Updates to the base game seem to run on the same schedule for both versions (Steam - SA).ĭownload speeds are better with Steam, which seems to be an issue when new things are released.
However, since Stand Alone users tested the module in the mean time, Steam versions have the respective fixes right from the get go. And having multiple versions is possible with Steam as well.Īlso, the point of "earlier updates" mainly refers to the availability of new modules, which are released to Steam a few days/weeks later compared to Stand Alone. Plus, switching between release or OB versions is easy with Steam, five clicks without bothering the command line at all. Therefore, the early-bird argument may not be very important for you. Most people are surely fine with only the release version of DCS possibly the Open Beta, but I would assume having multiple of each is a rather rare case, when looking at the community as a whole. If you are not absolutely (!) sure playing "broken" games and report issues you encountered is a thing for you (and highly likely it is not), you should stay away from these versions anyway. These are early test versions and are most likely buggy. Important to note is, that when people here on these forums are talking about "getting stuff earlier", that usually means "early access" or "beta versions". If that is the case you should not focus on modding directly, also modding is quite possible with Steam as well, as pointed out above. As you are new to this forum you may also be new to DCS (hence your question in the first place) and possibly to video gaming. I don't know what your background on playing computer games is. If you are into VR and considering to use a HTC VIVE you need Steam anyway. The point of having other games via Steam should probably given the highest priority when deciding. I suggest you base your decision on if you already use Steam for other games, if you are into having multiple different versions of the game installed at once (!) and if you are patient with new module releases. Steam and Stand Alone version are very close to each other.