8 Most Accurate Flight Simulators Today

Determining the ‘best’ flight simulator is surprisingly simple – just ask a group of pilots at an airshow and watch the debate unfold. The last one standing is likely correct.

It’s hard to say what truly makes a game ‘realistic’ because the term means different things to different people, and no single game perfectly captures every aspect of realism.

Some games focus heavily on realistic flight, but lack a compelling world. Others nail the feeling of flying and aerial combat, but fall short when it comes to technical details.

While all these features matter, I’m ranking these flight simulators by their overall scores to be as objective as possible. A simulator that performs well across the board will rank higher than one that only excels in a single area.

8. War Thunder

Casual Friday

Okay, look, I get it – War Thunder isn’t exactly a purist’s dream. A lot of flight sim fans look down on it. But honestly, it’s brought a ton of new players into the hobby, which is awesome. It’s not about being super realistic, but weirdly enough, some of the ways the planes feel and behave are actually better simulated in War Thunder than in some of the really complex, hardcore sims out there. It’s a bit of a guilty pleasure, I admit.

War Thunder’s flight isn’t incredibly realistic, but its weapons systems are surprisingly detailed – even better than those in more complex simulations like DCS. Explosions create realistic shrapnel, heat-seeking missiles are affected by the weather, and different types of weapons and radar systems behave uniquely and accurately.

[…] its weapon behavior puts high-fidelity titles like DCS to shame.

Missiles that use simpler radar systems struggle to hit targets close to the ground compared to those with more advanced systems. The way vehicles are damaged in this game is also much more realistic and detailed, making ground attacks feel more rewarding than in many other flight simulators which simply use a health bar. Despite these improvements, I still won’t be returning to War Thunder because of its frustrating way of charging for in-game content, but I do acknowledge the game’s strengths.

7. Il-2 Sturmovik: 1946

Like a Fine Wine

There’s a special quality to enduring classics that newer versions rarely match, and Il-2 Sturmovik: 1946 is a perfect example. Originally released in 2006 as an add-on, it eventually became the complete and definitive edition of the original Il-2 Sturmovik from 2001.

So, this game wasn’t even supposed to be a big deal – it was just meant to hold us over until the next one came out. But then the studio that made it went under, and suddenly this became the main event. Let’s be real, it’s super old school now, dating back to 1946, but it’s still going strong, kind of like ARMA 3. The community just keeps making new stuff for it, and that’s what’s kept it alive all these years.

This flight simulator is excellent, especially with a few modifications. It lets you experience huge battles and doesn’t require a powerful computer to run. Even compared to newer games, the way the planes fly and the way projectiles behave are still very realistic.

6. X-Plane 12

The Office Pick

For casual flight simulation enthusiasts, Microsoft Flight Simulator is a great choice. However, professional pilots and simmers often prefer X-Plane, mainly due to its wide variety of available aircraft add-ons and modifications.

X-Plane is popular with flight students because it realistically simulates flying, works well with various hardware, and has a dedicated community focused on realism. Connecting to the VATSIM air traffic control network greatly enhances the experience. While other flight simulators also offer VATSIM compatibility, only X-Plane features the highly-regarded ZIBO 737 aircraft add-on.

The ZIBO 737-800X is a highly realistic aircraft simulation, and it’s completely free! It offers the same quality you’d expect from simulations costing $80 or more. You won’t find a more realistic 737 experience anywhere else unless you have access to a professional-grade flight simulator.

5. Il-2 Sturmovik: Cliffs of Dover Blitz Edition

Blue Birds Over

While No Man’s Sky is often praised for its impressive turnaround, the story of Cliffs of Dover is even more remarkable. Originally released in 2011 under pressure from its publisher, the game quickly became broken and unplayable. However, a new studio later took over and generously gave the game’s code to the dedicated modding team, Team Fusion, allowing them to completely rebuild it.

Currently, Cliffs of Dover offers the most authentic experience of both the Battle of Britain and the less-remembered Battle of France. While the game’s menus and controls can be a bit difficult to learn, it delivers incredibly realistic large-scale aerial combat, with numerous planes clashing over the English Channel.

Beyond having interactive cockpits, Cliffs of Dover features a remarkably realistic damage system. You’ll see damage appear on the aircraft precisely where it’s hit by bullets.

4. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Mr. Worldwide

A major appeal of flight simulator games is the freedom to explore the world. But before Microsoft Flight Simulator was released in 2020, those virtual worlds often looked quite basic, with blurry, low-quality scenery and simple, blocky landscapes.

Microsoft Flight Simulator set a new benchmark for graphics by streaming the world to your computer, letting you experience incredibly realistic landscapes without needing massive storage space. The new version, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, builds on this by adding engaging missions, turning the game into more than just a point-to-point flying experience.

MSFS set a new standard for visual fidelity by streaming the world to you on the go […]

Beyond its incredibly detailed landscapes, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 boasts remarkably realistic weather and a truly immersive flying experience. While the included aircraft aren’t as intricately simulated as those found in programs like DCS or X-Plane add-ons, no other simulator captures the sensation of actually moving through the air quite as well. Try flying a small plane, like a Piper Cub, through a valley on a warm day – you’ll understand what I mean. Just be prepared for some turbulence!

3. Il-2 Sturmovik: Great Battles

From France to Finland

If you dream of being a fighter pilot but don’t want to be stuck flying the same plane forever, Il-2 Sturmovik: Great Battles is a great fit for you.

I have to say, after being a bit unsure about it at first with the release of Battle of Stalingrad, Il-2 Sturmovik’s follow-up has really become something special. It’s grown into a fantastic collection of aerial combat experiences set over Europe. Now, the game covers everything from the later stages of World War I right through to the final push into Germany in 1945 – you can fly over places like Paris and Moscow! They release each major battle as a separate package, which is cool, and each one includes a map, a career mode that feels pretty alive, and a bunch of planes that were actually flown during that time.

Although the way the game simulates being inside the cockpit and how its systems work (particularly the engines) isn’t as detailed as some other options, Great Battles really stands out with its incredibly realistic damage modeling. Each part of the aircraft is individually simulated for how it affects flight and structural integrity, which can lead to dramatic moments – like a seemingly intact wing collapsing and hitting the canopy as you try to return to base. It truly captures the harsh realities of war.

2. DCS World

Living the Button Maze

When it comes to realistically recreating aircraft, no other game compares to DCS. Originally created as a high-fidelity training simulator for the Ka-50 helicopter, it’s become the benchmark for accurate systems and flight behavior.

Focusing heavily on realism has led to disagreements, with some players feeling the game is becoming more of a showcase for planes than a truly engaging experience, due to the difference in detail between the aircraft and the surrounding environment. While the world can sometimes feel a bit empty, there are plenty of complex controls and features to master, which should keep you occupied for a while.

Okay, so DCS is awesome, but it can get pricey. It’s kinda like X-Plane where getting new planes and maps costs around $50 each, which is a bit of an investment when you’re starting out. But honestly, the level of detail and realism is incredible, so I feel like it’s worth the money in the long run. You get so much to play with and learn!

1. Falcon BMS

The Nest of Vipers

Falcom BMS

Released in late 1998, Falcon 4.0 was groundbreaking for its incredibly realistic campaign system, but unfortunately, it also led to the closure of the original MicroProse studio. Thankfully, the game wasn’t forgotten. Dedicated fans have transformed it into what many consider the most realistic combat flight simulator ever created – Falcon BMS, a free and complete modification of the original.

Falcom BMS’s biggest strength – its incredibly detailed and realistic simulation of the F-16C Block 50 and 52 fighter jet and its operating environment – also creates a limitation. Essentially, most of the other aircraft you can fly in the game are just variations of the F-16C, lacking the same level of unique detail.

If you’re a fan of the F-16 Viper, you’ll enjoy immersive campaigns, massive battles, and the most accurate modern air-to-air missile simulation currently available. However, learning to master Falcon BMS takes dedication and reading the documentation upfront, but the effort is well worth it when you finally achieve your first successful landing.

2025-11-29 20:41