Today Eagle Dynamics released in early access the newest location available for DCS World, and it’s Iraq.
The map is available in two versions. You can get the full thing for $55.99, while the North can be purchased on its own for $39.99.
It’s worth mentioning that the partial map still gives you access to the full map, so it’s compatible, the southern area is simply displayed in lower detail.
Below you can enjoy the trailer showing it off. As usual, DCS World trailers tend to be worth watching regardless of whether you intend to purchase. They’re pure aviation porn.
Here’s what you can expect and a list of elements that are still work-in-progress due to the map being in Early Access.
Key Features
- Complete Iraq Map: Covering the entire country, including major cities and geographical features.
- High-Quality Ground Objects and Textures: Enhanced models and textures for buildings, vehicles, and environmental elements, available only in this full module.
- Authentic Air Bases Nationwide: Accurate recreations of all significant airfields and military installations.
- Diverse Landscapes: From deserts and marshlands to mountains and urban centres, experience the full geographic diversity of Iraq.
- Extensive Mission Content: A wide array of single-player and multiplayer missions and campaigns spanning different eras and conflicts.
- Full Aircraft Compatibility: Compatible with all existing DCS World aircraft modules.
- Enhanced Environmental Effects: Advanced weather systems, dynamic lighting, and atmospheric effects for maximum immersion.
Early Access Features
- Complete Map: Access to the full Iraqi terrain with essential features.
- Ground Objects: Exclusive detailed models and textures for an immersive ground experience.
- Functional Airbases: Operational facilities across the country with accurate layouts.
- Initial Mission Set: A selection of single-player missions covering a range of scenarios.
- Multiplayer Support: Full integration with DCS multiplayer for expansive cooperative and competitive play.
Features Coming During Early Access
- Terrain Refinements: Ongoing enhancements to terrain details and environmental elements.
- Expanded Landmarks: Addition of more cultural, historical, and strategic sites across Iraq.
- Mission and Campaign Expansion: Development of additional missions and campaigns, including historical and hypothetical scenarios.
- AI and Ground Unit Enhancements: Improved AI behaviours and interactions, along with ground unit model updates.
- Performance Optimizations: Regular updates for bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features based on community feedback.
- Future Regional Expansions: Planned extensions into neighbouring regions, further broadening the operational theatre.
Installing the whole map will require a whopping 75.35 Gigabytes.
If you prefer more Nordic locations, today we also got trailers for the two sides of the Arctic Thunder campaign, which have been made available with the latest update and are set on the Kola Map.
If you’re unfamiliar with DCS World, it’s a free-to-play military flight simulator focusing on aviation from World War 2 to the present day. It’s available exclusively on PC.
Of course, nothing of quality is really “free” and fully enjoying the simulator requires the purchase of additional modules like the map and campaigns mentioned today, albeit Eagle Dynamics has a pretty solid trial and introductory discount programs, on top of frequent sales.
DCS World is well known among enthusiasts to be quite challenging for those who aren’t familiar with complex flight simulation. Enjoying most of its advanced aircraft requires days or even weeks of study. That being said, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing and many hardcore simmers find it quite rewarding.