For gamers looking to go airborne, one of the most important decisions to make is which type of control scheme to invest in for the best experience. Flight in video games takes on many forms, fromincredibly realistic flight simulatorsdesigned to familiarize would-be pilots with real-world aviation to simpler arcade-style action games. This gets even more complicated once players enter the cockpits of spaceships, where directional thrusters in zero gravity call for intricate controls and precise movements all while players manage weapons, systems, and menus mid-flight.
Gamers have several choices when it comes to peripherals, each with situational advantages. While the mouse and keyboard are easily accessible for any fan ofPC gaming, key presses have their limitations. Meanwhile, gamepads offer comfort and familiarity along with some analog input for more precise controls, but they fall behind quickly due to fewer buttons. A HOTAS (Hands-On Throttle-And-Stick) setup is usually where enthusiasts begin their careers, as it’s a highly immersive setup for combat-oriented flight but can be overly cumbersome in many cases. Meanwhile, a yoke is perfect for hardcore simulation but doesn’t translate well into other types of gameplay.
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Mouse and Keyboard Controls Are Great For Complicated Games Like X4: Foundations
An obvious advantage ofmouse and keyboard controlsis the fact that almost everyone already has access to them. Beyond that, many gamers still prefer this control scheme for flying even if other options are available. The precision of mouse input is second-to-none, and this can be leveraged in flying games by using the mouse to control pitch, roll, or yaw down to the smallest detail. Meanwhile, the keyboard is highly configurable, with tons of inputs that can be expanded with key combinations for limitless possibilities. This works extremely well in games like theXseries, where players are also managing a bustling space empire along with flying. Easy access to dozens of hotkeys and precise control over the interface give this scheme an edge when versatility is important. Games likeX4: Foundationsare actually smoothest when played this way.
There are some downsides to using a mouse and keyboard for flight, mainly due to the nature of the keyboard. Flight involves a lot of granular input which keypresses aren’t really capable of, so players end up having to tap keys briefly or hold them down to simulate gentle or hard inputs. This can make precise maneuvers difficult, but not impossible. Additionally, this is probably the least immersive way to control an aircraft. Immersion is a major factor in these types of games, and the incredible feeling of being present inElite Dangerous’shipsis diminished when one is just holding X to throttle up.
Games like No Man’s Sky Are Best With A Gamepad
The ubiquitous gamepad shouldn’t be overlooked as an excellent control method for the right games. Action dogfighting classics likeAce CombatorProject Wingmanand even some space games likeStar Wars SquadronsandNo Man’s Skyuse simple arcade-style flight models that are optimized for controllers, and there’s nothing more comfortable than kicking back on the couch with a wireless gamepad. Controllers offer granular input with the triggers and thumbsticks which is a big improvement over the mouse and keyboard method, and vibration feedback is also a plus. SinceNo Man’s SkyandStarfieldalso take players to the ground, a controller is also useful when transitioning to FPS and land vehicle gameplay.
Unfortunately, gamepads reveal their shortcomings as soon as more complex control is required. Without a special controller like the priceyXbox Elite Controllerand its underside paddles, it’s not possible to press the face buttons while using the thumbstick, which makes targeting inconvenient. There also aren’t enough inputs to handle every type of movement simultaneously, so realistic space games likeStar Citizenwith directional thrusters need workarounds or unwieldy bindings to perform strafing maneuvers. The limited number of buttons can also be frustrating in more complex titles. In the end, gamepads are a great choice until stepping into simulator territory.
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HOTAS Shines In Star Citizen, Elite Dangerous, and DCS World
When it comes to more realistic combat flight, a HOTAS setup is the way to go. HOTAS controls are highly ergonomic, giving pilots easy access to plenty of inputs while controlling thrust, pitch, roll, yaw, POV, and directional thrusters. Games with a more serious emphasis on realism take full advantage of this control scheme to the extent that it’s very difficult to fly in a sim likeDCS Worldwithout a HOTAS. It’s also extremely immersive, as movements of the throttle and stick are often mirrored by the in-game model. The cockpit controls inElite Dangerouswere even modeled after Logitech’s X52, making that a very popular choice for space flight enthusiasts alongside the affordable Thrustmaster T16000M. Both of these controllers come highly recommended by veterans of the genre. One can even combine two sticks (known as HOSAS) for an authentic mech piloting experience inMechWarriororArmored Coregames.
Although HOTAS is the best option for gamers who want to get into some serious flying, there are a few downsides. Despite being made for flying games, it’s often tricky to get a HOTAS working with certain titles where the control scheme wasn’t kept in mind during development. Gamers may need to use third-party tools to get a HOTAS to properly register in certain games, and it may need a considerable amount of tweaking to feel right in games like theroguelike dogfighterEverspace 2. If players keep these issues in mind and have enough desk space, it should still be a worthy investment.
A Yoke Is Ideal For Flying in Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane
When it comes to simulating real-world civilian aircraft operations, the best choice is a quality yoke and throttle combination. A big favorite among serious flight simmers is Honeycomb’s Alpha and Bravo yoke and throttle, which come together to create one of the most authentic flying experiences possible. Most civilian aircraft utilize similar yokes, while the throttle quadrant has different levers depending on the plane. Honeycomb’s Bravo throttle has swappable levers to match the functions of various planes, while the switches, trim wheel, and yoke are extremely precise. With this system, it’s possible to learn some of the core skills in real-life aviation thanks to titles likeX-Plane 12used in FAA-certified simulations.
If the goal is authenticity and education, then this is definitely the way to go for virtual pilots. It’s important to keep in mind that although devices like Honeycomb are top of their class for flyingprivate jets and 747s inMicrosoft Flight Simulatoror other titles, it’s not ideal for space flight, arcade dogfighting, or casual playstyles. Stepping up into this level of simulation is a hobby in itself, and investing in a serious setup like this demands a serious mindset. If one is looking to step into the realm of true virtual aviation, however, then they need look no further.
