For people with a passion for aviation and the amazing aircraft we’ve seen over the years, piloting a plane in the virtual world is an enticing opportunity. Throughout recent history, we’ve been exposed to some truly iconic flight sims, many of which will never be forgotten by both aviation enthusiasts and dedicated gamers alike.
Providing people with a stunning gaming offering from up in the clouds, flight sims contain technical elements that are a challenge to master, they possess eye-catching graphics that are a feast for the eyes, and they enable players to escape from the trials and tribulations of everyday life, given their relaxing packages. Alongside games from other areas, such as live roulette titles and sports-themed favorites like NBA 2K26, there has always been an appetite for flight sims for this exact reason.
In fact, some of the most iconic gaming releases ever have been flight sims, with many games being accessible on classic consoles and PC machines from back in the day. Sure, they’ve been improved even further in the modern world, given the power modern-day gaming consoles possess, but many of the classics helped to shape the enticing genre we see today. With that in mind, below we highlight some of the most iconic flight sims ever, some of which you might’ve even sampled yourself.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
We’ve seen a number of versions from this much-loved series of Microsoft simulator products, but the 2020 instalment of the game is the finest of the lot for many players. In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, players tucked into one of the most visually pleasing games of its kind. Also boasting some mightily impressive technical features as players soared through the sky, this immersive masterpiece will never be forgotten. Simply put, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is faultless.
Digital Combat Simulator
Of course, not every game in this category involves flying around with ease and enjoying freedom up high in the sky. In fact, some games come with combat elements as players pilot iconic aircraft from previous times. In Digital Combat Simulator, gamers could experience exactly that, with aircraft from World War 2 to the Cold War being on show. A game you’ll be able to track down today, Digital Combat Simulator is worth sampling.
IL‑2 Sturmovik
Another war-themed simulator, IL‑2 Sturmovik is the one to beat for many gamers. With its tense WWII fighting aspect and its huge roster of aircrafts, IL‑2 Sturmovik really is a superb title.
Star Wars: X-Wing series
A slightly different inclusion to the rest, the Star Wars: X-Wing series is based on one of the most impactful media franchises we’ve ever seen. Star Wars is massive anyway, but the Star Wars: X-Wing series caters for both fans of the American space opera production and flight sim fanatics. Be it through Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance or Star Wars: X-Wing Vs. TIE Fighter - Balance of Power, players become real-time pilots while taking on epic combat scenarios in space. If you’re a fan of Star Wars and you’re keen to sample one of the most historically significant space combat simulators the gaming category has ever seen, then opting to play a Star Wars: X-Wing sim is worth it.
X-Plane
PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Angry. .Kat
If realism is what you’re after, then look no further than X-Plane. Thanks to a series of updates and a loyal player community, X-Plane remains relevant in 2026. You can learn how to fly a plane in this one thanks to its realistic mechanics, the game’s visuals are glorious, and it’s an all-around engrossing release you’ll struggle to put down.
