We’re learning about some big changes to the artificial intelligence in Korea IL-2 Series as well as some other planned updates coming in 1.004. Let’s have a look!

The changes that are coming soon… and a bit further out

We’ve learned a fair bit about what AI changes are coming for IL-2 Series. The Korean War focused sim has launched to positive acclaim on most features except for the AI which has shown to be a significant weak spot for the series. Now we’re learning about what they intend to do to shore that particular aspect of the sim up.

Update 1.004 will include the first of what sound like many planned changes.

Planned for 1.004 are changes to defensive maneuvring. A new AI subsystem will see the AI use several defensive moves when you pull up behind them. Scissors, Barrel Roll, Split-S, Hard Yaw plus others are planned. Choice of techniques will be determined by AI skill level with novice pilots having fewer moves.

Also planned is an update to mission generation which will now more effectively factor in altitude and speed profiles. This all so that AI accurately gauge how high and fast they need to fly for best cruise economy. The AI will reportedly now factor in how much fuel they need to return with these parameters in mind as well as ammo supply. Maybe we’ll see the AI sticking around a little less.

By end of the year they will reportedly better develop how AI wingmates react to your orders. The UI will also give us feedback on what our AI wingmates are doing. You’ll also be able to choose what their default reactions are.

The IL-2 series has always used an approach in which the player only needs to lead their flight into the mission area, after which the wingmen act independently according to the scenario, choosing their own targets and the way they carry out the task. However, advanced players often find this approach counterintuitive.

Even now, immediately after takeoff, you can issue the “Hold Formation!” command to your wingmen, after which they will take no action unless you give them another command. We also plan to add an option that will make waiting for player commands while remaining in formation the default behavior.

Also coming late in the year are better prioritizing of targets, more diverse radio communications between AI, as well as improved tactics between jet and piston powered aircraft with big speed disparities.

Other updates on the way

We’ve also learned about some other non-AI improvements planned for 1.004. VR optimizations (I know that’s a big one for some of you), new mission types for Commander Career, persistent damage to objects on the map, and new shallow water rendering. Incendiary bullets are also being tweaked.

More information is coming soon!