One of DCS World’s most prolific server groups is [4YA] who have grown to host 30 DCS World focused servers with their own custom missions and architecture. For a variety of reasons, the server group has announced that they are shutting down in November. Here’s what you need to know.

Server shutdown coming

Log in to DCS World’s multiplayer server browser and you’ll be greeted by quite a few servers but none more prolific than the 30 servers that the [4YA] group operate. This dedicated community of DCS World sim pilots have been maintaining the servers since 2019 and they have evolved over the years to support various types of missions including PvE scenarios.

The shut down has been precipitated by the resignation of “Lurcher”, the primary author of the groups PvE and PvPvE missions scripts as well as custom infrastructure that has helped to maintain the 30 servers that they operate. The departure is driven, according to Lurcher’s statement, by personal changes in his real world situation as well as administrative and staff struggles within the group.

The departure announcement was followed by messaging from another [4YA] staff member, “Sir Rhino,” who provided confirmation that the servers would shut down.

While 4YA is coming to an end, I want to thank each of you for your understanding, your encouragement, and for those that already knew this was coming—thank you for your messages of support and understanding.

Looking ahead, I hope that the community spirit we’ve built here continues on, whether in new endeavours or within other groups and doesn’t have to end with this chapter.

Finally, I want to say a sincere thank you to all the staff in 4YA for giving up their time and assisting making this community run smoothly. It’s been my honour to fly alongside you all.

[4YA] [TN] Sir Rhino via Discord

The shutdown is expected to take place on November 1st and that refunds will be issued to people who have donated through GTX after November 1st. More, the groups PvE mission set will reportedly be released so that others can continue to enjoy the missions that have been created to date.

There is some bright spots in the announcement as both Aerobatics Online and Project Overlord servers, which were originally independent and joined [4YA] for support, will once again be operating on their own and will continue to exist into the future.

You can read the statements on the group’s Discord if you’re a member or through their website.

The news is troubling for the DCS World community as a major group of servers goes offline. Though many other communities exist and will no doubt pick up players, it is nonetheless a reminder that most of these servers operate thanks to volunteers donating countless hours to make them possible.