New maps are not a frequent occurrence for DCS World although the pace has definitely picked up over the last several years. The latest revelation may have some impact on that as legendary scenery maker Orbx is now partnering with Eagle Dynamics on a new Kola Peninsula map. Here’s what we know.
Orbx and DCS World
Scenery maker Orbx is well known for their FSX, P3D, X-Plane and MSFS scenery. They have been my go-to for a significant amount of scenery for my X-Plane and MSFS experiences and I’ve written about how transformative some of their scenery is particularly for X-Plane. The Orbx TrueEarth Washington pack (read the review) changed my whole X-Plane experience. Now they are coming to DCS World.
The announcement today brings us quite a bit of detail. This is a 550,000 square kilometer map covering northern Scandinavia and northwestern Russia. The area has been and remains of key strategic importance and there are multiple military bases located all over this area. Eagle Dynamics released images today with one confirming what the airport structure will look like.
Orbx are known both for their great work with satellite imagery as well as their scenery and point of interest creation capabilities. That is also on display in some of the screenshots released today.
Although there is clearly some detailed work going on here, Orbx already has created assets in this region for other sims so their team is likely already working with a bit of a headstart.
For many combat sim pilots, this region will not only offer a geopolitical hotspot like many DCS World maps before it, but also one that offers a bit of nostalgia too. Sims like DID’s EF2000 included this region as part of that sim’s map. Microprose’s F-14 Fleet Defender did as well with the Kola Peninsula operation being one of my favs to fly at the time. Tom Clancy’s Red Storm rising featured the potential flashpoint as well.
Safe to say that this will offer both Cold War and modern combat aircraft opportunities.
There is no release date on this, however, some indications from Eagle Dynamics’ community managers suggest that this project has been in the works for some time already.
Other updates
Eagle Dynamics have also made some other updates today as part of their DCS World Weekend News update. There’s a new animation for the DCS: AH-64D crew as they hop out of the helicopter.
Also, from today and until August 5th, you can pick up DCS: The Channel map and receive the DCS: WWII Assets Pack for free. Nice little promotion aimed at getting more people into DCS WWII.
All of this and more on the DCS World Weekend News.
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