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 40.6%, VR 14.3%, Simulation 11.1%, Realistic 11%, Multiplayer 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: It is the most direct alternative, offering the same modern Microsoft flight-sim foundation with realistic civilian aircraft, global flying, and a similarly immersive sense of real-world aviation.

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 56.9%, Simulation 13%, Realistic 8.9%, Open World 8.7%, Multiplayer 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: As the classic predecessor to the seed game, it delivers large-scale civilian flight simulation, varied aircraft, and a strong focus on navigation and procedural flying.

Ultra-Realistic Flight Simulation

Why similar: Flight 43.6%, VR 17.3%, Simulation 12.6%, Realistic 12.5%, Open World 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: It is one of the closest competitors for serious flight-sim fans, with excellent flight physics, detailed cockpits, VR support, and a broad civilian aviation focus.

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 48.3%, Simulation 13.4%, Realistic 9.9%, Open World 8.5%, VR 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Like the seed game, it emphasizes realistic aircraft handling, full-cockpit operation, and free-flight exploration for both casual and hardcore sim pilots.

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 53.2%, VR 16.7%, Simulation 9.8%, Open World 6.9%, Physics 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the free-flight, sightseeing, and aircraft-mastery appeal of Microsoft Flight Simulator in a smoother, more accessible package with VR support.

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 33.5%, TrackIR 16.3% ★, VR 13.5%, Open World 9.9%, Realistic 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: Its emphasis on visually pleasing free-flight, approachable realism, and VR-friendly cockpit flying makes it a natural alternative for sightseeing-focused pilots.

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 46%, Simulation 16.5%, Realistic 10.1%, Open World 9.7%, TrackIR 8.1% ★

Why You'll Like It: Though older, it still offers open-ended realistic flying, worldwide scenery, and a strong procedural-simulation feel very close to the seed game's core appeal.

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 44.3%, VR 18.3%, Simulation 13.1%, Realistic 7.9%, Open World 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: This is a strong match if you want immersive civilian flying with a particular emphasis on VR cockpit interaction and hands-on aircraft control.

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 43.7%, Simulation 12.6%, VR 10.3%, Realistic 8.7%, TrackIR 8.5% ★

Why You'll Like It: If your favorite part of the seed game is cockpit fidelity and believable aircraft systems, DCS offers some of the deepest flight modeling on Steam despite its military focus.

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 46.8%, VR 20.6%, Realistic 10.2%, Simulation 9.4%, Physics 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: It trades real-world maps for immersive VR interaction, but its hands-on cockpit workflow and satisfying aircraft control scratch a very similar piloting itch.

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 49.1%, Simulation 22.6%, TrackIR 20.6% ★, Open World 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: This is one of the better helicopter-centric sims on Steam, making it a great fit for players who especially enjoyed the rotorcraft added to the 40th Anniversary Edition.

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 34.1%, TrackIR 22.4% ★, VR 14.2%, Simulation 11%, Realistic 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers serious aircraft simulation, detailed cockpits, and atmospheric flying for players who want realism and aviation immersion in a historical setting.

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 57.2%, Simulation 17.8%, TrackIR 12.2% ★, Realistic 5.9%, Multiplayer 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: This older but respected sim offers a massive amount of aircraft and mission content for players who want depth and authentic flying over modern presentation.

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 39.7%, VR 16.8%, TrackIR 14.1% ★, Realistic 12.4%, Simulation 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: Its authentic handling, strong sim depth, and beautiful, demanding air combat make it appealing to anyone who values believable aircraft behavior.

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 69.7%, Multiplayer 10.1%, Simulation 9.7%, Realistic 9.1%, Singleplayer 1.3%

Why You'll Like It: This is a more arcade-styled recommendation, but it still delivers the thrill of flying modern aircraft through dramatic clouds and high-speed missions.

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 66.8%, VR 15.4%, Simulation 7.9%, Epic 4.6% ★, Realistic 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: It is far more action-heavy than the seed game, but its cockpit-first jet flying and spectacular weather-filled skies make it a strong pick for aviation fans.

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 61.4%, Simulation 17.8%, Multiplayer 10.9%, Realistic 4.6%, VR 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: It recreates the sensation of manually flying fragile historical aircraft with a strong emphasis on atmosphere, navigation, and pilot skill.

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 40%, VR 14%, Realistic 11.8%, Simulation 11%, Multiplayer 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: Even at RC scale, it is all about realistic aerodynamics, precise control, and practicing takeoffs, landings, and maneuvers in a simulation-first way.

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 42.6%, VR 19%, Simulation 16%, Realistic 12%, Multiplayer 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: While more combat-driven, it still offers a huge variety of aircraft, online flying, and enough sim-oriented modes to appeal to players who love being in the cockpit.

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 54.9%, Simulation 13.2%, Multiplayer 13%, Realistic 10.3%, Physics 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: This indie jet combat sim leans more toward believable aircraft operation and weighty flight than most arcade flyers, making it a decent bridge from civilian sims into combat aviation.

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 55.2%, Simulation 14.9%, Realistic 14.7%, Multiplayer 10.5%, Atmospheric 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a similarly satisfying sense of mastering flight physics and control inputs, just focused on drones rather than full-size aircraft.

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 74.7%, Simulation 20.1%, Colorful 4.2%, Singleplayer 1.1%

Why You'll Like It: Its simplified presentation still centers takeoffs, landings, and aircraft handling in a way that feels closer to a lightweight sim than a pure shooter.

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 52.6%, Realistic 14.1%, Multiplayer 12.9%, Simulation 11.3%, Open World 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: If helicopters are what drew you in, this gives you lots of rotary-wing flying with mission-based structure and a stronger action focus.

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 48.6%, Realistic 13%, Open World 12.8%, Simulation 11.8%, Physics 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: Although it moves into spaceflight, it preserves the seed game's appeal of manual piloting, controlled descents, and feeling every movement of your craft.

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 66.5%, Open World 19.3%, Physics 14.2%

Why You'll Like It: Players who enjoy the physics side of flight sims may love designing aircraft and immediately test-flying them to see how their aerodynamics perform.

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 63.8%, Simulation 18.2%, Multiplayer 8.7%, Realistic 8.7%, Singleplayer 0.6%

Why You'll Like It: It is a solid pick for players who want more helicopter flying and mission execution, especially if they enjoy mastering a specific aircraft type.

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 62.5%, Open World 23.6%, Physics 13.9%

Why You'll Like It: It is much more construction-driven, but building and piloting your own aircraft across a large sandbox world can still appeal to players who love open-ended vehicle simulation.

Bring to life anything you can imagine from rockets and airplanes to cars and more. Automate them with a visual programming language. Explore 3D planets and make your own. Share your creations online. Complete contracts, conquer milestones, and unlock technology in the newly added Career Mode.

Why similar: Flight 55%, Open World 16.6%, Realistic 15.7%, Physics 10.9%, Singleplayer 1.8%

Why You'll Like It: It scratches a similar aviation-sandbox itch by letting you build and fly craft with a strong emphasis on realistic systems and hands-on control.

In Kerbal Space Program, take charge of the space program for the alien race known as the Kerbals. You have access to an array of parts to assemble fully-functional spacecraft that flies (or doesn’t) based on realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics.

Why similar: Simulation 42.6%, Physics 30.9%, Open World 22%, Singleplayer 2.6%, Adventure 2%

Why You'll Like It: Its blend of engineering, piloting, and learning how vehicles behave in the air and beyond makes it a great fit for players who love simulation depth.

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 26.4%, Realistic 22.2%, Open World 19.6%, Physics 11.9%, Family Friendly 7.5%

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 23.1%, Simulation 20.7%, Open World 20.4%, Physics 13.2%, Family Friendly 8.2%

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 40.9%, VR 13.1%, Open World 12.6%, Realistic 12%, Simulation 10.7%

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 33.1%, Realistic 28.9%, Open World 26.7%, Multiplayer 3.7%, Atmospheric 3.3%

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 61.5%, Open World 12.5%, Physics 11.7%, Simulation 8.5%, Atmospheric 2.2%

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 55.2%, Open World 21.8%, Simulation 15.3%, Realistic 5.1%, Adventure 2.2%

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 23%, Realistic 21.1%, Open World 14.1%, Physics 10.7%, Multiplayer 8.2%

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 44%, Realistic 13.7%, Open World 13.7%, Simulation 11.1%, Multiplayer 6.3%

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 22.5%, Simulation 21.5%, Open World 15.3%, Multiplayer 12%, Physics 11.7%

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 35.1%, TrackIR 24% ★, Simulation 12.9%, Real-Time 11.4% ★, Realistic 7.9%

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 60.8%, Simulation 20.8%, Physics 11%, Realistic 6.2%, Singleplayer 1.2%

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

Why similar: Flight 44.3%, Open World 22.2%, Realistic 13.9%, Simulation 10.4%, Atmospheric 4.4%

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

Why similar: Flight 49.2%, Simulation 24.3%, Open World 14.2%, Realistic 12.2%

Immerse yourself in an ultra-realistic environment that brings the challenges of air traffic control right to your fingertips. With brand-new lighting system, intuitive 2D graphical user interface (GUI), improved voice recognition, 9 airports included, Tower! Sim 3 sets a new gold standard.

Why similar: Flight 57%, Realistic 15.6%, Simulation 14.2%, Multiplayer 13.3%

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

Why similar: Open World 25.9%, Multiplayer 16.2%, Realistic 15.5%, VR 13%, Beautiful 11.8% ★

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 47.3%, Realistic 19.4%, TrackIR 13.8% ★, Open World 11.3%, VR 3.6%

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 34.6%, Realistic 26.3%, Open World 14%, Family Friendly 9.5%, Atmospheric 8.1%

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 35.4%, Realistic 27.8%, Open World 24.4%, Physics 4.3%, Atmospheric 3.8%

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%, Simulation 19.9%, VR 13.9%, Realistic 8.5%, Open World 6.9%

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 23.8%, Simulation 21.4%, Physics 14.3%, Multiplayer 13.2%, VR 9.5%

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: Realistic 19.1%, VR 18.4%, Multiplayer 17.4%, Simulation 16.3%, Open World 11%

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 48%, VR 22.5%, Simulation 13.4%, Realistic 11.5%, Multiplayer 4.3%

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 23.8%, Realistic 18.5%, Physics 18.4%, Simulation 18%, Multiplayer 9.9%

Tower!3D Pro will put you in the position of an airport tower controller, one of the most stressful job on the world!

Why similar: Flight 48.8%, Simulation 43%, Multiplayer 8.1%

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 67.9%, Open World 19.1%, Simulation 13.1%

Embark on the ultimate maritime experience with Seafarer: The Ship Sim. Choose between careers, take the helm of a variety of ships, and expand your fleet. Navigate a vast open world and become immersed in the beautiful expanses and rolling waves.

Why similar: Simulation 26.9%, Open World 25.6%, Realistic 25.1%, Multiplayer 13.7%, Atmospheric 6.5%

For the first time in railroad simulation, play as both the driver and company director! Take the controls of your locomotives and grow your railway empire by negotiating deals and developing your network.

Why similar: Open World 28.3%, Realistic 26.3%, Simulation 23.5%, Family Friendly 10.8%, Atmospheric 8%

Create & destroy on an unimaginable scale with a realistic physics-based space simulator. Explore the beauty of our universe and the fragility of our planet. Use science to bend the laws of gravity, collide planets, boil away oceans, fire epic space lasers, and customize your universe.

Why similar: Simulation 27.4%, Physics 22.6%, Realistic 20.9%, Open World 15.9%, Family Friendly 6.2%