Korea: IL-2 Series Update 1.004 Overhauls AI, Adds Strategic Missions

Korean War flight simulator Korea: IL-2 Series Update 1.004 launched today with substantial improvements across combat AI, mission variety, and gameplay systems.

Aircraft AI now performs defensive maneuvers when pursued. The update fixes issues where AI aircraft spun during combat, collided with terrain, or struggled attacking airborne targets. Bombers improve aiming during level bombing in windy conditions, while fuel-critical and ammunition-depleted jets use improved return-to-base profiles. Ground vehicle AI received refinements to road detection, waypoint navigation, convoy cornering, target selection, and anti-aircraft attacks.

Mission selection expands with Strategic Object Cover and Enemy Harbor Attack missions added to Career and Task Editor modes, alongside the M6 Tractor. Mission generation now accounts for aircraft type and flight distance when setting waypoint altitude. New interception mechanics introduce both jet and piston-engine fighters, with enemy numbers affected by group size and mission settings.

Career Mode gains persistent damage to buildings, bridges, and map objects between missions, with gradual bridge repairs over time. The MiG Alley operation zone opens for Eastern Bloc countries. Airfield ownership, operation boundaries, resource balance, pilot records, awards, and mission results all receive adjustments and fixes.

Manual fuel system controls represent a major gameplay addition. Players can now operate fuel valves and pumps directly using instrument controls, though the previous automatic system remains available as an optional assistant. Fuel simulation refines air-density effects on fuel-tank fire probability, and fixes address empty tanks burning and radiator leaks.

Multiplayer improvements include direct server connections from Friends and Squadron Members screens, expanded Co-op lobby functionality, improved gunner joining, and fixes for radar, communications, aircraft callsigns, and B-29 sounds and animations.

Control additions feature force-feedback adjustments, improved low-speed effects, PS5 controller vibration support, DualSense Edge recognition, additional gamepad functions, and new commands for gunsight and radar equipment. Visual updates include new bomb explosion effects, improved ground-vehicle effects, shallow-water rendering, and additional environmental objects. Mod mode now includes aircraft telemetry for recording trajectories and animations.

Korea: IL-2 Series is in Steam Early Access with full release scheduled for August 4, 2026.