0:01 Is the next module by ASC already in development for DCS? Well, according to my sources inside the company, yes, and I got permission to talk. Meanwhile, our hip server is evolving into something far more strategic, Combat Pilot just dropped a playable carrier qualification demo, and Aces of Thunder keeps pushing updates. So, buckle up and let's break down everything you need to know from the end of February in the world of combat flight sims here and how I play. This video is sponsored by Pimax. Get all their products using our new exclusive link and promo codes. Hello, virtual pilots. I'm Andre Celestei and tonight we're diving into the latest news in the combat flight sim world.
0:48 It's been a very busy week behind the scenes. There are things I still can't share because of embargo and yes that hurts. But I can tell you that I received the Pimax Crystal Super Micro OLED for testing and my full impressions inside DCS and other sims are coming very soon. And speaking of other sims, it's actually refreshing to test outside of DCS for a change. Between Isle 2 Korea and combat pilots stepping into the Pacific theater, the ecosystem is expanding. Competition is healthy and it pushes everyone forward. If you're new here, How I Play is a channel focused on simulation content with a big focus on combat flight sims and DCS. I tend to post weekly and also get to review many devices that would increase our
1:33 immersion, working with the best hardware providers for the simulation genre. So, if you like my content, feel free to give us a like, hype, and subscribe to keep in touch with everything that happens around the combat flight market and more. Thank you. As I do my best to stay in contact with all these companies representatives from different parts of the DCS development, I recently learned from my friend Goose at the airplane simulation company that they are already working on the next module for DCS. Work has reportedly been ongoing for around 6 months, meaning we aren't talking about an early concept talk, but actual module production. Even
2:18 better, they want this module delivered faster than the C130J. And as soon as the 3D model is complete, we can expect a formal announcement. Now, let's stay disciplined here. We don't deal in baseless speculation. Yes, but I like speculation. Not now, Petrovich. We know ASC previously stated that if the C130J performs well, we could see something even bigger down the line. The AC130 has been discussed publicly before. That's documented. But here's the interesting twist. Goose is a retired Hercules N fighter pilot and he flew the F-111 Hardwark. Uh what the F-111 for you? Yes. Easy. Now imagine that
3:06 aircraft in DCS. Cold War era check. Longrange strikes checked. Terrain following radar. heavy payloads to crew operations that would slot perfectly into the existing ecosystem and ASC has already experience in multi- crew operations. Take the elephant in the room as the C130 was a success in my book. In fact, if you're one of our viewers already, you saw that me and my team had a positive review when it comes to this new bird within DCS. If you missed it, the video should appear on the screen right now. But to come back to our subject, and this is important, I have zero confirmation that it's the F-111 ASC is currently working on. That's where the facts end. What I can confirm is that ASC is deep into
3:51 development, confident about their production timeline and preparing for a reveal once modeling milestones are completed. And that alone makes 2026 look very interesting. Even if a new module announcement may reach far beyond this year, it still makes our hearts beat faster than saying danger zone. And there are a lot of whispers about something new from Deca Iron Works. But until we see official communication in English, we stay grounded. But let's face it, this year may get very serious very fast. Meanwhile, Enri Tech shares again their work on the DCS Balcon's map with new
4:36 screenshots that confirm that the project is moving forward steadily. According to them, the team is continually refining the terrain, air bases, and infrastructure details across the region. I just love it when a developer continues to show progress and talks to us, be that even with just some pictures here and there. As for the Balkcon's map, it sure looks good already. Keep up the good work. Nice. Now, let's talk about our house. The hip server development is progressing exactly as planned and we are entering the final phase of logistic implementation. And this is not cosmetic. We are building a warehouse dependent infrastructure system that forces strategic decision making. Capturing territory will no longer be
5:22 about simply capping a base and flipping it. Sustained pressure, logistic disruption, and supply chain management will determine control. Our internal development group and supporters already have access to our test build, and the feedback loop has been extremely valuable. We also published internal material with a main plan for release in 2026. The goal is simple. create a PvE mixed with limited PvP experience that rewards coordination and long-term planning rather than quickpoint grabs. More details are coming soon. And yes, there are surprises planned as we are preparing to showcase a tool that will make our server even more unique and ready to be explored by you. Thank you to everyone supporting this project and helping us shape it properly instead of
6:08 rushing it. Meanwhile, Combat Pilot released its carrier qualification demo available until March the 2nd on Steam as a playable Alpha Slice where you get access to the Wildcat ND0 operating from the USS Enterprise and the Japanese Navy carrier Akagi. The focus is non-combat carrier ops for now, launches, recoveries, pattern discipline, and of course, flight model evaluation. And that's a smart move. If you want to sell hardcore sim credibility, you let people feel the physics first. The devs also released a setup guide so new players don't bounce off the experience immediately. That's professional. The title is scheduled for release this year. And if development momentum
6:54 continues, 2026 might become stacked for Pacific theater fans. Staying in World War II territory, Aces of Thunder just received a meaningful update. We now have a team deathmatch mode, plus two new locations, Tunis and Klay. Open XR crash fixes were implemented, and the kneeboard can now be freely dragged inside the cockpit. A small detail, but big usability improvement. Engine management is also becoming more robust. Manual engine control includes blade angle, RPM management supercharger boost radiator, mixture. The system depth is clearly expanding. For DCS veterans, this is familiar territory. But seeing this level of system moduling appear in more new titles shows that the market
7:39 wants complexity, and that's good for all of us. And before we wrap up, quickly reminder, our C130J Super Hercules giveaway ends at the end of February, just a few days. Comment on our videos and include the hashtag hip for more to enter. The winner will be announced in an upcoming video directly from my voice only. And as always, I'm Andre Celestei reminding you to fly safe and I'll see you next time.
