The flight simulator genre is rather niche and, for the most part, only appeals to a subsection of gamers. What appeals to players is their unrivaled complexity. Gamers are able to immerse themselves in the skies above without having to actually, you know, learn to fly a real plane. We’re taking a look at all of the best flight simulators that you should be playing in 2024 if you’re a fan of the genre.
5. Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
Credit: Bandai Namco
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is a total power trip. It might not be as complex as some of the other best flight simulators, but what it lacks in depth, it makes up for in sheer spectacle. It also has a fantastic VR mode that transforms Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown into a totally different experience altogether. If you’re not after something massively hardcore, this could be right up your alley.
4. Elite Dangerous
Credit: Frontier Developments
It’s easy to forget that space flight simulators were perfected back in 2014 with the kind-of-MMO Elite Dangerous. It takes all the complex mechanics you would expect in the best flight simulator games, and gives them an intergalactic twist. There’s a heavy focus on combat here, but don’t let that fool you. Elite Dangerous is a game made for hardcore fans of the best flight simulators, and casuals will likely have a tough time getting to grips with its offerings.
3. DCS World
Credit: Eagle Dynamics
DCS World is top of the class when it comes to the best combat flight simulator games. With aircraft from eras from World War II, all the way to the modern day, it has an expansive selection of combat operations for players to take part in. Dogfights? They’re there. Airlifts? Sure. Airstrikes?! You bet. Players can even use the integrated mission editor to create their own combat scenarios, making this one of the most immersive combat simulator experiences on the market right now.
2. X-Plane 12
Credit: Laminar Research
When looking at the best flight simulator games, you have to discuss X-Plane 12. This game has probably the most in-depth simulation systems, making it arguably the most immersive flight simulator on this list. You can even play it in VR, making it the closest thing to flying an actual plane without doing it. X-Plane 12 is great, and it was practically a coin-flip between this and the next game on this list…
1. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Credit: Asobo Studio
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is top of the pile when it comes to the best flight simulators. As a matter of fact, it’s easily among the best simulator games ever, beyond the flight elements. With data from Bing Maps, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 simulates the topography of the entirety of Earth, and more data is being perfected over time. Nowadays, there are a total of 62 aircraft models in the game, allowing for a unique experience in a ton of different flight scenarios. Despite a steep learning curve, Microsoft Flight Simulator is simply the best flight simulator game ever made.
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