The new ‘DCS World 2021 and Beyond’ trailer is out and, as is established tradition at this point, it’s a mix of high octane and serious cinematic delivered by DCS World trailer creator Glowing Amraam. There’s plenty of new and cool stuff shown off in this trailer so let’s break it down and have a look at everything that we’ve seen!
No spoilers? Watch the trailer here
Be ready because I’m about to spoil the big reveal down below but if you want the experience of seeing it for yourself… watch this first.
Ok, you’ve been warned!
Spoilers incoming in….
3…
2…
1…
Apache Longbow!
Most of the time, Eagle Dynamics has taken advantage of the trailer to tease us the next big module and this 2021 trailer was not an exception to that. The big reveal…. is the AH-64D Apache Longbow. It was revealed, much the same way as the F-16C was, with a darkened silhouette being outlined by a backlight.
We know this is an AH-64D (or E) because of the mast mounted radar system that is typical of the later model AH-64D models of the Apache attack helicopter.
With the more advanced sensors systems, glass cockpit, and ample array of weapons, the Apache Longbow is one of the most capable attack helicopters in the world and it has long been on the wishlist for fans of helicopters and DCS World. Matt Wagner famously pointed his head at an AH-64 Apache on the ramp of one of the videos earlier in the year and said “huh” before moving on. A classic telltale sign of the next big module… and here is the announcement!
Trailer break down
The first frames of the trailer are of the new Marianas Islands map showing off the latest detailing. The map is really shaping up to be something impressive and, so far as we know, Eagle Dynamics is offering it up for free to everyone. Following that, we can see the Mi-24 Hind (coming sometime early in 2021) from the exterior as well as the Ka-50 cockpit which is likely a nod to the upgraded version of that helicopter also coming in 2021.
Next up, we’re treated to the usual assortment of modern and WWII aircraft for the series. Bombers flying over the coast line, new damage modeling effects, and a Swiss Hornet in full burner were standout images in this segment of the trailer. Note in the left side of the Hornet image our first look at the new clouds that I was able to spot in the trailer.
Then the trailer takes on a slightly different tone with Nick Grey from Eagle Dynamics presenting a heartfelt message acknowledging the tough year that we’ve all had and thanking the DCS community for their resiliency and support. While this is going on, we’re treated to some beautiful shots of the Supercarrier, the new Marianas map, the cockpit of the Mi-24 and the cockpit of the DCS: Mosquito.
The music swells and the next segment of the trailer is by far the most exciting with shots of the new clouds system, the Mosquito, and plenty of modern aircraft flying around with the new graphics on display.
Of particular note are the multi-layer cloud decks, what looks like some improved light scattering based on cloud thickness and type, many different types of clouds, and in two shots, what looks to be visually localized rainstorms. DCS already could do localized storms but they kind of popped in and out while these are on full display.
The trailer appears to end with a thank you and some inspiring words. And then…
… the big reveal once more.
Now that’s one impressive trailer and it has me excited for the new year!
Stormbirds 
Yep, them clouds look much better than what we have now. Really looking forward to that.
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Time to start cramming, I guess. Now where did I put that Longbow Gold manual…
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impressive! B17 as a target, nice visuals and fire/smoke effects. It looks really good!
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I’m really curious about the sequence at 1:27 in which a Harrier is landing.
There’s a presence of ground crew personnel ; is this a hint at an upcoming support of ground crews for the other carriers like the Tarawa or the upcoming Forrestal ? ED said in the past they were looking into it.
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I did notice that but it wrote it off as misdirection – crew comes from Supercarrier.
That’s said. They may well be working on it as has been talked about and this is just a tease. You’ve got me thinking!
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Cool! I missed that. Maybe there will be carrier interactivity for my Harrier. I like that.
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That’d be great for Tarawa!
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I saw a second post of facebook that advised between Dec 22 and Jan 5 all modules will be free to fly.
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Yep! Check my other DCS story. That and the sale are all happening ☺️
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Not very familiar with DCS, are they pretty good at delivering on promised content? This is quite an impressive display! Clouds are such a critical element of the flight environment, and they really appear to be nailing it
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“Is DCS good at delivering on promised content?” That’s a good one.
Do they deliver: yes. When: no one possibly knows.
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ED is just as detail oriented as 1CGS is… perhaps even more so. That means extremely high details and attention to the smallest systems but they do take a while to get things done and bugs can be an issue with DCS World. When it’s working, DCS is majestic and is almost unbelievable that this is a video game/simulation that I can play on my PC. Occasionally it’s frustrating and intensely annoying as well. The good far outweighs the bad but it can be a challenge at times.
It’s free to play with the Su-25T and TF-51D Mustang (no guns on the latter) so give it a try and see for yourself.
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They have a free to try period starting on the 22nd, try out anything you want and find out what you like.
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The new clouds look fantastic, as does the Marianas map.
But to me, the most exciting bit was the revelation of the Apache! Can’t wait to fly her in VR.
This video certainly made my day!
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It’s one hell of a trailer and some great news embedded within. Very well done!
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I was disappointed that there was no song attached like last year. The 2020 video was great!
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Glowing Amraam seems to switch between this style and the cover version of some well known song from a cool smaller time artist. I know how hard it is to find the piece that fits right for your trailer project so I’m sure he listened to hundreds of options before going with this. Maybe next time!
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At 1:41 for just a second you see inside a bomb bay of a World War 2 bomber (B-17 maybe?). I don’t fly much WW2, but is this normal that you can get a view inside a bomber like?
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It’s actually not the first time we’ve seen a shot like this from Glowing Amraam. I’m not taking it as an indication of a tease right now – their B-17 model is quite detailed.
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I know a lot of people are hyped for an apache but I was hoping for a niche airframe like an F111 or A6 or even the good old AD-4 more vietnam era stuff or a full Fidelity mig29 or sukhoi
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So is it ED or a 3rd party developer that will be doing the apache. Please tell me it’s 3rd part otherwise see you in 2025 functioning apache.
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Eagle Dynamics is doing it.
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