Helicopter Gunship DEX

Helicopter Gunship DEX

Early access since Dec 2022

Fly helicopter gunships in a tactical combat sim inspired by 90s classics. Master scalable flight controls, sensors and weapons across several combat zones. Tackle procedurally generated missions that play out differently each time. Play with gamepad, mouse and keyboard, or full HOTAS controls.

85% positive · 215 reviews
Not yet
In early access, still in active development
High confidence
Active Development
Not yet
In early access, still in active development
High confidence
Active Development

Where to buy

Steam $17.99
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Evaluation

Helicopter Gunship DEX entered Early Access on December 1, 2022 and remains actively in development. Jimmy Arcade Limited has maintained a high-frequency update cadence throughout Early Access, with 2 major content releases, 24 feature patches, and 20 bug fix posts recorded across 50 scanned posts. Recent major content releases include a significant public branch update on June 5, 2026, which added the expanded Central Libya map (now approximately 50km x 100km), the flyable Blackhawk helicopter in both transport and DAP configurations, and a large set of optimizations. On June 13, 2026, the developer announced two new weapon systems — the GAU-19 .50 BMG rotary gun and the M230 30mm chain gun — as completed and ready for beta integration. Development activity has been particularly intense in the weeks leading up to today (August 19, 2026). The developer has been running a "Single Mission" beta branch with updates on July 7, July 10, July 13, July 26, and August 6, 2026 — adding difficulty levels, local and global leaderboards, new weapon options like the Gau-19 gunpod and Stinger missiles for the Blackhawk DAP, and UI overhauls. The most recent update was just 13 days ago (August 6, 2026). There is no indication from the developer that a 1.0 release is imminent or that content development is winding down. The game is clearly mid-development with multiple features actively being built and tested.
Evidence
Single Mission beta update: Game Options and Random Mission configuration screens updated to new UI layout — most recent developer communication as of today
news post · Aug 6, 2026 source development ongoing
high
Developer announced two new completed weapon systems (GAU-19 .50 BMG rotary gun and M230 30mm chain gun for Blackhawk DAP), described as ready to add to the beta shortly
news post · Jun 13, 2026 source content planned
high

Media

Details

Publisher
Jimmy Arcade Limited
Achievements
1
Platform
Windows
Controller
partial support
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player

About this game

Helicopter Gunship D.E.X is a tactical helicopter combat sim inspired by the classic helicopter games of the late 90s, rebuilt for modern players.

Fly attack helicopters across large combat zones, manage sensors and weapons, and take on procedurally generated missions where every sortie can unfold differently.

With scalable flight models, gamepad and HOTAS support, and authentic battlefield decision-making without burying you in complexity, HG:DEX aims to capture the thrill of low-level helicopter combat: Detect, Engage, eXfiltrate!

Arcade or Simulation?

You won't find any magically respawning missiles here! Instead you will find realistic weapon loadouts, a simulation level physics driven helicopter flight model and the usual targeting pods and RADAR systems you would expect in this type of game. You'll need to employ authentic tactics and systems but without the 300-key learning curve!

Overall difficulty can be adjusted, including:

  • Customisable flight model to make flying the helicopters much easier

  • Complete control of mission difficulty including enemy strength, AAA/SAM/MANPAD density etc

  • Simplified targeting controls

  • Enemy weapon damage modifier

  • Fuel usage modifiers

Flyable Helicopters

There are currently 10 main helicopters...

  • AH-64 Apache

  • Lynx

  • Gazelle

  • AH-1Z Viper

  • AH-56 Cheyenne

  • RAH-66 Comanche

  • Kiowa Warrior

  • Mi-24 Hind

  • Chinook

  • MH-60 Blackhawk DAP

...and most have several different versions.

Random Missions

The main part of the game revolves around the random mission generator that allows you to define your own procedurally generated engagements which will never play out the same way twice.

Mission types include Strike, SEAD, Search & Destroy, Recon, Transportation etc.

Deployment Point System

Each mission in Helicopter Gunship D.E.X utilises a deployment point system ensuring missions remain balanced and that older weapons and helicopters still have a role to play no matter what the mission involves.

Key Points

  • Fully playable from either 1st person in cockpit or 3rd person chase cam perspectives.

  • Fully playable with a gamepad but also completely re-bindable controls for HOTAS systems.

  • Special modes for mouse & keyboard flyers.

  • Robust procedurally generated random mission generator allowing you to quickly get into the action.

  • Multiple helicopter flight models ranging from Simple to Realistic that allows even novice helicopter pilots to get straight into the action.

  • Places you in direct control of both flying the helicopter and using the various targeting systems to designate and destroy targets.

  • Easy to get into but still difficult and rewarding to master.

  • 3 distinct terrains to fight over. Central Libya (100km x 50km), Coastal Norway  (40km x 40km) & Lush Desert (40km x 40km).

Weapons & Targeting

Weapon load outs are based on real world helicopter capabilities and you will use the same kind of real-world targeting systems such as "SACLOS", "Laser", "RADAR" etc to detect, designate and destroy your mission targets.

A slight departure from reality is that you, the pilot, will be in direct control of designating targets and firing weapons even in helicopters that have co-pilot/gunner positions. Your CP/G will aid in target identification and spotting targets visually.

Weapon types range from modern Fire & Forget, like the Brimstone, to Cold War era weapons, such as the TOW, as well as a wide range of rocket pods, gun pods, bombs & door gunners.

VR & Head Tracking

Helicopter Gunship D.E.X supports TrackIR, OpenTrack and Tobii Eye Tracking via the TrackIR software.

VR mode is available but not fully supported just yet. You can read more about VR support in the Steam Forums.

Upcoming Features

Single "challenge" missions & training missions are the main focus of the current beta. 

Last evaluated Aug 19, 2026
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