New player seeking advice!

[CaptainDawson]

Hello chaps, Captain Dawson here!

 

I've seen the October sale and I'm finally breaking down and getting BOM.

 

A bit about me. I was an avid IL-2 1946 single player for several years, and before that played Jane's WWII Fighters, Microsoft CFS1, CFS3, Jane's Attack Squadron, and FSX. I'm now a new Cliffs of Dover player, and I'm loving it! I've been tempted for years to get into the next generation of flight sims but haven't taken the plunge as of yet. The sheer level of quality and detail poured into BOX is incredible, and I can't be left out anymore! I have a fairly powerful computer that I bought specifically for flight simming, and I want to put it to good use. (See specs below) 

 

 

Before I buy, I'd like to ask a few questions and hear any tips you might have. I've never played this game in my life so I don't have any idea what I'm doing.

 

I'm mainly interested in air-to-air combat, and I would probably fly British, American, and Russian types the most. I understand this sim is centered on the German-Soviet conflict, but seeing all the excellent alternative skins for the P-40 and Bf-109s, I would probably be doing a lot of Mediterranean/English Channel/Italian scenarios as well. I love the I-16.

 

I've already decided to start with BOM. It makes sense to me to start with the first one historically, and it's also currently the cheapest. I have the option to buy several collector planes for $11.99 each. I would like the P-40, but should I buy it right off the bat, or should I buy it later? (Don't particular care about the MC.202.) I've heard the Yak-1b is a good fighter, and I rather like it. I used to do well in it back in 1946. Is it an effective aircraft in multiplayer, and is it worth the additional $11.99? More importantly, can I use the Yak-1b in Battle of Moscow, or do I have to buy BOS? Is the Yak 1b better or worse than the La-5?

 

Can I be an effective pilot on multiplayer without TrackIR, or will I be severely disadvantaged without it? Is it worth the investment for BOX?

 

I have a Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback stick. Can anyone confirm or deny that the feedback function can work in BOX?

 

Thanks so much!

 

 

 

(Admin please move this if I've posted in the wrong area. Still learning my way around!)

Before I buy, I'd like to ask a few questions and hear any tips you might have.

[Willy__]

I would like the P-40, but should I buy it right off the bat, or should I buy it later?

 

If you plan to buy it later, why not buy it now and get a discount ? The plane is not very effective in mp though.

 

 I've heard the Yak-1b is a good fighter, and I rather like it. I used to do well in it back in 1946. Is it an effective aircraft in multiplayer, and is it worth the additional $11.99? 

 

Its simply the best soviet fighter. But its not very commonly available in mp, it really depends on the mission, but as the 190, its usually available in limited numbers; thats for Wings of Liberty. Other servers may vary.

 

More importantly, can I use the Yak-1b in Battle of Moscow, or do I have to buy BOS?

 

IF you mean the single player campaign, you wont be able to use it because there were no Yak1bs in Battle of Moscow. Campaigns are historically correct and you can only use planes that fought that battle.

 

 Is the Yak 1b better or worse than the La-5?

 

The La5 has higher top speed and two cannons, everything else, the yak does it better.

 

Can I be an effective pilot on multiplayer without TrackIR, or will I be severely disadvantaged without it? Is it worth the investment for BOX?

 

Yes, lots of pilots fly using the hat to move the camera and are pretty good at it  . The TrackIR is worth every penny though! Its a game changer.

Edited October 7, 2017 by 3./JG15_Staiger

[Field-Ops]

I would personally get the BOM premium edition as thats just 5 bucks for the Machi. You get two additional planes right off the bat with an additional two planes to choose from that way. But if you do the standard edition I would definitely go for the P40 as one of your planes of choice. After the FM update it gets a lot better energy retention than it used to and is about evenly matched with the 109-E7 in a pure dogfight. It really excels at being a fighter/bomber though above all else. Either the LA-5 series 8 or the Fw190-A3 should satisfy your second choice as both are similar in the way you engage enemy planes. 

[Haza]

Captain Dawson,

 

Firstly welcome, I'm sure you will have a great time!

There are lots of servers where you can use the aircraft you own/bought on any map, as this is the intention of 1C Game studios/777.  However, certain servers will restrict the type of aircraft on each map to try and give historical accuracy and to try and keep both sides fairly even.  That said, if you are more of an A2A type player, the Yak-1B is certainly good at that, however, if you can afford to buy other aircraft and maps, the FW190 and the La5 are certainly worth a look at, but you know your budget, but whatever you get you will not be disappointed, I'm sure.

 

I just have a 3D Pro joystick and use a mouse and enjoy that combo, but there are lots of guys who use TrackIR and VR all with various effects (will upgrade one day myself to VR).  My recommendation would be to get what you are comfortable with and what you can afford and just have fun, as there are lots of players who only play in one aircraft type and enjoy that.  If you start to enjoy it again, as per IL2 46 you can always up-grade as the sales appear to come round on a regular bases, so do not think that you are missing out.

 

Above all, get on TS or Discord with a bunch of guys you know or enjoy playing with and just have blast!

 

Regards

 

H

Edited October 7, 2017 by Haza

[Inkophile]

I concur with the others: Get the premium edition while you are at it. The P-40 is amazing, and although you currently might not feel much for the 202 I promise that the planes grow on you once you begin learning their strengths and quirks.

 

From a server accessibility point of view it is also very good to get the Yak-1B. Not only is it the absolutely best fighter the Russians have right now (La-5 and Spitfire has their strengths, but the Yak-1B really is the top dog), but only having Battle of Moscow you'll be quite restricted in what servers you can play at. Most servers rotate between different planesets, for example having a Barbarossa late 1941 line-up, then going early 1942, late 1942, and so on. This means that you might sit on the most populated servers with planes that plainly aren't competitive (although you can make the P-40 work in basically all situations, to be fair, as long as you accept that it can't outrun or outclimb any single opponent against BOS and BOK planes). In the worst case they simply have no plane at all for you to fly. Having the Yak-1B tends to remedy that, as especially with the late 1942 line-ups you'll have a brutally competitive plane to pull out of your sleeve.

 

As for if it works playing without head-tracking, ask MeoW.Scharfi: One of the absolutely best players in the game, and afaik uses the POV-hat on the stick to look around.

 

Can recommend joining Sheriff's Discord (LINK) to find people across all time-zones who can help with learning the game and accompanying you in multiplayer. Can also recommend checking out Sheriff's channel on YouTube (LINK) as he has many instructional videos and gameplay videos to help you become awesome in the sky.

Edited October 7, 2017 by Inkoslav

[DD_Arthur]

Hi Captain

 

Your stick will work just fine.  Mine does.

[6./ZG26_Custard]

 

 

Can I be an effective pilot on multiplayer without TrackIR, or will I be severely disadvantaged without it? Is it worth the investment for BOX?

  Welcome, You  can be an effective pilot without TrackIR  but TBH its a vital bit of kit for flight simming. Regarding multiplayer flying, I would recommend getting on coms and teaming up with other folk. If you are new and flying alone it can be somewhat daunting to say the least.

 

Happy flying!

[Royal_Flight]

Welcome aboard, Captain, always good to see more planes with roundels in-game...

Moscow is a great start, in my opinion at least it contains the best and most interesting aircraft to fly on both sides.

And I'd get the premium edition to get the P-40, which is quite a good aircraft, all in all and also has a choice of Commonwealth skins.

I can see it being a difficult fighter, although I'm not a fighter pilot so can't really comment, but it's fairly tough and well-armed plus with bombs and rockets it's effective at ground attack which is how I spend my time.

 

With BoM you also get what I think to be a better version of the Il-2, and a Pe-2 which is currently my favourite aircraft, although I prefer the s87/110 from BoS. The BoM variant is faster on the deck though.

So not sure about fighters but you're well catered-for if you ever feel like staying low, blowing things up and getting stuff done.

 

You'll also get the Bf-110 and Ju-88 which are the best Acis aircraft, if you ever want to defect.

 

As for TrackIR, it's not obligatory but it will change your life. If you've never used a head-tracker before you won't miss it, but once you have it'll revolutionise your flying, especially in combat.

When I recently moved house I ended up without TrackIR for a few months and in that time didn't play flight sims at all as I found it borderline impossible to manage without.

Although there are other solutions to try it if you don't want to jump straight in, FaceTrackNoIR and DelanClip with a webcam both will give you an idea if you're unsure.

 

But really, given the investment in a solid rig for flight sims, I'd consider TrackIR is a part of that setup, up there with rudder pedals. Not quite as essential as a HOTAS, but certainly the next thing you should get.

 

Hope all goes well, and I'll maybe see you in the skies.

[CanadaOne]

And I'd get the premium edition to get the P-40, which is quite a good aircraft, all in all and also has a choice of Commonwealth skins.

 

 

+1

 

I bought the P-40 and wasn't too impressed at first, but it really grows on you and it's an excellent ground pounder. It's one of my favorites now. And yes, the Commonwealth skins are nice to have.

[Inkophile]

One thing definitely speaking in favour of the P-40 is its insane (for such a draggy plane as the P-40) top speed while running at emergency power.

 

I tested the plane the other day and I managed to reach a whopping 540-550 km/h (335-340 mph) at 100 % throttle and 100 % rpm at 225 m ASL (Moscow, autumn map). I suspect that engine reaches a manifold pressure of 60 inHg (although as the game specification card indicates 56 inHg is the maximum permissible power as per the plane's manual) because of the ca 16 % throttle gap between 52 inHg and maximum power. The engine only lasts for 45-50 seconds at this power before getting damaged (and that is instant serious damage).

 

This is an absolutely insane power increase from 1150 hp at 3000 rpm and 42 inHg, to at least 1500 hp. This amount of power should never ever be applied in a dive though, because the ram air pressure will push the manifold pressure beyond the estimated 60 inHg.

 

Suffice to say the plane can at these speeds give 109s and even 190s a really hard time to get away if the initial distance is short enough to be able to catch them within than limited timeframe. Pretty impressive for such a "shitty" plane, and it's one of the reasons that plane stays somewhat useful even against BOS and BOK planes, even though to a fairly limited extent.

 

Really fun plane to fly, and the above helps quite a bit even with planesets where it is the "bottom bitch".

Edited October 7, 2017 by Inkoslav

[CaptainDawson]

Thank you everyone for your helpful replies! I found that buying Premium and the Yak is only $2 more than the Standard edition with both the P-40 and Yak. I'll probably go with that then.

 

It's good to know that I will be able to fight more modern fighters with the Yak-1b. Excellent turn radius, mixed cannon/machine gun firepower, and decent speed. Plays right into my strengths as a pilot!

 

 

A few more questions,

 

If I buy only BOM, will I be limited to only the Moscow map, or can I fly on other maps online as long as I use an aircraft I have bought?

 

When I buy from the IL-2 Sturmovik website, is the game truly standalone, or will I be forced to do everything through Steam like in CLoD?

 

Is there any advantage or disadvantage to either the Steam version or the Standard version? (Besides Steam complicating troubleshooting)

 

Is this a problem ridden simulator like CLoD? Will I have to spend weeks downloading patches and disabling drivers? Tell me honestly! I only have time to fly only a few hours a week, I don't have time for fiddling around unfortunately.

 

Feel free to answer only one, or multiple questions if you can.

 

Thanks!

Edited October 7, 2017 by CaptainDawson

[xvii-Dietrich]

 

A few more questions,

 

1. If I buy only BOM, will I be limited to only the Moscow map, or can I fly on other maps online as long as I use an aircraft I have bought?

 

2. When I buy from the IL-2 Sturmovik website, is the game truly standalone, or will I be forced to do everything through Steam like in CLoD?

 

3. Is there any advantage or disadvantage to either the Steam version or the Standard version? (Besides Steam complicating troubleshooting)

 

4. Is this a problem ridden simulator like CLoD? Will I have to spend weeks downloading patches and disabling drivers? Tell me honestly! I only have time to fly only a few hours a week, I don't have time for fiddling around unfortunately.

 

Feel free to answer only one, or multiple questions if you can.

 

Thanks!

 

(I added the numbers for reference.)

 

 

1.  If you have BoM, you can still fly _any_ map online (it is the server, who needs to "own" the map). Assuming that server includes BoM aircraft in the mix, you can fly them there.

 

2. Stand-alone. There is no need for Steam like in CloD, although you can use it with Steam if you want.

 

3. Advantages of Steam: you can see if your friends are online, you get the Steam screenshot capture/hosting, and other Steam-community features. (I also believe it might have an effect on VR, but I am not sure!).

 

4. No patches like CloD. There is one download

[Inkophile]

If I buy only BOM, will I be limited to only the Moscow map, or can I fly on other maps online as long as I use an aircraft I have bought?

You can fly on all maps online and offline. The only thing you can't do is fly the planes that belong to BOS and BOK. However you can fight with/against the planes even in single-player.

 

When I buy from the IL-2 Sturmovik website, is the game truly standalone, or will I be forced to do everything through Steam like in CLoD?

Afaik you can mix Steam and website purchase. Log in on the website (i.e. not the forum), check your profile page, and the License Key sections.

 

Is there any advantage or disadvantage to either the Steam version or the Standard version? (Besides Steam complicating troubleshooting)

None what so-ever. The only difference is that when you have it through Steam it will automatically update through the Steam client. If having the website version you must run the game's launcher to update.

 

Is this a problem ridden simulator like CLoD? Will I have to spend weeks downloading patches and disabling drivers? Tell me honestly! I only have time to fly only a few hours a week, I don't have time for fiddling around unfortunately.

It has very, very few problems. It has some alt-tab instability when you run it in Fullscreen, and at the moment there are some sound bugs (for example hearing the menu music when flying, or hearing random sounds of nearby-detonating flak shells or your plane taking damage. The occurence of these bugs are irregular, and seem to have some connection to server load. There are also some issues with VR, like that the user interface can be a bit tricky to see when flying, and the gunsights can require you to look slightly to the side to get one eye dominant looking through it.

[CanadaOne]

 

Is this a problem ridden simulator like CLoD? Will I have to spend weeks downloading patches and disabling drivers? Tell me honestly! I only have time to fly only a few hours a week, I don't have time for fiddling around unfortunately.

 

Feel free to answer only one, or multiple questions if you can.

 

Thanks!

 

Okay, just one.

 

Don't know about Steam, but if you buy it here it installs and updates very smoothly, as do add on planes. I have no complaints.

 

And I think the developers get more (all?) of the cash if you buy it here as opposed to Steam.

[CaptainDawson]

Ok, that clears up things a lot. Thanks guys! I originally thought that only the associated map came with each pack. So really the only thing you're getting with each pack is more aircraft, correct?

 

If I enable the standard version with the key on Steam is there any way to go back?

 

Last question, do I have unlimited downloads of the game from the IL-2 website? (For re-installing purposes)

 

 

Thanks

Edited October 7, 2017 by CaptainDawson

[CanadaOne]

Ok, that clears up things a lot. Thanks guys! I originally thought that only the associated map came with each pack. So really the only thing you're getting with each pack is more aircraft, correct?

 

If I enable the standard version with the key on Steam is there any way to go back?

 

Last question, do I have unlimited downloads of the game from the IL-2 website? (For re-installing purposes)

 

 

Thanks

 

Don't know about unlimited, but I've had to re-install two times at least (changing PC and one error of some kind) and it was fine.

 

I find the installation and updating of this game to be almost seamless. It's very well done.

[CanadaOne]

Yo Captain, what part of the world are you in?

[THERION]

Ok, that clears up things a lot. Thanks guys! I originally thought that only the associated map came with each pack. So really the only thing you're getting with each pack is more aircraft, correct?

 

If I enable the standard version with the key on Steam is there any way to go back?

 

Last question, do I have unlimited downloads of the game from the IL-2 website? (For re-installing purposes)

 

 

Thanks

 

Hi and welcome,

 

as far as I know you can download the game as many times you want, you will be able to run it only on one computer at once anyway.

You can download the game package even before you have bought anything, you won't be able to use it. With your login (credentials)

which are linked with your product keys you purchased, all the content you own will be unlocked once you're logged in.

 

And yes, please, buy the products directly on theirs homepage. They will get the full amount you spend. And it is very easy to manage

your account with your product keys. Consider this - they need every single nickel to develop this wonderful piece of art. Thank you.

 

Cheerio

[CaptainDawson]

Hi and welcome,

 

as far as I know you can download the game as many times you want, you will be able to run it only on one computer at once anyway.

You can download the game package even before you have bought anything, you won't be able to use it. With your login (credentials)

which are linked with your product keys you purchased, all the content you own will be unlocked once you're logged in.

 

And yes, please, buy the products directly on theirs homepage. They will get the full amount you spend. And it is very easy to manage

your account with your product keys. Consider this - they need every single nickel to develop this wonderful piece of art. Thank you.

 

Cheerio

 

I feel the same way. I believe all the funds should be going to the company that actually developed the program. Especially since Steam doesn't really add anything vital to the sim. I have a grudge on Steam for having millions of customers but a virtually nonexistent customer service. They are just a middleman in my opinion.

 

 

Yo Captain, what part of the world are you in?

 

United States! Wouldn't have it any other way! 

 

More specifically, Virginia in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. It's a lovely area for flying. Just got my Private Pilot's licence this Summer, and I'm currently working on my Instrument rating at the local college.

[xvii-Dietrich]

Ok, that clears up things a lot. Thanks guys! I originally thought that only the associated map came with each pack. So really the only thing you're getting with each pack is more aircraft, correct?

 

Each "pack" you own gives you flyable aircraft (for use in both multi-player and single-player) and a map (for use in single-player; both quick missions and campaigns).

 

What you are getting with each pack is a) a set of flyable aircraft and b) a single-player map environment (incl. a single-player campaign).

 

 

Here's an example: Let's say you have only the BoM pack (which has the Moscow map and Ju 88 bomber). What can you fly? ...

 

Single-player Ju 88 on Moscow   -- Yes

Single-player Spitfire on Moscow -- No   (BoM doesn't have the Spitfire)

Single-player Ju 88 on Kuban      -- No    (BoM doesn't have the single-player Kuban map)

Multi-player Ju 88 on Moscow     -- Yes

Multi-player Spitfire on Moscow   -- No   (BoM doesn't have the Spitfire)

Multi-player Ju 88 on Kuban        -- Yes

[SAG]

1. If I buy only BOM, will I be limited to only the Moscow map, or can I fly on other maps online as long as I use an aircraft I have bought?

 

You can fly on any server with any map on it online but can only fly the planes that you own.

 

2. When I buy from the IL-2 Sturmovik website, is the game truly standalone, or will I be forced to do everything through Steam like in CLoD?

 

The game will truly be standalone, no further 3rd party patches required.

 

3. Is there any advantage or disadvantage to either the Steam version or the Standard version? (Besides Steam complicating troubleshooting)

 

I wouldn't say that steam has complicated troubleshooting. i like the convenience of steam for updates.

Just know that the only version of the game that is available through steam as a GAME and not a DLC is Battle of Stalingrad and BOM is handled as a DLC there. If you want whatever STEAM brings to the table while still giving your money to the developers (almost all of it) you can buy BoS through steam and buy the rest through the dev's website and you'll still get everything on your steam version as well AND youll be able to download the non-steam launcher whenever you want if you decide steam wasn't good for you (I personally like it because it tracks my hours flown and it updates the game automagically and quickly).

 

4. Is this a problem ridden simulator like CLoD? Will I have to spend weeks downloading patches and disabling drivers? Tell me honestly! I only have time to fly only a few hours a week, I don't have time for fiddling around unfortunately.

 

While this game has a couple of bugs here and there, it is by no means a bug ridden mess a-la-CloD, you will spend no time disabling drivers to make it work. but if you want better graphics/performance beyond what the in-game settings offer you, then you can always tweak INI files here and there to get better results like in any other game.

 

 

To go beyond your questions....

 

This is truly an amazing SIM and you won't regret your purchase one bit. if cash isn't much of a problem for you, i'm sure you'll be buying the rest of what the devs offer shortly after getting your feet wet for the first time.

 

As for TrackIR I never bought it and will never. i went with the cheap Just-as-good-if-done-right alternative which is OpenTrack with a PS3-Eye cam and a 3 Led Clip for my headphones, used it since 2014 with no problems and only cost me like 10 dollars including the camera (some assembly required though). I only retired my Free head tracking solution after moving on to Virtual Reality; which is the best for any flight sim in BoS!

 

 

So, dig in and you'll never regret getting into this sim!! especially with the up and coming new features that the new titles retroactively brings to the entire game BoX 

 

Hope this helps! 

[Royal_Flight]

Yah, everyone has beaten me to answering the questions.

What are you most likely to be doing, singleplayer missions/campaign, singleplayer sightseeing, or the multiplayer meat-grinder?

 

If it's the former, be advised that there are a load of community-made campaigns available as well as a few paid ones, although you'll need the appropriate aircraft and maps to enjoy them.

The 'campaign' that ships with this isn't much to write home about but is in the process of being replaced so by December-ish there will be that to get your teeth into.

 

If shuttling around the map to enjoy the scenery is something that you might be interested in, the Kuban map is awesome and picturesque and the Spitfire (aside from being lovely anyway) is, to my mind, one of the most satisfying aircraft to fly from a sheer 'sense of flight and motion' perspective. But, with that said... the Macchi 202 is equally fun to fly and you get that in BoM.

No surprise that those two both make flying seem like a pure joy as they were both elegant, thoroughbred racers created by designers who put as much art into their aircraft as possible, and old rivals from the days of Schneider Trophy seaplane racing... but I digress.

The Ju-52 is also great for trailing around the sky to marvel at the landscape although if you're a fighter pilot it may not be your ride of choice.

 

If you're into multiplayer then BoM still gives you enough to be getting on with, and especially adding the Yak-1b means you won't be outclassed. Online everyone seems to gravitate towards Wings of Liberty so if that's where you're off to, try a few flights with realistic settings on, full engine management and no outside views just so you know what to expect.

The best thing is to wing up with someone and either learn from them if they know what they're doing, or at least just provide mutual support if neither of you are totally sure.

 

There's loads of community-produced guides, tutorials and explanations to make up for the lack of a manual and most people on this forum are happy to help and a real source of knowledge.

And if you happen to be online and spot me or any of the others in this thread in a server, say hi and we'll be happy to help out if needed.

[CaptainDawson]

Ok, all that answers some more of my questions. Thanks!

 

I just bought BOM Premium, and the Yak-1b. Not even 5 minutes into flight and it's already consistently crashing to desktop when I try to adjust the mouse sensitivity. Only work around I've found is to just not adjust the sensitivity.

 

Other than that, seems to be working fine. Any tips on maximizing the graphics? As in, what settings/options to select for a powerful computer.

 

 

You can fly on all maps online and offline. The only thing you can't do is fly the planes that belong to BOS and BOK. However you can fight with/against the planes even in single-player.

 

FYI Inkoslav, you mentioned earlier that I could fly on any map in singleplayer, though I found that to be incorrect. No biggie though! 

Edited October 8, 2017 by CaptainDawson

[Inkophile]

Oh well. If you are lucky BOS will be on sale at Christmas :D

[CaptainDawson]

Have to admit I'm disappointed so far. I can't even go 5 minutes of flying without a CTD. It happens when changing key bindings, view settings, and selecting various things. I'm having to restart many times in order to set up my controls. Hopefully once I finish that it will stop crashing. Is this a known issue?

 

*EDIT* I can't close the launcher, it says "closing background tasks" then freezes up. Now it crashes on clicking start mission sometimes.

 

All I did was run the installer, and change a few settings. Anyone have an idea of why it's giving me such a hard time?

Edited October 8, 2017 by CaptainDawson

[Haza]

Have to admit I'm disappointed so far. I can't even go 5 minutes of flying without a CTD. It happens when changing key bindings, view settings, and selecting various things. I'm having to restart many times in order to set up my controls. Hopefully once I finish that it will stop crashing. Is this a known issue?

 

*EDIT* I can't close the launcher, it says "closing background tasks" then freezes up. Now it crashes on clicking start mission sometimes.

 

All I did was run the installer, and change a few settings. Anyone have an idea of why it's giving me such a hard time?

 

If I change some Graphic type settings in game then the game has to be restarted to allow for the changes, but changes such as short-keys, my game does not need rebooting.  If you continually get this problem, you might be better off raising this issue in the technical issues area as per link below or just have a look through this section for similar issue/rectification advice:

 

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/forum/89-technical-issues-and-bug-reports/

 

 

I'm sure if you raise your question here, it will get greater visibility for help.

 

Regards

Edited October 8, 2017 by Haza

[Inkophile]

Any tips on maximizing the graphics? As in, what settings/options to select for a powerful computer.

Set the graphics preset to Ultra, Shadows quality to Ultra, Mirrors to Complex, Distant Landscape Detail to x4, Grass Quality to Distant or Ultra, Gamma correction to 0.8 (this'll both make the game look better and more natural, and it'll have a significant effect on the ability to spot enemies), and enable SSAO, HDR and Sharpen.

[Hoss]

Captain, my advice would be to get on Youtube and look for IL2 Battle of Stalingrad tutorials it will show you how to set up your game, and some good stuff on how to use some of the aircraft. I would also recommend TIR or some other head tracking system.  I can be in a server with my group and will exit the entire game to go out and turn on TIR because I forgot to before entering.  A good online server to go practice in when no one is in there is Berloga..... no icons though........  you can test your set up and hat settings without too much trouble.......it will have most if not all of your BoM planes........

 

IL2 Tutorial

 

Discord site

 

Some of the servers also have Team Speak channels, not sure if you have that, but the download is easy to find..............

 

Good luck and hope to see you on line............. my group flies Wednesdays and Sundays 2100 your time zone

 

Cheers

 

Hoss

[WWGriphos]

Something is wrong with your install.  My game never crashes, no matter what changes I make to key bindings or sensitivities.  

[CaptainDawson]

Set the graphics preset to Ultra, Shadows quality to Ultra, Mirrors to Complex, Distant Landscape Detail to x4, Grass Quality to Distant or Ultra, Gamma correction to 0.8 (this'll both make the game look better and more natural, and it'll have a significant effect on the ability to spot enemies), and enable SSAO, HDR and Sharpen.

 

I'll try that. Thanks!

 

If I change some Graphic type settings in game then the game has to be restarted to allow for the changes, but changes such as short-keys, my game does not need rebooting.  If you continually get this problem, you might be better off raising this issue in the technical issues area as per link below or just have a look through this section for similar issue/rectification advice:

 

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/forum/89-technical-issues-and-bug-reports/

 

 

I'm sure if you raise your question here, it will get greater visibility for help.

 

Regards

 

If the problem persists, I'll post there. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

 

After a ton of crash/restart cycles, I was able to finish binding keys. I'm getting less crashes now, so we'll see how it goes.

 

 

So far I love the simulation quality! It reminds me of 1946, but with incredible graphics, realistic flight models, and a MUCH better UI. I have to say that the menu/game interface in BOX is by far the most intuitive I've ever seen. Very simple and easy to learn. I like it!

Edited October 8, 2017 by CaptainDawson

[Inkophile]

As far as I am concerned this is the most detailed, accurate, and beautiful combat flight simulator there is.

 

Sure, it may lack a clickable cockpit and full control of the avionics, and some more detail in especially the engine management might be needed, but as a combat simulator the game excels.

[Field-Ops]

I hope those crashes dont persist and ruin your experience. There was a time I could not launch the game without doing some weird workaround but that was around a year ago and was fixed by the next patch. 

[[CPT]CptJackSparrow]

I have nothing to add that everyone else hasn't already said. But I'll say hiya and welcome.

[Lensman]

Sorry if this has been answered but yes, the MS Sidewinder FF-2 is superb in IL-2 BOx ... FF is very much active,

[=EXPEND=Tripwire]

 

 

There are also some issues with VR, like that the user interface can be a bit tricky to see when flying, and the gunsights can require you to look slightly to the side to get one eye dominant looking through it.

 

Gun sights are correct from my understanding. If you want to use both eyes for the gun sight, fly the Spitfire - the gun sight is large enough for both eyes to be used at once when focused out on a target. Other planes rely on your brain interpolating the gun sight image.

 

Also not sure I understand the user interface comment? As in you need to look forwards to see the UI rather than having it stick to your face? Game is better with the UI off anyway as you learn to use the gauges to the extent possible.

[CaptainDawson]

Also not sure I understand the user interface comment? As in you need to look forwards to see the UI rather than having it stick to your face? Game is better with the UI off anyway as you learn to use the gauges to the extent possible.

By UI I meant the menu interfaces. I don't need the in-game UI! I don't have that when I'm flying in real life lol!

 

Quick question on skins. I've noticed there isn't really that many paintschemes for aircraft. I've looked in the skins section on this forum and on Mission4today.com. Is there any other place to get more skins? Can I request certain skins, or is it too complicated for people to bother?

[=EXPEND=Tripwire]

Ah, I was referring to Inkoslav's post, but I hadn't quoted enough of it.

 

I agree with you.

 

 

Skins can be found in the skins section of this forum. Some really good work in there. Pity online many of the servers lock the skins selection to official only.

Edited October 10, 2017 by =TBAS=Tripwire

[Inkophile]

Gun sights are correct from my understanding. If you want to use both eyes for the gun sight, fly the Spitfire - the gun sight is large enough for both eyes to be used at once when focused out on a target. Other planes rely on your brain interpolating the gun sight image.

 

Also not sure I understand the user interface comment? As in you need to look forwards to see the UI rather than having it stick to your face? Game is better with the UI off anyway as you learn to use the gauges to the extent possible.

 

I don't have VR myself so I can only go on what other VR-users have mentioned, but the issues seem to be that the sight only projects twice on some planes with a center-mounted sight and not on others. The 109s and 190s seem to work fine with their right-mounted sight though, as it automatically makes the right eye dominant.as far as seeing the reticule goes.

 

For UI it seems to be the discomfort to look at it since one can't turn the head to see it, but only the eyes. It means it's always in the periphery no matter what you do. Even if learning to play without the plane management UI items it does make reading the chat a hassle.

[dburne]

.

 

For UI it seems to be the discomfort to look at it since one can't turn the head to see it, but only the eyes. It means it's always in the periphery no matter what you do. Even if learning to play without the plane management UI items it does make reading the chat a hassle.

 

I have no problem reading the UI in VR on the occasions I have it on.

And I am at a severe disadvantage, I only have half my eyesight left due to a stroke. The right half of each of my eyes as I look out is dark, a void. I see nothing to the right of center.

[=EXPEND=Tripwire]

 

 

I don't have VR myself so I can only go on what other VR-users have mentioned, but the issues seem to be that the sight only projects twice on some planes with a center-mounted sight and not on others.

 

Still not sure what you mean here. The gun sights are physically too small to have both eyes placed infront to get a reticle at the same time. Now if that was not historically the case, I don't know. The only exception to this is the spitfire, which the gun sight is just big enough by what I would estimate is about 1-2cm. In all other planes you need to physically position one eye correctly to get a clear picture. This is simpler in a German plane as the sight is offset just the right amount.

 

 

 

 

For UI it seems to be the discomfort to look at it since one can't turn the head to see it, but only the eyes.

 

You can do either to see the UI. Move your head and the UI stays in the same spot. Move your eyes with your head facing forward and you can see the UI in your peripheral ok, even the FPS counter in the top right (well at least I can in the Vive).

 

Sorry for the OT, just want to clear up what occurs in VR for any that are interested and haven't had the opportunity to try it yet.  (Gun sights in VR are really cool! Similar to holographic sights on modern rifles)