Extreme 3D Pro Joystick for Windows

Check out one of those logitech flight sticks that has a thumb pad on top of of the whole stick. I used to use it for shits and giggles to play Halo CE with one hand, where the joystick looks around and the hap switch on top replaces WASD for movement, meaning you look with wrist movements and walk with thumb movements. Just a though!

https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-3D-Pro-Joystick-Windows/dp/B00009OY9U/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=logitech+flight+stick&qid=1578277201&sr=8-1

Like this one, cheap and all you’ll need.

Extreme 3D Pro Joystick for Windows https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009OY9U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8P8QEbWMBKG03

You can use a xbox controller to fly if you want. Also, if you're trying to just dip your toe into flight sticks and want the cheapest option, I started flying with a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro. It's like $40 US, with no seperate throttle, but it's probably one of the cheapest options if you're not sure if you want to use a stick or not.

My flight stick is set to arrive the same day as v3.0

I'll be glad to use this while flying in a ~~B-wing or a defender~~ (edit: forgot that they didn't release until v4.0) on the 25th. Yeah, I cheaped out, but at least it isn't MKB, because its MKB in a flight game, or a controller, which I have been having non-stop technical issues with such as back buttons not working, game thinking its a flight stick, or it simply not working.

(note that 99% of the time the product arrives sooner than expected for me, so it probably won't be as synchronous)

Logitech Extreme 3D pro. It's a good one to start with before investing in any HOTAS flightstick. It's the Nokia of joysticks. The stick is robust, it's inexpensive, has an button outlay similar to late 90's/early 2000's joysticks, rudder control can be used in a twist action and has a weighty base. I use it for flight sims and mech games, both for windows and old MS-DOS.

From what I could tell at least on amazon a lot of the affordable flight sticks seem to either be sold out or have the price jacked up. I was just looking at some flight sticks with a buddy a few weeks ago and there were some good ones from thrustmaster for as cheap as $25, but as of a few days ago those same flight sticks are either completely sold out or as expensive as $80 now. Even the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro that /u/Shinobiii mentioned is sold out, at least on amazon.

I first got the game back in 2015, and played for a while. It was fun to fly around doing some missions, such as mining, fighting pirates, and running errands. I kinda gave up on it, and played other things that were coming out. I recently binged The Expanse, and it made me want to play this again. So many updates that it made it like a new game to me. This is probably a long answer to your first question; yes, it's still worth it.

Admittedly, there are a lot of controls to maneuver your ship, and navigating within the subsystem of your menus. Still, after about an hour or so of playing, you know how to get around rather quickly. You can get a better feel for it with a HOTAS, but it's not required. I have the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro joystick (Amazon), and it helps keeping a lot of the quick-action keys mapped to the joystick than the keyboard.

> I was looking for something to fly around, chill, do some missions, and not get involved with pvp.

This is exactly that; you don't have to get involved with PvP/PvE fighting at all. There are some systems that are peaceful, and you're simply mining resources as missions you pick up. You can also do courier missions, transferring data between systems, or doing tours with passengers. Some of those tours pay $1M+ when you have to take 20+ people. If a pirate starts extraditing you during supercruise, stay focused on the escape vector, and you'll keep going on about your way.

You can also get Horizons and explore a planet's surface, then sell your findings and mappings to other systems. Go to the "Unexplored (something)" in the map, and put your name on some stuff. You don't need Horizons to discover unexplored areas in a system, but you will if you plan on going down to the planet.

There is definitely a passive lifestyle to the game, but you will need to do missions to have funding for fuel and upgrades. Your first ship, the Sidewinder, is always free, but not good for much more than getting you started with a few missions. Running some short travel missions (data courier is easiest), can be quite the payout if you do multiple at the same time for the same destination system. You can also look at the Star Map when looking at a delivery, to determine if you can daisy chain your jumps between systems. They don't take up cargo space, so it's to your ship's ability for travel. Seems rare, but I've only gotten a request for expedited delivery (usually within the next 30 minutes) about 3 or 4 times, and it adds a few thousand credits to the payout.

> Also, I want to know a joystick is worth it. Does anyone regularly use one?

I wouldn't really get one unless you plan on using it with other games.

I have a joystick I regularly use for other games (War Thunder, Elite Dangerous, etc...), but I don't really bother with it for KSP unless I'm specifically challenging myself to fly planes with SAS off while using a joystick.

A Logitech Extreme 3d Pro is a great starter choice if you want to see if its something you're interested in without breaking the bank.

Logitech Extreme 3D Pro, War Thunder has a preset profile for it in the setup wizard. You can buy the same stick on Amazon for about $40

Edit: Added link-https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009OY9U/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_xD7DEbTCPY8SS

I have an odd one. I've got a joystick that I've used with the game in the past, a few years back. I decided to pick the game up again, having reinstalled my OS(Ubuntu 18.04) in the intervening time. All of the joystick shows up as expected in "jstest-gtk" so I knew all the joystick works. But when I go into the controls screen it doesn't pick up my yaw or throttle. Pitch and roll set fine, but no yaw or throttle. Any ideas what's going on there?

+1 for the extreme 3d pro; looks like amazon has it in stock if you're in USA https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-3D-Pro-Joystick-Windows/dp/B00009OY9U

Your two main entry level options would be the Thrustmaster T16000m at around $50 or the Logitech 3D Pro at around $30. While I call them "entry level" they're honestly all you'd ever really need for a civilian flight sim.

For Elite you might eventually want to upgrade with either a second stick or a separate throttle.

The average time to get a PPL is around 55-65 hours. Most of the extra time occurs in the beginning, not the end. The cockpit isn't a very good place to learn basics due to distractions and the difficulty to focus on specific procedures. By using a procedure trainer (Flight sim + joystick) in the beginning, I've found that you can knock about 10 hours off the flight time of the PPL.

This assumes that once you start learning, you don't take any extended breaks. When you break for a month or two, it usually adds another few hours each time to get back into the swing of things.

I suggest something like this or similar: https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-3D-Pro-Joystick-Windows/dp/B00009OY9U/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=Saitek+joystick&sr=8-4

You want programmable buttons to use for flaps, the ability to control rudder and brakes, and a "throttle" control (usually just a little dial). You for sure do not need the yoke / power levers / rudder pedals setup for doing procedures in the beginning.

Consider that when you begin flying ... most of what you are learning to do is multi-tasking. Most people's brains get overwhelmed with the information they need to keep track of & manage (radios, flight instruments, controls, patterns, situational awareness, etc). By learning these things piece by piece, you can build up your ability to manage tasks simultaneously. This is what saves you time in the plane. By the time you're in the air, you know where to look, how to control your aircraft through common procedures, how to navigate, and how to get in & out of the pattern. This makes the time in the aircraft much more productive and saves you a ton of money.

This is what I use and I'm very happy with it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009OY9U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EGppFbM1HJVV5

I'm a beginner as well and I've had this for 5 years. Used it a lot playing War thunder. The rudder pedals are in the flight stick. You rotate left or right and it acts like rudders.

You dont NEED a hotas, it just makes it easier. Yes there are a lot of commands but you can get by with an xbox controller and voiceattack for voice commands. Also many of the commands that can be bound to buttons can also be accessed via menus in the game GUI so you dont need to bind everything.

I played for the first 6 months with just a 3D Pro joystick

Personally I've been using my Logitech 3d pro for many many years now and its a damn good stick for $35.

Heyo, reading this a month late but I use the Logitech joystick and it's amazing for fsx. I thinks it's only $31

Extreme 3D Pro Joystick for Windows https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009OY9U/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_8gzdEbG8XC2RZ

Buy this, it's a really good and cheap joystick for beginners and it adds s lot of realism, it's worth the $38

Just ordered this one yesterday https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-3D-Pro-Joystick-Windows/dp/B00009OY9U/ref=mp_s_a_1_15?dchild=1&keywords=pc+flight+stick+and+throttle&qid=1601678634&sprefix=pc+flight&sr=8-15#aw-udpv3-customer-reviews_feature_div

I just use a Logitech 3D Joystick and a regular keyboard. Joystick is nice to have pitch/roll/yaw all on one stick as I imagine it would be a little cumbersome on a controller. Hat switch for power shifting, thumb buttons for targeting/hardpoints/weapon groups, secondary fire.

For keyboard, WASD for strafing and increasing & decreasing forward/reverse thrusters, number keys for UI panels, and mostly stock keybinds for everything else. Plenty versatile for me, haven't felt the need to get a thruster and can take down bounties well above my combat rank.

So maybe try just a joystick since stock is really limited and expensive right now. Thruster might add to the immersion (esp in VR) but KB+Joystick should be easy enough to set up and use.

Extreme 3D Pro Joystick for Windows https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009OY9U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lSykFbVREKZY6 - This is a decent but cheap flight stick with a yaw axis.

Depends on what you use the sim for. I would highly highly recommend having rudder control, because without it you’re missing out on simulating a pretty essential real life control surface responsible for the following:

• Turning during taxiing (with autorudder you could turn the yoke / stick instead I guess, but that’s really unrealistic, especially considering that in real life in crosswind taxiing conditions you’ll often turn the yoke to one side while taxiing straight).

• Maintaining coordinated turns (when you turn, you want to essentially ensure that the body of the airplane remains parallel to the ground to stay coordinated and complete a smooth turn. Rudder pedals keep you in a coordinated turn by moving your nose left and right within a turn. If your nose is pointed upward out of a turn, it’s called “slipping”, and if your nose is pointed inward on a turn (or downward), it’s called “skidding”. I think if there is an autorudder setting it will do this for you, but something to think about). https://cdn.boldmethod.com/images/learn-to-fly/aerodynamics/slip-skid/slip-3d.jpg https://cdn.boldmethod.com/images/learn-to-fly/aerodynamics/slip-skid/skid-3d.jpg

• Important Maneuvers - The rudder is essential during crosswind landings. In order to stay longitudinally aligned with the runway while still moving toward the runway, you need to (1) bank / turn in the direction of the crosswind and (2) apply opposite rudder pedal to keep your nose pointed toward the runway. This keeps you on the centerline, nose facing the runway. You then maintain this correction and touch down on the crosswind-side wheel.

• Another important maneuver: the foreword slip. This maneuver is great for allowing for quick descents when you need to get down quickly because you are close to the airport. It functions by deflecting the body of the airplane into the wind and creating more drag. You perform one by banking on one side and holding opposite rudder as far as you can physically push it in together to avoid a turn. The plane will start to rapidly lose speed or descend.

https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-3D-Pro-Joystick-Windows/dp/B00009OY9U

I had one of these for 10 years until I decided to spend more on a nice yoke. Looks like there might be out of stock issues but it's your best bet for under $70 all in. Got a Z axis for rudder control as well as a throttle knob.

Extreme 3D Pro Joystick for Windows https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009OY9U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_OdJ3FbXGMEXBE?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/597782-REG/Logitech_963290_0403_Extreme_3D_Pro_Joystick.html/?ap=y&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5vb-BRCRARIsAJBKc6JiCXlBNtrOE5rRcGEYMX2jB-ev1R4rWS4QBmoTDyxfUVzF9A-AeAEaAn85EALw_wcB&lsft=BI%3A514&smp=y

There is two links here.

I was gonna recommend him a Logitech Xtreme3d Pro because they are typically pretty cheap, but when I went to look one up I'm only seeing them for around $90 - which is way too much, it should be $50.

Am i missing something? Did everyone raise the price of joysticks/yokes since MSFS came out?

https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-3D-Pro-Joystick-Windows/dp/B00009OY9U/ref=sr_1_1?crid=IR8ON9S6RT1G&dchild=1&keywords=logitech+extreme+3d+pro+joystick&qid=1600116471&sprefix=logitech+extreme%2Caps%2C228&sr=8-1

Mouse and keyboard are workable. The mouse can allow very precise aiming, esp. if you fly with flight-assist off (Newtonian, your ship can drift in one direction and shoot in another direction, like behind you).

Otherwise, joystick and keyboard are also workable, with the joystick offering more of a "flight simulator" feel. You can find a cheap joystick anywhere; this one for example has a twist axis, throttle, and 12 buttons total, more than you need really.

Game will detect your controller and will have pre-configured settings, but you can change them as you wish. I like twist to roll instead of twist to rudder (like the normal airplane controls), so I simply reconfigured my settings.

Here's a mouse-and-keyboard video so you can see what to expect.

Try this: https://www.monect.com/

Disclaimer: haven't used it myself but I have used something that incorporated the same tech to test out a TrackIR alternative but with a phone. Also, for additional research maybe search for "phone joystick gyro android/iphone" and should lead you to other software. Monect was just the first one to pop up.

If budget is an issue with a yoke/joystick just save up some cash and get yourself a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick. I consider this one of my best purchases since it has lasted me so long (10+ year) and still works to this day though I have upgraded to an x52 pro. You can pick one up on Amazon for $34 USD (https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-3D-Pro-Joystick-Windows/dp/B00009OY9U/)

Late sorry but this is my preferred flight stick: https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-3D-Pro-Joystick-Windows/dp/B00009OY9U/

It's actually better than other more expensive options in my opinion. The control isn't as precise but I challenge someone to actually prove they can tell the difference. It has much nicer construction, much better button layout, and much better button feedback.

I use it in conjunction with the FCS Throttle that comes with this kit: https://www.amazon.com/ThrustMaster-2960778-Thrustmaster-T16000M-HOTAS/dp/B01KCHPRXA

I don't use the stick from that kit anymore because a) it feels bad in the hand, b) the trigger button broke (a common problem), and c) the button layout is rubbish and they feel cheap.

if you're into combat planes DCS is a free downloads and gives you a couple planes for free to start with but after that you have to buy your planes and they range anywhere from $15 to $80 but 1/2 price sales are quite frequent. The upcoming Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 you can get via gamepass for just a few dollars a month subscription. For basic gear check the stick in the link below. If you get hooked you can always save up and upgrade your pc and gear as you go. Good luck.

https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-3D-Pro-Joystick-Windows/dp/B00009OY9U/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=logitech+flight+stick&qid=1595537846&sr=8-1

DCS link: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/

MSFS2020 link: https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/microsoft-flight-simulator

Read the comments and saw you are using M+KB to play, this may help you greatly (even though a bit older, still very reliable)
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=478686362

ED has a very steep learning curve (intended actually, not by mistake) as the game and flight mechanics are meant to ensure a heavy level of simulation. I highly recommend grunting through the learning phase regardless of the time it takes to get more comfortable with basic controls and flight.

If you don't mind spending just a few extra dollars, I used this Joystick + KB combo for a long time before purchasing the A10-Warthog H.O.T.A.S. This is a very reliable and cheap entry level model that can make a huge difference in piloting a ship.
https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-3D-Pro-Joystick-Windows/dp/B00009OY9U

I don't recommend going full H.O.T.A.S. until your sure you will stick with it but I will say that it is by and large the preferred control method of the community and seems to be the most organic method of playing the game.

At the end of the day, ED can seem very overwhelming because much like the deep and dark stretches of the galaxy, it provides very little direction and like all CMDR's, you have to find that out for yourself.

God Speed CMDR,
CMDR CaptElfimis
o7

Keep in mind that FS2020 is one of the more demanding games to come out in a while (and it is SPECTACULAR if you're into that kind of thing) so this may turn out higher than you think. Also you did pick probably the worst time in history to buy a PC to play flight simulators because of the shortage of graphics cards and flight sticks...

Computer - Figure $1000 - $1500

If I walked into Costco today and bought this HP Omen it's $1349 and would run it just super fine. Not recommending you do so, but it's a great stake in the ground to use as a reference. You could totally build this same machine for closer to $1000 I think.

https://www.costco.com/hp-omen-25l-gaming-desktop---10th-gen-intel-core-i7-10700f---geforce-rtx-2060.product.100579351.html

If you can wait, there will be many more PCs with the RTX 30xx cards available, which will drop prices and increase performance.

Monitor - Broad range of $250 - $1000

You could start cheap here with any simple off the shelf 27" monitor. But you'll replace it soon. I personally got this monitor (on sale) so it was about $1000 and I am in love with it, but I am a professional software person and also work on this 8-12 hours a day. You can get in much cheaper by looking in the gaming non-curved 27" range.

https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/alienware-34-curved-gaming-monitor-aw3420dw/apd/210-atzq/monitors-monitor-accessories

Peripherals - Figure $300

There was a "run" on these devices because of Star Wars Squadrons and Flight Simulator hitting at the same time. You can go bananas here (search "warthog hotas"...) I got the Thrustmaster T.16000M as my sweet spot of price/performance. Note it is only available now from resellers at twice the list price because of the shortages.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KCHPRXA

I didn't get pedals, but note the above stick has a paddle on the throttle you can easily use as a rudder control.

This is the bog-standard starter flight stick while waiting for prices to normalize and it's only $40. It has a throttle at the bottom and you can twist the stick to use as rudder.

https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-3D-Pro-Joystick-Windows/dp/B00009OY9U/

I hope this is helpful. I don't know what your overall budget is, or how seriously you will use this as a flight trainer, or if you plan on continuing to game in the future. I feel pretty confident I can cold-start an Airbus A380 now :)

Once you start getting into PC games it's hard to go back and easy to sink more $ into things. If you think you will do all these things seriously, then it is probably worth spending more and really thinking about putting your own rig together.

Mine can get pretty expensive, but i upgraded gradually:

Base: https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-Racing-Wheel-Servo-Base-Xbox/dp/B014US043A
Wheel:vhttps://www.amazon.com/ThrustMaster-Sparco-Steering-Playstation-Carbon/dp/B076HVX1QL/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=sparco+wheel&qid=1597930134&s=videogames&sr=1-3
Pedals: https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-T3PA-Add-xbox-one/dp/B00KX75W9O/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=t3pa&qid=1597930156&s=videogames&sr=1-1
Shifter: https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-PC-PS3-PS4-Xbox-One/dp/B005L0Z2BQ/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=t8ha&qid=1597930209&s=videogames&sr=1-2
Knob: https://www.amazon.com/Shifter-Replacement-Logitech-Thrustmaster-EasyJakeBrake-Windows/dp/B07DVW2WYK/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=simuride+knob&qid=1597930250&sr=8-1
Parking Brake/ Extra Buttons: https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-3D-Pro-Joystick-Windows/dp/B00009OY9U/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=logitech+joystick&qid=1597930274&sr=8-1
Extra Buttons: https://www.amazon.com/Numeric-Jelly-Comb-Portable-Computer/dp/B01E8TTWZ2/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=keypad&qid=1597930320&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=APUW1GSXXZINZ&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExRDE1QTBBRlhIUU44JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTkyNTgwMkZZM1JYTFZYR1lEMSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzM5MTcwMUJQWDVDQ0U1TUVQSyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=