Eagle Dynamics has released its “2026 and Beyond” roadmap in two parts, outlining major technical and content updates planned for the coming years. The roadmap emphasises long-awaited features such as the Dynamic Campaign, Vulkan API, and new assets for the Pacific Theatre.
Dynamic Campaign and Vulkan API
A significant portion of the roadmap focuses on the Dynamic Campaign, a feature that has been in development for approximately five years. Eagle Dynamics reports that work is now focused on the strategic and tactical aspects of the AI, including logical creations of strike packages and ground force interactions. They are also working on the client-side interface for players to view the Air Tasking Order and set objectives.
Parallel to the campaign work is the transition to the Vulkan API, a project the community has tracked since initial announcements around 2017. Eagle Dynamics describes this work as being in its “late stage”, intended to enable modern features like native frame generation, DLSS, FSR, and cockpit ray tracing by 2026.
While the move to integrate the Vulkan API into DCS promises better VRAM management and reduced stuttering, RAZBAM CEO Ron “Prowler” Zambrano has recently claimed in the RAZBAM Discord that the switch to Vulkan could effectively “say goodbye” to their modules in DCS, as they lack the source code access required to update them for the new API. Eagle Dynamics have not made any comments regarding the recent statement by Mr. Zambrano.
Pacific Theatre and Aircraft
The Pacific Theatre of Operations is a major pillar for 2026, with confirmed player-controlled F6F Hellcat and A6M5 Zero modules. To support this, Eagle Dynamics have stated that they are working on an asset pack for period correct AI aircraft, ships and ground units to recreate the air war of summer 1944.
In the modern arena, work continues on the full fidelity F-15C and F-35A modules, though Eagle Dynamics states that both have seen delays due to resource constraints. Meanwhile, the new, free “Flaming Cliffs level” Su-25 Frogfoot is nearing completion to serve as a higher-fidelity entry point for new players, with a full-fidelity version planned to follow. Other highlights include plans to introduce a 1st Person Walk-Around mode, which was teased recently in the MiG-29A and C-130J trailers.
Map Modules and AI Improvements
Work continues on completing the Afghanistan and Iraq map modules. The final northern region of Afghanistan is in development, while the Iraq map is planned to expand south into Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and parts of Saudi Arabia. In addition to work on map modules, the roadmap mentions the “Spherical Earth” project, which is currently on hold as resourced are prioritised for Vulkan, weather and other visual effects.
The roadmap also highlights significant work on the AI in DCS, addressing long-standing community requests. This includes new infantry units with advanced routines for cover and traversal, utilising new “navmesh technology” for better pathfinding. The Dynamic Campaign work also involves extensive AI improvements for both air and ground units, covering strategic decision-making and responses.
Eagle Dynamics is expected to follow up these newsletters with their annual “2026 and Beyond” cinematic video later this month, which traditionally showcases these features in action. You can watch last year’s “and Beyond” video here.
You can read Part 1 and Part 2 of Eagle Dynamics’ 2026 and Beyond roadmap on official DCS World website.
