physics switched on, so i am no expert. So are there servers that cater for the less committed and experienced'

 

So where and how do I start ?

 

Much advice would be appreciated.

 

 

Cheers.  JM.   

[TP_Jacko]

I would go for the servers marked Normal as opposed to expert. The normal settings often have an icon on and easier to fly. Expert will be in-cockpit only, full engine management and no icons.

[SYN_Luftwaffles]

Truth is, and it's a tough pill, but pick a plane that you like flying the most, learn about the engine limitations, etc., and fly it in expert on a server like Wings of Liberty. There you have an icon, so you don't have to worry about navigation on top of Complex Engine Management. It's a steep curve at first, but I think you'll enjoy it more, and learn very fast. 

[Feathered_IV]

I tend to think that the Expert servers are more forgiving in many respects.  The absence of icons or external views means other more experienced and tenacious players aren't unable to cross the map to make a beeline straight for your position.  If you get in trouble you have a fighting chance of slipping away too when the other player does not have you held in the invisible grip of the game's padlock.

[Potenz]

As feathered said, go for expert, is a bit dificult at first, but after a while you will never go back to easy settings. If you want we can go one day online and i can give you some advices.

Edited February 3, 2016 by [AoA]Potenz

[Dakpilot]

Hi All

 

I have been flying combat flight sims for many years, IL-2 Forgotten battles/Battle of Britain/Battle of Stalingrad/Moscow. But I have to be honest and say that I have never pushed the multiplayer button, so i think its about time that I open up this wonderful BoS experience and give it a go !

 

I fly for the fun of it, I'm not an engine manager and I fly with simple physics switched on, so i am no expert. So are there servers that cater for the less committed and experienced'

 

So where and how do I start ?

 

Much advice would be appreciated.

 

 

Cheers.  JM.   

 

 

I am not certain but I think in MP there are only two types of server, Expert and Normal, if you look at Realism settings in a Mission, Normal Settings are highlighted in green there is no option for simple physics, which fall under custom settings

 

When flying on a Normal server you are allowed to 'up' your realism settings but as I understand the minimum available are the Green highlighted options you set when in Campaign or missions/quick missions.

 

If you are used to simplified Physics jumping into a normal server may not be a pleasant experience, as has been said the  'official' normal servers can have very experienced pilots so they can also be very 'hazardous' and as competitive as expert servers to an extent

 

There are other quieter training servers which I would try first, and at least get used to Normal; physics offline first .

 

As far as Normal Vs expert, in Normal with icons and gps, in many ways Normal is a tougher environment to survive for the newcomer as you have nowhere to 'hide' at all.

 

My recommendation would be to first practice a bit with normal settings and then join up with another player and fly as his wingman for a few missions to get a taste and treat it as fun.

 

Start at one of the rear airfields and try to complete a 'mission' of your own choosing to help your side, flying against real people with real teammates can be huge fun.

 

Jump on one of the normal servers and spectate for a bit to see how things work, F5 to move through ground units to find the action and Ctrl F2  to switch between A/C, a tank sortie can also be fun to watch/experience how the maps/missions works

 

Ultimately getting used to Icons off servers is the goal, and there are a few aircraft with very simple engine management, even with the steep learning curve this is more fun and more 'realistic' 

 

Cheers Dakpilot

Edited February 3, 2016 by Dakpilot

[Jade_Monkey]

If you dont want complex engine management stick to the servers named "Normal".

 

In my experience the normal servers tend to be more dogfight oriented while expert servers have more missions/objectives.

[6./ZG26_5tuka]

If you dont want complex engine management stick to the servers named "Normal".

 

In my experience the normal servers tend to be more dogfight oriented while expert servers have more missions/objectives.

Thhis. Normal servers may use simplified seetings/player assistetence but that doesnt mean it's an easier playing field.

 

If you want to get into dogfighting a lot with quick action an less tactical depth Normal servers are your place to go. If you like bomber flying or are just a "fresh recruit" getting into PvP flying it's not going to be your happyplace due to icons telling everybody who and where you are from multiple kms away.

 

On expert servers aircraft management isn't that bad tbh. If you take the F4, one of the easiest planes to fly, you just have to use your throttle and be in remind yourself of the engine limitations for high power settings (technochat will warn you nonetheless). The bigger limitating factor is the iconless envirounment requiring more situational awareness and navigation skills than on normal servers. Flying your first sorties in expert with a buddy is therfore very recommendeable.

 

Furthermore flying bombers/attackers is most fun in expert. You can take a Heinkel, climb to high altitude and penetrate enemy airspace without being spotted or go down low and fast in a Peshka for quick intruder missions.

 

I'd try both and than decide what suits you better.

Edited February 3, 2016 by Stab/JG26_5tuka

[taffy2jeffmorgan]

Thank you all for that sound and useful advice.

[=362nd_FS=RoflSeal]

Hi All

 

I have been flying combat flight sims for many years, IL-2 Forgotten battles/Battle of Britain/Battle of Stalingrad/Moscow. But I have to be honest and say that I have never pushed the multiplayer button, so i think its about time that I open up this wonderful BoS experience and give it a go !

 

I fly for the fun of it, I'm not an engine manager and I fly with simple physics switched on, so i am no expert. So are there servers that cater for the less committed and experienced'

 

So where and how do I start ?

 

Much advice would be appreciated.

 

 

Cheers.  JM.   

Play the Bf-109 or FW-190, all engine management stuff is automated if you wish it to be so.

[Sokol1]

If you dont want complex engine management stick to the servers named "Normal".

 

There's nothing "complex" in Yak-1 engine management, just open radiators and "slam" the throttle.

[Jade_Monkey]

There's nothing "complex" in Yak-1 engine management, just open radiators and "slam" the throttle.

You know what i mean...

[[TWB]80hd]

Highly recommend biting the bullet and just doing it to it on an Expert server.  Feathered's points are spot on.

 

Hop on Wings of Liberty, and just dip your toe into the water... take off from a back field with an IL-2, 100% fuel, some rockets and bombs.  (Since you have BOM, I highly recommend the Mod 1941!!) If you want to roll German, I recommend a 109F-4 or G-2, though I find the Soviet planes almost universally easier to fly and manage.  (The IL2 you can set your RPMs to 90%, cruise at 90% throttle, and push it to 100% when needed... you can worry about proper flight-nerd nomenclature later, unless you're already versed in it)

 

Mess around with taxiing and takeoff, and take your time... once you get up, grab about 2km of alt.  Autolevel, and take a look at the map.  For the most part, you're gonna see the most action between the two closest opposing fields and around the objectives.  If you want to tool around, it's very unlikely that you'll encounter enemies near your farthest airfield.  Once you're comfortable with the expert flight settings, head to an enemy ground target and tear some stuff up.

 

Another cool thing with the IL-2 is that you can run with the canopy open with very little impact on your overall effective performance, and it makes a world of difference as far as your situational awareness goes.  Look around, enjoy the view... as you head in to the target area, you're likely to see some activity.  Watch your tail.  You can soak a ton of damage in an IL-2 and still go home, so it's forgiving in that regard too.  If you see someone, work on ID'ing them... most Germans will be in 109s (some 190s depending on the map) and they have fairly distinct cruciform shapes.  Most furballs I see are Yaks vs 109s... once you roll through a couple, you'll be able to pick them out without icons pretty well.

 

There are very, very few sore losers and outright trolls on (at least when I play on WoL, which is US primetime)... for every one of those you encounter, there will be ten guys who are helpful and want to work as a team.

 

 

 

 

One of my first flights back, I took off in a 110 by myself, and a friendly 109 saw me up from the field and escorted me to the target.  We then both died together in a massive scrum, and it was a GREAT TIME from start to finish!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The main thing is to not go into it with your ego tied to the fate of your little (well-modeled) man in your cockpit.  They bought them in bulk, and if you lose one, there will be another waiting for you back at the field!

 

Don't get discouraged... I am 3rd string, C-team pilot at best... but the entertainment level this game provides (once you put in the effort to get the quirks of flying MP in expert down) is truly without peer.

 

We're on opposites sides of the planet, but we have people on Teamspeak quite often (ts3.thewetbandits.org) you are welcome anytime... it's definitely not "family friendly" chatter, so bring some headphones if needs be, but drop in and hang out... we almost always fly escorted strike packages... and some of the guys are really good and can really assist you with learning the ropes.  They've built me from a foul mouthed gibbering idiot to a foul mouthed gibbering idiot that can sometimes hit things.  

Either way, glad to see new players in MP!!

[Brano]

If you are "tabula rasa" pilot,avoid simplified physics like hell It will only teach you bad habits which will be difficult to get rid off later

[wtornado]

Truth is, and it's a tough pill, but pick a plane that you like flying the most, learn about the engine limitations, etc., and fly it in expert on a server like Wings of Liberty. There you have an icon, so you don't have to worry about navigation on top of Complex Engine Management. It's a steep curve at first, but I think you'll enjoy it more, and learn very fast. 

Flying expert is fun once you master your favorite planes.

 

I if you are in North America like me the servers of Europe can be unforgiving due to distance

connections that are far away often get me booted where as the local NA servers are stable.

 

WOL is far from stable playing from this side of the pond when players start to get over the

30 player mark playing from here

[TheElf]

Hi All I have been flying combat flight sims for many years, IL-2 Forgotten battles/Battle of Britain/Battle of Stalingrad/Moscow. But I have to be honest and say that I have never pushed the multiplayer button, so i think its about time that I open up this wonderful BoS experience and give it a go ! I fly for the fun of it, I'm not an engine manager and I fly with simple physics switched on, so i am no expert. So are there servers that cater for the less committed and experienced' So where and how do I start ? Much advice would be appreciated. Cheers. JM.

 

bring your big boy pants...

 

But 80Hd is right, join up on Teamspeak and they experience is far more immersive when you coordinate with serious players.

Edited February 3, 2016 by TheElf

[VBF-12_Stick-95]

There are many good things in here about flying on-line (as well as in general) if you haven't read it.

 

Link to In Pursuit:  http://www.virtualpilots.fi/feature/lento_ohjeet/inpursuit/inpursuit.pdf

Edited February 4, 2016 by 12.OIAE_Stick-95

[=CFC=Conky]

Hi taffy2jeffmorgan,

 

The truth is, you don't need to fiddle too much with engine management, even on the expert servers. Just learn which keys operate the engine stuff, and where the rpm and temp gauges are in the kites and you'll be surprised how quickly you can pick it up. It's not an exact science, so your settings don't have to be that precise. 

 

In general, keep your coolers open on summer/autumn maps, about 50% on winter maps. You might have to make a few adjustments from time to time, otherwise you don't have to do much. As far as rpm goes, 100% for takeoff, 90% for climb, 80% for combat and 70% for cruise (techno chat numbers) will do you well enough for most situations. Of course you can get all fiddlely to get the last bit of speed out of the engine, but while doing this someone will sneak up and shoot ya   .

 

Oh, and finally, try to get into the habit of limiting firewalling of the throttle to less than a minute. Some kites can take more, but it's a good rule of thumb and besides, if 90% throttle can't save you, 100% will just get you to the crash site faster   .

 

The most important thing to remember?

 

Have fun!!!! 

 

Good hunting,

=CFC=Conky

[taffy2jeffmorgan]

Thanks for the info Conky. I shall be in Calgary next year for the stampede !

[=CFC=Conky]

Thanks for the info Conky. I shall be in Calgary next year for the stampede !

 

 

Giddyup!