I don't think I've mentioned this yet but I've been using Fedora (KDE Plasma) as my daily for weeks now and it's been great.

All the programs I use regularly or intend to use once I learn them better all run natively on Linux. All but a select few games work on Linux natively or through Wine. Like, there's quite literally no reason to go back to using Windows 11 and I am so much happier for it.

The games I have not had luck running on Linux are #DCS (Digital Combat Simulator) and Escape from #Tarkov. DCS is a tremendous headache to get running. A friend of mine and I are investigating because it's technically possible to get working. I think...

However, Tarkov requires BattlEye anti-cheat to function, which requires Windows. So far the Tarkov devs have said they'll eventually get around to implementing Linux compatibility but they've given no timeline and aren't great at keeping promises.

With peripherals I've hit two snags.

My #Pimax Crystal Light #VR headset does not work on Linux. I don't even know how to get it working, but as far as I can tell it isn't possible. Drivers and software are all Windows dependent. Pimax promised Linux support as recently as a few months ago but there's no timeline for when they'll actually implement that. From what I understand SteamVR is buggy on Linux but technically works (?) so idk how to proceed.

My #MOZA #AB9 force-feedback base requires a piece of software called MOZA Cockpit to operate. And while I can open it just fine, the software doesn't recognize my AB9 base or joystick through it. This is despite the fact the joystick is recognized by Gamepad Tester online and through the terminal (Konsole on Fedora). It seems some folks have gotten their force-feedback wheels to work but I've seen nothing about my AB9 base, not even as a shifter let alone a flight stick. So again, don't know how to proceed.

The only reason I maintain a Windows 11 install is due to Tarkov, VR games, and using my force-feedback flight stick for flight sims (like DCS, Il2, etc).

#linux #fedora #linuxgaming

Having used my #Moza #AB9 #ffb base for some time now, I can without a doubt say that I can’t go back to using a stick that doesn’t feature force feedback. There’s a lot of intuition you gain through how the stick feel changes with the aircraft that makes the experience of flying that much better.

One of the coolest features is the fact you can experience the simulated feel of your chosen aircraft’s stick. With a traditional cam and spring base, every plane and heli feels the same. With force feedback, almost every plane and heli feels different in ways unique to each one.

If you trim any plane or heli, the stick physically moves to lessen the physical burden on your hand and arm. You know when you’re trimmed correctly because it feels correct, and adjust accordingly throughout the flight to minimize fatigue. That’s something you can’t get with a traditional stick.

I’m glad force feedback is gaining traction in the “mid-range” tier with Moza and soon Winwing and Virpil releasing their own force feedback bases for their sticks. More variety and competition only benefit us flight simmers. I just wish there were even cheaper options so more people can experience this.