The TFTC v1.3.4 patch has been released! You can find the full patch notes on our website, our Discord server or in the description of the file download.#sta...
A controller or joystick is required for playing the game - without it, the game will not start. XWA Upgrade Mega Patch includes Babu Frik’s Configurator which includes an option for Joystick emulation, bypassing this requirement. Still, a joystick is strongly recommended to be used.
I haven’t had a joystick since the original tie fighter.
I would assume that you can use the thumbsticks on a controller unless it really requires precision.
Also, inexpensive joysticks aren’t that much, though there aren’t a lot of games that really make use of them these days.
Sounds like no, for the base game. There are some people talking about emulating a virtual joystick here:
https://www.gog.com/forum/star_wars_xwing_and_tie_fighter_series/playing_xwing_alliance_with_mouse_keyboard
https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Star_Wars:_X-Wing_Alliance
I would assume that you can use the thumbsticks on a controller unless it really requires precision.
Also, inexpensive joysticks aren’t that much, though there aren’t a lot of games that really make use of them these days.