Playing Online 101

Originally Posted by smink1701

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...

[JG53Frankyboy]

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.

[CaptainDoggles]

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.

[CaptainDoggles]

Originally Posted by cheesehawk

Actually, once you've highlighted a server, look to the right, and there's a bar that says "Realism" above the list of player names. It will show you exactly what the server has selected. There are quite a few servers that call themselves Full Real, but allow for Map objects, Icons, External Views, etc... don't be fooled by the names.

There's my IL2 lesson of the day.

[naz]

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.

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.

[Skoshi Tiger]

If there are a few people online choose a field a bit away from the action. Get a bit of height and speed before entering the frey.

Team speak is your friend.

Even to day with my microphone on the blink I was just hearing my team mates. A 109 got on my tail and a few of my team mates vectored my way to help. One guy was saying "turn him right , turn right , not than much!" and we set up the 109 so that my team mate could shoot him off my tail.

It's also useful for finding out where the action is.

Talk/chat to your team mates, work as a team and have fun!

Cheers

1300