Frequently Asked Questions

A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) that get asked when joining Hoggit or Combat Flight Sims.

Where do I start?

DCS is an intimidating game for people to get into. The first step would be to check out our Setup Guides and ensure your controls are working with DCS. DCS World comes with two free planes, the Su-25T and the TF-51D (trainer version of the P-51D). Check out their training missions inside DCS World, and also check out their linked wiki pages for any resources related to them.

Nowadays DCS offers also a free to play system, where you can try out any module for two weeks at a time every six months.

If you have a particular module you'd like to learn, check out Chuck's Guide for that module (usually linked on our wiki's pages for that plane, if there's a guide available). It's a great starting point (and reference for later) for every module in DCS.

How do I get a tutor?

If you're interested in learning with an actual person, join our Discord and tag the @Instructors (Hoggit_Instructors). It's useful to mention which module you want to learn, and if you want to learn something specific (eg. landing, bombing, navigation).

What gear should I buy?

Very much depends on your budget/seriousness. Our Peripherals Guide should guide you towards some good choices.

Does DCS have sales?

Yes, both Steam and the Eagle Dynamics stores will have sales, and the modules are usually discounted on both stores around 30-50%. The sales will occur usually around the same time, but the duration of the Eagle Dynamics store sales are typically a bit longer.

Should I get the Steam Version or Standalone Version?

A point of contention in the DCS community. If you're new to DCS World and are looking to buy a module, AT THIS TIME we suggest the standalone version.

However, there are a few trade-offs to consider:

• Differences in price due to currency conversions and Steam regions
• Standalone
  • gives you a two-week free trial period for each module, which can be used every six months
  • 50% discount for your first purchase
  • has 10% cash-back in the form of ED Miles
    • Note that it's essentially a "Buy 10, get 1 for free": if you use any ED miles for a purchase, that specific purchase won't give you any ED miles
  • tends to have a bit longer sales
  • gives better version control for roll-backs (in case the newest update breaks something, for example)
• Steam
  • auto-update without launching the game
  • Steam overlay and friend list
  • you can link your Steam account to Standalone to use modules bought via Steam in either version

Which modules are transferable between Steam and Standalone?

All modules can be transferred from Steam to Standalone, but transferring modules from Standalone to Steam is not available. The modules transferred from Steam will remain available in your Steam inventory, and you can remove the sync later if you wish.

Follow this guide on the DCS website to transfer your modules: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/support/faq/steam/#3303126

How do I switch my install from Steam to Standalone version?

1. Download installer from ED and run it
2. Untick "download" at end of setup
3. Copy across files from Steam to Standalone
4. Delete retail.cfg in YourDCSFolder/Config/
5. Run Repair DCS World

How do I move to the Open Beta Branch?

Standalone

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to your DCS World install
2. Hold LShift + Right click on bin folder and press "Open command prompt here" or "Open PowerShell window here"
3. Type or paste

.\DCS_updater.exe update @openbeta

If using PowerShell, wrap '@openbeta' in single quotes.

Steam

1. Open steam and navigate your DCS in your library
2. Right click DCS and pick Properties
3. Click the betas tab and then from the drop down select "openbeta - Public beta versions". Do NOT select "openbeta-2.7.0.5659 - DCS version 2.7.0.5659".
4. Steam will now patch your game once you close the dialog box

Once the update is finished, you are good to go.