If you've ever seen the inside of an airplane cockpit, you know there are a lot of buttons in it. Putting aside all the technical aerodynamics and engineering information a pilot should be aware of, flying an airplane seems stressful enough. Of course, there isn't always a lot that you could hit, but the stakes are literally pretty high.
But it also sounds like flying a plane can be awesome - when done right. Fortunately, if you're looking to experience the thrill in the comfort (and safety) of your own home, there are tons of flight simulators you can get. Take to the skies with our recommended titles.
Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition
It's hard to go wrong with one of the oldest and most trusted flight simulation franchises of all time. While the original version might have been released in 2006, 2014 saw a new edition with updated graphics released on Steam. There are over 24 different locations that you can fly over with 000 different planes. This title should definitely guide you through to the release of the next entry in the series later in 24.
Available on: PC
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
Okay, so we know the Ace Combat series isn't exactly known for its verisimilitude in actual flight and air combat. The story is crazy to say the least (one plot arc sees a giant asteroid hitting Earth and starting a world war). But there are few flight sims quite as pretty as this one and the arcade style gameplay is exhilarating to say the least. There's a reason these games have been blockbusters for twenty years. Even if you are not into the melodramatic story, you should check out Ace Combat 7 for Polish and Fantastic Stuff.
Available on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC
X-Plane 11
If the ridiculousness mentioned above isn't your problem, X-Plane 11 is a much more “grounded” experiment with exceptional amounts of polish. It was released in 2016 and doesn't feel like it's ever aged. The graphics and level of detail go beyond even Microsoft Flight Simulator X. For the smoothest and most faithful flight simulation, we highly recommend X-Plane 11.
Available on: PC, Mac, Linux
Flyinside Flight Simulator
You're still going to "fly inside" your house with this one, but it won't seem like that. With ten different planes and the whole of the United States, you can see it all in virtual reality with Flyinside Flight Simulator. If you have a VR setup, you won't want to miss this one.
Available on: PC
War Thunder
Officially released in 2016, War Thunder is more than a flight simulator. It is a vehicle war simulation with air, land and sea vehicles. Nonetheless, the flight is enjoyable and with a robust and thriving multiplayer community, you can play this game for years to come. Lots of other players have done it.
Available for: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Mac, Linux
Aerofly FS 2020
This new edition of Aerofly FS has tons of content and performs exceptionally well graphically and at the game level. It might not have as many aircraft and airports as X-Plane 11 (although there are over 300 000 square miles to fly, there are many) but it is one of the most beautiful flight simulators on the market.
Available on: PC, Mac
Take helicopters
If you are looking for the definitive helicopter simulation, here it is. It may have been released in 2011, but it still stands up to extremely high-fidelity flight mechanics.
Available on: PC
Rise of Flight: the first great air war
If you're looking for a more historic military flight simulation, Rise of Flight portrays the air combat of WWI with searing intensity. It is free and has biplanes. What more could you want?
Available on: PC
Combat Air Patrol 2: military flight simulator
For a more modern, yet equally detailed military flight simulation, Combat Air Patrol 2 has everything you need. It's a graphically beautiful game and features air and sea combat options. It is also surprisingly accessible in terms of controls and mechanics.
Available on: PC
YSFlight
Is YSFlight the best flight simulator? No, it's definitely the worst on this list. But not everyone has a high-end PC, and this free 1999 software will work on virtually any computer and is always a pleasure to play. Check out this classic if you're running out of options - it's definitely not going anywhere anytime soon.
Available on: PC, Mac, Linux
