DCS World Steam Edition News

[h2]Syria[/h2]
[h3]Development Progress[/h3]



In collaboration with Ugra Media, we are delighted to share a significant update coming soon to the DCS: Syria map.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1120300/DCS_Syria/

Airfields and optimisation
New strategic locations including Ben Gurion, Hatzor, Palmashim, and Tel Nof have been added, and you’ll soon be able to add them to your missions. Improvements have been made to small objects models to optimise the rendering efficiency.

Enhancements and additions

• The Airbus A300 and An-26 map objects have been upgraded.
  
• The minimum texture resolution of ground surfaces and objects has been enhanced, resulting in sharper and more detailed visuals.
  
• New helipads are now available at several military bases.
  
• The scenery at the refinery of south Palmashim has been improved with more detail.
  
• New terminal models and the iconic control tower have been added to Ben Gurion.
  
• Airbus A300 and An-26 map objects are now included as part of the airfield scenes of Deir ez-Zor, Latakia, Marj Ruhayyil, Nejrab, Beirut, Damascus, Tabqa, Ben Gurion.
  
• New destruction models for Points of Interest like: Bank of Cyprus, Beirut SkyGate, Limassol KEAN Factory, Paphos Terminal, Sheraton Adana Hotel, Dam Ataturk, Dam Tishrin, and Ben Gurion terminal.
  

Bug fixes

• Resolved issues in Akrotiri and Paphos airfields.
  
• Fixed terrain scene bugs at various bases.
  
• Corrected errors in terrain and vector data and common scenes.
  
• Fixed collision issues with helipads on the Bank of Cyprus and Sheraton Adana Hotel.
  
• Corrected licence plates on cars and inscriptions on buildings.
  

[h2]Normandy 2.0[/h2]
[h3]Development Progress[/h3]



Impressive updates are also coming to the DCS: Normandy 2.0 map, here is a preview of what you can look forward to in the upcoming update.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2399880/DCS_Normandy_20/

Optimisation
Ugra Media has optimised the building models and structures to improve overall performance. The bridge scene near the Palace of Westminster has been enhanced with greater detail. Additionally, the model of the Notre-Dame de Paris has been improved.

New airfields
Eastchurch, Headcorn, and Hawkinge airfields have been added and are perfect to enrich your mission planning.

New historical sites
To enhance the historical authenticity of the terrain, new historical sites such as the Basilica Sacré Coeur, Palace of Versailles, and Hampton Court Palace have been added. Additionally, high flags at forts and major cities will be available.

Bug fixes

• Fixed bugs in airfields with the same call signs.
  
• Fixed bugs in terrain, vector data and common scenes.
  
• We truly appreciate your support and can’t wait to hear your feedback on these updates!
  

[h2]AH-64D OUTPOST[/h2]
[h3]Campaign by StoneSky[/h3]



In the complex geopolitical landscape, Syria is a strategic interest for Russia and the United States. Beyond being terrorism hotspot, Syria has become a stage for the rivalry between global powers, each pursuing their strategic interests and shaping international relations.

The campaign features 15 meticulously crafted missions based on real events. You will participate in deployments at Incirlik Air Base, King Hussein Air Base in Jordan, and strategic locations in northern Syria like the well-known cement plant and the formidable Tal Saman base. Engage in battles for the Tishrin Dam and the city of Tishrin; and take part in the intense fights for Manbij, Tabqa, and the legendary city of Raqqa. These missions will showcase the full might of CJTF–OIR joint combat operations.

Key Features:

• 15 missions based on real events.
  
• JTAC and FAC operations, Medevac missions, and special assignments.
  
• Interaction with U.S. Air Force UAVs, A-10, F/A-18, and B-1Bs.
  
• Over 2,500 radio dialogues.
  
• More than 200 pages of documentation and kneeboard.
  

You can look forward to this campaign in an upcoming DCS update!

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

[h2]Iraq[/h2]
[h3]Announcement[/h3]



Why Pre-Order DCS: Iraq?
Be among the first to experience Iraq's diverse terrains and landmarks by taking advantage of a special pre-purchase price of $48.99 instead of $69.99 before the official release. Watch the preview video!

Flexible Options to Suit Your Flight Path
The initial release of the DCS: Iraq map includes the Northern region, offering an exceptional combat flight simulation experience. It is a diverse map that ranges from the immense and bustling cityscape of Baghdad, to the spectacular mountainous east. Following the release of the Northern region, the Southern region will be offered. In addition to purchasing the entire map, you will also have the option to purchase just a specific region of interest.

DCS: Iraq - Pre-order Now on our E-Shop

• The entirety of Iraq that includes all significant cities, air bases, points of interest and more.
  
• Includes the detailed Northern region map and the detailed Southern region map when available later.
  
• A new level of terrain detail and accuracy.
  

DCS: North Iraq – Pre-order Now on our E-Shop

• Key locations such as Baghdad, Kirkuk, Sulaymaniyah, and more.
  
• Key air bases including Al Asad, Balad, Baghdad International, and more.
  
• Ideal to recreate the War on Terror and War on ISIS in Iraq.
  
• Purchasing DCS: Northern Iraq makes the entire map flyable in single-player and multiplayer, but only this region will be in the highest detail.
  

DCS: South Iraq – Coming in 2025

• Featuring strategic locations such as Basrah, Najaf, Amarah, Nasiriyah, and the Shatt al-Arab waterways.
  
• Covering the west coast Persian Gulf that also includes Kuwait, Bahrain, and much of Saudi Arabia.
  
• Perfect for pilots interested in recreating Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom missions.
  
• Purchasing DCS: Southern Iraq will make the entire map flyable in single-player and multiplayer, but only this region will be in high detail.
  

Please note: In order to receive the latest high quality textures across the entire map, you will either need to own the entire map or both regions.

[h3]Development Progress[/h3]



Terrain Refinement: We are meticulously enhancing and adding high-resolution textures whilst simultaneously improving the normal maps and terrain elevation mesh. The goal of which is to provide an outstanding and immersion experience from very low to very high altitude.

Airbase Detailing: Final touches are being applied to all major air bases that include accurate layouts, taxiway and runway signs, lighting, surface textures, hardened aircraft bunkers, and support facilities. All air bases are being recreated with detail and authenticity in mind.

Ground Objects: We're developing detailed models of unique buildings, vehicles, points of interest like monuments and dams, and environmental assets.

Mission and Campaign Development: Our mission creators are preparing a variety of missions for our most popular aircraft. Mission scenarios include the Gulf Wars, The War on Terror, and operations against ISIS.

Upcoming Plans Before Launch
Prior to the launch of the Iraq map, we are also prioritising the following items to ensure a smooth and enjoyable Day 1 launch.

Performance Optimisation: This includes reducing load times, enhancing frame rates, and ensuring stability during large-scale battles.
Massive Multiplayer Testing: Extensive multiplayer sessions are scheduled to stress-test servers and refine the online experience. Our goal is to provide a seamless, lag-free environment for cooperative missions and competitive battles.
Community Feedback Integration: We're actively engaging with testers and community members. Your feedback is invaluable, and we're committed to incorporating your suggestions for a polished, final product.

Pre-Purchase Now!



We are extremely optimistic about the upcoming launch of the Iraq map and thrilled to begin the pre-sale. Please make sure you secure -30% off before launch and be amongst the first to conquer in one of the most captivating regions in the world.

Pre-order now for only $48.99 on our E-Shop.

Please note that the Afghanistan map is still being developed in parallel and is also making rapid progress on both improving the available Southwest Region and the upcoming East Region that includes such noteworthy locations as Kabul, Bagram, and Jalaabad.

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

[h2]Campaigns[/h2]

[h3]DCS: F/A-18C Operation Mountain Breeze Campaign by Sandman Simulations[/h3]
Mission 2 – Fixed messed up parking stands at Akrotiri
Mission 3 Outro – Fixed AAA not firing

[h3]DCS: Mi-24P Outpost Campaign by Stone Sky[/h3]
All missions are adapted to the latest update of the Syria map.

[h3]DCS: AH-64D The Four Horsemen Campaign by Fight's On Simulations[/h3]
All missions – Ensured correct gun load out. Elevated EPLRS task to hopefully fix Datalink issues.
M2 – Fixed UGLY 5-2 issue. Updated Freq change trigger.
M4 – Fixed CH-47 crashing on take off
M6 – Fixed issue with Foghorn approaching Apache and causing fratricide at mission start. Added message to explain cockpit door opening at mission start.
M7 – Fixed typo in Dim line. Fixed issue with engagement timings. Added/adjusted engagement messages to clear up confusion on when targets can be destroyed.
M8 – Fixed initial engagement issues with AI. Added flares to helo point. Updated MGRS coords.
M9 – Fixed incorrect CLEAR ENGINE START message.
M10 – Fixed CH-47s not pushing to pick up ground troops post mission. Updated Freq change trigger.
M12 – Fixed incorrect JTAC freq set by Foghorn.

[h3]DCS: UH-1H Peacekeeper Lebanon Campaign by Flying Cyking[/h3]
Mission 02. Repair of Checkpoint Foxtrot VHF Beacon
Mission 04. Fixed non-functional mission complete trigger. Added additional fallback trigger for insurgent boats. Corrected spelling errors.
Mission 05. Added missing F10 map marker for the refugee ship. Set the VHF radio to off for hotstart - no more annoying beep beep during briefing. Added new savegame/checkpoint file in case of mission fail for airstart.
Mission 06. Corrected spelling errors.
Mission 07. Added cutscene (was previously missing) -> If you already reached mission 8 it may cause a reset of your campaign progress, sorry.
Mission 09. Updated kneeboard, wrong freq. for Badger
Mission 11. Updated kneeboard, wrong picture for LZ. Corrected & added additional fallback trigger for the northern truck stop scene.
Mission 14.1 & 14.2. Edit automatic mission load at the end. (End Credits)
Mission 16. Added new Bonus Mission - Operation Redeemer - will be unlocked by watching the credits. Added Coop & CH-47F version of bonus mission into campaign folder - Play the mission with your friends. Added Mission 16 Pdf Briefing into docs folder.

[h3]DCS: F-14B Operation Sandworm Campaign by Sandman Simulations[/h3]
Added F/A-18C liveries
Mission 4 – In-game briefing chart was missing – fixed

[h3]DCS: A-10C Operation Agile Spear Campaign by Combat King Simulations[/h3]
Multiple versions of Agile Spear showing in the Campaign menu of DCS World. - Fixed. My bad. Thank you Nineline.
Mission 7 - Unable to score 100 points. Scoring fixed.
Mission 8 - Unable to complete the entire mission. Fixed. Thanks PheonixFC3.
Mission 10 - Pig Flight not starting and following. Fixed. Thank you CptJocco
Mission 11 - JTAC not lasing, Pigs not attacking when ordered. Fixed. Thank you ornitus.
NOTE. Mission 8 into A-10C campaign is required A-10C II module.

[h3]DCS: F-16C First in Weasels Over Syria Campaign by Ground Pounder Sims[/h3]
Updates to fix issues from changes to Syria map.

[h3]DCS: F/A-18C Operation Cerberus North Campaign by Ground Pounder Sims[/h3]
Updates to fix issues from changes to Syria map.

[h3]DCS: A-10C Operation Persian Freedom Campaign by Ground Pounder Sims[/h3]
Added failsafe trigger for Forge 3 egress

[h3]DCS: F/A-18C Serpent’s Head 2 by Badger633[/h3]
Mission 4: ‘End Mission’ button not working fixed.

[h3]DCS: F-14 Speed & Angels Campaign by Reflected Simulations[/h3]
Mission 5 & 12: LGB fusing re-saved

[h3]DCS: F/A-18C Raven One Campaign by Baltic Dragon[/h3]
M02 - Smoke now rejoins better at mission start. Smoke now cuts away correctly. RTB Tanker issues resolved.
M03 - Tanking issues resolved. Exxon TACAN fixed. Mission complete Splash Art fixed

[h2]Mi-24P Hind [/h2]
[h3]Livery Competition [/h3]



Design your own custom livery for the DCS: Mi-24P Hind and if your entry stands out, it could be officially added to DCS! All liveries must be based on a paint scheme prior to 2018. Good luck!

Prizes:

• 1st Place: $100 DCS ED Miles + 1 Free Eagle Dynamics Module + Livery added to the module.
  
• 2nd Place: $50 DCS ED Miles + Livery added to the module.
  
• 3rd Place: $25 DCS ED Miles + Livery added to the module.
  

How to Participate:
1. Create Your Livery:
- Design a unique and exciting livery for the DCS: Mi-24P Hind using the official template provided.

2. Submit Your Entry:
- Entries should be submitted as a ZIP file containing your livery textures and a readme.txt file with your callsign, DCS username, and email address.

- Submit your livery via the competition submission page by simply replying to the thread. You can use an external link if the ZIP file size is too large.

3. Submission Format:
- Format: .PSD files only.
Include a minimum of three screenshots: front, side, and top views of your livery on the DCS: Mi-24P Hind.
- Maximum of three liveries per participant.

4. Voting and Judging:
- Entries will be judged on creativity, quality, and in-sim applicability.
- Finalists will be showcased on our forums for community viewing.
- Special attention to Soviet - Afghan era liveries will be made.

Rules and Guidelines:
• Original Work:
- The submitted liveries must be your original creation. Plagiarised designs will be disqualified.

• No Political Themes:
- To ensure that our competition remains a positive and inclusive event, liveries must not include any political symbols, flags, emblems, or themes. This includes national flags, political parties, slogans, or any imagery that may be interpreted as divisive or controversial. All entries must be based on a paint scheme prior to 2018.

• Cultural Respect:
- Avoid using offensive, inappropriate, or culturally insensitive imagery. We want this competition to celebrate creativity and the global DCS community in a positive and respectful manner.

• In-sim Usability:
- Liveries should be practical and functional for in-sim use. Entries should complement the realistic nature of DCS and liveries that are too outlandish or impractical may not be considered.

• Submission Deadline:
- All entries must be submitted by the 29th of November 2024 at 23:59 GMT. Late submissions will not be considered.

• Legal Notice:
- By submitting your livery, you grant Eagle Dynamics the right to use, modify, and feature your design in DCS, promotional materials, and official media channels.

• Announcement of Winners:
- The winners will be contacted and announced in the newsletter so stay tuned! We’re excited to see how you envision the Mi-24P Hind’s look on the battlefield! Good luck, and may the most creative and detailed design win!

Download Livery Template

For any questions or clarifications, please visit our forums or contact us.


[h2]F-4E Phantom II[/h2]
[h3]Development Report[/h3]



The latest update for the DCS: F-4E Phantom II by Heatblur Simulations brought a range of exciting new features, missions, and improvements! The update introduces the thrilling Frog-7 Mini Campaign that is set in Syria (with optional Combined Arms features), as well as new instant action missions for Afghanistan.

JESTER AI has received a substantial navigation upgrade that allows in-flight INS updates and improved waypoint handling. Additionally, Heatblur has overhauled the Phantom's engine and canopy sounds for a more immersive experience, alongside new static object assets, backlighting improvements, and enhanced radar and RWR functionality including detection of active radar homing missiles and new handoff emitter sounds for the AIM-120, AIM-54, R-77, and Tornado.

Furthermore, Heatblur has fine-tuned weapon systems and added various new munitions, including German-specific bombs such as the BL755 and SAMP-250KG. The ACMI/TACTS pod has also been added, which is currently only visual. This update also includes improved mission editor tools, liveries, and a multitude of visual and functional enhancements to take your Phantom experience to the next level! Check out the full changelog and make sure to update your build now to enjoy all the latest additions.


[h2]Blu Games[/h2]
[h3]Content Journalist[/h3]



Blu Games is a dedicated aviation enthusiasts channel and dives into realistic tactical DCS gameplay. As a founding member of the JTF Maddogs DCS squad, they fly both fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft several times a week on their dedicated server, creating a fun and semi-realistic tactical environment. Tune in this Friday for a chance to win ED Miles!

Blu Games ultimate goal is to inspire others to explore aviation careers and pursue their ambitions through engaging streams and content. Make sure you check out Blu Games YouTube channel and show some support!

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

[h2]DCS 2.9.8.1107[/h2]
[h3]Development Progress[/h3]



We're excited to bring you a new DCS update that features a variety enhancement and fixes across several DCS modules that both improves gameplay and realism. Last week we discussed some of the improvements coming to the F-16C Viper and F/A-18C, and these were included in this week’s update. Additionally you will find a wealth of enhancements for a variety of our modules including Combined Arms, Black Shark 3, MB-339A/PAN by IndiaFoxtEcho Visual Simulations, JF-17 by Deka Ironwork Simulations, and terrains including the South Atlantic, Kola, Syria, and Sinai maps. For more details on all the fabulous enhancements, please read the full changelog.


[h2]Kola[/h2]
[h3]Development Progress[/h3]



[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

“Check out the September update video of the reworked map’s visuals and additional Finnish airfields. We greatly appreciate your role in bringing Kola to life and invite you to visit https://kola.orbxdirect.com/ to submit new improvements.” – Orbx Systems

Progress So Far
Compared to the initial release, the Kola map now has substantially improved natural terrain that includes a more detailed elevation mesh, summer and winter ground textures, vegetation, shorelines, lakes, and rivers. The initial focus area for airfields and infrastructure spans the Finland-Russia border regions, but we’ve also started adding more detail to parts of Norway and Sweden. If you were holding off on purchasing this wonderful map, now is the time to experience this epix terrain.

Major updates since the Early Access release:

• The addition of a complete set of high-resolution, winter textures that will be critical for the upcoming ‘Arctic Thunder’ campaigns by Reflected Simulations and Baltic Dragon.
  
• The summer textures have greatly improved with much higher resolution that improves the low altitude environment.
  
• The addition/improvement of four highly-detail regions covering four airfields in Finland: Rovaniemi (EFRO), Kemi / Tornio (EFKE), Kuusamo (EFKS), and Ivalo (EFIV); and five in Russia: Severomorsk-3 (XLMV), Severomorsk-1 (ULAK), RU-1110 (UMOE), RU-4464 (UOLE), and Murmansk (ULMM).
  
• Added or improved two road runways in Finland (at Vuojärvi and Rovaniemi), three airfields in Norway: Bodø (ENBO), Kirkenes (ENKR), and Lakselv (ENNA); and five in Sweden: Kiruna (ESNQ), Jokkmokk (ESNJ), Luleå (ESPA), Vidsel (ESPE), and Kalixfors (ESUK).
  
• An improved road and railroad network connected within the coverage area that includes bridges and tunnels that allow AI routing across the map.
  
• Many new cities, towns, infrastructure, tunnels and other objects have been added to the map.
  
• 
  

Future Plans
The next release will see the inclusion of Andoya (ENAN) airfield in Norway and Alakurtti (RU-0059) airfield in Russia with some additional infrastructure in the surrounding areas. Orbx has also reviewed a series of bugs and errors aiming for small performance improvements.

Future releases will see the addition of more airfields and surrounding infrastructure including: Evenes (ENEV), Bardufoss (ENDU), Kittilä Airport (EFKT), Enontekiö Airport (EFET), Pudasjärvi Airfield (EFPU), and Sodankylä Airfield (EFSO). Beyond these, Cold War-era installations, military airfields, and other key points of interest are also planned.

The upcoming Arctic Thunder campaign by Reflected Simulations & Baltic Dragon for the Kola map will consist of two scenarios: one for a Finnish Air Force F/A-18C and another for an USAF F-16C Viper. Both will share the same storyline and missions making it possible to play from different perspectives.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2778890/DCS_Kola_Map_by_Orbx/

Orbx has remained committed to continually providing frequent optimisation updates to the Kola Map. Please note that whilst in early access you can still enjoy a 20% discount!

[h2]Pimax Crystal Light[/h2]
[h3]Promotional Advert[/h3]



Experience top-tier Virtual Reality at unprecedented levels of comfort with the new Pimax Crystal Light headset. Offering 8.3 million pixels per eye at 120hz, the Crystal Light offers the highest clarity available in consumer VR in a lighter and more affordable package than the original Crystal.

For a limited time only, use code DCS2024 when purchasing your Crystal Light to receive a credit of 15,000 ED Miles, worth $15 at checkout in the DCS e-shop!

Starting from just $799, the Crystal Light allows you to make the most of ultra-detailed cockpits in DCS. Key features:

• Inside-out, ‘6 Degrees-of-Freedom’ tracking: No need for external base stations.
  
• Glass aspheric lenses, QLED panels, and local dimming: Vivid colors and deep contrasts that increase readability and bring the world to life.
  
• 2880 x 2880 native resolution (per eye, up to 120Hz): Delivers super smooth and crisp visuals.
  
• Lightweight for ultimate comfort: Weighing just 815g (1.8lb), the Crystal Light offers incredible performance in a smaller package than the original Crystal.
  
• Foveated Rendering (static, non-eye-tracking): renders only the center and focus of the User’s vision in full resolution, resulting in FPS gains and exceptional GPU efficiency.
  

The Crystal Light has become the daily driver for many pilots. See what others have to say:

• Flight Simulation: “Impressive visual quality, affordability, and comfort”
  
• Skil (Grim Reapers): “...it seems to be the response to the community's desire for a cutdown truly dedicated PCVR headset”
  
• Laubox: “This is a new level of gaming realism”
  
• C.W Lemoine: “If you’re looking for a good cost, this is a great upgrade…”
  

Available Now:

• Follow this link and use code DCS2024 during checkout to receive 15,000 ED Miles with your purchase of a Pimax Crystal Light, available until November 29th.
  
• Learn more about the Pimax Crystal Light and read the full terms and conditions of this exclusive offer via this link.
  

Additionally, Pimax has also recently launched native support for OpenXR and Quad Views, reducing the need for any additional third-party software. Watch the video for a demonstration.

We hope you enjoy the latest DCS Update and we truly look forward to your feedback on the new enhancements to the F/A-18C, F-16C, F-4E Phantom II. Please make sure to read the full changelog for more details.

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics