

The first option is more similar to real aircraft, while the second gives you the freedom to control your thrusters for even more advanced flying in the 3D space. I tend to prefer the HOTAS (hands on throttle-and-stick) & rudder pedals setup, but many also enjoy two flight sticks, one per hand (to which you can add a throttle lever and pedals if you want to splurge).

Personally, I found that the experience becomes much more exciting when you use a joystick. You can put in some effort with a more extensive use of roll and strafing to add some flair I’m sure some have mastered this control method and can do rather amazing things, but it’s not for me.

You aim your ship somewhere off it goes (and shoots) there in a rather tame manner. It can also make for a very stable experience. Arguably, this provides more aiming precision (and it’s certainly cheaper). Many tend to fly with mouse and keyboard. Do keep in mind that personal taste plays a big role here. Last, but perhaps more relevant, is the control method you choose. The location is also rather relevant to the excitement: flying in an asteroid field or an urban environment full of bridges and skyscraper is certainly more fun than empty space, at least until you get hostile company. Maneuvering and especially landing them in tight quarters can also be quite the thrill. They’re realistically rather sluggish and a larger part of the excitement comes from ripping things apart with big guns or hauling precious cargo with the possibility to be ambushed by pirates or by a game crash, it’s alpha, after all, rather than from the pure flying. Larger, heavier ships aren’t as exciting to “fly” as lighter and nimbler ones. I could go for even faster atmospheric flight, but that’d likely increase the challenge considerably, so it’s more a matter of personal taste. The flight model has gone through several iterations and lately, I find it has become really gratifying. Light fighters and racing ships can be very exciting to fly, especially if you’re into pushing the envelope. Flying in Star Citizen can be exciting depending on a series of parameters.
