Playing Online 101
 

I have never played online. I would like to give it a shot but was wondering if someone could provide some simple steps to get started. For example, I know there are various servers that host online play but which one should I choose? Has anyone posted an "Online Play for Dummies"? If not, maybe we could use one.

Its simple...go to multiplayer - client - then youll have a list of servers....ATAG and REPKA servers are usually well populated...click on the server you like...then youll have a big button on the lower right corner of your screen to join....or you cna just double click on the server (on the server list) and it will connect...

than choose side by hitting on one of the flaggs.
than search for an airfield ( the white markings)
select a plane - choose loadout, yes it is working in MP ! :)

than hit ok, than create.

Playing online is like an open-ended mission where you decide what to do. Generally there are targets and/or objectives in each mission but what you do online is entirely up to you.

As has been said previously, click Multiplayer > Client and choose a populated server with the difficulty settings you want.

As far as I know there isn't any way to see what options the server has checked but most of them say so in the server description. For instance ATAG is full realism except for the somewhat buggy Anthropomorphic Controls option and is generally played on the full Channel map. Repka 1 is similar. Repka 3 has some of the easier options enabled such as external views, and is usually on a smaller map which makes it easier to find your opponents.

Once you get into the server choose a flag (Axis or Allied) and then on the map choose a white (not grey) circle, and then choose your aircraft by clicking the small picture. Note that some bases may have different aircraft available (e.g. some bases might only have bombers).

After that edit your loadout to your liking and press Create.

Generally most large servers will have a dedicated website and/or teamspeak server where you can communicate with other pilots to aid in teamwork. I highly recommend joining voice comms, if only so you can call for help if you need it. Don't be shy! I've been flying CLOD/FB for many years and never once encountered a situation where a new player wasn't welcome on comms. Unless you're a troublemaker everybody is super friendly.

You should give it a try. Hell, was I nervous and excited during my first ever onlight flight with old IL2 (v1.04). I was so nervous that I hardly could keep my plane steady because I was so much shaking :D and my aim was accordingly. I though scored some hits on a bomber during my first online contact with an enemy aircraft (I don't remember any more its type). It was on the old small desert map.

And my first online kill is like having happened yesterday. Most of the others I forgot.

You really should give it a try.

There's my IL2 lesson of the day.

Hah! My first online session involved crashing into the trees. A lot.

Only way to do it is to just take the plunge; you're going to be nervous, you're going to get shot at and you're probably gonna do stupid things that wreck your plane. But WOW is it worth it!

I still consider myself a rookie and still get nervous at times, but how awesome is a sim that can actually play with your nerves like that?

Find a good server, cough*ATAG*cough, and get a feel for the way things work; hopping on Teamspeak and communicating with your teammates will also help as most of the time nearby teammates are more than happy to assist you if you're in trouble.

Start off with realistic expectations and never allow yourself to get discouraged, attack some AI bombers until you develop your tactics and once you get more confident you can start to be a little more daring. I have been flying on ATAG for a month or so now and I am yet to win a 1-1 dogfight, but I sure as heck won't stop trying!

Some of the best pilots around are on ATAG and they're all incredibly friendly. Sure, going up against great pilots can be difficult, but the way I see it is; if you want to be good at something, you have to learn from (read: get owned by) the greats. ;)

Smink

I am new also. Been flying in the ATAG. If you see "Knucklebutt" call me on Chat or in the ATAG Team Speak, we can pair up and really confuse each other


Denis

Definitely give it a go mate...I am new to online as well...its a whole new ball game. I have been having a fly on the ATAG server most nights the past week or so...still haven't gotten a kill but have been able to score a few hits on opponents here and there. One day, one day. :grin:

I have also had the pleasure of being shot down by some names I've seen on these boards, MX.MR X and Mogas to name a few.

The thing I am really enjoying is that I know what mistakes I am making as I am making them...and online, such mistakes really make a difference. When I was able to actually score a few hits, it was also due to my not making a mistake (up until that point at least, the tables turned pretty quickly thereafter LOL)

Anyway, for whats its worth, just jump in and give it a go. You'll figure things out as you go.