Star Citizen is a multiplayer space trading and combat simulation game that is currently in development by Cloud Imperium Games. One thing many gamers ask is it better to play with keyboard and mouse or joystick? Well, there are two specific methods of play that have become a popular way to interact and/or engage with the game. HOTAS and HOSAS.
What Is HOSAS And HOTAS And What Do They Mean?
HOSAS stands for “Hands On Stick And Stick”. It is an alternative control system to HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) that uses two separate sticks, one for each hand, instead of a joystick and a throttle control.
HOTAS and HOSAS controls are specific controllers that players can use to play the game with. These controls are designed to provide a more immersive experience and make it easier for players to control their spacecraft in-game.
What Is The Main Benefit Of A HOSAS System?
The main benefit of HOSAS is that it allows for control of the six degrees of freedom (6DOF) of movement that is available in many flight and space simulators. The six degrees of freedom refer to the ability to move in three linear axes (pitch, roll, and yaw) and three rotational axes (surge, sway, and heave). This allows players to have a more realistic and immersive experience in the game or simulator.
- By using two sticks, one in each hand, it allows player to control the pitch, roll and yaw separately, giving more precision and control to the player.
- Another benefit of HOSAS is that it can allow for more buttons, functions, and controls to be assigned to each stick, providing the player with even more control options in the game.
- Also, a two-stick setup may mimic the functionality of some aircrafts or vehicles, which makes it more realistic for certain players who wants to replicate the experience of real life piloting.
In summary HOSAS offers more realistic and immersive control experience, more precision and control to the player, allows for greater number of buttons, functions and controls, and a setup that might resemble certain real life aircraft or vehicles.
What Is The Main Benefit Of A HOTAS System?
HOTAS, however, is a common acronym in gaming and aerospace industry which stands for “Hands On Throttle And Stick” which refers to a type of control system that combines a flight stick and a separate throttle control into one unit. Here are the top three differences between HOTAS and a more common joystick:
- Throttle Control: The most notable difference between HOTAS and a traditional joystick is the inclusion of a separate throttle control. This allows the pilot to control the thrust of the aircraft independently of the control stick, making it easier to make fine adjustments to the aircraft’s speed and altitude.
- Increased realism: With HOTAS, players will have access to more buttons and functions compared to traditional joystick. This allows for more realistic and accurate control of aircraft, vehicles and ships in the simulation.
- Greater immersion: Using HOTAS provides an immersive experience, as players are able to control all the functions of their in-game aircraft or vehicle with their hands, like a real pilot.
- Compatibility: HOTAS units are generally designed to work with a specific game or simulation, whereas a traditional joystick is more versatile and can be used across multiple games and simulations.
Should I Buy A HOTAS Or HOSAS Setup For Star Citizen?
Someone might prefer HOSAS for Star Citizen for its 6 degrees of freedom capabilities, which can provide a more realistic and immersive experience when flying spacecrafts in the game. The two sticks, one in each hand, would allow for separate control of pitch, roll, and yaw, giving the player more precision and control over their movements. Additionally, having two sticks instead of one can offer more buttons, functions, and controls to be assigned to each stick, which can provide players with even more options and flexibility in the game.
On the other hand, Someone might prefer HOTAS for Star Citizen for its throttle control, which allows the player to control the thrust of their spacecraft independently of the control stick. This can make it easier to make fine adjustments to the aircraft’s speed and altitude, which can be especially useful when engaging in combat. Additionally, hotas tend to be designed to work with a specific game or simulation, whereas a traditional joystick is more versatile and can be used across multiple games and simulations. Also the familiarity and the realism that some players may feel from replicating some real-life flying experiences.
Ultimately, whether someone prefers HOSAS or HOTAS for Star Citizen will depend on their personal preferences and playing style. Both options provide players with additional controls and options that can enhance the overall playing experience.
What Are The Best Options For A HOTAS For Star Citizen?
There are many HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) flight sticks available on the market, but here are a few top options that are well-regarded by gamers and pilots:
- Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS: This is a high-end flight stick that is designed for use with PC gaming. It features a total of 16 action buttons and a full-size detachable throttle, making it a great option for players who want maximum control over their aircraft.
- Logitech X52: This is a popular and well-reviewed flight stick that is designed for use with PC gaming. It features a total of 19 action buttons and a full-size detachable throttle, as well as a multi-position adjustment dial, making it a great option for players who want a high level of customization.
- Saitek X56 Rhino: This is another high-end flight stick that is designed for use with PC gaming. It features a total of 16 action buttons, as well as a full-size detachable throttle and a built-in RGB color LCD display, making it a great option for players who want maximum control over their aircraft and a sleek design.
- Logitech G Saitek X52 Pro: This is another popular and well-reviewed flight stick that is designed for use with PC gaming. It features a total of 19 action buttons and a full-size detachable throttle, as well as an adjustable stick spring tension and a built-in programmable MFD (multi-function display)
- Thrustmaster Warthog: This is one of the most realistic flight sticks available. It is designed for use with PC gaming and it is modeled after the U.S. Air Force A-10C’s controls. It features a total of 19 action buttons and a full-size detachable throttle and a built-in programmable MFD (multi-function display)
These are just a few examples of popular and well-regarded HOTAS flight sticks, but there are many other options available. Ultimately, the best flight stick for a particular player will depend on their personal preferences and the types of games and simulations they plan to use it with.
What Are The Best HOSAS Options For Star Citizen?
As it is a less common system, there are not many options specifically marketed as HOSAS sticks. But some companies do sell separate joystick and flight control stick that players can use to build their own HOSAS setup, those are:
- Logitech G X56 Rhino: This is a separate joystick and flight control stick that has been designed to give players maximum control over their aircraft. It provides 16 action buttons, a built-in RGB color LCD display and a built-in programmable MFD (multi-function display)
- Saitek X55 Rhino: This is another separate joystick and flight control stick that can be used in a HOSAS setup, it has a total of 15 action buttons and a built-in programmable MFD (multi-function display)
- Thrustmaster Warthog: This is another separate joystick and flight control stick that can be used in a HOSAS setup, it has a total of 19 action buttons and is modeled after the U.S. Air Force A-10C’s controls.
Keep in mind that using separate joystick and flight control sticks to build your own HOSAS setup would require some setup and configuring, also it would be up to the individual player to decide which options works best for their needs and preferences. Also, as HOSAS is not a common setup, you may need to check compatibility before buying the separate sticks.
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