We’re nearing the end of January and a lot of you have been asking about the DCS: AH-64D and its status. We have news and it has been delayed a little longer, however, it doesn’t look like the wait will be for too much longer. We’ve got a new video, some more details about the status, and a Lunar New Year sale kicking off to talk about as well. Let’s go!
AH-64D status update
Today we received a lengthy status update from Eagle Dynamics. Their highly anticipated AH-64D Apache Longbow has been capturing our attention and imagination for just over a year now having been all but announced during the 2021 and Beyond video where the unmistakable silhouette of the AH-64D appeared out of the fog.
The update from Matt Wagner comes in the form of a video and explains that the team needs a little more time to develop some key early access features before releasing it. On the still in-progress list are the following features:
- light control system heading
- attitude and altitude hold modes
- MultiCrew
- cold start
- George AI co-pilot gunner
- certain crew animations
- system damage effects
These are not small items but are key capabilities that need to be sorted out before DCS World’s newest helicopter can release. The whole status update has been explained in this video here which also provides us with some beautiful detailed shots of the helicopter. Have a look!
To recap, the DCS: AH-64D is delayed but it’s not likely to be delayed for long and its still likely only a matter of weeks away. My best guess puts it in March as a realistic early access release but some ED reps have reportedly said February is likely. Either way, its still coming and it should be better for the extra pre-launch attention.
And check out these four screenshots which are part of a dump of new images released today in the ED screenshots section.
Lunar New Year sale
A new DCS sale has just kicked off and its a lengthy one which gives everyone some time to check out the prices and be tempted more than once (I know I am personally eying a couple of new aircraft).
Most are at 50% off the regular price right now while a list of others are available at 30% off. Notably, the JF-17 is now available at 30% discount which I think is the first time it’s joined that list.
Modules with 30% discount
- DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer
- DCS: F-16C Viper
- DCS: F/A-18C Hornet
- DCS: JF-17 Thunder
- DCS: Supercarrier
- DCS: Channel
- DCS: Mi-24P Hind
Campaigns with a 30% discount
- DCS: A-10C Operation Persian Freedom Campaign
- DCS: AV-8B Sky Warrior Campaign
- DCS: F/A-18C Rising Squall Campaign
- DCS: Ka-50 2 Pandemic Campaign
- DCS: Mi-8MTV2 Crew Part 1 Campaign
The DCS Lunar Sale period will last until the February 7th at 15:00 GMT. Check out the prices at the E-Shop or over on Steam.
Stormbirds 
Saw this coming a mile away. I’m over it.
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Better to be prepared for sure. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and generally just go with the flow 🙂
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The new video looks gorgeous! The scene at around 1:56 looks like it’s been taken on the new South Atlantic map. Again fantastic looking!
As for the delay, I’m positive about it. The AH-64D is probably of high importance to ED and they want to make sure it’s been released in a good state. That just makes sense. I’ll wait for the Apache until it’s ready.
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I am positive about it too. I’d prefer to wait weeks and months more if it means a high quality first impression.
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First time Syria is 50% off?
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Oh you’re right! That’s a great price for DCS: Syria!
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I’m still on the fence with the Apache. Had it on Steam pre-order then cancelled in December because the videos made it look too complicated. But I like having the cutting edge eye candy and gadgets and the Apache seems to have them. But then it’s back to whether it will be like trying to juggle and read a book at the same time.
I’m sure there’s a reasonable base level of knowledge you could have and still really enjoy it. KInda looks like just flying around with the fancy night vision would be worth the price of admission. I guess the worst case scenario would be that it’s like flying the Mi-8 and managing the A-10C at the same time.
But that gorgeous eye candy…. and the wait. 🙂
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ha ha – i’ve always said that Apache is like a rotary wing A-10 😉
It will be very interesting to compare the two since it’s probably MORE complex than the A-10 when you consider the LongBow RADAR, et al.
Definitely going to be one of the most interesting modules of all time.
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Definitely going to be an interesting option. We’ll see how complex it feels once we’re up and flying!
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Somewhat off topic, but when do you think the A10C II will get a 50% discount?
Anyway, what is the logic behind which modules get what percentage of a markdown during sales? It is my understanding that non-ED modules have their discounts set by the developers, but some ED modules are 30% off while others are 50% off.
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The logic tends to be based roughly on release date. That’s why you’ll see something like the F-16C which is still in development and still relatively new and exciting get a 30% discount while the F/A-18, AV-8B, and F-5 as examples get a 50% discount.
Developers also have a say over discounts and you’ll see some not get very much of a discount even after a longer time.
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The usual spin and delays from ED.. people keep pre ordering and buying into lies propagate such behaviour and it’s shameful.
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I certainly understand the disappointment. I’d stop short at calling it a lie. If you’ve ever been part of a software development project (or any major project), it’s par for the course to see delays that can cause a project to fall behind by weeks and months.
I do, however, encourage people to wait until the product has released and/or wait until its finished before buying in if delays like this concern them. In those cases its better to wait for a more stable launch.
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The pre order money is there so why to rush? Devil marketing campaign.
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