We’ve rounded up some best flight simulators for PC that will get you up at high altitudes in various types of aircrafts. In the simulation genre, this category of titles is slowly fading off. And while there are just a handful of developers committed to this segment, what happens down the line is anyone’s guess. Well, there are already some pretty good simulation games available on the market. So if you’re looking to expand your collection, now would be a good time to nab these releases whilst they’re still available.
1. X-Plane 10:
The X-Plane franchise doesn’t look to be going anywhere soon. The developers behind this software have managed to create one of the most authentic and realistic experiences you’ll get on PC. X-Plane 10 isn’t just about taking off and landing. Here, you’ll be able to recreate various scenarios including system failures, bad weather conditions and different weights.
There are 30 planes included as default and over 1,400 more models can be acquired for free online. Players will have access to more than 33,000 airports and they can even create their own planes. Multiplayer support is enabled over LAN. Before purchasing the title, you can download the demo version for free and take it for a test run.
2. IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946:
The IL-2 Sturmovik series has been around since 2001 and is still going strong. IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946 is basically an expansion to the original which introduces new aircrafts, maps and campaigns. The game is set during the WWII era where you’ll have the choice experience historical events from the view of different countries such as France, Finland, Germany, Italy, Japan, Poland, the US, the USSR and the UK amongst others.
Additionally, there are campaigns which are based on an alternate history where you’ll take part in hypothetical battles between Soviet Union and Germany during the year 1946. The developer has also thrown in a multiplayer mode where you can take to the skies with 100 different players from around the globe.
3. Microsoft Flight Simulator X:
Microsoft’s free Flight replacement for the FS series arrived as a pretty good alternative. Nevertheless, the Flight Simulator X release is still one popular choice out there. Launched back in 2006, this title reached the market in different versions, standard, deluxe and gold. The basic package includes 10 planes, 40 airports, 28 cities and 30 missions, while the deluxe package has 24 aircrafts, 45 airports, 38 locations and 51 levels to complete.
The gold version, on the other hand, is a combination of the deluxe pack and the Acceleration expansion pack. While FSX has been discontinued, developer Lockheed Martin has acquired the assets of the title and is further developing it as a separate release under the Prepar3D moniker.
4. Falcon 4.0: Allied Force:
Next up is another combat simulator, Falcon 4.0: Allied Force that’s based entirely on the F-16 fighter. Launched in 2005 by Lead Pursuit, this title shares a lot of similarities with the original which was released back in 1998 by MicroProse. The game has several modes available and there’s also community made content being offered as mods. The level of realism being simulated can be configured to your liking.
In training mode, you’ll be put in various scenarios where you’ll have to land an F-16 during the event of an engine flameout, perform basic maneuvers and avoid SAMs amongst others. Dogfight mode permits free single or multiplayer combat, while campaign offers missions which take place across various locations around the world including Korea and the Balkans.
5. Lock On: Modern Air Combat:
Eagle Dynamics’ Lock On: Modern Air Combat doesn’t have a lot to offer like other titles on this roster, but the content it brings to the table is enough to keep you occupied for a long time. The title is mainly focused towards air-to-air combat, but it also includes other forms as well, including air-to-ground strikes. Apart from taking off, landing and refueling mid-flight in 8 different aircrafts, you can create your own custom levels and even full campaigns with the mission editor tool.
6. Flaming Cliffs 3:
Flaming Cliffs 3 wants to give you the experience of being a real-life combat pilot. This release is basically an unofficial add-on for the LockOn: Modern Air Combat title and its developed by the creators of the original game. It offers several aircrafts which are easy to learn, including the F-15C, A-10A, Su-27, Su-33, MiG-29A, MiG-29S and Su-25.
Additionally, there are numerous new features available here which aren’t present in the original as well as enhanced graphics and flight mechanics. In order to run FC3, you will need to have LockOn: Modern Air Combat installed.
7. Strike Fighters 2:
Strike Fighters 2 is set during the 1960’s and it’s designed specifically for Windows Vista and 7 platforms. So no, it won’t work on XP if that’s what you’re wondering. Here, you can join the air force, navy, marines, or a special ops Mercenary unit of the US and take to the skies in some of the earliest jet fighters such as the F-100D Super Sabre, A-4 Skyhawk and F-4 Phantom II.
Additionally, there are multiple other games in the series which can be combined together to obtain a wider collection of planes, locations and missions. The titles include Vietnam, Europe and Israel amongst others.
Conclusion:
And these are the best flight simulators for PC money can currently buy. If you’re looking for free releases, then we’ve got a neat compilation over here and you could also take a look at other must-have titles in the simulation genre at this link. So do tell us, which of these game are you looking forward to purchasing?