Are you on the hunt for the ultimate list of the best plane games on PC? With such a broad topic, it can be tough to narrow it down to just one game.
The airplane games genre is vast and includes a wide range of options, from highly realistic flight simulators and military aircraft simulations to arcade-style jet fighter games and relaxing wingsuit sims.
So, whether you’re looking to test your piloting skills or simply enjoy the sensation of flying, these are the best plane game for PC out there that’s perfect for you.
If you’re looking for some exciting best plane games to play on your PC in 2023, we’ve got you covered! We’ve put together a list of the best games that cater to different niches, including some free options.
Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing flight, a long-haul journey across the country, or an intense WW2 dogfight, there’s something for everyone.
As with other simulation-based genres, such as submarine games, some of the classics may be hard to find or run on modern PCs.
So we’ve focused on recent games that are easily accessible to all. This way, you can organize your thoughts and find a game that suits your taste without any hassle.
Contents
10 best plane games on PC
So here are the list of our best plane games on PC:
War Thunder
War Thunder has evolved from being one of the best free-flying games to featuring tanks and naval battles. Its flight physics, expansive selection of authentic aircraft, and realistic ballistics modeling have set a high standard. Over the past seven years, developer Gaijin has consistently updated and expanded the game, offering aircraft from eight different nations across six classes. If you want to survive in multiplayer battles, you’ll need to use real dogfight tactics and maneuvers, such as mastering the Split S to outsmart novice opponents. In fact, War Thunder is so exceptional at vehicular warfare that it’s even made our list of the best tank games available on PC.
You may also like: War Thunder Beginner’s Guide: Tips and Tricks for Air Battles
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Microsoft released the highly-anticipated follow-up to their flight simulator in 2020, which was met with rave reviews. In our own review of Microsoft Flight Simulator, we noted that despite some rough loading times and crashes present in the review build, the game’s splendor and awe-inspiring experiences were not diminished.
Since the previous game remained popular for over a decade, we’ll wait a while longer before deciding if Microsoft’s latest offering deserves to be included on that list. If you’re interested in trying it out for yourself, the game is available for free on Game Pass.
IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad
If you’re a fan of World War II games, IL-2 Sturmovik is the ultimate game for plane enthusiasts set in that era. This game offers solid flight simulation while also being refreshingly accessible to beginners. The latest version of the game has stunningly realistic graphics and damage modeling that really draw you in.
IL-2 Sturmovik pays close attention to small details, like water streaming over the canopy when flying through clouds or the AI enemy flying towards the sun to make you lose track of them. These details make you feel like you’re really in the cockpit of a WWII fighter.
Additionally, IL-2 Sturmovik has a dedicated multiplayer community of dogfighters, so you won’t have a hard time finding a match to test your skills against other players.
Also Check: Best Games like God of War Ragnarok
Arma 3
Most combat plane games typically focus on dogfighting, but Arma 3 offers a unique experience where players can jump into the cockpit of a jet fighter and contribute to the battlefield by strafing heavy tanks and performing airstrikes. While the flight physics and mechanics may not be as detailed as some of the more hardcore flying games on this list, there’s still plenty of room for players to improve their skills.
In air-to-air combat, success largely depends on positioning and using a range of missiles to take down targets from high above the battlefield.
Additionally, air-to-ground aircraft have a significant role to play, with modern technology such as laser-guided missiles and anti-armour cannons making skilled pilots an essential part of any successful mission. And if you ever get tired of airplanes, there are also plenty of helicopters available for you to take to the skies.
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown may look authentic, but its gameplay and story are far from it. The plot can be confusing, especially if you’re not already familiar with the series. Luckily, the game’s greatest strengths lie in its stunning graphics and exhilarating aerial battles.
Bandai Namco has gone to great lengths to make the campaign missions as thrilling and action-packed as possible. This results in heart-pumping canyon dogfights, daring raids in the midst of lightning storms, and even close flybys between collapsing buildings. If you’re seeking an arcade-style flying game and are willing to suspend your disbelief for some over-the-top action, then Skies Unknown is definitely worth checking out.
X-Plane 11
X-Plane 11 offers a more modern approach than FSX, with significantly improved graphics, cockpit models, and a menu system that won’t make you want to bang your head on the desk before you even take off.
In fact, there’s so much more to enjoy about X-Plane 11 even before you get airborne. Just sitting at the airport and watching the bustling activity of catering trucks, tugs, refueling tanks, and cargo trolleys is endlessly fascinating. But it’s when you’re up in the air that X-Plane 11 really shines, especially when flying light aircraft, where you can feel every little bump and quirk of the plane’s flight characteristics.
Also Check: Best Games Like Tomb Raider
Superflight
Even though Superflight doesn’t have any planes, it’s worth considering because the experience of flying in it is absolutely incredible. The game is incredibly calming, despite the fact that the objective is to fly down a treacherous mountain in a wingsuit, and earn points by flying close to rocks and other obstacles.
Each level in the game is generated randomly, so you never know what to expect, and you can save any level that you particularly enjoy and challenge your friends to beat your score.
Sky Rogue
Sky Rogue is an arcade fighter jet game that abandons realism for a thrilling experience. The game features a vibrant neon-lit world that is deceptively simple at first, but offers surprising depth.
Each mission is procedurally generated and players can choose from 12 different jets, customise their weapons system, and select a livery to suit their style. The objective of the game is to barrel around the level and destroy everything in sight.
With over 30 weapons and a wide range of jets to choose from, players will have a blast shredding enemy aces, battleships, and tanks. The game offers a lot of variety and it will take some time before you get bored. It’s the perfect game for anyone who loves fast-paced action and intense combat.
Bomber Crew
In Bomber Crew, you’re the one in charge of choosing and managing your crew for a World War II bomber, embarking on bombing missions, and returning to England with as little harm as possible. Throughout each mission, you’ll be responsible for the placement of each crew member, engaging in battles with enemy fighter planes, and making sure you’re flying at the correct altitude and direction. If you fly too high, your crew will freeze to death, and if you fly too low, your plane will be shot down.
Despite its friendly appearance, Bomber Crew is a strategic game where even minor mistakes can quickly result in the loss of your crew members.
Star Wars: Squadrons
Star Wars: Squadrons is an exciting arcade-style flying game that focuses on intense dogfighting, epic space battles, and overall charm. You’ll feel amazing gracefully taking down your enemies and managing power distribution, and while it’s easy to get started, there’s plenty of room to grow your skills with Squadrons’ relatively high skill ceiling.
While the campaign may be short, it’s an enjoyable experience from start to finish. However, it’s the multiplayer mode that really shines and will keep you hooked for months to come.
Also Read: Best Games Like Uncharted
Conclusion
So, there you have it – a list of some of the best plane games and flying games you can play on your PC. We hope we’ve helped make your decision a bit easier, so you can install the perfect flight game without hitting any turbulence.
