Flight simulator games have gained immense popularity across various gaming platforms, including PCs and Nintendo Switch. These simulation games provide users with a realistic experience of driving cars, trucks, and even flying airplanes. While car driving simulation games have been a hit, it was Microsoft’s introduction of the flight simulation game that revolutionized the genre. In this article, we will explore the top 10 flight simulator games of 2024, their unique features, and help you choose the best one for your preferences.
Infinite Flight
Infinite Flight is a smartphone-only flight simulator game available for both Android and iOS users. Despite being a mobile game, Infinite Flight offers all the features you would expect from a flight simulation game. The game allows you to choose from a variety of aircraft, locations, and atmospheric conditions. You can even select the time of day for your flight and customize weight configurations. With a price tag of $4.99, Infinite Flight offers great value for money.
Platform: iOS and Android
Price: $4.99
Microsoft Flight Simulator X
Microsoft Flight Simulator X is a PC-exclusive flight simulator game that revolutionized the industry upon its release. This popular title offers a wide range of aircraft options, including the 747, F/A-18 Hornet, P-51D Mustang, EH-101 helicopter, and more. In addition to being a pilot, you can also take on the role of a co-pilot or air traffic controller. With 80 different flight missions, Microsoft Flight Simulator X offers a comprehensive career path. While the game comes with a price tag of $24.99, its stunning graphics and immersive gameplay make it worth every penny.
Platform: PC
Price: $24.99
Real Flight
Real Flight is a basic flight simulator game available exclusively for Android users. Priced at just 0.99 Euros, Real Flight is a great entry-level option for players new to the flight simulation genre. While it may not offer the same level of depth as other titles, Real Flight provides real-time weather conditions, recreations of popular airports, and more. If you’re looking for an affordable way to experience flight simulation on your smartphone, Real Flight is a solid choice.
Platform: Android
Price: 0.99 Euros
X-Plane
X-Plane is one of the most popular flight simulator games available for PC, Mac, and Linux. With a vast selection of aircraft and detailed 3D scenarios of locations worldwide, X-Plane offers a complete flight experience. The game features 13,000 airports globally, allowing you to explore your favorite destinations. X-Plane also incorporates realistic weather modeling, potential system failures, and various ground elements like hangers and fuel tanks. While X-Plane comes with a higher price tag, starting with a free demo and a full version priced at $59.99, its level of realism and immersion make it a top choice for flight enthusiasts.
Platform: PC, Mac, Linux
Price: Free demo. Full version: $59.99
YSFlight
YSFlight is a free flight simulator game available for PC, Mac, and Linux. While it may not offer the same level of complexity as other expensive titles, YSFlight provides visuals on par with other free flight simulator games. With the ability to fly 70 different aircraft and explore well-known regions, YSFlight offers an enjoyable experience without any cost. It serves as a great option for those who want to try flight simulation without investing in expensive titles.
Platform: PC, Mac, Linux
Price: Free
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is the first combat flight simulator game on our list. Priced at $19.99, this title offers realistic visuals and 360-degree 3D movement. Players can choose between free-roam mode or following the storyline, and the game features futuristic aircraft for intense aerial battles. Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One, making it accessible to a wide range of gamers.
Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Price: $19.99
IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Bodenplatte
IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Bodenplatte is another combat flight simulation game that focuses on World War-era aerial combat. The game recreates the engagements between the U.S. Army Air Force, Royal Air Force, and the Luftwaffe over western Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium during the winter of 1944 and early 1945. IL-2 Sturmovik offers eight standard planes for single-player missions and multiplayer modes. With a price tag of $49.99 for the Standard Edition and $79.99 for the Premium Edition, this title provides an authentic World War experience for enthusiasts.
Platform: PC
Price: $49.99 Standard Edition, $79.99 Premium Edition
FlightGear
FlightGear is a free flight simulator game available for PC, Mac, and Linux. It offers realistic visuals, access to 20,000 real-world airports, extensive flight controls, and detailed weather conditions. FlightGear even aligns the sun, moon, stars, and planets based on the chosen date and time of the flight. As an open-source program, FlightGear allows enthusiasts and developers to contribute to the game’s development, ensuring a vibrant and evolving experience.
Platform: PC, Mac, Linux
Price: Free
World of Warplanes
World of Warplanes is a combat flight simulator game exclusively available for PC and Mac. While it may not offer the same level of complexity as other combat simulation games, World of Warplanes provides a great starting point for players looking to improve their flight skills. With a wide range of jets from different eras, players can engage in battles against opponents of their choosing. World of Warplanes is free to play, with the option to purchase premium add-ons for enhanced gameplay.
Platform: PC, Mac
Price: Free with premium add-ons
GeoFS
GeoFS is a unique flight simulator game that utilizes satellite images and geographical data collected by Google Earth. While the visuals may not be as realistic as other options, GeoFS offers the advantage of being playable directly in a web browser, eliminating the need for extensive downloads. The game features 20 different aircraft and allows players to fly to global airports. Additionally, GeoFS provides a multiplayer mode where players can interact with each other in real-time. With the option to explore space landscapes, such as the moon and Mars, GeoFS offers a diverse flight simulation experience. While the game is free to play, a premium version with higher resolution and additional details is available for a subscription fee of €9.99 annually.
Platform: Web browser
Price: Free or €9.99 annually for the premium version
Conclusion
In conclusion, the top 10 flight simulator games of 2024 offer a wide range of options for both PC and smartphone users. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive flight experience, combat simulations, or affordable entry-level titles, there is something for everyone. Consider your preferences, budget, and platform compatibility when choosing the best flight simulator game for you. So buckle up, prepare for takeoff, and embark on an exciting virtual aviation adventure!
