Games Like DCS World Steam Edition

VTOL VR is a near-futuristic combat flight game built for Virtual Reality. Pilot advanced multi-role jets, using your hands to flip switches, press buttons, and manipulate the virtual flight controls.

Why similar: Flight 36.4%, Military 17%, VR 13%, War 9.8%, Simulation 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers cockpit-heavy modern combat flying with hands-on VR interaction, tactical missions, and a sim-first feel that scratches a very similar itch to DCS.

IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad is the continuation of the legendary IL-2 Sturmovik series that has set the standard for PC combat flight games for more than ten years. This new entry into the series will offer virtual pilots an even more accurate simulation of the most famous air battles.

Why similar: Flight 33.8%, VR 11.6%, TrackIR 10.8% ★, Realistic 9.2%, Simulation 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: This is one of Steam's best hardcore combat flight sims, matching DCS in realism, mission intensity, and serious aviation focus even though it is WWII-based.

War Thunder is the most comprehensive free-to-play, cross-platform, MMO military game dedicated to aviation, armoured vehicles, and naval craft, from the early 20th century to the most advanced modern combat units. Join now and take part in major battles on land, in the air, and at sea.

Why similar: Flight 25.8%, Military 15.8%, Simulation 10.3%, War 10.1%, VR 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: Its realistic and simulator air modes offer free-to-play military aviation, multiplayer battles, and a broad aircraft roster that overlaps heavily with DCS interests.

Pilot legendary aircraft of the early years of aviation, French Spad 13, German Albatros D.Va and Russian built Nieuport 17, in the free-to-play Rise of Flight United! This WWI aviation sim that has something for every flight-sim fan, from single player skirmish and career to multiplayer dogfights, but one thing is for certain, the...

Why similar: Flight 54.1%, Simulation 16.6%, Multiplayer 10%, Military 5.4%, War 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: Although focused on WWI aircraft, it shares DCS's commitment to authentic flight physics, combat tension, and serious sim immersion.

Scramble to intercept in your RAF Spitfire or Hurricane. Or join huge formations of German or Italian Fighters and Bombers as they roar across the Channel towards London. Decide the fate of Britain!

Why similar: Flight 27.8%, TrackIR 16.4% ★, War 9.8%, Simulation 9.5%, VR 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the demanding systems, realistic flight behavior, and mission authenticity that make DCS appealing to sim purists.

Fly near-future aircraft with immersive physics on intense battlefields, facing land, air and sea threats. Wage war against AI or other players with an array of potent weapons. Wield tactical and strategic nuclear weapons, capable of annihilating anything in their path.

Why similar: Flight 37.9%, Military 21.2%, War 12.7%, Simulation 9.7%, Multiplayer 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: It offers modern combat aircraft, grounded mission design, and a lighter but still sim-leaning approach to tactical air warfare.

Il-2 1946 includes all of the original IL-2 series content: IL-2 Sturmovik™: Forgotten Battles, Ace Expansion Pack, Pacific Fighters™ and alternate histry campaigns of year 1946. What was years ago began as a one-aircraft study sim is now an astonishing anthology, with a whopping 229 flyable aircraft and over 300 aircraft total!

Why similar: Flight 49%, Simulation 16.1%, Military 13.3%, TrackIR 9.4% ★, Realistic 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: This classic packs a huge amount of military flight-sim content and still appeals to DCS fans who value realism, procedures, and mission variety.

Become an ace pilot and soar through photorealistic skies with full 360 degree movement; down enemy aircraft and experience the thrill of engaging in realistic sorties! Aerial combat has never looked or felt better!

Why similar: Flight 43.6%, Military 20%, War 12.1%, Multiplayer 6.5%, Simulation 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: It is much more cinematic and accessible than DCS, but the modern jet combat, weapon employment, and mission pacing still make it a strong crossover recommendation.

Tiny Combat Arena is an approachable combat flight simulator sporting a stylized look and various game modes. Dogfight your way in the Arena and in Quick Action or craft your own scenarios and take part in a vast war with objectives and friendly armies to support.

Why similar: Flight 50.9%, Military 21.7%, Simulation 14.5%, War 12.4%, Singleplayer 0.5%

Why You'll Like It: It feels like a streamlined love letter to modern combat flight sims, with low-friction carrier ops and battlefield strike missions that echo DCS's style.

Air Missions: HIND is an action combat flight simulator based on the Russian Mi-24 Hind assault helicopter. You will be deployed to the battlefield either on your own or with a friend.

Why similar: Flight 46.5%, Military 20.1%, Simulation 14%, Multiplayer 6.6%, Realistic 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: If you enjoy DCS's helicopter side, this focuses on gunship piloting, weapons employment, and military mission flying in a similarly tactical way.

Project Wingman is a flight action game that lets you take the seat of advanced fighter jets and become a true ace. Fight in various missions and gamemodes ranging from intense aerial dogfights to large scale ground assault in an alternate scorched earth setting.

Why similar: Flight 47.5%, Military 18.4%, War 11.8%, VR 8.9%, Simulation 6%

Why You'll Like It: Its cockpit-view jet combat and mission-driven military flying offer a more arcade version of the same high-speed air-combat fantasy DCS delivers.

The brand new helicopter game from independent developers Bohemia Interactive – creators of the award-winning military-Sim series Arma 2. Built upon over 10 years of experience in cutting-edge simulator development, Take On Helicopters immerses players within beautifully rich landscapes and an authentic flight model.

Why similar: Flight 50.1%, Simulation 24.4%, TrackIR 18.8% ★, Open World 5.4%, Sandbox 1.3%

Why You'll Like It: Its detailed rotary-wing handling and sim-minded flight model make it a strong pick for DCS players who like the helicopter modules most.

Take to the skies in the World’s favourite flight simulator! The multi award winning Microsoft Flight Simulator X lands on Steam for the first time. Take off from anywhere in the world, flying some of the world’s most iconic aircraft to any one of 24,000 destinations.

Why similar: Flight 56.1%, Simulation 13.6%, Realistic 7.7%, Multiplayer 6.6%, Open World 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: Despite its age, it remains a robust sandbox for realistic flying and appeals to the same audience that enjoys DCS for aviation authenticity.

Ultra-Realistic Flight Simulation

Why similar: Flight 40.5%, Military 16%, VR 13.1%, Simulation 12.4%, Realistic 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: Its excellent flight model and procedural sim depth make it a great alternative for DCS players who also appreciate the technical side of flying.

The future of flight simulation is now! X-Plane 11 is the detailed, realistic, and modern simulator you’ve been waiting for. Intuitive user interface, 3-D cockpits, new effects, 3-D sound, living airports and world-wide scenery.

Why similar: Flight 52.3%, Simulation 15.4%, Realistic 9.4%, Multiplayer 7%, VR 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: It shares DCS's emphasis on believable aircraft behavior and cockpit procedure, even if it focuses on civilian aviation rather than combat.

Rotary-wing aviation and helicopter combat with a dynamic battlefield and the support of ground forces. Appreciated for MMO elements and an addictive gameplay loop. Use tactics and make strategic decisions or fly around and shoot in historically accurate maps.

Why similar: Flight 31%, Military 20.3%, War 10.6%, Multiplayer 7.9%, Realistic 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: This is another helicopter-centric military flyer with tactical combat, multiplayer, and mission structure that overlaps nicely with DCS's rotorcraft gameplay.

Explore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

Why similar: Flight 45.2%, Simulation 13.1%, VR 12.9%, Realistic 10.7%, Multiplayer 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: It drops the combat element, but for pure aircraft handling, procedures, world-scale flying, and sim immersion it is one of the best complements to DCS.

Feel the power of flying the AV8B Harrier II. A middle ground flight and naval combat simulator with mission planner & fully dynamic open ended campaign. Showstopping VR.

Why similar: Flight 28.7%, Military 17.4%, War 10.3%, VR 10.3%, Simulation 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: Carrier operations, military jet handling, and a sim-oriented approach make it one of the closer Steam alternatives to DCS-style naval aviation.

Engage in massive combined arms battles, create and curate combat missions in real time, and shape your experience with endless community mods. Deploy into the Cold War and experience the most authentic and immersive military sandbox ever created.

Why similar: Military 30.5%, War 12.1%, Simulation 11.9%, Realistic 11.5%, Multiplayer 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: Like Arma 3, it offers a realistic military environment where aircraft support and operational immersion matter more than pure arcade action.

Experience true combat gameplay in a massive military sandbox. Deploy with a wide variety of single- and multiplayer content, a massive arsenal of modern weapons and vehicles, and limitless opportunities for content creation. Authentic, diverse, open - Arma 3 sends you to war.

Why similar: Military 29.6%, Multiplayer 11.6%, War 11.1%, Simulation 10.8%, Realistic 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: Its broader military sandbox includes aircraft, helicopters, large-scale operations, and realism-minded mission design that can appeal to DCS players who want combined-arms context.

Comanche is a modern helicopter shooter set in an alternative future. Fight in the evolving singleplayer campaign, or master your skills in Conflicts missions.

Why similar: Flight 28.5%, Simulation 24.4%, Military 16.9%, War 9.2%, Multiplayer 5%

Why You'll Like It: This modern helicopter combat game trades some realism for accessibility but still hits the military aviation, sensor use, and mission-execution angles DCS fans enjoy.

We promise you will feel like a pilot flying airliners, helicopters, fighters, gliders, historical and aerobatic aircraft in a photorealistic world! Over 10,000 real world flights, highly detailed cockpits and scenery are awaiting you.

Why similar: Flight 58.8%, VR 15%, Simulation 11.5%, Realistic 6.2%, Open World 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: It is a strong fit if what you love most in DCS is smooth, realistic-feeling flying and VR-friendly cockpit immersion rather than combat itself.

Carrier Command 2 is the real-time strategy game that puts you in command of a futuristic carrier capable of deploying a vast array of aircraft and amphibious units. Compete against AI or human players and hop into every single vehicle to take matters into your own hands!

Why similar: Military 38.1%, War 31%, Simulation 22.3%, First-Person 4.3%, Strategy 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: While more of a command sandbox, its VTOL and drone operations, military atmosphere, and systems-driven gameplay overlap with DCS's tactical mission appeal.

Build airplanes by snapping parts together, designing wing sections, and attaching engines. At any time, you can strap yourself into the cockpit and see how it flies with realistic physics. If you're not in the mood for building, over 100,000 airplanes are available to download for free.

Why similar: Flight 51.4%, Military 28%, Open World 10.3%, Sandbox 6.8%, Strategy 2.1%

Why You'll Like It: Its build-and-fly sandbox is less serious than DCS, but experimenting with military aircraft designs and flight behavior can scratch a similar aviation-nerd itch.

X-Plane 10 brings numerous improvements and enhancements for PC, Mac and Linux virtual pilots, unleashing the power of modern systems with its 64 bit processing and multi-core support.

Why similar: Flight 48.6%, Simulation 18.5%, Realistic 9.4%, TrackIR 7.7% ★, Open World 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: It is older and civilian-only, but its realistic handling and open-ended sim structure still align with the aviation simulation side of DCS.

Experience the thrill of aerial combat with Aces of Thunder, the ultimate flight simulation game with high fidelity graphics that looks perfect both with and without VR HMDs.

Why similar: Flight 35.7%, Military 14.7%, VR 13.6%, Simulation 10.5%, War 8.4%

From gliders and helicopters to wide-body jets, fly highly detailed and accurate aircraft in the Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition. The world is at your fingertips.

Why similar: Flight 43.7%, Simulation 12.6%, VR 10.3%, Realistic 8.7%, TrackIR 8.5% ★

Aerofly FS 2 Flight Simulator lets you explore the world of flying in a quality never seen before. Fly a large selection of highly detailed aircraft or a helicopter with interactive 3D cockpits. Aerofly FS 2 currently features over 200 airports in the south western USA and global elevation and satellite imagery.

Why similar: Flight 39%, TrackIR 17.1% ★, VR 12.8%, Simulation 9.9%, Realistic 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: It lacks warfare, yet its accessible high-performance flight simulation and VR support make it worthwhile for DCS players who enjoy pure flying as much as combat.

Sky Rogue is a fwooshy rogue-lite action flight simulator! Blow things up over land, sea, and air, on an infinite number of procedurally-generated islands. Go toe-to-toe with enemy aces or assault giant flying aircraft carriers, but watch out for volleys of missiles; when you die, you're dead.

Why similar: Flight 59.9%, Military 24.5%, Simulation 12.7%, Action 1.7%, Singleplayer 1.3%

Why You'll Like It: This is a much more arcade take on military flight combat, but its mission structure and aircraft combat focus still connect to DCS on a lighter level.

World of Warplanes is an aerial combat MMO action game set in the Golden Age of military aviation. The game throws players into a never-ending battle for dominance of the skies.

Why similar: Flight 42.9%, Military 26%, Simulation 9.4%, Realistic 9.1%, Shooter 4.5%

FPV Kamikaze Drone is a tactical game focused on FPV drones in modern warfare. Control drones in first-person in single-player and co-op, and in multiplayer play as a third-person soldier who finds and uses FPV drones during combat.

Why similar: War 24.6%, Simulation 22.8%, Flight 21.2%, Multiplayer 6.2%, Military 6.1%

Operation: Harsh Doorstop is the ultimate, free to play, tactical shooter sandbox. Play singleplayer, multiplayer, or co-op modes and explore thousands of community-created maps, weapons, and vehicles via the Steam Workshop. Created by ex-developers of Squad, Red Orchestra, and Insurgency.

Why similar: Military 34.1%, Realistic 13.9%, War 13.6%, Multiplayer 13.4%, Simulation 9.1%

WWII Online is a massive, persistent free-to-play MMO FPS driven entirely by players. Fight as Army, Air, or Naval forces and earn Victory Points to access more units. One global server. No scripts. Real outcomes. No zones. Huge world (300,000 km²). ENLIST NOW!

Why similar: Flight 52.5%, Military 10.2%, Shooter 5.7%, FPS 5.2%, Simulation 5.1%

Command your own troops, man authentic weaponry and take to the sky in deadly warplanes.

Why similar: TrackIR 19.5% ★, Military 17.6%, War 11.3%, Tanks 9.1% ★, Realistic 7.6%

FPV SkyDive is a free-to-play realistic drone racing and freestyle simulator. Feel the adrenaline of high speed first-person view drone racing in single-player or multi-player scenarios. The future is now, become an FPV pilot today!

Why similar: Flight 46%, VR 15.1%, Simulation 10.4%, Realistic 10.2%, Open World 9.6%

Immerse yourself in thrilling naval battles and assemble an armada of over 600 ships from the first half of the 20th century — from stealthy destroyers to gigantic battleships. Change the look of your ship, choose upgrades to suit your play style, and go into battle with other players!

Why similar: Military 27.1%, War 17.3%, Realistic 11.9%, Multiplayer 11.5%, Simulation 11.5%

Falcon 4.0 breaks the sight-and-sound barrier with its cutting-edge graphics, realism, dynamic campaigns and multiplayer gameplay.

Why similar: Flight 34.1%, Military 20.7%, War 10.5%, Simulation 9.5%, Realistic 8.9%

Master the art of modern air combat. Fly high performance fighter jets in intense dogfights with realistic flight and weapon physics. Duel against challenging AI opponents or compete with other players online. VR only!

Why similar: Flight 45.6%, VR 16.3%, Simulation 14.5%, Military 10.3%, Multiplayer 8.3%

Ukrainian Fight Drone Simulator – Starter Edition is a public version of a leading ultra-realistic FPV drone trainer built on lessons from the Ukrainian frontline. Fly combat drones in true-to-life conditions, take on challenges, and feel the adrenaline of modern warfare.

Why similar: Flight 39%, Military 21%, War 13.2%, Simulation 12.7%, Realistic 9.6%

Build and fly realistic aircraft. Use free-form fuselage and wing editor tools and tune your engines to recreate aircraft from any era or design your own.

Why similar: Flight 49.4%, Military 20.5%, Simulation 17.9%, Sandbox 7%, Realistic 4.4%

Shoot down triplanes and attack tanks with your Sopwith biplane. Simple World War One flight combat simulator with touch controls, airfoil physics, computer-controlled opponents, and destructible environments, inspired by David L. Clark's classic DOS game from 1984.

Why similar: Flight 40.1%, VR 33.1%, Simulation 23.5%, Action 3.3%

SimplePlanes VR is a flight sim with an ever-expanding collection of hand-crafted aircraft to download and fly for free. Airplanes, helicopters, cars, boats, and more are available and new crafts are added every day.

Why similar: Flight 34%, Military 17%, VR 12.2%, War 11.2%, Simulation 9.2%

World of Tanks is a tactical action game with very different gameplay depending on the vehicle type and role. Aside from regular PvP, there are competitive and clan-based modes, special PvE and PvPvE events, and much more. Whether you play to dominate or just enjoy the ride, you'll fit right in.

Why similar: Military 25.4%, Tanks 22.1% ★, War 13.8%, Multiplayer 10.5%, Simulation 7.1%

Wings of Prey is based around large-scale aerial combat in World War II. Players can participate in some of the most famous battles piloting fighters, attack aircraft and bombers across a range of thrilling missions.

Why similar: Flight 32.5%, TrackIR 20% ★, Simulation 12.6%, War 10%, Military 9.5%

Grab the control yoke of a warplane and jump into the battlefields of World War 2 in this thrilling combat flight action game. In each of the campaigns for USA, Great Britain, USSR, Germany and Japan you will assume the role of a pilot and squadron leader of an elite air force unit.

Why similar: Flight 70.8%, Multiplayer 11.1%, Simulation 7.9%, War 5.7%, Shooter 2.1%

Aces High III offers world class modeling of World War II planes, vehicles, and boats in a combat setting with hundreds of other players pitting their skills in any given online arena.

Why similar: Flight 57.8%, Simulation 21.8%, Massively Multiplayer 12%, VR 8.4%

You will control a modern RC hexacopter in different gamemodes!

Why similar: Flight 32.7%, War 16.7%, Simulation 12%, VR 10.7%, Multiplayer 8.5%

Liftoff® is a drone simulator that translates the rush of first-person view drone flight to the digital world. Join the biggest community for virtual FPV racing and freestyle!

Why similar: Flight 55.9%, Simulation 16%, Realistic 13%, Multiplayer 11.1%, First-Person 3%

Fly through the theaters of World War II with fighters planes from across the world. Intercept, Raid, Defend, Survive in theatres of World War II. Vincemus is an arcade semi-realistic air combat shooter, The game is avalable on WindowsOS and MacOS.

Why similar: Flight 41.4%, Military 24.5%, War 14.9%, Simulation 12.1%, Shooter 3.4%

Join the Royal Air Force, face off against the deadly German Luftwaffe and the Italian air forces and battle for Britain!

Why similar: Flight 70.5%, Simulation 29.5%

Rain hell on the enemy from 12,000 feet in an AC-130 Gunship. Project Gunship provides an authentic and historical simulation of combat in all gunship variants from Vietnam to present day.

Why similar: Military 33.2%, War 18.3%, Simulation 16.1%, Realistic 13.5%, Flight 12%

Welcome back to Ultrawings, Pilot! Take to the skies using your virtual hands to fly 5 unique aircraft as you complete a diverse set of engaging, hand-crafted missions across an island-themed world in this made-for-VR, aerial-themed, action-adventure game!

Why similar: Flight 33.3%, Military 20.2%, War 12.3%, VR 11.9%, Simulation 9.2%

FlyInside Flight Simulator is a brand new flight simulator built for VR! It ships with ten beautiful aircraft and scenery covering the entire continental United States. Fly high-speed jets, hover helicopters, and enjoy general aviation aircraft around a variety of locations and weather types!

Why similar: Flight 51.7%, VR 17.3%, Simulation 16.1%, Realistic 8.1%, Open World 5.9%

Join a world where you design, create and pilot your own air sea rescue service. Release your inner hero as you battle fierce storms out at sea to rescue those in need.

Why similar: Flight 67%, Open World 17.5%, Sandbox 11.5%, First-Person 3.9%

Gunner, HEAT, PC! (GHPC) is a simulation game about modern mounted combat, with special attention to authenticity and fun.

Why similar: Military 35.8%, Tanks 19.4% ★, Simulation 16.2%, Realistic 16%, Shooter 4.8%

Master the art of starfighter combat in the authentic piloting experience STAR WARS™: Squadrons. Feel the adrenaline of first-person multiplayer space dogfights alongside your squadron, and buckle up in a thrilling STAR WARS™ story.

Why similar: Flight 55.7%, VR 15.6%, Multiplayer 11.3%, Simulation 8.4%, Co-op 2.4%

Become a pilot! Immerse in WW1 aerial combat like never before in a captivating VR experience. Be a pilot during the Great War in Warplanes: WW1 Fighters. No matter whether you prefer arcade games or flight simulators – a variety of options will let you adjust the game to your preferences.

Why similar: Flight 45.9%, Military 14.8%, VR 14.8%, Simulation 13.1%, War 9.8%