Reddit mentions of Thrustmaster T16000M FCS for PC, Black

As many people have mentioned, Star Citizen is still an in-development title, and there are lots of bugs and will likely continue to be lots of bugs for quite a while.

That being said, there are lots of people who are OK with this and are able to enjoy themselves, some fall on the other end of the spectrum and get really frustrated so it's worth keeping in mind that there is a 14 day refund policy. If you or he decides you aren't satisfied with your purchase, you can submit for a refund at any time in that 14 day window.

If you're still with us and you want to go ahead and buy him something, here's four strong options for you to consider:

1) Buy the Mustang Alpha Starter Package for $45 - https://robertsspaceindustries.com/pledge/Packages/Mustang-Alpha-Starter-Pack

2) Buy the Mustang Alpha Starter Package for $45 - https://robertsspaceindustries.com/pledge/Packages/Mustang-Alpha-Starter-Pack

Then upgrade it to an Avenger Titan using this $20 CCU (Cross Chassis Upgrade is an item that you will find in your hangar on the website after purchase and can then apply it to the Mustang Alpha to convert it into an Avenger Titan) - https://robertsspaceindustries.com/pledge/Upgrades/Mustang-Alpha-To-Avenger-Titan-Upgrade

Most players in Star Citizen have owned at one point, or currently own an Avenger because it is incredibly versatile for its price allowing you to do both combat and hauling stuff while not being paper thin. It's also the one I'd recommend the most for him. He can always use the CCU system to upgrade his ship to something else later once he has a better idea of what he wants to do.

3) If he's likely to mainly do combat, then perhaps the Arrow would be a good choice $90 - https://robertsspaceindustries.com/pledge/Packages/Anvil-Arrow-Starter-Pack

It will be noticeably more combat capable than the Avenger Titan, but it doesn't have any cargo space. It is a very popular ship right now for combat pilots.

4) If you really want to splurge, then get the Cutlass Black Package $115 - https://robertsspaceindustries.com/pledge/Packages/Cutlass-Black

The Cutlass Black is larger than all the other mentioned ships and it's the first real offering that gives you decent multi-crew features. It has an interior you can walk around in with a couple beds (beds are used for logging off if you're out in space instead of at a station), It has a good sized cargo bay that's great for traders. It has a copilot seat which can be used by a second person to help manage shields etc..

It also comes with a turret for some extra firepower. It has plenty of teeth, and you can't really go wrong with it.

 

If he really ends up liking the game, he should look into picking up some flight hardware (Joysticks etc..). I'd recommend either the t16000m FCS HOTAS $130

Or the dual t16000m setup $115

You can also just buy a single t16000m joystick for around $60 and then buy a second one later. They can be flipped to lefty pretty easily, so don't feel like you need to buy two right away.

In terms of bang for buck, there is no contest compared to these in the budget arena. I personally fly with two sticks, some people prefer the stick plus throttle.

 

In closing, my personal advice would be to buy him the Mustang Alpha ($45) and the CCU to the Avenger Titan ($20), then tell him you'll contribute X dollars towards some flight hardware (Joystick/throttle etc) or further ship CCU's once he knows what he wants.

Best of luck on your decision making!

So... below is my setup and WHY I personally do this. It's not ideal for everyone but it's what brings me the most joy flying in SC given my budget/space/style parameters. I don't play with dual sticks to be highly competitive or to see my name on the leaderboards. I do it because it makes flying that much more enjoyable for me.

I've been playing combat flight sims since the late 80's with one or two sticks and I've been a dual stick user in SC for a couple years now and love it. Most here will recommend two of the very capable and affordable Thrustmaster T16000M or the newer version, Thrustmaster VG T16000M FCS. Both of these sticks have molded bits on the handle that are removable and come with replacements so you can make them usable in the right or left hand.

While I use dual sticks, I don't use two T16000Ms and here's why:

Yes, the T16000M can be made to work right or left handed... and that's fantastic. That's why I use it in my LEFT hand. And while it's true the T16000M has LOTS of buttons on it, 12 of those buttons are on the base and only accessible in a dual stick setup by taking one hand off of one of your sticks. That's not ideal.

So, I went with a CH Fighterstick for my right hand. I've always loved CH products... they just feel a little more sturdy to me. But, the reason I did it was because ALL the buttons on the Fighterstick are ON THE STICK within reach of your fingers/thumb. There are triggers, buttons and hats that amount to 24 (I think) digital buttons (on/off) within reach of your hand that's already holding the stick.

The main argument for using dual sticks is to have six analog axis in your hands at all times (X, Y, twist for both sticks). The drawback though of my setup is that while the T16000M has three analog axis (X, Y, twist) on the stick, the CH Fighterstick only has two (X, Y... no twist). That means with just the sticks, I have five analog axis to work with. BUT, for me personally, that was a trade-off I was willing to make. Eventually, I have dreams of owning pedals to cover the missing axis.

Also, I fly with all fixed guns, no gimbals. That's how I remove the gimbal variable for myself. Again, this is a choice based on the way I like to play flight sims.

Here's my setup:

I've posted my HOSAS (Hands On Stick And Stick... otherwise known as Dual Sticks) setup details multiple times... so I apologize to those who keep seeing it. I post it here again not because I feel it is the best method/setup, but simply for you to consider and take bits from if you wish:

-----

> I know it's easier said than done, but if you have access to two sticks (friends peripherals) and a HOTAS setup, try both/all and see what feels good. You could also find a really cheap, used stick on Ebay or ShopGoodwill.com as a test. So long as the axis work, that's all you need to test the setup. Then, if you're happy with how it feels, invest in a proper stick. I just happened to have an old, barely working stick laying around that I used to test the dual stick setup. After 2 weeks, I was convinced it was right for me so I picked up a newer stick (still used though).
>
> Here's a graphic of my bindings
>
> If you're curious, here are the videos I have specifically about dual stick:
>
> My Dual Flightstick (aka HOSAS) Configuration
> Game Play: Squadron Battle with Dual Joystick Overlay
>
> Here's a breakdown of my setup:
>
> #Right Hand (main)
>
> CH Fighterstick
>
> ------------------------
>
> X-axis: roll
> Y-axis: pitch
> Trigger: fire weapon group 1
> Pinky button: fire weapon group 2
> Side 4-way hat switch: Vertical and Lateral strafe
> Top left 4-way hat switch:
> Left: switch countermeasure
> Right: launch countermeasure
> Down: missile lock
> Up: fire missle
> Top right 4-way hat switch:
> Up: target object in reticle
> Left: Cycle friendly targets
> Right: Cycle hostile targets
> Down: don't remember...
> 8-way hat: only use down right now to look behind
> Right side red index finger "mode" button: IFCS mode switch (SCM, PRE, CRU)
> Don't use top red button yet
>
>  
>
> #Left Hand (off hand)
>
> T16000M
>
> -------------------------------
>
> X-axis: yaw
> Y-axis:
> Front half of axis: throttle
> Back half of axis: backward strafe
> Twist: strafe lateral
> Trigger: boost
> Throttle lever: set and forget throttle
> Top Left button on stick: Push-to-talk for Mumble and what not
> Top Right button on stick: couple/decouple mode toggle
> Hat UP: zoom in
> Hat DOWN: zoom out
> Three of the left side base buttons are the landing keys
> Two of the left side base buttons are Q-drive system and Q-drive engage
> And Match Target Speed is the last base button on the left
> * I have nothing bound to the six buttons on the right side of the base, yet
>
>  
>
> My two requirements and goals when I set this up when AC first came out was:
>
> 1. To have fine control over throttle on the Y-axis WITH reverse but to also be able to set the throttle using the throttle lever on the T16000M for longer flights without having to hold the T16000M forward to maintain velocity. For example, if I let go of the T16000M, my thrust will be 0. If I set the throttle lever to 75% and don't touch the Y-axis, my ship will maintain the 75% thrust/velocity. As soon as I touch the Y-axis, I again have fine control over thrust.
> 2. To be able to fly with only the main hand (CH Fighterstick) when fine throttle control was not necessary. I try to have all my main controls that I need on the Fighterstick with the extras on the t16000M. Combine that with some key VA commands and it works well in AC.
>
> I think the greatest drawback my setup has is that vertical strafing is not intuitive or easy (since it is bound to a hat on the Fighterstick). But, the throttle was the the key part of my setup and I wanted it on the Y-axis of the T16000M. I do not have pedals or any other peripherals.

Thrust master T1600M https://www.amazon.com/ThrustMaster-2960773-Thrustmaster-T16000M-FCS/dp/B01MQEDEEW/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1O0SQ58FWIO3J&keywords=thrustmaster+t16000m&qid=1564523941&s=gateway&sprefix=Thrust%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-4 its what I use for my flying sims & aviation games.

Options I recommend:

• The Thrustmaster T-flight HOTAS X - This is entry level HOTAS that goes for $40-50 USD. 12 buttons, an 8-way hat, twist stick, and rudder rocker. This tends to have the "a little short of controls" problem, as Elite has lots of stuff to bind, so you'll likely want to either use the keyboard for more buttons or set up a series of modifiers like this to fit everything on it. The HOTAS One and HOTAS 4 (for the Xbox and PS4, respectively, though both are also PC compatible) are slightly upgraded versions of this stick, with the same exterior, but improved internals tightening the deadzone and making them a bit more precise. They're usually more expensive than the X, but you might catch them on sale for cheaper occasionally. Note that this unit only uses 1 USB port, as the throttle and stick are connected to each other via a cable (about 20" long). This is something to keep in mind if you plan on mounting them to chair arms or something. I personally used this unit previously. It's a perfectly good setup, though I personally found the lack of buttons to be annoying after awhile. Note that the throttle has a detent at 50%, making it nicely suited to full range operation, with the detent separating forward and reverse.
  
• The Thrustmaster Stick X. This unit is basically the above, but without the throttle and the buttons transferred to the stick base along with a throttle slider. Rings in at a little cheaper.
  
• The Thrustmaster T16000M. This is a refreshed version of the classic T16000M, with minor exterior changes (reshaped hat, reshaped trigger, reshaped throttle, and tactile indicators on the base buttons). It's notable for being one of the rare ambidextrous sticks (you just swap out a couple parts to switch it) Unlike the X (which uses potentiometers), this unit uses contactless hall effect sensors, giving it very smooth motion with excellent precision. 16 buttons, an 8-way hat, twist stick and throttle slider. More buttons available than the X. The stick by itself rings in at about the same price as the HOTAS X.
  
  Moving up, there's the Thrustmaster T16000M FCS HOTAS. This is the above T16000M stick along with Thrustmaster's new TWCS throttle. Totalling them up, you get 19 buttons, two 8-way hats, two 4-way hats, a two-way switch, an analog stick, throttle slider, rudder rocker, and an analog dial, which is plenty of room for all the stuff you need (note that the throttle has no detent, so you'll probably want to run it forward only with a button assigned to reverse). This is what I personally use and I quite like it. Note that all the components of this set are available separately and can function independently (each needs its own USB port, so you might want to buy a hub with these). So you could buy the stick today and the throttle next month. Or buy the throttle and some other stick or buy two sticks, or whatever. There's also a set of pedals available if that's your jam.
  
  As for the money making, there are basically 3 options.
  
  
• Core mining for void opals - See CMDR Madprophet's mining guide and/or Yekbot's visual guide to core mining for information on this.
  
• Hotspot laser mining for painite or low temperature diamonds - See this video for information on that. Method is identical for both, only difference is what location you go to.
  
• Robigo passenger missions - See this video for information on that.

Great budget sticks for dual-stick setup. Best price they've ever been on Amazon:
https://camelcamelcamel.com/Thrustmaster-T16000M-FCS-Joystick-Black/product/B01MQEDEEW

Buy two Thrustmaster T16000 Joysticks, they go on sale on Amazon in 3 days for $59. I just ordered two. Cheers

Thrustmaster T16000M FCS Joystick if you're REALLY pressed for space. Otherwise, I wouldn't hesitate to buy the Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS HOTAS Controller, which includes the HOTAS half of the setup. I think it's easily the best setup for the money.

edit: fixed the first link.

The Thrustmaster 16000M, either by itself, as a hotas, or as a hosas is regarded as a good entry level stick by many.

edit: best way to make credits in-game by far is mining, either surface mining for painite or core mining for void opals. Easily 100m/hr or more if you know what you're doing, and/or follow one of the many guides on youtube. I can't personally advise though as I've been actively avoiding it. I don't want to be rich so quick I have no idea what to do with it.

I didn't realize how much more difficulty hover mode adds to keyboard and mouse as opposed to a flight stick until I tried it recently. The Thrustmaster T16000M FCS is a good all purpose joystick at a decent cost, available on Amazon and elsewhere.

Okay, sure.

Duo Set - https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-16000M-SPACE-SIM-DUO-STICK/dp/B076XKZML8

Single Stick- https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-2960773-T16000M-Joystick-Black/dp/B01MQEDEEW/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_63_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=V057ET75WNB4K45T8ZXJ

The Extreme 3D Pro is a very entry-level stick. It will get the job done, but you need to know that you'll be replacing it in a couple years or less if you use it heavily. It's plastic-on-plastic and wears pretty fast, and it's not got the greatest precision to begin with.

The T16000M is a better entry-level stick, being both more precise and better able to stand up to wear over time.

If you can convince your dad to spring for something slightly more expensive, the T16000M HOTAS package gives you a throttle to use as well, and would mean that you could set up to acquire an affordable sim package over the next year by using facetrackNOIR or other webcam-based head tracking, plus saving up for a set of rudder pedals.

There aren't a lot of cheap HOTAS options. Some things to consider:

• T-Flight HOTAS X is relatively cheap at $50, but has relatively few buttons to work with and mediocre sensors that can make fine aiming difficult. A lot of people use it and are very happy with it though.
  
• T.16000M FCS is the next step up, and although it's fairly new it seems to be getting a pretty good reception. It's over your budget at $129 though.
  
• Dual joysticks is another totally viable and fun way to play, although it may take a bit more work to find a way to control all thrusters that feels natural (some people use twist for forward/reverse, some add rudder pedals, etc). There are obviously lots of possible combinations, one that works for your budget is a T-16000m combined with a Logitech Extreme 3d pro, for $95 combined.
  
  

FYI T16000m sticks are on sale for $39 at Amazon

And for those in Canada- it’s cheaper still than buying from Amazon.ca even with shipping and currency exchange, and there is a 1 per limit cap on the current sale.

Source- just bought two, shipping north of the border.

Thrustmaster T16000M. Replaced my old logitech 3d pro which was a workhorse for many years for me and prob the majority of this community. But was floored with the level of precision and ergonomics of the Thrustmaster. Its because it has hall effect sensors rather then pententiometers which alot of the old flight hardware tends to have. I got the whole package with throttle and pedals and never looked back. Tons of programmable buttons too! Prob the best stick you can get in the sub $100 price category.

Thrustmaster T16000M FCS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQEDEEW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IWXxCbJ1V06FB

Amazon (US) has both the flight stick and flight pack on sale. Not sure if they'll go any lower.-
Flightstick: $40, down from $60
Flightstick + Throttle: $97, down from $107
Flight pack: $130, down from $160

Ultimately, it's going to be a matter of taste. What sounds like the most fun to you? That's the question I asked myself a few years ago when the original Arena Commander module released. I decided the answer to that was dual stick, so I got myself a cheap left handed joystick and tried it. Turns out I love it! If immersion is what you're looking for, joysticks certainly deliver, at least in my experience. But I've been playing with joysticks for two decades now so I'm familiar with adjusting to odd control schemes. You may not want to invest that time, effort, and money.

​

If you do decide to try it out, however, there are a lot of cheap options that will give you a taste of what you're looking for without breaking the bank. I used the Extreme 3D pro joystick before upgrading recently, and it was a good option for only $30. Link HERE. There's also the T16000M which is fully ambidextrous for $60. I used it to test dual stick flight. Link HERE. And you may find them cheaper used. You can always upgrade later if it turns out you really like the setup, which is what I did.

​

If all you want to do is run cargo and explore, though, any options will be fine. If you think you'll be happy with mouse and keyboard, don't sweat it! I like decoupled flight and combat so having that additional control over my thrusters is nice and immersive, but that's my situation, not yours.

​

Again, ask yourself honestly what sounds like fun and go from there. If mouse and keyboard seems sufficient to you, there's no point in spending money. No amount of advice from other people can top that.

so TBH all I have is a right handed stick that I use in my left hand. Its rather uncomfortable, but let me tell you I fly a million times better. One day I'll get myself a T16000m to fly with. That will be the day. Ambidextrous joysticks are rather uncommon, unfortunately.

dot has better quality, i think the dot is actually a newer version of the dash one.

Here are links:

T-16000M

T.16000M

T.16000M With Throttle Included

CH FighterStick

https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-VG-T16000M-FCS-Joystick-Black/dp/B01MQEDEEW/ref=pd_sim_147_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=2R4M0N4CN75NMYSD7ST8

green one

orange one

Orange one is newer, but is the same basic stick. Has some bumps and insets on the buttons on the base of the stick so you don't have to look down to confirm where your fingers are. They also added some texture to the buttons on the top of the stick for better grip there.

Oh hey, I own that joystick! It's old and has huge problems with y-axis, but it was a trusty joystick.

Anyway, depending on how well you can touch type, you could even use KB/M.

I run dual stick - the attack 3 in left hand for thrusters, and in my right a t16000m, works great. (though my t16000m is green/grey, older version, the new one looks like it would be easier to use in VR, and is ED colored). You could also try buying the throttle and using your old joystick

Flying with dual joysticks (and pedals) feels awesome! I got a T16000m FCS plus a T16000m FCS Flight Pack and only use the sticks and the pedal right now

I am gonna configure my setup in a way that I can switch from hosas to hotas when I am not in combat to be able to fly around more relaxed. It should be pretty easy to set up if I play around with the Target software some more.

The first time setting up dual joysticks was pretty tedious. I used TheNOOBIFIER1337's Playlist and the several reddit posts as an inspiration and finally decided to set them up more or less like in this video
To keep my desk uncluttered and my KB/M close I made a setup like this one!. Here are some more Images.

Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS is the only one I'm pretty sure.

https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-T-16000M-FCS-HOTAS-Controller/dp/B01KCHPRXA/

EDIT: Here's it with just the stick, because the throttle doesn't look like it'd be too useful with your right hand

https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-T16000M-FCS-Joystick-Black/dp/B01MQEDEEW/

I'd go with the [T16000M FCS](Thrustmaster T16000M FCS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQEDEEW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_oLPvCbGXEZ1HX) for $40 ATM

It's got the same sensors as the Thrustmaster Warthog stick, and the magnetic sensors feel better to me in general. As others have mentioned, this game has a ton of keybinds so as much as I like dedicated throttles, I find myself getting annoyed going back and forth from it to the keyboard.

That said if you don't think you'll mind switching back and forth, I'd recommend the [hotas combo that includes this stick](Thrustmaster T16000M FCS HOTAS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KCHPRXA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5SPvCbKVNA2QA).

Some "higher end" links for you:

• Ch Throttle -- IMO still the best throttle until VKB/Virpil
  
• MFG Crosswind
  
• VKB
  
• Virpil - great dual stick options here. I liked VKB just a tad more, like the additional button more on VKB. But Virpil has other things going for it too. Like better service!
  
• X56 Lotitech - make sure its the latest version, not saitek crap ... even re-branded saitek to logitech. Logitech recently released an update. QA is a huge issue with X56 range.
  
  Don't use this for E:D Warthog that is my 2c worth. Its maybe looks all metal but has some plastic internals and really is not for space flight sims. Allot of people bitch about the nipple on the throttle. So just my opinion that you should not look at it.
  
  On the lower end:
  
  
• Thrustmaster T 16000 etc. I have no experience with it. But people like it.
  
• X360 controllers etc. some people love it.
  
• Mouse and Keybaord -- PvP players swear by it!
  
  Happy stick hunting, fly safe CMDR o7!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Thrustmaster VG T16000M FCS Joystick, Black - PC https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQEDEEW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_19UeAbXQZDW1B

They're 59.99 on Amazon.

Thrustmaster T16000M FCS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQEDEEW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TTJsDbV6M9SFR


Theres a Kit that gives you the stick and throttle, that's $129.99.

A copy of what i sent to one user, but my recommendation still stands:

If you end up buying a joystick one day, I strongly urge you to look for Thrustmaster 16000, or for something with the equivalent of Thrustmaster's HALL effect. It really IS really-really nice. Because with whatever game you end up playing, you may end up using only a few buttons, but the joystick part of it will always be there, so THAT'S what you want to be top notch.

And I may be repeating myself, but that HALL effect is what they use in the pretty much highest end Warthog Joysticks and HOTAS, ones that go for $300+, so even though the buttons and the build itself of the 16000 is the same as of the other joysticks in the 30-50$, the action part of its is way above it's level.

Here's an Amazon link to the pre-order of the new version of the joystick by itself:

https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-VG-T16000M-FCS-Joystick-Black/dp/B01MQEDEEW/ref=sr_1_10?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1479623136&sr=1-10&keywords=thrustmaster+joystick

For all you commanders wielding a dual joystick setup, you can finally purchase the new Thrustmaster T16000m flight stick separate from the new HOTAS throttle. Available 28 November 2016.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MQEDEEW/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1479119919&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=Thrustmaster+VG&dpPl=1&dpID=41ddxyOeLrL&ref=plSrch

Edit: For those looking for international shipping. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1296153&gclid=CJWs1I2MqNACFdglvQod70EObg&is=REG&c3api=1876%2C50960586482%2C%2C&Q=&A=details&pcur=AUD

So I emailed thrustmaster and this is what they sent me:

>We thank you for your interest in Thrustmaster products and for reaching us regarding your inquiry.
>
>The initial versions of this new product will be as following:
>
>- the FCS throttle available as a standalone device;
>
>- the throttle and the joystick unit, as a package;
>
>- T.16000 Flight Package (the FCS joystick and throttle units accompanied by the TFRP Rudders Pedals pedal set).
>
>We are also taking into consideration the commercialization of the T.16000 FCS joystick as a standalone device but at this moment we cannot provide you with an ETA on when this will become available.
>
>We rest at your disposal for any other inquiries.

That being said it looks like it for preorder outside of the states and bhphotovideo.com also has one.

EDIT: welp they are available in the sates for preorder now amazon link I don't understand why they would send an email saying they don't know if they will be selling it on its own when they were going to allow stores to announce that they are the very next day.

Yeah, for a used one in questionable condition.

These are the new ones

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MQEDEEW

That's the one I got off of Amazon. It's not super cheap but it's way less than the other ones they offer, in case you're looking for something new.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MQEDEEW/

Back in stock with price increase?

> Price: $72.62 & FREE Shipping

> Only 18 left in stock.

> Sold by Beach Audio

What the fuck thrustmaster...

Well, I skimmed through your videos, and thank you for your input, however, the work you are talking about it beyond my skill level. I found a T160000M direct from Amazon for $60 new, so I ordered one. If I like it, I will probably order a second one. If I decide I would prefer to use a throttle, I still have the throttle from my X-55.

Now I just need to figure out what to do with these old sticks....

I was skeptical but hopeful for years, until I saw Hurston and Lorville get released, and I finally jumped in both-feet during the end of the last Anniversary sale. Player-generated clips like this one and this one definitely helped convince me... I mean look at that, it's all actually there in the game, nothing is a backdrop only for viewing from that spot on some map, that sun isn't rising, the earth-sized planet you are on is spinning in space.

My biggest suggestion: get a proper HOTAS, or at least a stick with a throttle on it and some good base-area buttons - I use an old Saitek X-52 that interestingly enough is being re-released in a few weeks. There are some serious mil-sim level ones out there too. The T-Flight Hotas X and T16000M are popular for the budget-minded (although Star Citizen will rapidly change your mind about what "sensible expenditure" in a game means lol). Get a used one if you want a killer one but can't afford new (seriously though, $60 man, very worth it), but it's a huge help not having to go to keyboard commands for anything flight-related, including targeting, countermeasures, scanners, thruster controls, etc. When hopping out of your flight seat (either to do something in your ship or get out of it entirely), just have the mouse and keyboard positioned to either side of the flight stick, easy. You'll use the mouse in the cockpit a fair bit too, to interact with the MFDs sometimes for things like requesting landing clearance, changing MFD functions, overclocking components on the ship, etc,. It's the most immersive sci-fi flight/FPS/society game I've ever seen.

I'd highly recommend to get in as soon as they announce Update 3.5, adding the entirely new planet ArcCorp, its main landing area for spaceships Area 18, several moons, and the long-awaited new flight model, go Public Live in a few more days. Fly your starter ship (I recommend the Avenger Stalker starter ship or the Cutlass Black package for the bit of cargo space you get, helps make a little money and can still fight ), enjoy a bit of mission running, exploration etc, and learn the world, and when the next massive Anniversary Sale comes around in November you'll know what ships you really want and can make informed decisions, as the sales they have at that time are awesome.

Whatever starter package you get, it'll need to be a "Game Package" that includes the base game as well, and after that one-time buy you just buy standalone ships or packages if you want to pay real money, or you can buy many of them in-game for game-money (UEC) if you make enough (many good ones are millions of UEC). The advantage of paying real money is that they will be with you forever - as they make major updates CIG usually resets all accounts to starter levels again, and you lose anything you earned in that version of Alpha - but you also have many advantages in Alpha that will not be present in the final game so still worth it to buy cheaper ships in-game IMO.

^edit: ^added ^bit ^about ^game ^packages

First, sorry for my shortcutting on the joystick. I was referring to the Thrustmaster T16000M. Same idea, basically, other than I am less interested in the full SIM, and am more likely to go with a HOSAS rather than HOTAS experience. As a side, I have a passionate interest in peripheral interfaces overall. I worked with a rehabilitation center in a Kinesiology College at a University, and I helped with the IT for laboratories which were using video game technology to combine with engineering to help people with disabilities. That included everything from people with MS interacting with Ocular Rift, to wheelchair rehab, etc. So I really geek out on ultra high dpi controls.

You did answer my question on that I would need an expansion for planetary landings and buggy exploration. That is a thing I like about the game's potential. I watched some videos by ObsidianAnt and they did interest me.

I think for me to subscribe, realizing that I'll have to spend some cash to do what I want and face some grindy elements, I'll basically see if I can find some social interaction that makes it worth my while.

I personally recommend this setup:

https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-T-16000M-FCS-HOTAS-Controller/dp/B01KCHPRXA

https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-2960773-T16000M-Joystick-Black/dp/B01MQEDEEW/ (stick only)

Only $100 for stick and throttle, $50 for just the stick. Throttle has enough buttons that you won't need to touch your keyboard. I don't recommend just the stick on its own, having a stick + throttle really is the way to go.

says you can order and they'll ship when ready.

I use the Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS and also got a second Warthog Stick for a dual stick setup.

http://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/accessories/apd/a9168831?cid=309562&st=&gclid=CLWYqP6dk9QCFR1LDQodiiAAFw&lid=5848362&VEN1=s7nLQ1cQ4,183457792450,901pdb6671,m,,A9168831&VEN2=,&dgc=ST&DGSeg=DHS&acd=1230980731501410&VEN3=812403894302130950

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CBVHJ00/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_IJXkzbZ5X9RT3

I also use the VKB Rudder Pedals.

http://store-x-plane-org.3dcartstores.com/VKB-T-Rudder-Pedals-MkIV_p_571.html

As for matching sticks, I am waiting to get the VIRPIL grips since they fit on the Warthog bases.

https://virpil.com/en/filtered/gpips/


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Alternatively, you can go with two VKB Gunfighter bases and wait for VKB SIM to release their newer right handed and left handed grips (which you can purchase later).

https://vkbcontrollers.com/?product=vkb-sim-gunfighter-base-only

Or perhaps two VKB Gladiator Pros for now and update both grips or just the left grip later when they eventually release:

https://vkbcontrollers.com/?product=vkb-gladiator

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Another way to go about it is getting two T16000 sticks (for a dual stick setup):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQEDEEW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8UXkzbM4P2BW7

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Or just go with the T16000 HOTAS (with or without pedals):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KCHPRXA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_PVXkzbAW6TM7K

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015PII6YI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_yWXkzb0KK7FTK

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Now although there are other options, like the Saitek products (X52, X55/X56) and CH products, those just aren't my cup of tea and too many problems plague the Saitek products that they don't seem to be worth investing in. I returned mine and got the Warthog setup and it's so much better. Night and day difference.

I hope I have listed enough choices at different price points to help you make a more informed decision.

And YES, DUAL STICKS are the best :D

This is the new version

Amazon VG T16000M

Not sure if they are still making the older one, I currently have 2.

There's the Thrustmaster t.16000M stick. It's a little light on hats, but from what I've heard it's pretty quality otherwise. Amazon link here

You are in luck! These guys (which are generally recommended) are on sale: https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-2960773-T16000M-Joystick-Black/dp/B01MQEDEEW

Get two for a HOSAS setup.

I would go with the T.16000M (but why is it so expensive?). The new T.16000M with orange lights costs only 50€ in Europe and 59$ in the US link.

But if you can spend more (and i mean a lot more) i would go for a VKB Gladiator Pro or the better Gunfighter plus pedals. I just ordered a pair of gunfighters with rudder predals for 900€ (plus another 500€ for better grips and twist adapters after they come out next year).

Imho is for space sims a dual stick setup the best option because you need 6 axes (one for each of the 6DOF). Right now i use 2 T.16000M til my new sticks arrive. And for warthunder you only need one stick without throttle since the T.16000M has a throttle slider.

I use the T16000M Joystick.

While some of the buttons are softer than I'd like, it is very good. I really enjoy racing with it.

Yes, DCS.

Mapping controls for flight sims is an enormous pain in the ass, no way around it. That's why I'm flummoxed as to why XP11 is so far the only legacy sim to implement motion-controlled cockpits (IL2 doesn't either.)

XP11 will give you the basics of flight and I think they have a tutorial, too. But at some point, you'll need a hotas. If you're on a budget, get a twist stick with a slider that you can use for throttle (separate throttle is way over-rated imo).

eta: i've heard good things about the t16000. Thrustmaster VG 2960773 T16000M FCS Joystick, Black - PC https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQEDEEW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_slFYBb7HVTQW1

Get the throttle set if you're feeling rich.

Get yourself two of these and play Star Citizen!

https://smile.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-2960773-T16000M-Joystick-Black/dp/B01MQEDEEW/

> Don't by a plane with complicated systems and tricky/unique flight characteristics if you can't fly an F-15 proficiently. The FC3 planes have simplified systems but most have the same level of flight model. The F-15C and Su-27/33 are 3 of the best air to air planes in the game, so you're not at a disadvantage in that regard, if they were full fidelity they'd probably be even better (more radar modes to work with is one that comes to mind), master these then get the mirage

Thanks I think I'll stick with the FC3 planes mainly the F-15C for now, I heard that Mirage is not ransferable between Steam and Standalone so that might be a problem.

Also Can Steam players play with Standalone players?

> Get a proper hotas before going past the FC3 aircraft

So HOTAS X would be insufficient? I did look at the T16kM do I need the throttle combo? or just the stick? since I see there is what looks like a small throttle slide right there

and what do you think about the VKS Gladiator MkII stick? I've been eyeing it for a while (because I like how it looks, but expensive, I'm probably more likely to get T16K M. )

One last thing, Su-27, the engine won't start, I know the Start up sequence is pretty similar for all FC3 planes, I did the same things I do on the F-15C but the Throttle doesn't respond, there is no engine noise the plane just won' start.

MiG29 did respond to the same start up sequence, (battery>cockpit>engine>Nav lights>flaps)

Its a nice joystick and currently on sale
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQEDEEW/

Nice. One of the good things with the T16000M is that it's reversible- so if you want the option of dual sticks you can get a matching one and use it with your left hand instead of the throttle.

This offer is probably the best value hotas you can buy at the moment. The quality is excellent if you don't mind a plastic stick.

So you'd recommend two of these?