New player requiring advice on game

[Roberts701]

Hello all new player or coming back i should say.

 

I was just wondering what version should i buy to be on par with most players and active in IL2 Multiplayer?, i ask this as i used to play in IL2 1946 and i now see that there are a few versions out BOS/BOK/BOM and am a bit confused.

 

Just on an off note does anyone know (have a link) to a good flight simulation chair.

 

Also i will need to re buy all equipment IE: flight stick set up and all that go's with it so any advice is welcome..

 

Thanks in advance.

[-TBC-AeroAce]

It is a little bit of a hard one. If you get BOM you will have aircraft that can be used on all MP maps because they are the earliest types but they will be the least competitive.  If you get BOK you will have the opposite problem, you will have the most competitive planes (well kinda) but the least MP maps to use them on. 

 

If you want the best of both worlds get BOS. You will get at least 2 or 3  very competitive planes and you will be able to use them in 2 out of 3 mp maps.

Edited May 14, 2018 by AeroAce

[dburne]

You can buy any of the three versions, and fly all the maps on Multiplayer ( not single player).

Kuban is the latest, and it is a gorgeous map.

Alternatively Battle of Stalingrad was the first put out by this team.

 

As far as flight sticks, depends how much you want to put into it. The TM T1600 is a good stick to start out with for new players who may not be sure how much time and how long they will put into it.

 

Then there is the TM Warthog HOTAS setup that is fairly decent, and pretty popular - easy to get.

 

Then there are the boutique stick mfgs, who use metal gimbal systems that are really the cream of the crop.

Virpil and VKB. I use a Virpil stick with extensions mounted with their desk mount to center of my desk, along with a Warthog throttle. Virpil is coming out with a throttle also, that is now available to pre-order.

 

 

[RedKestrel]

CH FighterStick, CH Throttle and CH Pedals is my set up. Its a little expensive, not quite as much as some of the boutique rigs dburne mentioned above but still, a bit of an outlay. I bought that setup when I decided I needed something better than my Logitech Extreme Pro stick. I also have an EdTracker Pro for my headtracking, a somewhat cheaper alternative to TrackIR. I love it, and while it lacks a few things that TIR has (its not true six degrees of freedom), you can mostly fudge things to make it work nearly as good for (in my case) a third of the price. Its perfect for me since I have a huge window behind me that can give trouble to IR based tracking. I use it with OpenTrack, which is free software.

As for servers, it really depends on the setup. A lot of the more 'realistic' servers like TAW have a rolling planeset, and it appears that for example, if you own BoM you won't have many Soviet planes that you can fly on their Kuban maps - many of the earlier planes like the MiG-3 and I-16 get phased out. Check out TAWs site for more details. http://taw.stg2.de/

Kuban has the highest-performing aircraft as its the latest. The Kuban map is also, apparently, the most demanding on computer hardware too, so if you have a lower-end system you may want to go for BoM or BoS. I have BoM and BoS, haven't pulled the trigger on Kuban yet but I would like to.

Right now there is a promo going on until May 20th. If you sign up for an account on the store you should get a promo code you can use to get 40% off on BoM, BoS, and some collector planes. So conceivably, I think you could buy BoK and then buy BoS or BoM for about half off. A good deal if you can swing it. Check the sticky Promo thread at the top of the forum for details.

[Rolling_Thunder]

I'd go for BOM as AeroAce said. Maybe pick up some collectors to balance out.

I bought This it's pretty expensive for what it is but it has 3 platforms for peripherals. The front platform is a touch obnoxious but I did modify it. Serves me well. The MFG crosswind rudder padals are also expensive but worth the extra money . More so than the chair.

[DD_Arthur]

1 hour ago, AeroAce said:

If you want the best of both worlds get BOS. You will get at least 2 or 3  very competitive planes and you will be able to use them in 2 out of 3 mp maps.

 

This.

[Roberts701]

Thanks for the replys all

 

Noted for all the responses, to be honest a bit of money came in and i will be starting from scratch. At the moment will be buying a high end computer and probably the logitech Rhino x52 stick and a good chair also the Head track system.

 

14 minutes ago, DD_Arthur said:

 

This.

Hello Arthur you wil probably not remember me but i flew with theDD's in IL2 1946 on mission nights With the late Blair Gowerie.. were good times and am hoping to get back into it.

[DD_Arthur]

40 minutes ago, Roberts701 said:

Hello Arthur you wil probably not remember me but i flew with theDD's in IL2 1946 on mission nights With the late Blair Gowerie.. were good times and am hoping to get back into it.

 

Hello Roberts!  Been a long time m8 but I remember you.   They were very good times indeed and we're still here;

 

 http://dangerdogz.com/forums/

 

And we're still flying coops too!

 

S! m8 and vive la France

[WWDubya]

DO NOT get the Rhino. Biggest pos ever. 

[Sokol1]

BoS and some "collector" planes (e.g. P-40/Mc 202, Spitfire) give good flexibility for start.

Edited May 15, 2018 by Sokol1

[pilotpierre]

I suggest you don’t buy any of them if you value quality family time - cause if you do you can kiss goodbye to that for the remainder of the year or longer.

[ShamrockOneFive]

8 hours ago, Roberts701 said:

Hello all new player or coming back i should say.

 

I was just wondering what version should i buy to be on par with most players and active in IL2 Multiplayer?, i ask this as i used to play in IL2 1946 and i now see that there are a few versions out BOS/BOK/BOM and am a bit confused.

 

Just on an off note does anyone know (have a link) to a good flight simulation chair.

 

Also i will need to re buy all equipment IE: flight stick set up and all that go's with it so any advice is welcome..

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Hey Roberts!

 

My full review on IL-2: Battle of Kuban is also a review on the current state of the series and should help answer at least some questions:

https://stormbirds.blog/2018/04/11/il-2-battle-of-kuban-in-depth-review/

 

No matter which title you buy, multiplayer compatibility is assured although some server scenarios may only serve up aircraft that you may not yet own. Most server admins try and widen up the aircraft list so everyone has at least something to fly.

 

If you want a decent stick to get started with, probably the best around is VKB's Gladiator although they are getting harder to find. CH, Thrustmaster, and VIRPIL all offer medium and high end parts (so does VKB).

[Roberts701]

18 minutes ago, ShamrockOneFive said:

 

Hey Roberts!

 

My full review on IL-2: Battle of Kuban is also a review on the current state of the series and should help answer at least some questions:

https://stormbirds.blog/2018/04/11/il-2-battle-of-kuban-in-depth-review/

 

No matter which title you buy, multiplayer compatibility is assured although some server scenarios may only serve up aircraft that you may not yet own. Most server admins try and widen up the aircraft list so everyone has at least something to fly.

 

If you want a decent stick to get started with, probably the best around is VKB's Gladiator although they are getting harder to find. CH, Thrustmaster, and VIRPIL all offer medium and high end parts (so does VKB).

Cheers m8, a well written piece and an enjoyable read, brings me up to where everyone is at today, thanks & appreciated. I did check out some of the joysticks that you mentioned and i like the Thrustmaster warthog hotas setup. Do you think it is a good model?. The vbk gladiater was very nice but i prefer using one hand for throttle and other on joystick.. Thanks again and any advice is welcome.

5 hours ago, WWDubya said:

DO NOT get the Rhino. Biggest pos ever. 

Well my last Saitek x45 joystick came off its base in mid flight so you might be right ha ha. Do you have any thoughts on the warthog from thrustmaster as it seems like a solid set up. Or any other ideas as i am looking around. thanks.

5 hours ago, DD_Arthur said:

 

Hello Roberts!  Been a long time m8 but I remember you.   They were very good times indeed and we're still here;

 

 http://dangerdogz.com/forums/

 

And we're still flying coops too!

 

S! m8 and vive la France

Yep saw a few remembered names in that video, wow its has been 7/8yrs since i left and you are all still hooked i will definatly come over to the forum and say hi and ingame soon.

[ShamrockOneFive]

1 minute ago, Roberts701 said:

Cheers m8, a well written piece and an enjoyable read, brings me up to where everyone is at today, thanks & appreciated. I did check out some of the joysticks that you mentioned and i like the Thrustmaster warthog hotas setup. Do you think it is a good model?. The vbk gladiater was very nice but i prefer using one hand for throttle and other on joystick.. Thanks again and any advice is welcome.

Well my last Saitek x45 joystick came off its base in mid flight so you might be right ha ha. Do you have any thoughts on the warthog from thrustmaster as it seems like a solid set up. Or any other ideas as i am looking around. thanks.

Yep saw a few remembered names in that video, wow its has been 7/8yrs since i left and you are all still hooked i will definatly come over to the forum and say hi and ingame soon.

 

You're welcome!

 

The Gladiator doesn't have a HOTAS (I'm using my old X-52 with a VKB Gladiator right now as my setup) unfortunately. If you're willing to spend the money on that, definitely the Thrustmaster Warthog is up there in terms of a solid stick and good construction. VIRPIL, if you can get them, have a really cool T-50 stick and throttle system as well. They are new on the market but making a pretty big splash.

 

Thrustmaster is supposed to have a new stick coming too but we haven't seen much since E3 last year.

[Roberts701]

3 minutes ago, ShamrockOneFive said:

 

You're welcome!

 

The Gladiator doesn't have a HOTAS (I'm using my old X-52 with a VKB Gladiator right now as my setup) unfortunately. If you're willing to spend the money on that, definitely the Thrustmaster Warthog is up there in terms of a solid stick and good construction. VIRPIL, if you can get them, have a really cool T-50 stick and throttle system as well. They are new on the market but making a pretty big splash.

 

Thrustmaster is supposed to have a new stick coming too but we haven't seen much since E3 last year.

That was a speedy response Yes there are definatly a few good sticks out there and a couple of those lesser known companys, they seem like they are making a name for themslves. I think i will go more for the Thrustmaster warthog which has the same kind of feel as the old X45 saitek which i used before. To be honest i do not even have the game, a computer or any flight simulation extras (trackir) but thought i would splash out and get everything at the same time. . hoping to get the right stuff so lots of reading up and studying lol.

 

Anyway cheers and thanks again.

[Sokol1]

On 14/05/2018 at 10:54 PM, Roberts701 said:

 I did check out some of the joysticks that you mentioned and i like the Thrustmaster warthog hotas setup. Do you think it is a good model?

 

Warthog is good HOTAS - in fact the best of HOTAS "package" available - other options is Saitek (now Logitech) X-5x and CH (an "1999" model).

 

Their more common issues is stiction on gimbal -  an "fix" requiring disassemble is re-grease with Nyogel 767A.

Their 'slew' control is hated due bad precision, some buttons may broken internally after good use and despite advertised as "all metal" - in fact some parts, e.g. grips shells in Zamak (pot metal used in imitation jewelry, door knobs...) their gimbal is in plastic and can broken if subject to torsion - normally by careless hands. Throttle main PCB is not too "bullet proof" and some make "harakiri". But this issues is not statistically alarming.

 

Comparatively VKB and VPC (VirPil) although don't offer yet an HOTAS "package" (both promised throttle for "soon™"), be more expensive and have very low availability offer better mechanics with all metal, bearings CAM gimbals, what means better control, specially in WW2 CFS dogfights.

 

Pay attention that "high end" HOTAS and sticks don't came with "twist" rudder - promised by VKB and VPC for "soon™", requiring buy an rudder pedals,  prices from ~$90 to $600.

 

On "budget" the options is the mentioned VKB Gladiator (can be used as HOTAS with Thrustmaster TWCS throttle), Thrustmaster FCS HOTAS and Saitek X-52 (an old model), all with "twist" rudder and prices between $110-180 - VKB model as always "sold out".

Edited May 16, 2018 by Sokol1

[Quax]

Don´t buy any Logitech crap. Best stick is still the FFB2. You should get it on ebay for ca 100 bucks. FFB gives you natural neutral position of the elevator according to trim, and of course some additional immersion. They modelled that really nice.

Edited May 15, 2018 by Quax

[=ARTOA=Bombenleger]

In case you are looking for a cheap alternative to trackir check out delanengineering.com, I am very satisfied with it.

[Herne]

while you are buying your flight chair and peripherals, treat yourself to a VR HMD. IL2 in VR is pretty special . And lets face it, once you are having a good time, and as a flight sim vet, you are going to have a good time, it won't be long before you want to fly everything that 1CGS has to offer, so the real question is, which package should you buy first ? 

I would say that if you have personal favourites, and any of them are available in game then pick the package that contains them, or the most of them. Start there and it won't be long before you own everything on offer, and can't wait for the "Next" purchase of things yet to be offered

Enjoy !

[D3adCZE]

I am satisfied with BoS with premium planes(190A3 and La5) and collector aircraft 109 G6 and La5FN.

 

Moreover I am flying using Logitech Extreme 3D Pro in right hand and mouse in left hand for view.

 

Everything(game + planes + joystick) cost me ~150 EUR. And it is completely sufficient.

 

 

[seafireliv]

5 hours ago, Quax said:

Don´t buy any Logitech crap. Best stick is still the FFB2. You should get it on ebay for ca 100 bucks. FFB gives you natural neutral position of the elevator according to trim, and of course some additional immersion. They modelled that really nice.

 

The Sidewinder FF2 is an amazing stick, it just lasts and lasts and still works fine (as long as the Devs code for it).

 

VR is good I`ve heard, enabling you to truly feel like you`re `there`, but is an expensive man`s toy (especially when added with everything else) and needs a very good rig for smooth running. TrackIR is way cheaper and does an excellent job of adding situational awareness plus realism. In fact I can`t fly without it as has been evident since somehow losing my Trackir clip! Maybe best to have VR after all! lol!

 

A 6 lever throttle quadrant control system and rudders (can be obtained from CH) will help for easier control and immersion- Nothing more annying than trying to do all those things off keyboard or gamepad (gamepad I especially do not advise).

Edited May 15, 2018 by seafireliv

[Ehret]

1 hour ago, CSAF-D3adCZE said:

I am satisfied with BoS with premium planes(190A3 and La5) and collector aircraft 109 G6 and La5FN.

 

Moreover I am flying using Logitech Extreme 3D Pro in right hand and mouse in left hand for view.

 

I track using my left hand too but with a trackball - took me some time to switch from right hand.

I had started with BoK and the P-40 and the MC-202 for earlier maps, initially.

 

[VesseL]

Hi.

I would buy BOS first and then the rest. For good and cheap hotas or stick I would buy Trustmaster T. 16000M.

Or if you like force feedback, then MSFFB2 is great stick if you can find used and fully working unit, it may easily last 10 more years. Best stick still for me. I have 2 of them. And one T. 16000M for back up. My throttle is saitek x-56, because my last throttle was X-45 and i got used to that thumpwheel so much i chose my throttle because saitek is the only cheap option for throttle with thumpwheel. If i would have more money i would buy some of those custom boutique throttle. Rudder I have MFG Crosswind, Its expensive but last for a lifetime and is one of the best rudder pedals on market. MSFFB2 have the twist rudder too so pedals are not necessary at the start.

[TP_Silk]

My advice when asked this question is always the same.

 

Think of the releases as more like plane sets with a map attached than an actual expansion. That way you can look at the planes included in each plane set and decide what attracts your attention most. Then just add any collectors aircraft you want after that.

 

For multiplayer use it doesn't matter which map you buy as everyone can fly on any map hosted on a MP server.

[Roberts701]

Thanks for all the responses much appreciated and needed. VR will have too wait for awhile.

 

Soo many joysticks to choose from and after reading some of the posts and looking around a couple of models cought my eye and i was wondering what are your thoughts.

 

T.16000M FCS FLIGHT PACK for 200$ including the throttle, joystick and rudder pedals. Thrustmaster Flight Pack

 

Or a thrustmaster TWCS Throttle with VKB Gladiator Mk.II joystick. also around 200$.

 

NOTE i do have the original T.16000M (green/grey) joystick so this might still be good for IL2 ?.

 

Thanks again for your patience and help

[1_Robert_]

Welcome to the game and the community. 

[Sokol1]

On 15/05/2018 at 12:05 PM, Roberts701 said:

NOTE i do have the original T.16000M (green/grey) joystick so this might still be good for IL2 ?.

 

Is the same joystick of "FCS" pack - just with different (fool) colors, so need only get the TWCS throttle to have an "HOTAS".

 

With T.16000M (green)+TWCS you have two options for control rudder, in stick twist and in throttle paddles, so initially don't need buy rudder pedal.

 

TRFP pedals included in "Flick Pack" is OK, but not an good model.

 

 

Edited May 16, 2018 by Sokol1

[D3adCZE]

T.16000M has two HUGE flaws. They could not put a freakin' button on the thumbrest... and has 1 less button next to thumbhat 

[Thad]

Ya know... there never seems to be enough buttons on anything. 

[senseispcc]

Why do you think that BoS/BoM/Bok/BoBp are different games? They are one and the same evolution of one game.

Like IL2/IL2 pacific wart/IL21946 and many other in between that I do not remember are the same game evolution until the basic set of instructions of the game does not permit it to evolve again or more.

It is why any plane of the series BoS/BoM/Bok/BoBp can be used with any map of the game and more.

And this is great.

[BOO]

I also have 2 MS FFBs but now use a Virpil T50 CM on a 100mm extension. Despite the loss of the jiggles I wouldn't go back.  Its far more accurate than the FFB. Its also at least 6 times the price id pay for a sidewinder so apples and oranges. There are some (minor to major) issues with FFB in BOX. The first is that some aircraft trim differently. For instance I could never trim the Ju88 to climb with either of my FFBs. The 109 also seems to run out of trim faster at higher speeds. Neither are game breakers. Other users also report the FFb and Track IR working together causing stutters which, to date, have not been resolved. . Cant comment as I only set up my TIR after I started using the T50. before that I used (and often still do due to its reliability) an EDtracker pro. Then there are the "Alt Tab" hiccups but these are few and shouldn't be a game breaker either but can be a PITA when in MP with a squad as repeated exits to the menu to attempt a reset can crash the game.

 

Remember any MS FFB (the FFB2 with the usb is the one you want) is already old. Mine were both made in the early 2000s and one of them has done 3500 hrs since I bought it so wear and tear maybe a factor. That's why I wont sell mine. Both twist rudders are glitchy (never needed them so not an issue for me) and I have no idea how it felt new so could never say the rest was "in full working order" either. 

 

I do agree that, for the price, a good one is still a great stick but anything more than 60 euro is a bit rich considering and if youre tempted by VR you may find the lack of buttons limiting (remember also that buttons for the HUD and other in game features are useful to have to when you cant see the keyboard).

 

The final point id make is that things have changed over the years. Most big makers have taken a step out of true flight simming on account of there only being about six of us who still play it. Whats left from them is mostly mediocre at the very low to mid end (T1600m excepted) and of varying quality higher up. Smaller companies and even individuals have filled the gaps in the mid to high and offer usually much better kit but with varying degrees of supply and customer service prowess. 

[seafireliv]

My FFB SW is old. I got it For Mech Warrior 2 and was blown away when my stick jerked to the stomping of the mech. Had some great battles with that stick. Then I stopped using it for a while... why? Oh yea, I got married. After that fiasco, one of the few things I had left was my old FFB stick that had survived her purge. The plug was missing but got another one by a miracle that I nicked off something.

 

It`s going to die soon, I know it. I keep it maintained, but I`m seriously going to have consider a new stick... maybe a Warthog.

Edited May 23, 2018 by seafireliv