DCS World Steam Edition Analysis on Niklas Notes

DCS World Steam Edition

Game

(released 11 years ago)

Eagle Dynamics SA

TL;DR

It is a free-to-play military simulation game that allows players to pilot various aircraft and vehicles in realistic combat scenarios. Players can engage in missions across multiple historical and modern battlefields. Essentially, it's a digital playground for those who dream of flying jets and commanding military operations.

View on Steam

Genres:

FPS

Open World

Shooter

Tags:

FPS

Shooter

Strategy

Action

Open World

Simulation

War

Sandbox

Multiplayer

Free to Play

Co-op

Singleplayer

Massively Multiplayer

TrackIR

First-Person

Flight

Realistic

Military

Tanks

Likely Inspirations:

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown

DCS: Black Shark

IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946

Microsoft Flight Simulator

War Thunder

Steam Review Analysis – Total (updated Mar 24, 2025, 5:20 AM)

Disclaimer: This analysis is independently conducted and is not affiliated with Valve or Steam.

Review Summary - 36,565

85%

Very Positive

31129

5436

0% Primarily Play on Deck

Playtime Statistics

Playtime Overview

Estimated Playthrough Time

45.65 hrs

Min Playtime

0.08 hrs

15th Percentile

2.50 hrs

Median Playtime

30.20 hrs

85th Percentile

276.67 hrs

Max Playtime

16552.30 hrs

Conclusion

Overall, DCS World Steam Edition is praised for its realistic flight mechanics, high-quality graphics, and engaging gameplay, but it faces significant criticism for its steep learning curve, expensive DLC, and technical issues. The community's mixed feelings about developer practices and support contribute to a polarized sentiment among players, with many expressing frustration over the high costs associated with the game.

Strongly Positive

Realistic Flight Mechanics

Players appreciate the game's authentic flight dynamics and realistic aircraft operation.

~7%

Graphics Quality

The game's visuals are frequently praised for their high quality and realism.

~4%

Positive

High Difficulty

Many reviews highlight the steep learning curve and challenging gameplay, which can be both rewarding and frustrating.

~7%

Fun Gameplay

Players find the game enjoyable and engaging, often describing it as fun despite its challenges.

~6%

VR Compatibility

Players appreciate the game's compatibility with VR, enhancing the immersive experience.

~2%

Customization and Mission Creation

The ability to create custom missions and modify gameplay is a positive aspect for many players.

~1%

Neutral / Mixed Opinions

Negative

Not Beginner Friendly

The game is noted for its lack of accessibility for new players, requiring significant time investment to learn.

~3%

Strongly Negative

Expensive DLC

Several reviews mention the high cost of additional content, which can be a barrier for players.

~6%

Community and Support Issues

Some players express frustration with the game's community practices and support from developers.

~4%

Technical Issues

Some players report technical problems that hinder their gameplay experience.

~4%

This analysis is powered by OpenAI’s language models and may occasionally contain inaccuracies. For the most precise details, please consult the reviews directly on the official Steam store page.

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Related Products and DLCs

Game	Type	Age
DCS World Steam Edition	Game	11Y
DCS: F-5E Remastered	DLC	7M
DCS: CH-47F	DLC	10M
DCS: Afghanistan	DLC	11M
DCS: East Afghanistan	DLC	4M
DCS: Southwest Afghanistan	DLC	11M
DCS: AH-64D	DLC	3Y
DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer	DLC	4Y
DCS: Black Shark 3	DLC	2Y
DCS: Black Shark 3 Upgrade	DLC	2Y
DCS: Flaming Cliffs 2024	DLC	11M
DCS: Flaming Cliffs 2024 Upgrade	DLC	11M
DCS: F/A-18C	DLC	7Y
DCS: F-14A/B Tomcat by Heatblur Simulations	DLC	6Y
DCS: Supercarrier	DLC	5Y
DCS: F-4E Phantom II by Heatblur Simulations	DLC	1Y
DCS: F-15E	DLC	2Y
DCS: F-16C Viper	DLC	5Y
DCS: JF-17 Thunder	DLC	5Y
DCS: A-10A Flaming Cliffs	DLC	11Y
DCS: AJS-37 Viggen by Heatblur Simulations	DLC	7Y
DCS: AV-8B Night Attack V/STOL	DLC	7Y
DCS: Bf 109 K-4 Kurfürst	DLC	10Y
DCS: C-101 Aviojet	DLC	6Y
DCS: Christen Eagle II	DLC	6Y
DCS: F-15C Flaming Cliffs	DLC	11Y
DCS: F-5E Tiger II	DLC	8Y
DCS: F-5E Flaming Cliffs	DLC	11M
DCS: F-86F Sabre	DLC	10Y
DCS: F-86F Flaming Cliffs	DLC	11M
DCS: Fw 190 A-8	DLC	6Y
DCS: Fw 190 D-9 Dora	DLC	10Y
DCS: I-16	DLC	6Y
DCS: Kola Map by Orbx	DLC	1Y
DCS: L-39 Albatros	DLC	9Y
DCS: M-2000C	DLC	8Y
DCS: MB-339	DLC	2Y
DCS: Mi-8 MTV2 Magnificent Eight	DLC	11Y
DCS: Mi-24P HIND	DLC	4Y
DCS: MiG-15Bis	DLC	10Y
DCS: MiG-15 Flaming Cliffs	DLC	11M
DCS: MiG-19P Farmer	DLC	6Y
DCS: MiG-21Bis	DLC	10Y
DCS: Mirage F1	DLC	2Y
DCS: MiG-29 Flaming Cliffs	DLC	6Y
DCS: Mosquito FB VI	DLC	3Y
DCS: OH-58D Kiowa Warrior by Polychop Simulations	DLC	1Y
DCS: P-47D Thunderbolt	DLC	5Y
DCS: P-51D Mustang	DLC	11Y
DCS: SA342 Gazelle	DLC	9Y
DCS: Spitfire LF Mk IX	DLC	7Y
DCS: Su-25 Flaming Cliffs	DLC	11Y
DCS: Su-27 Flaming Cliffs	DLC	10Y
DCS: Su-33 Flaming Cliffs	DLC	7Y
DCS: UH-1H Huey	DLC	11Y
DCS: Yak-52	DLC	6Y
DCS: The Channel	DLC	5Y
DCS: Marianas	DLC	4Y
DCS: NEVADA Test and Training Range Map	DLC	7Y
DCS: Normandy 2.0	DLC	2Y
DCS: Combined Arms	DLC	11Y
DCS: World War II Assets Pack	DLC	7Y
DCS: Persian Gulf	DLC	7Y
DCS: Syria	DLC	4Y
DCS: Sinai Map by OnReTech	DLC	2Y
DCS: South Atlantic	DLC	3Y
A-10C: Advanced Aircraft Training Qualification Campaign	DLC	8Y
A-10C: Basic Flight Training Campaign	DLC	8Y
DCS: A-10C Warthog - The Enemy Within 3.0 Campaign	DLC	6Y
DCS: A-10C II Iron Flag Part 1 Campaign	DLC	3Y
DCS: A-10C Operation Agile Spear Campaign	DLC	3Y
DCS: A-10C II Operation Persian Freedom Campaign	DLC	4Y
A-10C: Red Flag Campaign	DLC	7Y
A-10C: Stone Shield Campaign	DLC	7Y
A-10C: Tactical Training Qualification Campaign	DLC	7Y
DCS: AH-64D The Four Horsemen Campaign by Fight's On Sims	DLC	11M
DCS: AH-64D Outpost Campaign by Stone Sky	DLC	8M
DCS: AV-8B Hormuz Freedom Campaign	DLC	3Y
DCS: AV-8B Sky Warrior Campaign	DLC	4Y
DCS: Bf 109 K-4 Kurfürst - Jagdflieger Campaign	DLC	5Y
Black Shark 2: Republic Campaign	DLC	9Y
DCS: Combined Arms Frontlines Georgia Campaign	DLC	6Y
DCS: F-4 MiG Killers Campaign by Reflected Simulations	DLC	10M
DCS: F-14A Fear the Bones Campaign	DLC	3Y
DCS: F-14A Zone 5 Campaign	DLC	4Y
DCS: F-14B Speed and Angels Campaign	DLC	2Y
DCS: F-14B Operation Sandworm Campaign	DLC	3Y
F-15C: Aggressors BFM Campaign	DLC	6Y
F-15C: The Georgian War Campaign	DLC	7Y
F-15C: Red Flag Campaign	DLC	7Y
DCS: F-15C Aggressors Air Combat Maneuvering Campaign by Maple Flag	DLC	1Y
DCS: F-16C Dragon's Fury Campaign SorelRo	DLC	8M
DCS: F-16C Red Flag 21-1 Campaign	DLC	4Y
DCS: F-16C The Gamblers Campaign by Baltic Dragon	DLC	11M
DCS: F-16C First in Weasels Over Syria Campaign by Ground Pounder Sims	DLC	1Y
DCS: F-16C Last Out Weasels over Syria II Campaign by Ground Pounder Simulations	DLC	7M
DCS: F-16C Arctic Thunder Campaign by Reflected Simulations	DLC	7M
F-5E: Aggressors Air Combat Maneuver Campaign	DLC	7Y
F-5E: Aggressors Basic Fighter Maneuvers Campaign	DLC	7Y
DCS: F-5E Black Sea Resolve '79 Campaign	DLC	4Y
DCS: F-86F Sabre Hunters Over the Yalu Campaign	DLC	4Y
F/A-18C: Aggressors BFM Campaign	DLC	5Y
DCS: F/A-18C Arctic Thunder Campaign by Baltic Dragon	DLC	7M
DCS: F/A-18C Flaming Sunrise Campaign by Sandman Simulations	DLC	2Y
DCS: F/A-18C Hornet The Serpent's Head 2 Campaign	DLC	4Y
DCS: F/A-18C Operation Cerberus North	DLC	3Y
DCS: F/A-18C Operation Pontus Campaign	DLC	4Y
DCS: F/A-18C Rise of the Persian Lion Campaign	DLC	3Y
DCS: F/A-18C Rise of the Persian Lion II Campaign	DLC	2Y
DCS: F/A-18C Hornet Raven One Сampaign	DLC	4Y
DCS: F/A-18C Raven One: Dominant Fury Campaign	DLC	3Y
DCS: F/A-18C Rising Squall Campaign	DLC	4Y
DCS: F/A-18C Operation Mountain Breeze by Sandman Simulations	DLC	1Y
DCS: Fw 190 A-8 Horrido! Campaign	DLC	4Y
DCS: Black Shark 2 Pandemic Campaign	DLC	4Y
DCS: L-39 Albatros - Kursant Campaign	DLC	7Y
DCS: MAD Campaign	DLC	3Y
DCS: MAD AH-64D Campaign	DLC	2Y
DCS: MAD JF-17 Thunder Campaign	DLC	3Y
DCS: M-2000C - Red Flag Campaign	DLC	6Y
The Museum Relic Campaign	DLC	7Y
DCS: Mi-8MTV2 and Ka-50 Memory of a Hero Campaign	DLC	6Y
DCS: Mi-8MTV2 Crew Part 1 Campaign	DLC	4Y
Mi-8MTV2: Oilfield Campaign	DLC	7Y
Mi-8MTV2: The Border Campaign	DLC	7Y
DCS: MiG-21bis Battle of Krasnodar Campaign	DLC	3Y
DCS: MiG-21bis Constant Peg Campaign	DLC	3Y
DCS: P-47D Wolfpack Campaign	DLC	4Y
DCS: P-51D Mustang - Operation Charnwood Campaign	DLC	7Y
DCS: P-51D High Stakes Campaign by Dmitry Koshelev	DLC	8Y
DCS: P-51D Mustang Blue Nosed Bastards of Bodney Campaign	DLC	6Y
DCS: Spitfire Beware! Beware! Campaign	DLC	3Y
DCS: Spitfire LF Mk.IX The Big Show Campaign	DLC	6Y
DCS: Spitfire LF Mk. IX Operation Epsom Campaign by B&W Campaigns	DLC	7Y
DCS: Su-27 The Ultimate Argument Campaign	DLC	10Y
DCS: UH-1H Argo Campaign by 373vFS Greg	DLC	7Y
DCS: UH-1H Paradise Lost Campaign	DLC	3Y
DCS: UH-1H Worlds Apart Spring 2025 Campaign	DLC	5Y
DCS: UH-1H Worlds Apart Stormfront Campaign by Low Level Heaven	DLC	11M
DCS: UH-1H Peacekeeper Lebanon Campaign by Flying Cyking	DLC	11M
DCS: NS 430 Navigation System	DLC	3Y
DCS: NS 430 Navigation System for C-101EB	DLC	3Y
DCS: NS 430 Navigation System for C-101СС	DLC	3Y
DCS: NS 430 Navigation System for L-39С	DLC	3Y
DCS: NS 430 Navigation System for Mi-8MTV2	DLC	3Y
DCS: NS 430 Navigation System for SA342 Gazelle	DLC	3Y
DCS: Mosquito FB IV - V for Victory Campaign Reflected Simulations	DLC	2Y
DCS: DCS: AV-8B Kerman Campaign by Ground Pounder Sims	DLC	2Y
DCS: F/A-18C Inherent Resolve Campaign by Looking Glass	DLC	2Y
DCS: F/A-18C Operation Green Line by Badger633	DLC	1Y
DCS: Normandy 2 Upgrade from Normandy 1944	DLC	2Y
DCS: Normandy 2.0 Upgrade from The Channel	DLC	2Y
DCS: UH-1H The Huey Last Show Campaign by SorelRo	DLC	1Y
DCS: Mi-24P The Border Prequel Campaign by Armen Murazyan	DLC	1Y
DCS: Mi-24P OUTPOST Campaign by Stone Sky	DLC	1Y
DCS: MAD Black Shark Campaign by Stone Sky	DLC	1Y
DCS: P-51D Debden Eagles Campaign by Reflected Simulations	DLC	1Y
DCS: Iraq	DLC	6M
DCS: Iraq North	DLC	6M
DCS: Cold War Germany by Ugra Media	DLC	2M
DCS: F-4E Red Flag 81-2 Campaign by Reflected Simulations	DLC	2M
DCS: F/A-18C The Rampagers Campaign by Baltic Dragon	DLC	3M
DCS: Mosquito FB VI Freeman's Folly Campaign by SUNTS Simulations	DLC	3M

Updated on Jul 5, 2025, 10:56 AM