IL2 Software Specs

[elsmoko]

HI,

 I haven't used my IL2 software for over ten years and I have some questions before I dive back in;

1. Is it possible to use all of the Theaters / Versions on a 64bit PC operating system ?

2  Are all of the Theaters / Versions "Engineered" as 32bit or 64bit or is there a mixture of both ?  

3. Is "Steam" now required in order to use multiplayer online,  or is it possible to use an independent

    server  > What's the preferred option to use for multiplayer ?

4. Is it possible to fly independent campaigns offline with AI enemy to contend with ?

  Any and all tips will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Ken B.

My sys specs >  Win 7-64 @ 4ghz, 12gb RAM,  EVGA nVidia GF GTX 960 4gb, dual monitors

                            CH Fighterstick / Pro Throttle / ProPedals 

[LukeFF]

1. Yes

2. 64-bit

3. Not required

4. Yes, scripted campaigns, single missions, and quick missions can be flown with the offline login. Career mode requires you to login online. 

Edited November 24, 2021 by LukeFF

[BOO]

You will likely have to settle for lower graphics settings but should still be able to find something that looks good although you may find some stuttering on the ground.  And you may need to install Microsofts KB2670838 patch to get DX11 up and running up you havent updated windows since 2016 or before. 

 

If you are coming to IL2 Great Battles from the original its a bit of a learning curve but you are also coming to a very friendly community so any and all questions will be answered and if you do a quick search in the forums you will find most of the things you need.

 

The button bindings and camera settings can seem a little over-whelming at first but, take your time and work out what you need and what you dont. They are not aircraft specific and although some complain about that, a good deal of thought has been put into it by the Devs and so generally, the same button will do the same thing on each plane. I think the manuals cover settings well. 

 

A headtracking device of some sort is very useful and you may struggle more than you need to without one espeically online. Track IR is the top end of headtracking but a kit like the ones from Delan for a 5th of the price are pretty much as good. Track IR software is probably easier to use overall. If you go Track IR be aware it only runs really smooth at either 60 fps or 120 fps so you will need to keep the fps up at least 60 for it to be totally smooth. ED tracker is another alternative and is espeically useful if you cant quite maintain the framerate. You loose the 6 degrees of freedom howver (so forward, backward, higher, lower) but some creative curve and combination settings can really help.

 

Vsync will probably help you as it produces an evenly timed frame output (provided your system can maintain it). My personal preference is for smooth gameplay however so I may be a little biased.

 

The later maps are more demanding on a system. Personally I prefer the earlier ones and their plane sets in any case (Moscow and Stalingrad).

 

Multiplayer doesnt demand you use coms but it helps and stops you being "that guy".  Last time I played on line, DISCORD was used a lot. I dont know if it still is. 

 

Hope you enjoy!

[elsmoko]

Many thanks for the lightening fast replies.  Very very helpful information and tips..

I'll put them to good use ~:) ~

  I started with F117 Stealth Fighter, Yeager Air Combat, SWOTL, Falcon 3.0 and many other

early combat `fright sims.  Also loved Sub Logic ATP.  Then on to Falcon 4.0 and IL2, etc.

For past 15 years it's been mostly the Microsoft (non combat) Flight sims with several

virtual airlines.  Presently flying FSX acceleration and very happy with it.  Looking

very much forward to getting back with IL2 which is absolutely (IMHO) right at the top

with it's smoothness, graphics, realism and just general fun, whether in single player

or multiplayer >> this of course is my recollection from ~15 years ago and I'm betting

(judging by the forum threads and # of "fans) that it's even better now.

If you celebrate "Turkey Day",  have a great one.

Best regards,

Ken Boardman

BTW Luke,  I'm down the road from you in Poway, near San Diego.

Ken