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:Digital Combat Simulator

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}

{{Short description|2008 video game}}

{{Infobox video game

| image = New DCS cover.jpg

| title = Digital Combat Simulator

| developer = Eagle Dynamics

| publisher = The Fighter Collection

| released = {{Vgrelease|RU|17 October 2008|EN|10 December 2008|GER|7 March 2009|NA|2 April 2009}}

| genre = Combat flight simulator

| modes = Single-player, multiplayer

| platforms = Windows

| engine = EDGE 2.7{{cite web |title=EDGE 2.7 |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/newsletters/6380d357e7563a75aa176d2c22bbaa8f/ |website=Digital Combat Simulator |publisher=Eagle Dynamics |access-date=11 March 2024 |language=English |date=16 April 2021 |archive-date=11 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311234928/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/newsletters/6380d357e7563a75aa176d2c22bbaa8f/ |url-status=live }}

}}

Digital Combat Simulator (DCS) is a combat flight simulation game developed primarily by Eagle Dynamics and The Fighter Collection.

Several labels are used when referring to the DCS line of simulation products: DCS World, Modules, and Campaigns. DCS World is a free-to-play game that includes two free aircraft and two free maps. Modules are downloadable content that expand the game with add-on aircraft, maps, and other content. Campaigns are scripted sets of missions. Modules and campaigns are produced by Eagle Dynamics as well as third-parties.{{cite web |title=Digital Combat Simulator World |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/products/world/ |access-date=29 March 2022 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |archive-date=21 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621190722/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/products/world/ |url-status=live }}

Gameplay

DCS World is a study sim in which players learn how to operate aircraft using realistic procedures. Aircraft are meticulously modeled from real-world data,{{Cite web |title=DCS: F-14 Tomcat |url=http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/products/planes/tomcat/ |access-date=2022-04-01 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |language=en |quote=A highly-detailed external model that has been built using laser scanning and photogrammetry taken of real, museum F-14 Tomcats. |archive-date=2022-04-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220402035348/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/products/planes/tomcat/ |url-status=live }} including authentic flight models and subsystems{{Cite web |title=DCS: F-16C Viper |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/modules/viper/ |access-date=2022-04-01 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |language=en |quote=Professional Flight Model (PFM) and authentic fly-by-wire Flight Control System (FCS) [. . .] Detailed simulation of the Viper’s many sub-systems like engines, fuel, electrical, hydraulic, radios, lighting, emergency, and many, many more. |archive-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331182636/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/modules/viper/ |url-status=live }} and detailed cockpits with interactive buttons and switches.{{Cite web |title=DCS: F/A-18C Hornet |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/modules/hornet/ |access-date=2022-04-01 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |language=en |quote=A highly realistic and exhaustively researched cockpit that is mouse interactive with 6 degrees of freedom. Interact with the cockpit by pressing buttons and moving switches. |archive-date=2022-04-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416030128/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/modules/hornet/ |url-status=live }} Digital manuals document the history, systems, and operation of each aircraft in extensive detail.{{Cite web |title=Documentation |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/downloads/documentation/ |access-date=2022-04-01 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |archive-date=2022-04-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401231459/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/downloads/documentation/ |url-status=live }} The game has extensive support for joysticks and HOTAS input devices ranging from gamepads{{Cite web |title=List of Console Gamepad Controller Layouts for DCS: World Modules |url=https://forum.dcs.world/topic/283264-list-of-console-gamepad-controller-layouts-for-dcs-world-modules/ |access-date=2022-03-29 |website=ED Forums |date=30 September 2021 |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-03-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329184704/https://forum.dcs.world/topic/283264-list-of-console-gamepad-controller-layouts-for-dcs-world-modules/ |url-status=live }} to 1:1 replica cockpits.{{Cite web |last= |title=OpenHornet |url=https://openhornet.com/ |access-date=2022-03-29 |website=OpenHornet |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331194951/https://openhornet.com/ |url-status=live }}

DCS World supports a wide variety of combat operations including combat air patrol, dogfighting, airstrikes, close air support, SEAD, and airlifts. Dozens of military airplanes and helicopters are available, spanning eras from World War II through the Cold War into the early 21st century.{{Cite web |title=Planes |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/products/planes/ |access-date=2022-03-29 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |archive-date=2022-04-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401100403/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/products/planes/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Helicopters |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/products/helicopters/ |access-date=2022-03-29 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |archive-date=2022-03-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182253/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/products/helicopters/ |url-status=live }} Popular modules include the AH-64D, F-16C, F/A-18C, F-14, and A-10C.{{Cite web |title=Modules (sorted by popularity) |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/modules/filter/sort-is-popular/apply/ |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |archive-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331170741/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/modules/filter/sort-is-popular/apply/ |url-status=live }}

A mission editor is included for users to create their own scenarios and campaigns with support for scripting in Lua. Users can host their own servers with user-made missions for PVE and PVP multiplayer. The community has developed tools to create missions using procedural generation{{Cite web |title=DCS: Liberation |url=https://www.mudspike.com/dcs-liberation/ |access-date=2022-03-29 |website=Mudspike |archive-date=2022-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415152708/https://www.mudspike.com/dcs-liberation/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=BriefingRoom for DCS World by Agar |url=https://akaagar.itch.io/briefing-room-for-dcs |access-date=2022-03-29 |website=itch.io |language=en |archive-date=2022-04-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426183545/https://akaagar.itch.io/briefing-room-for-dcs |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=RotorOps: DCS Mission Generator |url=https://dcs-helicopters.com/ |access-date=2022-03-29 |website=RotorOps |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-03-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323053219/https://dcs-helicopters.com/ |url-status=live }} and real-time editing,{{Cite web |title=DCS Olympus |website=GitHub |url=https://github.com/Pax1601/DCSOlympus |access-date=2023-12-16 |archive-date=2023-12-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217060607/https://github.com/Pax1601/DCSOlympus |url-status=live }} and hosts servers that simulate dynamic battlefields.{{Cite web |title=Enigma's Dynamic Cold War Campaign PVP/PVE Server |url=https://forum.dcs.world/topic/287464-enigmas-dynamic-cold-war-campaign-pvppve-server/ |access-date=2022-03-29 |website=ED Forums |date=22 November 2021 |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-08-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831234428/https://forum.dcs.world/topic/287464-enigmas-dynamic-cold-war-campaign-pvppve-server/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Through The Inferno |url=https://throughtheinferno.com/ |access-date=2022-03-29 |language= |archive-date=2022-01-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130201231/https://throughtheinferno.com/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Georgia At War |url=https://wiki.hoggitworld.com/view/Georgia_At_War |access-date=2022-03-29 |website=DCS World Wiki - Hoggitworld.com |language=en |archive-date=2021-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221172818/https://wiki.hoggitworld.com/view/Georgia_At_War |url-status=live }}

DCS World acts as a unified modular platform, in contrast to previous installments in the series which were standalone products. This allows users of different modules to switch between aircraft and play together within a single game client. The platform also allows third-party developers to publish modules through Eagle Dynamics' storefront. Community mods have also been produced, such as the A-4E,{{Cite web |title=Community A-4E-C |url=https://github.com/heclak/community-a4e-c |website=GitHub |access-date=2022-03-31 |archive-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331184720/https://github.com/heclak/community-a4e-c |url-status=live }} C-130J,{{Cite web |date=2020-11-03 |title=DCS Super Hercules mod by Anubis |url=https://forum.dcs.world/topic/252075-dcs-super-hercules-mod-by-anubis/ |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=ED Forums |language=en-US}} T-45C,{{Cite web |title=VNAO T-45 Goshawk |url=https://forum.dcs.world/topic/203816-vnao-t-45-goshawk/ |access-date=2022-03-31 |website=ED Forums |date=7 April 2019 |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331184721/https://forum.dcs.world/topic/203816-vnao-t-45-goshawk/ |url-status=live }} UH-60L,{{Cite web |title=UH-60L |url=https://github.com/Kinkkujuustovoileipa/uh-60l |website=GitHub |access-date=2022-03-31 |archive-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331184721/https://github.com/Kinkkujuustovoileipa/uh-60l |url-status=live }} and the JAS-39 Gripen.{{Cite web |title=JAS-39 Gripen |url=https://forum.dcs.world/topic/267204-jas-39c-gripen-community-mod/ |website=ED Forums|date=4 April 2021 }}

= Use as a military Air Force training aid =

Some air forces have used DCS World as a training aid. A professional version called Mission Combat Simulator (MCS) is available for organizational use.{{cite web |title=ED Mission Systems SA SMLB Store |url=https://www.smlb-store.com/FR/partenaire/ED%20Mission%20Systems%20SA.awp |website=SMLB Store |publisher=SMLB Group |access-date=25 May 2023 |archive-date=25 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525220219/https://www.smlb-store.com/FR/partenaire/ED%20Mission%20Systems%20SA.awp |url-status=live }}

The United States Air Force's 355th Training Squadron at Davis-Monthan AFB makes use of DCS as an instrument and weapons-system trainer for the A-10C. The use of virtual reality headsets is preferred for a more immersive experience.{{cite web |last1=Trevithick |first1=Joseph |title=A-10 Warthog Pilots Are Using The Digital Combat Simulator Video Game To Train In VR |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/40620/a-10-warthog-pilots-are-using-the-digital-combat-simulator-video-game-to-train-in-vr |website=The Drive |publisher=Recurrent Ventures |access-date=10 May 2022 |language=en |date=14 May 2021 |archive-date=2 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502113946/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/40620/a-10-warthog-pilots-are-using-the-digital-combat-simulator-video-game-to-train-in-vr |url-status=live }}

Before the Mirage 2000C was retired in 2022, the French Air Force used DCS for both instrument and tactical training with the M-2000C module, citing insufficient numbers of professional simulators.{{cite web |title=L'armée de l'air s'engage dans DCS World |url=https://avionic-online.com/2019/08/larmee-de-lair-sengage-dans-dcs-world/?doing_wp_cron=1652204864.9021708965301513671875 |website=Avionic-Online |publisher=Cthulhus |access-date=10 May 2022 |language=fr-FR |date=19 August 2019 |archive-date=8 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108124115/https://avionic-online.com/2019/08/larmee-de-lair-sengage-dans-dcs-world/?doing_wp_cron=1652204864.9021708965301513671875 |url-status=live }}

Ukrainian pilots have trained using the A-10C II and F-16C modules for DCS World.{{Cite magazine |date=2022-08-19 |title=Inside Ukraine's Secret Effort to Train Pilots for U.S. Jets |url=https://time.com/6207115/ukraine-train-fighter-pilots-russia/ |access-date=2022-08-26 |magazine=Time |archive-date=2022-08-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825193649/https://time.com/6207115/ukraine-train-fighter-pilots-russia/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Altman |first=Howard |date=2023-09-27 |title=Ukraine Situation Report: Pilots Train On Commercial F-16 Simulators At Home Bases |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukraine-situation-report-pilots-train-on-commercial-f-16-simulators-at-home-bases |access-date=2023-11-05 |work=The War Zone |language=en |archive-date=2023-11-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105223339/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukraine-situation-report-pilots-train-on-commercial-f-16-simulators-at-home-bases |url-status=live }}

Setting

DCS World has a number of maps available from Eagle Dynamics and third parties:

File:DCS-Maps-World.svg

= Released =

  • Caucasus - The default map for the game, based on similar terrains from Su-27 Flanker, Flanker 2.0 and Lock On: Modern Air Combat. Includes areas of Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, and the Black Sea
  • Mariana Islands - A free map centered around the Mariana island chain, including Guam, Rota, Tinian, Saipan, and "a score of lesser islands" such as Farallon de Medinilla, used as a bombing range by the US Navy{{cite web |title=DCS: Marianas |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/products/terrains/marianas_terrain/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725074232/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/products/terrains/marianas_terrain/ |archive-date=25 July 2021 |access-date=25 July 2021 |website=Digital Combat Simulator |publisher=Eagle Dynamics SA}}
  • Afghanistan - A map of the full land area of Afghanistan in the 21st century, starting with the southwestern area of the country including Kandahar Airfield, Herat and Camp Bastion.{{Cite web |title=DCS: Afghanistan Map |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/terrains/afghanistan_terrain/ |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com}} Available as a full map or as individually purchased overlapping regions of detail divided into southwest, north, and east.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-29 |title=Weekly Newsletter 29 March 2024 |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/newsletters/d36fa91ff9f927817eb53b95ad95024e/ |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com}}
  • Iraq - A map of Iraq including Baghdad, Sulaymaniyah, Erbil, and the airbases at Baghdad International Airport, Balad, Qayyarah and Erbil International Airport.{{Cite web |date= |title=DCS: Iraq Map |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/products/terrains/iraq_terrain/ |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=Digital Combat Simulator |language=en-US}} Available as a full map or individually purchased North and South regions.{{Cite web |title=DCS: Iraq North Map |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/terrains/iraq_north_terrain/ |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=Digital Combat Simulator}}
  • Kola Peninsula - A third-party map comprising the northern Baltic Sea, upper areas of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the northwest region of Russia including Murmansk Oblast.{{Cite web |title=The Kola Peninsula |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/newsletters/d0379bd0c48614348baeeaa552c396be/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107180009/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/newsletters/d0379bd0c48614348baeeaa552c396be/ |archive-date=2022-11-07 |access-date=2024-03-11 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com}} The terrain is the first DCS terrain from Orbx.{{Cite web |title=Eagle Dynamics Announces Flaming Cliffs 2024 for DCS featuring new iconic modules. |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/newsletters/eeb2fe2332a222c24324f91c143c8ed0/#:~:text=At%20last,%20the%20ORBX%20Kola,and%20a%20myriad%20of%20lakes. |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com}}{{Cite web |title=DCS: Kola Map |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/terrains/kola_terrain/ |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=Digital Combat Simulator {{!}} DCS World {{!}} Combat Simulator |language=en}}
  • Nevada Test and Training Range - A U.S. Air Force training range and location of the Red Flag exercise, which includes Nellis Air Force Base, Creech Air Force Base, Groom Lake, Las Vegas, McCarran International Airport, and Hoover Dam{{Cite web |title=DCS: NEVADA Test and Training Range Map |url=http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/products/terrains/nttr_terrain/ |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |language=en |archive-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331183913/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/products/terrains/nttr_terrain/ |url-status=live }}
  • Persian Gulf - A map centered around the Strait of Hormuz. It includes the United Arab Emirates, as well as areas of Oman and Iran{{Cite web |title=DCS: Persian Gulf Map |url=http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/products/terrains/persiangulf_terrain/ |access-date=2022-03-29 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |language=en |archive-date=2022-03-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329184113/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/products/terrains/persiangulf_terrain/ |url-status=live }}
  • Sinai - A third-party map representing the Sinai Peninsula, eastern Egypt, and southern Israel{{Cite web |title=DCS: Sinai Map |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/newsletters/8fe66c48f408b11e93cdd6c1c511482b// |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125174115/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/newsletters/8fe66c48f408b11e93cdd6c1c511482b// |archive-date=2023-01-25 |access-date=2023-01-25 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |language=en}}
  • South Atlantic - A third-party map including Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands{{Cite web |title=DCS: South Atlantic Map |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/products/terrains/south_atlantic_terrain/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620095805/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/products/terrains/south_atlantic_terrain/ |archive-date=2022-06-20 |access-date=2022-06-14 |website=Digital Combat Simulator}}
  • Syria - A third-party map centered around most of Syria, Cyprus, and Lebanon, as well as areas of Turkey, Israel, Jordan,{{cite web |title=DCS: Syria Map by Ugra Media |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/terrains/syria_terrain/ |access-date=25 March 2021 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |publisher=Eagle Dynamics |archive-date=3 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303214546/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/terrains/syria_terrain/ |url-status=live }} and Iraq{{Cite web |title=DCS 2.7.11.21408.1 Open Beta |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/changelog/openbeta/2.7.11.21408.1/ |access-date=2022-03-29 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |language=en |archive-date=2022-03-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329184336/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/changelog/openbeta/2.7.11.21408.1/ |url-status=live }}
  • "The Channel" - A map of the southeast of England and northeastern France during World War II{{cite web |title=DCS: The Channel Map |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/products/terrains/the_channel_terrain/ |access-date=2022-03-14 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |archive-date=2022-01-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122230043/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/products/terrains/the_channel_terrain/ |url-status=live }}
  • Normandy - A third-party map centered on the World War II battlefield of Normandy{{Cite web |title=DCS: Normandy 1944 Map |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/terrains/normandy_terrain/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329184337/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/terrains/normandy_terrain/ |archive-date=2022-03-29 |access-date=2022-03-29 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |language=en}} and the surrounding areas of southern England and northern and central France. Featured cities include Paris, London, Eastbourne, Brighton, Worthing, Portsmouth, Caen, Cherbourg, Le Havre, Rouen, Amiens, and Calais{{Cite web |date=2023-04-19 |title=Normandy 2.0 FAQ **Updated** |url=https://forum.dcs.world/topic/324181-normandy-20-faq-updated/ |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=ED Forums |language=en-US}}
  • Cold War Germany - A third-party map centered on Germany during the American-Soviet Cold War

= In development =

  • Mariana Islands WWII - A free WWII version of the Mariana Islands region as it was in the summer of 1944.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-06 |title=DCS: Marianas World War II |url=https://forum.dcs.world/topic/341428-dcs-marianas-world-war-ii/ |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=ED Forums |language=en-US}}

Development

File:DCS logo.jpg

File:DCS-World-logo.jpg

File:Dcs-world-15-logo.svg

DCS World traces its lineage directly from the Flanker and Lock On: Modern Air Combat series of combat flight simulator games. Three standalone titles were released under the DCS name from 2008 through 2011. The first was DCS: Black Shark as a simulation of the Kamov Ka-50.{{Cite web |title=Announcing Digital Combat Simulator: Black Shark |url=https://forum.dcs.world/topic/21431-announcing-digital-combat-simulator-black-shark/ |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=ED Forums |date=15 October 2007 |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331171328/https://forum.dcs.world/topic/21431-announcing-digital-combat-simulator-black-shark/ |url-status=live }} DCS: A-10C Warthog, a standalone simulation of the A-10C, was released in February 2011.{{Cite web |title="DCS: A-10C Warthog" Released! |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/dcs_a_10c_warthog_released/ |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |language=en |archive-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331171345/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/dcs_a_10c_warthog_released/ |url-status=live }} An upgrade for Black Shark, DCS: Black Shark 2, was released in November 2011 and allowed for network multiplayer with Warthog.{{Cite web |title=DCS Black Shark 2 Press Release |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/dcs_black_shark_2_press_release/ |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |language=en |archive-date=2016-12-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223134555/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/dcs_black_shark_2_press_release/ |url-status=live }}

The open beta of DCS World was launched in May 2012. Warthog and Black Shark 2 were made available as modules.{{Cite web |title=A-10C Warthog and Black Shark 2 modules for DCS: World |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/a_10c_warthog_and_black_shark_2_modules_for_dcs_world/ |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |language=en |archive-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331170836/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/a_10c_warthog_and_black_shark_2_modules_for_dcs_world/ |url-status=live }} Flaming Cliffs 3 was released later that year, which added aircraft from Lock On as modules of DCS World.{{Cite web |title=Announcing Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 3 |url=https://forum.dcs.world/topic/77974-announcing-lock-on-flaming-cliffs-3/ |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=ED Forums |date=September 2012 |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331171906/https://forum.dcs.world/topic/77974-announcing-lock-on-flaming-cliffs-3/ |url-status=live }} The first third-party module, the Bell UH-1H Huey, was also announced in 2012.

DCS World 1.5 was released in October 2015 featuring a new DirectX 11 graphics engine and a unified executable.{{Cite web |title=DCS World 1.5 Changelog and Updates |url=https://forum.dcs.world/topic/124003-dcs-world-15-changelog-and-updates/ |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=ED Forums |date=28 September 2015 |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331171105/https://forum.dcs.world/topic/124003-dcs-world-15-changelog-and-updates/ |url-status=live }}

In November 2015, DCS World 2.0 was released as an open alpha while 1.5 continued to be supported as a stable release. 2.0 added support for more detailed terrain including the Nevada Test and Training Range map.{{Cite web |title=DCS 2 changelogs and updates |url=https://forum.dcs.world/topic/123462-dcs-2-changelogs-and-updates/ |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=ED Forums |date=10 September 2015 |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331171816/https://forum.dcs.world/topic/123462-dcs-2-changelogs-and-updates/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=DCS World 1.5/2.0 FAQ |url=https://forum.dcs.world/topic/124097-dcs-world-1520-faq/ |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=ED Forums |date=October 2015 |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331171135/https://forum.dcs.world/topic/124097-dcs-world-1520-faq/ |url-status=live }} DCS World 2.1 was released in 2017 and added support for deferred shading and physically based rendering,{{Cite web |title=DCS 2 changelogs and updates |url=https://forum.dcs.world/topic/123462-dcs-2-changelogs-and-updates/ |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=ED Forums |date=10 September 2015 |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331171816/https://forum.dcs.world/topic/123462-dcs-2-changelogs-and-updates/ |url-status=live }} followed by DCS World 2.2 that same year.{{Cite web |title=DCS World 2.2 and P-51D Charnwood Campaign |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/2017-12-05_DCS220/ |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |language=en |archive-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331171525/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/2017-12-05_DCS220/ |url-status=live }} The next major release, DCS World 2.5, added an improved Caucasus map in 2018.{{Cite web |title=DCS World Changelog and Updates of Open Beta |url=https://forum.dcs.world/topic/170893-dcs-world-changelog-and-updates-of-open-beta/ |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=ED Forums |date=30 January 2018 |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-04-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428080155/https://forum.dcs.world/topic/170893-dcs-world-changelog-and-updates-of-open-beta/ |url-status=live }} 2.5 replaced 1.5 as the stable release version coinciding with a Steam release.{{Cite web |title=DCS World 2.5 "Release" Version Available Now |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/2018-04-06_DCS2.5/ |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |language=en |archive-date=2018-04-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414010648/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/2018-04-06_DCS2.5/ |url-status=live }}

DCS World 2.7 was released as an open beta in April 2021, with new weather and clouds as well as improved piston engine simulation.{{Cite web |title=DCS 2.7 and Sale! |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/2021-04-16/ |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |language=en |archive-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331171218/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/2021-04-16/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=DCS 2.7.0.4625 Open Beta |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/changelog/openbeta/2.7.0.4625/ |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |language=en |archive-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331171049/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/changelog/openbeta/2.7.0.4625/ |url-status=live }} 2.7 became the stable release in June of that year.{{Cite web |title=2.7 In Stable |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/2021-06-11/ |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |language=en |archive-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331171013/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/2021-06-11/ |url-status=live }} DCS World 2.8 was released as an open beta in October 2022, improving atmospheric effects and AI basic fighter maneuvers.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-05 |title=DCS 2.8.0 |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/2022-11-05/ |access-date=2022-11-05 |website=Digital Combat Simulator |archive-date=2022-11-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105234110/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/2022-11-05/ |url-status=live }} DCS World 2.9 was released as an open beta in October 2023, featuring support for Nvidia DLSS and AMD FSR, improvements to multiplayer voice chat, higher fidelity data link and radar simulation, and new graphics and camera effects.{{Cite web |title=DCS 2.9.0.46801 Open Beta |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/changelog/openbeta/2.9.0.46801/ |access-date=2023-11-05 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |language=en |archive-date=2023-10-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031091658/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/changelog/openbeta/2.9.0.46801/ |url-status=live }} The open beta version of DCS World was discontinued at the end of 2023, and all subsequent updates have been released directly to the stable release version.{{Cite web |title=FLIR development progress |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/2022-02-11/ |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |language=en |archive-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331171812/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/2022-02-11/ |url-status=live }}

In July 2024, Flaming Cliffs 2024 added survey sim versions of the F-5E Tiger, F-86F Sabre, and MiG-15bis. These versions feature professional flight model and updated 3D modelling comparable to the modelling and texturing update of Flaming Cliffs 3 that occurred in March of 2024. The 2024 modules were adapted from work created for another Eagle Dynamics product, Modern Air Combat, which was "shelved" earlier in 2024.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-18 |title=What happened to MAC and my thoughts on Flaming Cliffs 2024 |url=https://stormbirds.blog/2024/06/18/what-happened-to-mac-and-my-thoughts-on-flaming-cliffs-2024/ |access-date=2024-08-03 |website=Stormbirds}} Flaming Cliffs 2024 is available as a full pack, as an upgrade for owners of Flaming Cliffs 3, or as individually sold modules.{{Cite web |title=Eagle Dynamics Announces Flaming Cliffs 2024 for DCS featuring new iconic modules. |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/newsletters/eeb2fe2332a222c24324f91c143c8ed0/ |access-date=2024-04-26 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com}}

Over the course of development, modules have introduced new features to the simulator including improved flight models{{Cite web |title=General Flight Model |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/2021-12-03/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331172105/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/2021-12-03/ |archive-date=2022-03-31 |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2020 |title=DCS: A-10C II Flight Improvements |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/upload/medialibrary/81b/A-10%20C%20II%20Flight%20Improvements.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822030650/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/upload/medialibrary/81b/A-10%20C%20II%20Flight%20Improvements.pdf |archive-date=2021-08-22 |access-date=2022-03-30}} and damage models,{{Cite web |title=Damage Model Development Report |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/2020-11-06/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331170935/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/2020-11-06/ |archive-date=2022-03-31 |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |language=en}} multi-crew aircraft with multiple players or AI acting as crew{{Cite web |title=DCS: F-14 Tomcat |url=https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/modules/tomcat/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331171133/https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/modules/tomcat/ |archive-date=2022-03-31 |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=www.digitalcombatsimulator.com |language=en}} and enhanced FLIR simulation.

= Third-party developers =

A large portion of aircraft and terrains in the DCS World ecosystem are developed by companies officially licensed by Eagle Dynamics to produce modules for the simulator. Third parties also create single-player campaigns. Third party content is sold through Eagle Dynamics' storefronts on their eShop and Steam.

In 2018, third party developer VEAO ceased development of their Hawk module.{{Cite web |last=Costa |first=Sérgio |date=2019-02-25 |title=The VEAO affair |url=https://www.helisimmer.com/editorial/veao-affair |url-status=live |access-date=2024-03-15 |website=Helisimmer.com |archive-date=2024-03-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316015401/https://www.helisimmer.com/editorial/veao-affair }} Eagle Dynamics offered full refunds to customers and introduced a code escrow policy for future third party agreements.

In June 2018, Belsimtek, a Belarusian developer, announced its merger with Eagle Dynamics. The company's website was taken down in 2020.

In April 2025, most modules developed by third party developer RAZBAM Simulations were delisted due to a dispute between RAZBAM and Eagle Dynamics.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-07 |title=Most RAZBAM modules removed from sale |url=https://stormbirds.blog/2025/04/07/most-razbam-modules-removed-from-sale/ |access-date=2025-04-09 |website=Stormbirds |language=en}}

Reception

PC Gamer reviewed the DCS: A-10C Warthog module with a rating of 92/100.{{cite web |last1=Mahood |first1=Andy |title=DCS: A-10C WARTHOG REVIEW |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/dcs-a-10c-warthog-review/ |website=PC Gamer |publisher=Future US, Inc. |access-date=11 March 2021 |date=7 April 2011 |archive-date=11 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211012106/https://www.pcgamer.com/dcs-a-10c-warthog-review/ |url-status=live }} IGN praised the care and attention to detail, though remarking a level of inaccessibility: "Yes, there is a 44-page 'Quickstart' guide and yes, there are tutorials – a bevy of lengthy, highly instructive tutorials, actually – but precious little of this is designed for the neophyte or even the marginally experienced jet jock."{{cite web |last1=Goble |first1=Gord |title=DCS: A-10C Warthog Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/06/17/dcs-a-10c-warthog-review |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis, LLC. |access-date=11 March 2021 |date=5 May 2012 |archive-date=24 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424001823/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/06/17/dcs-a-10c-warthog-review |url-status=live }}

SimHQ praised the Ka-50 module, noting the attention to technical details such as the recoil of the main gun affecting flight dynamics, along with smaller details such as the windscreen wiper having several modes. Also noted was the difficulty of flying the helicopter.{{cite web | title=E for All 2007 Report on Day 1 Page 3 | website=SimHQ | date=2007-10-19 | url=https://www.simhq.com/_commentary/all_037c.html | ref={{sfnref | SimHQ | 2007}} | access-date=2020-09-18 | archive-date=2012-07-23 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723221558/http://www.simhq.com/_commentary/all_037c.html | url-status=live }} The Ka-50 simulation earned SimHQ's Simulation Product of the Year award for 2008.{{Cite web |date=2009-01-08 |title=2008: Double Aught and Almost Naught |url=https://www.simhq.com/_commentary/all_060h.html |access-date=2023-03-10 |website=SimHQ |archive-date=2023-03-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310042113/https://www.simhq.com/_commentary/all_060h.html |url-status=live }}

PC Pilot reviewed the third-party F-14 Tomcat module with a score of 97/100. The review concluded that "[DCS: F-14 Tomcat] is truly one of the greatest simulation modules ever created for a PC flight simulator." The complexity and depth of the multi-crew cockpit and systems was described as exceptional.{{cite web |last1=Frishmuth |first1=Chris |title=DCS: F-14 TOMCAT |url=https://www.key.aero/article/dcs-f-14-tomcat |website=Key.Aero |date=15 August 2019 |publisher=Key Publishing Ltd |access-date=22 September 2022 |archive-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922011723/https://www.key.aero/article/dcs-f-14-tomcat |url-status=live }}

HeliSimmer.com's article on the work-in-progress AH-64D module's early access version praised the 3D modeling and soundscape while noting the incomplete systems and critiquing the flight model's accuracy compared to a real helicopter. Despite these shortcomings, it was said to be "the best representation of an AH-64D since Jane's Longbow 2."{{Cite web |last=Hudson |first=Joe |date=2022-09-20 |title=A real pilot's impressions of the AH-64D Apache for DCS |url=https://www.helisimmer.com/articles/real-pilot-impressions-ah-64d-apache-dcs |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=HeliSimmer.com |archive-date=2022-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920155009/https://www.helisimmer.com/articles/real-pilot-impressions-ah-64d-apache-dcs |url-status=live }}

DCS World's gameplay has been critiqued, in contrast to its aircraft simulation. FlyAndWire wrote that "DCS is the best 'cockpit simulator' around" but criticized the interaction between the aircraft and the game environment.{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-12-06 |title=DCS: A Poor Combat Sim |url=https://flyandwire.com/2022/12/06/thoughts-dcs-a-poor-combat-sim/ |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=FlyAndWire |language= |archive-date=2023-06-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611224122/https://flyandwire.com/2022/12/06/thoughts-dcs-a-poor-combat-sim/ |url-status=live }}

References

{{reflist|30em}}

External links

  • {{Official website|https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/}}
  • [https://forum.dcs.world Official forums]

Category:2008 video games

Category:Combat flight simulators

Category:Eagle Dynamics games

Category:Helicopter video games

Category:Lua (programming language)-scripted video games

Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games

Category:Open-world video games

Category:Video games developed in Russia

Category:Video games with co-operative vehicle control

Category:Virtual reality games

Category:Windows games

Category:Windows-only games

Category:World War II flight simulation video games