The game isn't unplayable without 32GB of RAM, that's only for playing on high graphics in intensive multiplayer environments. The game is unplayable however if you don't have an SSD. Right now I wouldn't recommend diving in for the Hornet, as it's in very early access and missing large chunks of its systems while they are implemented step by step. Similarly, I don't recommend the Persian Gulf unless you are a singleplayer only kind of person and have an idea of how to make your own missions at this point. DCS is in a weird spot right now, with positive changes starting to come out, but having just come out of a very unstable period in game performance that hasn't been fully resolved. I'd recommend downloading it and only using the free modules for now just to see if it's your cup of tea right now.
