If you are a flight game enthusiast on the lookout for your next favorite game, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we have meticulously compiled a list of the ten best flight simulator games in 2024, covering a diverse range of genres – from casual flight simulations to thrilling air combat simulations.
Flight simulator games provide players with the perfect opportunity to relax while experiencing the exhilarating joy of controlling an aircraft in the skies. Whether you prefer a leisurely flight over breath-taking landscapes or crave intense dogfights, these games have it all.
10 Best Flight Simulator Games
1. Microsoft Flight Simulator
No list of the best flight simulator games would be complete without mentioning Microsoft Flight Simulator. This PC game is renowned for its exceptional attention to detail, offering players a virtual journey to significant locations across the globe. From massive commercial planes to nimble fighter jets, this game truly has it all.
The gameplay and interface are truly remarkable, while the real-time weather and traffic updates, along with stunning visuals, elevate it above other flight games. Furthermore, Microsoft Flight Simulator offers free downloadable content that keeps the game bug-free and up-to-date with new locations and airports, ensuring an immersive and enjoyable experience.
2. Star Wars: Squadrons
For Star Wars fans who have always dreamt of piloting futuristic starships, Star Wars: Squadrons is the ultimate game. Engrossing and visually stunning, this game allows you to engage in battles against other starfighters. Whether you desire a single-player experience or seek competitive multiplayer action, this game provides an immersive gameplay experience that brings the beloved Star Wars universe to life.
3. Arma 3
Immerse yourself in the world of military air combat with Arma 3, an open-world action game that delivers the ultimate war-game and simulation experience. Offering an exceptional variety of weapons, combat vehicles, and thrilling combat options, Arma 3 boasts flight mechanics that surpass expectations. The game strikes a perfect balance between realistic visuals and lifelike gameplay, resulting in a captivating and visually stunning war game.
4. War Thunder
Similar to Arma 3, War Thunder is a free-to-play flight simulator game that offers a vast array of combat vehicles, with a particular focus on air combat. Engage in dogfights against other players, feel the adrenaline coursing through your veins, and upgrade your chosen aircraft to gain the upper hand. War Thunder’s graphics and gameplay have been meticulously crafted to deliver an unforgettable experience.
5. X-Plane 12
As a modern flight simulator, X-Plane 12 presents a formidable challenge to Microsoft Flight Simulator. With advanced graphics and gameplay mechanics, this game delivers an authentic cockpit experience that makes you feel like a real pilot. Explore over 1000 locations across various weather cycles of your choosing. X-Plane 12’s realistic approach to flight simulation makes it a popular choice among real-life pilots, who also use it for training purposes.
6. Project Wingman
Project Wingman is an action-packed air combat simulation game that focuses heavily on the combat aspect. With its crisp graphics, engaging storyline, and high-tech aircraft, this game offers an exhilarating single-player experience. Engage in dogfights across the globe and bask in the thrill of ultimate aerial combat.
7. Ace Combat 7
Ace Combat 7 stands as one of the finest flight simulator games for PC. Offering immersive gameplay and unparalleled graphics, this game is unrivaled in its genre. The single-player campaign offers an abundance of levels and captivating content, while the multiplayer mode allows players to engage in thrilling battles against one another in modes such as 4v4, 8v8, free-for-all, and duels.
8. IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad
If you are a fan of World War II games, IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad may be the perfect choice for you. This game masterfully recreates the historic battle on a vast map, complete with intricate landscapes and structures. With challenging AI opponents and meticulous attention to detail, this game truly places you in the cockpit of a World War II fighter jet. Take part in thrilling dogfights with players from around the world in the multiplayer mode.
9. Elite Dangerous
Considered one of the most advanced space flight simulator games ever released, Elite Dangerous offers a remarkable replica of our galaxy for players to explore. In this game, players are thrust into an ongoing space war and must survive while navigating the galaxy. Start with a starship and a modest amount of in-game currency, then strive to upgrade your ship and amass wealth. Embark on your journey alone or team up with a random partner in open-play mode to overcome enemies along the way.
10. Digital Combat Simulator
Regarded as one of the top flight simulator games for PC, Digital Combat Simulator provides the closest experience to being in the cockpit of a fighter jet and witnessing the exhilaration of action-packed flights through the skies. Boasting an extensive collection of fighters from various time periods and a wide range of mission options, this game offers an epic campaign and is a true delight for the aerial combat enthusiast.
Final Words
These ten flight simulator games represent the very best in their genre. We recommend these games for their beautifully illustrated aircraft and animations, as well as their ability to provide a true taste of what it might feel like to fly an actual plane. With stunning graphics, immersive gameplay, and a wide range of features, these games offer an unparalleled flight simulation experience.
