DCS World is continuing to expand and Eagle Dynamics will soon release another Middle Eastern map for virtual pilots to enjoy, Iraq.
The new map is now available for pre-purchase at a 30% discount for $48.99, compared to the full price $69.99 that will come later.
The map will be released (as usual) in early access, with the focus on increasing the quality of the normal mapping textures, improving the airfields, and adding important points of interest.
You can watch a trailer showing it off below.
The ability to purchase only the northern region of Iraq is also available, priced at $27.99 (still discounted from $39.99), while the southern region will be available in 2025.
Here’s what you can expect if you get the whole thing:
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.
Incidentally, you’ll need a whopping 75.35 GB of storage for it.
If you’re unfamiliar with DCS World, it’s a free-to-play military flight simulator spanning combat-oriented aviation from World War 2 to the present day. It’s available exclusively on PC (via Steam or Eagle Dynamics’ own store).
That being said, it’s worth mentioning that fully enjoying the simulator requires the purchase of additional modules, so it’s “free” only in name even if 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 very challenging for those who aren’t familiar with advanced flying simulation, and flying its more cutting-edge aircraft requires days or even weeks of study. Of course, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing and many find it very rewarding and pretty much the whole point of flight simulation.
Speaking of maps, the Kola region has also been released recently, and it’s being updated regularly with new content and improvements.