[SOLVED] Best HOTAS for Mechwarrior

[DDP2020]

I have been looking around and reading reviews of the different models by different companies and have found one that i liked called steel battalion but come to find out it was for a game on xbox. But i am going to be playing on PC. Is that even a option? I also have been watching YouTube videos of people with their setup and like the ones with the pedals and their functions. My question is will the steel battalion still be a excellent choice with the upcoming release of MW5 or is there better options out there? If so what model?

 

[Eximo]

1. You have to find one, in good condition, they were very limited in production, and can be extremely costly. (I'm seeing $300-$650)
2. They have been modded to work with a PC

As for alternatives. You just need two HOTAS, and some pedals if you want to replicate the major stuff. But that is simply true to form Mechwarrior gameplay, it isn't mandatory.

One joystick for movement and secondary functions, one joystick for aiming and firing, and pedals for side stepping (I think), Possibly tank like movement on the pedals. Been a while since I considered a sim pit for MW. And I have no idea how fancy MW5 will end up being. They might not replicate the options for the 'true' mechwarrior experience.

The steel battalion controller just has a lot of realistic features that you might find in a cockpit. Makes it more immersive.

I just use mouse and keyboard myself. Back in the day, only the keyboard. Never really got into HOTAS outside of flight sims and Wing Commander.

 

[DDP2020]

So steel battalion hotas would be usable on PC?

 

[Eximo]

I've certainly seen people use them for Mechwarrior. I would have to track down the forums where I read about it, either the MW:LL forums or the MekTek forums for an actual control scheme. I haven't been that active in any of those places in a while.

A quick google reveals some drivers available on sourceforge. Looks like you need an official Xbox to USB converter. https://sourceforge.net/projects/steel-batallion-64/

Might require turning signed drivers off in Windows.

I would place a lot of caution on ebay sellers of this thing though. Condition is going to be one thing, but I imagine there are a lot of scammers who have simply taken images off the internet in hopes of snagging someone to pay $1000 for new in box.

Like I said, a pair of HOTAS and some pedals gets you 90% of the way there. Just won't have the 'command couch' experience. At a certain point, once you get used to playing that way, your attention should be on the screen anyway. (Only reason I can think of for triple curved screens)