It’s been a long time in coming and now DCS World 2.5.6 is now available to people who have stuck with the stable release cycle for DCS World. Eagle Dynamics has also detailed some updates that they are currently working on including the latest visuals on the DCS: Marianas Islands map that is coming to the series for free later in the year.
Seven hundred updates
The list of updates, changes and new content for DCS World 2.5.6 is substantial and Eagle Dynamics reports that there are 700 updates. Some of the standout features include the revised lighting model, improved night lighting, a large update to the DCS: WWII asset pack, and two major content releases that hadn’t made it to stable until this update: the just released DCS: Supercarrier and DCS: JF-17 which was released at the end of last year into early access.
For the full list, check out the extensive change log here.
Marianas map update
Eagle Dynamics is working on the DCS: Marianas Islands map for DCS World and the latest screenshots show the effort being put into the free map. The close up details are exceptional and while that matters little for fast fighter jets it will make the difference for DCS: Combined Arms and for helicopter operations where those details can really make the scene.
The five new screenshots show off both near and far details to impressive effect.
According to Eagle Dynamics, they are continuing to tune the quality of map,
We continue to improve the cross balance of colour and gamma between terrain textures (vegetation and ground), trees and other objects (infrastructure). The water’s fluidity, colour and transparency have also been tuned for more realistic characteristics.
It already looks amazing. What is left to develop on this map and what else are they intending to tune on the technology before release? Uncertain but I hope to be able to fly over this map before too long.
It looks like a great testbed for future map building technologies for Eagle Dynamics and it also looks like a solid map for the series. That will be especially true for carrier and training operations from the islands various airstrips and bases not to mention the odd hypothetical scenario.
Eagle Dynamics reports that they will have updates on the new Channel map and DCS: P-47 coming soon. See the DCS World Weekend News for more.
Stormbirds 
Having become hooked to DCS quite recently, I’m also very excited about the upcoming Marianas Island map. This new map should provide the battle ground for some great carrier vs. carrier scenarios.
Also, flying around the islands in a helicopter (no, I haven’t got one yet, but I will eventually) sounds quite intriguing to me.
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Looks like it’s going to be a really fun map to check out. I’m looking forward to it!
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Hi Shamrock,
I don’t know if you’re aware of it, but there is a free Mod with the Italian jet trainer Aermacchi MB339 that is almost complete (AFAIK only the in-cockpit radios are still missing).
It has relatively (for a free mod) high quality clickable cockpit, advanced flight model and some nice liveries and is really a joy to fly around. There are also weapon options (somewhat similar to L-39) but where it really shines is the basic training role (the trainee can request and take controls from the instructor) especially since it is free and can be used to get prospective pilots into DCS without them needing to buy anything.
Here is a short intro video about it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcQNzHYI-o4
Thanks
Alex
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Hi Alex,
Thanks for the info! I haven’t really checked out the DCS mod scene (I’ve seen some interesting stuff come out recently) as there’s so much to cover. I may do something about the A-4 and MB339 at some point though!
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