Are you trying to find the finest PC game that simulates flying? Are you looking for a PC flight simulator that offers a wide variety of planes so you may fly to amazing heights? Even though developers may no longer make as many flight simulator games, some nevertheless make a big impression. We’ve put together a list of the best online flight simulators for PC, which isn’t in any particular order, to keep you up to date on the newest developments in flight simulation software.
Virtual Pilot 3D
Prepare for takeoff by fastening your seatbelt and strapping in! The full sensation of piloting an airplane is replicated in virtual pilot 3D. One of the greatest aviation simulation games available for purchase is this one. The scenery set includes almost 20,000 real-world airports, so every detail is as precise as possible. The most widely used flight simulator in 2024 is Virtual Pilot 3D. It is consistently praised by users as the most realistic flight simulator to date. The world-wide environment in this aviation simulation game is authentic. If you so desired, you could actually fly directly over your own home. Real-time integration with Google Maps allows you to see your precise location in the game, in relation to other players that are concurrently playing live. For the past few years, Virtual Pilot 3D has been the top flight simulator. Virtual 3D Pilot is fantastic when used in conjunction with a quality flight simulator joystick! To experience Virtual Pilot 3D, click this link.
X-Plane 12
Notwithstanding being one of the most realistic flight simulators, the X-Plane brand has been around for a while, and its developers have been improving it. You may modify and recreate a variety of scenarios, including difficult weather conditions and system breakdowns, with the most recent edition, X-Plane 12. You can also experiment with different weights with this version. Thirty different aircraft are preinstalled in the game, and you can download additional ones from an online collection of more than 1,400 distinct aviation models—all for free! X-Plane 12 supports multiplayer mode, and you can even create your own aircraft and take off or land from approximately 33,000 airports. Read the full X-plane 12 flight simulator review here.
Microsoft Flight Simulator X
Since its debut, Microsoft’s Flight Simulator X has continued to be a favorite among gamers. Standard, Deluxe, and Gold were among the editions of the game that were released. Ten aircraft and access to about forty airports in 28 locations are included in the Standard edition. The Deluxe edition adds 24 more aircraft to the collection, which can be flown from 38 different locations and take off and land at 45 airports on 51 different levels. For an even more comprehensive experience, the Gold version combines the Acceleration expansion pack with the Deluxe pack’s power. The good news is that Lockheed Martin has purchased the game’s assets and license, and is continuing to develop it under the name Prepar3D, despite the fact that the FSX series is no longer being actively developed.
Strike Fighters 2
Joining the Air Force, Marines Navy, or even an operations mercenary unit of the US military and flying in the first jet aircraft, such as the F-4 Phantom II, F-100D Super Sabre, and A-4 Sky-hawk, will allow you to experience the thrill of the 1960s. You can choose to include several other games from the series, like Israel, Europe, and Vietnam, among others, in the Strike Fighters 2 flight simulator. This gives you access to a larger selection of places, aircraft, and missions.
IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946
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IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946
This game has been a staple in the combat flight simulator genre since its release in early 2001, and it continues to captivate fans. IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946 builds on the original game by adding more aircraft, campaigns, and maps. Set during World War II, this game lets you relive history from the perspectives of various countries, including Poland, Austria, France, Belgium, the US, USSR, Japan, the UK, Germany, and others. The game also features a multiplayer mode, allowing you to engage in aerial combat with up to a hundred players from around the world.
Flaming Cliffs 3
Flaming Cliffs 3 is an add-on that enhances the original game LockOn: Modern Air Combat. To install Flaming Cliffs 3, you must have LockOn: Modern Air Combat already installed. The key feature of this game is its ability to make you feel like a real-life combat pilot. It also includes a variety of easy-to-learn aircraft, such as the MiG-29S, Su-27, F-15C, Su-25, A-10A, MiG-29A, and Su-33.
Falcon 4.0: Allied Force
Falcon 4.0: Allied Force is entirely centered around the F-16 fighter aircraft. This game, launched in 2005 by Lead Pursuit, is an evolution of an earlier version by MicroProse from 1998. Despite the passage of time, it remains one of the top flight simulators, especially in 2015. The game offers numerous mods, allowing you to adjust the level of realism to your preference. There is also community-created content available as mods. One notable mod is the training mode, which offers scenarios such as emergency landings during engine flameouts and executing basic maneuvers with the F-16. Other mods, like Dogfight, support both multiplayer and single-player combat, while the campaign mod provides missions across various global regions, including remote areas of the world.
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What Makes the Best Flight Simulator Games More Realistic?
Nowadays, it’s easy to find a variety of flight simulator games, especially for PCs. However, before you rush to buy the first online airplane simulator game you see, there are a few things to consider to ensure you choose the right one for your needs and your computer. Some games are far more realistic than others, and understanding what sets them apart can make a big difference in your gaming experience. Here are three key factors that make modern flight simulator games more realistic, capturing the attention of flight simulator enthusiasts worldwide.
1. Photo-Realistic Backgrounds
The visual effects in PC flight simulator games have significantly improved over time. Instead of relying on cartoonish graphics, many games now use photo-realistic images. This is a huge advantage for gamers seeking a realistic combat experience from their flight simulator games, add-ons, and even cheats. For example, with the Flight Simulator X Demo, you can see firsthand how much of a difference realistic visuals make to your overall cockpit experience.
2. Force Feedback Controls
Force feedback controls are a dynamic and popular feature in modern games, providing an authentic and immersive experience. These controls simulate the feel of real-life flight by sending vibrations through the controls, enhancing the sensation of flying. To truly experience the thrill of combat and the tension of impending defeat, force feedback controls are essential. Are you ready to take your flying to the next level?
3. Variations Between Planes
Not all Flight Simulator X planes should look or feel the same in the cockpit, especially if you’re aiming for the best combat flight simulator available. The planes should vary as much in their aerodynamic properties as they do in their visual appearance. The more differences there are between the planes, the more enjoyable the game will be for the average player, especially when investing time in flight simulator mods and add-ons.
Finding the perfect game might be as simple as downloading the latest Microsoft Flight Simulator X updates before they become highly sought-after, leading to server crashes and intense demand.
Conclusion
There you have it—these are the current best flight simulator games for PC. These games are what’s hot right now. If you’re not ready to spend money or just want to experiment, consider trying some free-to-download flight simulator games. Feel free to share in the comments below which of these games you’re excited to buy or already own!
Sarah Palin having a go at a Airplane simulator game!
Image Credits: asecondhandconjecture