Games Like Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition

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 42.3%, VR 14.8%, Realistic 10.7%, Simulation 10.3%, Multiplayer 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: The direct follow-up offers the closest match, with a photoreal global world, detailed aircraft systems, career activities, multiplayer, and extensive VR support.

Ultra-Realistic Flight Simulation

Why similar: Flight 44.8%, VR 17.6%, Realistic 11.7%, Simulation 11.4%, Open World 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A deeply simulation-focused civilian flight simulator with particularly strong aerodynamic modeling, realistic weather, global scenery, and a large aircraft ecosystem.

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 49.7%, Simulation 12.6%, Realistic 9.7%, VR 8.3%, Open World 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: Its realistic flight physics, worldwide navigation, study-level add-on aircraft, and flexible simulation options make it a strong alternative for serious flying.

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 57.9%, Simulation 12.4%, Realistic 8.8%, Open World 8.7%, Multiplayer 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: The older Microsoft simulator still provides worldwide free flight, a huge selection of aircraft and scenery add-ons, and familiar accessible cockpit simulation.

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 45.1%, VR 16.6%, Realistic 11.2%, Open World 10.9%, Simulation 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers smooth, highly detailed civilian flying with recognizable real-world regions, airliners, helicopters, gliders, and excellent VR performance.

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 37.6%, TrackIR 15.3% ★, VR 13.4%, Open World 9.1%, Realistic 8%

Why You'll Like It: A polished predecessor to Aerofly FS 4, it emphasizes believable cockpit flying, detailed regions, and exceptionally comfortable VR aviation.

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 47.2%, Simulation 15.7%, Realistic 10%, Open World 9.7%, TrackIR 8.1% ★

Why You'll Like It: Though older, it remains a capable worldwide simulator with strong aerodynamics and extensive options for aircraft, scenery, and procedural flying.

Feel the excitement of flying the Su-25T "Frogfoot" attack jet and the TF-51D "Mustang" in the free-to-play Digital Combat Simulator World!

Why similar: Flight 45.5%, Simulation 11.6%, VR 10.8%, Realistic 8.4%, TrackIR 8.2% ★

Why You'll Like It: It trades the global civilian world for exceptionally detailed, clickable-cockpit military aircraft and demanding realistic flight procedures.

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 51%, VR 20.5%, Realistic 9.2%, Simulation 8.1%, Physics 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: This VR-first flight simulator makes operating futuristic jets tactile and immersive while retaining convincing cockpit workflows, navigation, and flight handling.

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%, Simulation 21.6%, TrackIR 20.7% ★, Open World 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: This helicopter-centric simulator combines challenging rotorcraft physics with open-world flying, missions, and both civilian and rescue-oriented operations.

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 44.7%, VR 19.4%, Simulation 12.3%, Realistic 7.8%, Open World 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: Built around immersive VR cockpit interaction, it provides a focused civilian flight-sim experience with hands-on controls and realistic aircraft handling.

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 57.9%, Simulation 16.9%, TrackIR 12.2% ★, Realistic 5.9%, Multiplayer 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: This expansive classic provides an enormous roster of historic aircraft, missions, and configurable realism for fans of propeller aviation.

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 55%, VR 13.4%, TrackIR 10.5% ★, Realistic 9.1%, Simulation 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A high-fidelity World War II flight sim with demanding aircraft handling, detailed engine management, large maps, and multiplayer sorties.

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 34.9%, TrackIR 22.3% ★, VR 14.8%, Simulation 10.4%, Realistic 9%

Why You'll Like It: It offers meticulous WWII aircraft operation, large-scale historical environments, and a more systems-heavy approach to propeller-era flying.

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 69.8%, VR 9.5%, Multiplayer 6.9%, Simulation 6.5%, Realistic 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: While more arcade-oriented, it excels at dramatic cockpit-style jet missions, spectacular skies, and immediately enjoyable aerial maneuvering.

Fly near-future aircraft with immersive physics across dynamic battlefields, facing land, air, and sea threats. Wage war against AI or rival pilots using an array of advanced weaponry, including tactical and strategic nuclear weapons capable of annihilating anything in your path.

Why similar: Flight 58.5%, Realistic 16.2%, Simulation 13.7%, Physics 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: This modern combat flight game combines accessible cockpit flying with convincing flight behavior, large battlefields, and cooperative multiplayer.

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 68.8%, VR 14.9%, Simulation 6.7%, Epic 4.2% ★, Realistic 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: This fast-paced aerial combat game pairs responsive flight controls with cockpit views, dynamic weather, and large-scale missions.

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 62.7%, Simulation 17%, Multiplayer 10.4%, Realistic 4.6%, VR 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses on authentic World War we aircraft behavior, open-cockpit atmosphere, and the distinctive challenge of early aviation.

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

Why similar: Flight 50.2%, Realistic 14.5%, Simulation 12.2%, Open World 8.4%, VR 8%

Why You'll Like It: A classic hardcore combat sim, it is renowned for its complex jet operations, dynamic campaign structure, and demanding systems depth.

RealFlight® is the industry-leading flight simulator for radio-controlled airplanes, helicopters, and drones. Fly more than 300 hyper-realistic vehicles in an immense, open world right from your desktop. This RC classic is a must-have tool for flight enthusiasts of all skill levels!

Why similar: Flight 30%, VR 17.7%, Realistic 13.9%, Simulation 12.4%, Multiplayer 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A detailed RC flight simulator with authentic physics and a wide selection of aircraft, ideal for focused takeoff, landing, and aerobatic practice.

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 45.4%, VR 20.1%, Simulation 12.8%, Realistic 11.8%, Multiplayer 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: Its enormous collection of flyable aircraft and active multiplayer battles offer a more approachable but still satisfying aviation experience.

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 62.3%, Simulation 19.9%, Physics 10.4%, Realistic 6.2%, Singleplayer 1.1%

Why You'll Like It: It lets you build, test, and fly custom aircraft in a sandbox that emphasizes aerodynamics, performance tuning, and freeform experimentation.

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 72.4%, Open World 16.3%, Physics 11.3%

Why You'll Like It: This approachable aircraft-building sandbox lets you design functional planes and then test their aerodynamics in hands-on flight.

Flight of Nova is a simulator based on newtonian mechanics in which you control spacecraft in the Noren star system. You fly multiple types of spacecraft doing transport and search missions in an environment with realistic aerodynamics and orbital physics.

Why similar: Flight 49.6%, Realistic 13.1%, Open World 12.9%, Simulation 11.3%, Physics 8%

Why You'll Like It: A physics-driven sci-fi flight simulator centered on atmospheric handling, precise landings, and operating aircraft around planetary facilities.

Do you have what it takes to become an astronaut? Reentry is a realistic space flight simulator inspired by the early NASA space programs, from orbiting Earth in Mercury and Gemini, to the moon landing in project Apollo. Learn the procedures. Operate the spacecraft. Complete the mission.

Why similar: Flight 41.3%, VR 14%, Open World 12.5%, Realistic 11.9%, Simulation 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: For players who enjoy authentic procedures and cockpit instrumentation, it offers meticulous spacecraft operation, navigation, and high-stakes atmospheric reentry.

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 56.9%, Simulation 14.4%, Realistic 14.4%, Multiplayer 9.9%, Atmospheric 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: It translates the joy of precise flight control into realistic FPV drone handling, with extensive tuning, freestyle, and competitive racing.

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 56%, Open World 20.9%, Physics 11.8%, Multiplayer 11.3%

Why You'll Like It: Its vehicle-construction sandbox supports building and piloting aircraft for dynamic rescue missions with weather, physics, and open-ended exploration.

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 76.1%, Simulation 19%, Colorful 3.9%, Singleplayer 1%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the satisfying loop of carrier operations, mission planning, and tactical jet flying in a compact retro-styled format.

Amateur or experienced FPV pilot, learn or improve your skills on Uncrashed,the new ultra realistic FPV simulator. Simulate your own FPV drone with settings based on real values and you will have the same feeling as a real flight without the risk of breaking your drone !

Why similar: Flight 61.7%, Simulation 16.9%, Realistic 9%, Physics 7.7%, VR 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: A visually polished FPV drone simulator that emphasizes realistic momentum, manual control, and freeform flying through detailed environments.

Feel the power of simulation in your hands. Experience immense velocity and express unrivalled creativity with Train Sim World 4! Expand your rail hobby and discover the raw emotion of driving a diverse array of iconic routes and trains. From training center to mountain pass, this is your journey.

Why similar: Simulation 25.8%, Realistic 22.6%, Open World 20.1%, Physics 11.6%, Family Friendly 7.7%

The Rails are Yours in Train Sim World 5! Take on new challenges and new roles as you master the tracks and trains of iconic cities across 3 new routes. Immerse yourself in the ultimate rail hobby and embark on your next journey.

Why similar: Realistic 23.5%, Open World 20.8%, Simulation 20.2%, Physics 12.7%, Family Friendly 8.3%

The evolution of train simulation! Master iconic locomotives on high-speed services, long freight hauls or precise commuter traffic, and get creative with customisation tools in this advanced sequel. Climb into the cab in Train Sim World 2.

Why similar: Simulation 22.4%, Realistic 21.6%, Open World 14.4%, Physics 10.4%, Multiplayer 8.1%

Train Sim World is an immersive first-person simulator perfect for everyone, with complete in-cab interactivity, accurate detail on locos, real-world routes and hours of gameplay. Take to the rails with the brand-new Train Sim World 2020 Edition and find everything you need to master new skills.

Why similar: Simulation 32%, Realistic 29.2%, Open World 27%, Multiplayer 3.6%, Atmospheric 3.2%

AirportSim is an Advanced Airport Ground Handling Simulator with true-to-life visuals and operations, licensed planes and vehicles, real airports and live weather conditions. Enjoy the many tasks alone or with friends, making this experience unforgettable.

Why similar: Flight 45.1%, Open World 13.7%, Realistic 13.7%, Simulation 10.7%, Multiplayer 6.1%

Take flight in a seaplane flight simulator through a rugged world where you are responsible for the care and maintenance of your plane. Deliver cargo between far-flung communities in a flooded landscape that challenges your piloting skills! Fix your plane and keep flying!

Why similar: Flight 60.5%, Simulation 17.4%, Open World 10.1%, Physics 6.8%, Atmospheric 2.5%

Conquer American mountains as you haul incredible tonnage with the workhorses of industry, get the British capital’s commuters to work in record time and race state-to-state aboard German high-speed traction. Master the machine with Train Sim World 3.

Why similar: Realistic 23%, Simulation 21.1%, Open World 15.7%, Multiplayer 11.8%, Physics 11.3%

Google Earth VR lets you explore the world from totally new perspectives in virtual reality. Stroll the streets of Tokyo, soar over the Grand Canyon, or walk around the Eiffel Tower.

Why similar: VR 57.3%, Open World 21.1%, Simulation 14.2%, Realistic 4.9%, Adventure 2.2%

Embark on your next journey and discover the joy of train simulation. Be ready for anything as you master formidable trains across 3 new routes. Unlock new skills and expand your hobby - Expect the Unexpected in Train Sim World 6!

Why similar: Simulation 34.1%, Realistic 26.5%, Open World 14.4%, Family Friendly 9.5%, Atmospheric 7.8%

Build and fly your own airplane! Complete missions to earn money, upgrade your plane, and discover new locations in an open world.

Why similar: Flight 58.1%, Open World 13.9%, Physics 12.7%, Simulation 9.2%, Atmospheric 2.3%

Explore the vibrant open world landscapes of Mexico with limitless, fun driving action in the world’s greatest cars.

Why similar: Open World 26.5%, Multiplayer 15.7%, Realistic 15.4%, VR 13.3%, Beautiful 12.2% ★

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 35.9%, TrackIR 24% ★, Simulation 12.3%, Real-Time 11.4% ★, Realistic 7.8%

The Gold Standard in Air Traffic Control Simulation Control aircraft at 11 included airports, issue voice commands, manage traffic, and work together in multiplayer in the most immersive air traffic control simulator available.

Why similar: Flight 56.2%, Realistic 16.2%, Simulation 14.2%, Multiplayer 13.3%

Assetto Corsa EVO redefines the realism and features of one of the most popular multiplatform driving simulations ever developed. Featuring cars and tracks from different classes spanning across years of motoring history.

Why similar: VR 22.9%, TrackIR 18.3% ★, Simulation 14.9%, Realistic 14.5%, Multiplayer 10.5%

Helicopter Simulator: Exceptional missions in a detailed environment, creating an atmosphere for an immersive and bluffing experience!

Why similar: Flight 49.9%, Simulation 23.8%, Open World 14.1%, Realistic 12.1%

The world of coach drivers awaits you! Drive along motorways and country roads to the bus stations in over 40 cities in Germany. Thanks to the cooperation with FlixBus and true-to-the-original MAN buses, you will experience the game world in a realistic way.

Why similar: Simulation 34.6%, Realistic 28.6%, Open World 24.8%, Physics 4.2%, Atmospheric 3.7%

Soar through 3 custom maps or explore the entire globe with Google Earth integration. Pilot hang gliders, paragliders, paramotors, mini-wings, speed-wings, ultralight trikes, or racing drones. Customize weather conditions and fly solo or with friends. Perfect for seasoned pilots and newcomers alike!

Why similar: Flight 42.4%, Simulation 18.8%, VR 15.2%, Realistic 8.4%, Open World 6.8%

The ultimate railway hobby for more than 15 years! From historic steam locomotives to modern high-speed and heavy freight trains, and routes around the world, Train Simulator Classic is the simulation made by railfans for railfans.

Why similar: Simulation 45.9%, Realistic 19.6%, TrackIR 14.2% ★, Open World 11.6%, VR 4.1%

Experience with TramSim the most modern tram simulator, which impresses with photo-realistic graphics and as first location the Austrian capital Vienna in a virtual reality that has never been seen before.

Why similar: Realistic 24.2%, Simulation 20.8%, Physics 13.8%, Multiplayer 13%, VR 10.4%

Live life on the tracks and discover the joy of train simulation. Whether looking for a relaxing run on the rails or seeking the thrill of mastering your virtual train driver career, find your way in Train Sim World 7.

Why similar: Simulation 50.7%, Realistic 24.7%, Open World 8.9%, Family Friendly 8.1%, Atmospheric 7.6%

The world's first science-based photorealistic interactive 3D planetarium that models the entire Universe, using procedural generation for uncharted areas.

Why similar: Flight 44.9%, Open World 22.1%, Realistic 14.1%, Simulation 10.1%, Atmospheric 4.2%

Korea. IL-2 Series is a next-generation flight simulator set during the Korean War. Climb into the cockpit of early jet fighters and shape the outcome of legendary aerial battles.

Why similar: Flight 53.1%, VR 17.9%, Realistic 11%, Multiplayer 7.5%, Simulation 6%

Experience legendary American trucks and deliver various cargoes across sunny California, sandy Nevada, and the Grand Canyon State of Arizona. American Truck Simulator takes you on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes and widely recognized landmarks around the States.

Why similar: Open World 28.2%, Realistic 24.9%, Simulation 19.6%, Multiplayer 11.5%, Atmospheric 7.8%

FPS is a Sci-Fi cargo pilot sim, with an engaging emergent mission-driven storyline, with a real-time economy with free flight and trading, on an alien world to explore. All in customizable upgradeable, well-simulated VTOL craft with real weather, and flight dynamics.

Why similar: Flight 73%, Open World 14%, Simulation 9.2%, Atmospheric 3.7%

Compete in over 500 cars on 30 world-famous tracks – now featuring the legendary Fujimi Kaido! Play the new 20th Anniversary Tour and obtain special rewards.

Why similar: VR 19.8%, Realistic 19.1%, Multiplayer 16.9%, Simulation 15.9%, Open World 10.7%

Without doubt flying virtual aircraft from your PC is one of the most interesting simulations – at the same time, it is one with a very steep learning curve. Holiday Flight Simulator, though, makes it especially easy to relive the last holiday trip from the cockpit’s view.

Why similar: Flight 48%, Simulation 12.5%, Realistic 11.5%, Physics 8.6%, Open World 7.3%

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 47.2%, VR 22.5%, Simulation 12.2%, Realistic 11.6%, Multiplayer 5.7%

Kerbal Space Program 2 is the sequel to the acclaimed space-flight simulation game Kerbal Space Program. Enter the next generation of space adventure with exciting new parts, stunning visuals, fully revamped UI and Map View, and rich new environments to explore.

Why similar: Open World 24.5%, Realistic 19%, Physics 17.8%, Simulation 17.6%, Multiplayer 9.8%