Terrain Optimizations Size Management of Installed Terrain

Many of you have voiced concerns about the growing storage requirements of DCS terrain modules. Rest assured that we are hard at work on solutions to tackle this challenge. As our terrains evolve in size, fidelity, and detail, we will ensure that improved storage efficiency remains a top priority.

We are exploring new terrain-optimization methods to reduce the size of our terrain modules while preserving the high visual standards you expect from DCS maps. One of the most promising advances is in texture compression, which is already helping us reduce storage needs with little to no impact on image quality.

Our internal testing is already showing up to 25%-30% disk space savings on DCS: Afghanistan, and we’re encouraged that these numbers will improve further as the technology matures. Of course, the exact savings will depend on how each map was originally constructed and the tools used during its development.

The biggest winners will be our latest, larger terrains that feature high-detail textures. For example: Maps like DCS: Afghanistan, DCS: Iraq and DCS Syria will see considerable improvements thanks to their scale and the methods used to create them. On the other hand, maps like DCS: Marianas and DCS: The Channel already use different rendering approaches, so their install sizes are already on the smaller side.

Older terrains, like DCS: Caucasus, are unlikely to see much change because they were built with smaller textures and lower density from the start. The good news is that their storage footprint is already quite modest.

We plan to introduce these optimizations in future terrain module updates once the technology is finalized and we’re happy with the results. In addition to reducing install sizes, we’re also working on broader improvements to terrain quality and capabilities as part of our ongoing commitment to advancing DCS terrain technology.

DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer Sentry Pacific ’26 - One Last Ride by SOB Simulations

From the creator of DCS: F-16C Sentry Pacific 2025 Campaign, SOB Simulations brings you a new campaign for the DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer over the DCS: Marianas Map! Check out all the details below, coming soon to DCS!

Strap into the legendary A-10C Warthog as a test pilot with the Air National Guard as part of the Reserve Command Test Center (AATC), deployed to the beautifully updated DCS: Mariana Map for Sentry Pacific ’26 - One Last Ride.

This compelling story-driven campaign unfolds across 13 carefully designed sorties, drawn from today’s headlines where you’ll fly everything from test profiles to combat employment exercises. Each mission is built around real-world USAF/ANG procedures but streamlined where it counts to feel authentic without burying you in unnecessary complexity.

At its core, One Last Ride parallels the Sentry Pacific ’25 Viper campaign while asking one question: Does the A-10C still belong in the fight? With retirement looming, every sortie is a test where you can prove it still matters, or fly it on One Last Ride to the Boneyard.

Written by a 30-year U.S. Air Force veteran, One Last Ride leans into character, pacing, and atmosphere. Like a premium miniseries, the voices on the radio become people you’ve flown for years with. Missions play out like episodes—some lighter, some tense, some unexpectedly funny, but all feeding a larger arc that ties directly into its sister Sentry Pacific ’25 campaign. Two stories, one timeline.

Whether this is your first DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer campaign or your tenth, the design walks a deliberate line: Real procedures where they matter, flexibility where they don’t. You’ll learn, improve, and stay engaged without feeling like you need a stack of manuals to keep up. Because at the end of the day, it should feel real, but it should also be fun to fly!

Key Features:

• 13 story-driven missions with varied pacing and objectives to keep you on your toes

• Real-world procedures presented in a practical, approachable, and flyable manner

• Over 3,100 fully voiced lines bring the campaign and its characters to life

• 40+ detailed custom aircraft and ground unit liveries

• 215+ pages of briefing material and kneeboards for those who want to dig deep

• Procedural checklists that support mission flow without slowing you down

• A narrative-focused, non-combat-heavy experience delivering FUN when it counts

Panther Den Multiplayer Server

Panther Den is a dynamic PVE multiplayer campaign server packed with high-stakes modern threats, challenging AI logic, and an enemy that aggressively fights back! Mission theatres have included DCS: Kola Map (EUCOM), DCS: Afghanistan Map (CENTCOM), and, currently, DCS: Syria Map (CENTCOM). All of these focus on modern force-on-force scenarios. Each campaign is meticulously designed using the entire terrain and open-source intel that honours the region's history, operational realities, and an immersive/dynamic battlefield experience. 

Logistics is the backbone of Panther Den, requiring players to deliver fuel, weapons, troops, and air defences. You can even escort a ground convoy in combined arms! With a strong focus on communication and teamwork, Panther Den welcomes new and experienced pilots alike. 

Additionally, Panther Den runs a DCS: Nevada Test and Training Range Map server that includes simulated versions of these four complexes across NTTR, R-2508 (Edwards Air Force Base), UTTR (Utah Test and Training Range), and FRTC (Fallon Range Training Complex)! 

Join the fight on Discord at discord.gg/pantherden.

FONTE https://forum.dcs.world/topic/388252-terrain-optimizations-new-a-10c-ii-campaign-panther-den-mp-server/