a link to the Steam Support pages
https://help.steampowered.com/en/wizard/HelpWithGame/?appid=223750
To remove a free module on Steam
Click on your username on the top right corner of the Steam window
Choose "Account details"
Click on the "View licenses and product key activation's" link on the right
Next to "DCS Module Free Weekend", click "remove"
or
Go to DCS main page in the steam client,
find the DLC area on the right of the page,
click manage my DLC,
a box should appear and DLC can be ticked or un-ticked
Steam Version:
- Auto-Update without launching the game (as long as steam is open)
- Faster Download/Update Speed
- Steam In-Game Overlay
- Steam Friend List Notifications
- Quick Repair
- DLCs not present on Steam are unsupported
Standalone DCS World:
- Get all the modules as soon as they are released
- Does not require any extra program to be launched
- Has every single modules available
If you are fine with waiting for most product to be available on Steam and like most of the Steam feature, the Steam version might be for you.
If you own unsupported products such as Upgrades / FC3 or do not care about the Steam functionalities, Standalone DCS World might be for you.
Note: from 06/07/2014, License Keys purchased from ED, Gamefly or other External Sources will no longer activate on Steam.
See Key Merges to Steam Ending: https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=125452
Yes, DCS (Star-Force) keys for modules releases on Steam before 12th May 2017 can be used on DCS standalone.
1. You need to retrieve your serial number (CD key):
it can be found within your Steam Library and right-clicking on DCS World -> "View CD Key". Where to get Steam CD key?
Another way to view your cd-key is by simply clicking the "CD-Key" link on the right side menu displayed after clicking DCS World within your library.
2. If you received a serial number for the module you have to bind it to account here: License serial number check and after that you will be able to install your product via in-game Module Manager.
If you need to install the module in order to activate it, please use this FAQ https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/support/faq/400/#1685183
How to activate Star-Force modules described here: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/support/faq/564/#1525264
so, the main steps:
1. Install DCS
2. Install the module
3. activate the module
4. log on to DCS game
5. check the keys in Module Manager or on the product page in E-shop
Please note, all future DCS World DLC released on Steam from 12th May 2017 on will now use Steam Keys instead of Star-Force keys.
- Right click on DCS World within your Steam Library
- Select Properties
- Click on "Set Launch Options"
- Type your command line options.
Every time the game is launched, the arguments will be executed.
You can repair your installation by going in the properties of DCS World which can be done by right clicking on DCS World within your library and selecting Properties. Then selecting the Local Files tab, use "Verify integrity of game cache".
Going in the properties of DCS World which can be done by right clicking on DCS World within your library and selecting Properties. Then selecting the BETAS tab, which allow you to select the version you would like
DCS World Updates are pushed through ED servers for the standalone and Steam Servers for the Steam platform thus resulting in a delay when using Steam (since Steam has to first receive and handle the new update). The good news is that the updates will be much quicker to download from your Steam platform. The negative side is that you might have to wait before being able to play with your friends using the standalone version on the latest revision.
You can have both installations on your PC at the same time. There won't be any negative effects due to both installations keeping all their updates / configurations within their own folders.
It can sometimes happen that the steam store run out of keys for the games sold on their platforms. Wait until the developers give them a fresh batch of keys and you will be able to get your key afterwards.
Please note from 12th May 2017 DCS: M-2000C and all future DCS World DLC releases on Steam, will now use Steam Keys instead of Starforce keys, therefore they not shown in Steam Library
The timing of your purchase is not within our control. Nevertheless you can try contacting Steam and find out if they can do something for you (perhaps in cases where you may have made your purchase within just minutes of a sale opening).