We’re continuing to improve the Mariana Islands map with enhanced textures, more accurate landmarks, airfield usability, and smoother performance. This update increases immersion across the map, and it brings technical fixes for more stable low-level, high-speed flights.
We’re adding new 3D objects across Saipan and Guam, including Mount Carmel Cathedral, the Saipan Japanese Lighthouse, and the Northern Mariana Islands Museum of History and Culture. These will bring more character and realism to both urban and coastal areas. At Andersen Air Force Base, the Mobility Command Operations Terminal, and Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting buildings will be fully modeled for greater realism. Many structures will feature destroyed-state models to provide more convincing battle damage. We’re also improving building collision models to solve stuttering when flying near them.
We’re also added new natural visual reference landmarks such as Bird Island and Fouha Rock along the coastline. The cliffs on Pagan, Guam, and Saipan will have improved geometry and detail to enhance shoreline realism.
Our terrain team is improving all of the map’s airfields. The terrain mesh ‘steps’ at Andersen AFB will be gone, allowing smoother taxi operations. Airfield signage at Saipan International will be more accurate, and we’re fixing and expanding PAPI and VASI lighting at more airfields. Taxiways and ground markings will also be improved for better visibility during approach, landing, and taxiing.
The environment will have better seabed textures, improved cliff faces, more detailed roads, and smoother shoreline transitions. These changes will make the map more consistent from the air and add realism for low-level flying while maintaining improved performance.
All these updates will contribute to improving the Mariana Islands experience, bringing more realism, smoother performance, and better mission immersion. Coming soon to DCS in a future update!
