Okay, after getting myself a proper HOTAS setup and TrackIR, I am having a blast in DCS. This is as modern a Combat Flight Sim that you're gonna get with this much cockpit interaction and intricate systems. It is insane the amount of detail and quality there is. The physics, lighting, dynamic weather, quality of (most) assets and modules and sound design really is incredible. However many problems do plague the game when you look deeper. Such as terribly outdated assets, awful and unconvincing AI, minor performance issues, crashes and lackluster Air Traffic Control systems.

For the free client you get two maps, the Caucasus and Marianas, and two aircraft; The Su-25T 'Grach' (Frogfoot) and the TF-51D Mustang. These two planes are meant to give you a sense of how this sim works, with a taste of clickable cockpit systems from the Mustang and a showcase of combat for both air and ground with the Frogfoot without bothering newcomers with complex systems management (no clickable cockpit like the mustang. All done through keybinds). All of this to ease you in on paid modules.

Sure, each module is the price of a Triple A game and then some (PLEASE never buy a module at full price), but when you understand that each module is basically a game in itself, you'll find that one module is enough to keep you busy for a very long time! With enough practice, you'll definitely get your money's worth. Maps like Syria and Cold War Germany are the only two paid maps most people use, though you will find plenty still use the free maps and you may not find a need to buy the others.

To start off in DCS. I recommend the Flaming Cliffs 2024 pack. *DO NOT BUY THE PLANES IN THE FC24' PACK INDIVIDUALLY.* More bang for your buck to buy the pack. It starts you off with a bunch of aircraft with simplified controls and lets you into slightly more in depth mechanics without becoming too complex. When you're ready for a "full fidelity", I would recommend the F/A-18C Hornet module because it can land on airfields and carriers, and its multirole capable. It can work for nearly any mission or scenario so you can get a lot of use out of it.

Don't be afraid to ask your fellow airmen for help online or in a multiplayer server! Remember, you aren't gonna be an Ace right off the bat, so try to enjoy the learning experience at least.