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 41.8%, VR 14.3%, Simulation 10.8%, Realistic 10.7%, Multiplayer 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: It is the closest possible follow-up, offering the same globe-spanning civilian aviation sandbox with updated aircraft, visuals, and real-world flying appeal.

Ultra-Realistic Flight Simulation

Why similar: Flight 44.6%, VR 16.9%, Realistic 11.9%, Simulation 11.9%, Open World 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: This is the strongest non-Microsoft civilian alternative for realistic aerodynamics, detailed avionics, and serious IFR/VFR 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 49.5%, Simulation 13%, Realistic 9.7%, Open World 8.3%, VR 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers a very similar world-scale flight-sim experience with deep systems, realistic handling, and a huge sim community behind it.

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 57.6%, Simulation 12.8%, Realistic 8.8%, Open World 8.6%, Multiplayer 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: Though older, it still offers a massive civilian flight sandbox full of routes, aircraft variety, and checklist-driven flying.

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 44.7%, VR 15.7%, Realistic 11.6%, Open World 11%, Simulation 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the free-flight sightseeing side of MSFS especially well, with smooth performance, civilian aircraft, and strong 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 37.7%, TrackIR 15.2% ★, VR 12.8%, Open World 9.1%, Realistic 8%

Why You'll Like It: This is another excellent pick for relaxed realistic flying and scenery-focused exploration, particularly if VR matters to you.

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 12%, VR 10.2%, Realistic 8.4%, TrackIR 8.2% ★

Why You'll Like It: While combat-focused, it is one of the best pure flying simulators on Steam for realistic aircraft systems and cockpit procedures.

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 46.9%, Simulation 16.1%, Realistic 10%, Open World 9.5%, TrackIR 8% ★

Why You'll Like It: It is an older but still highly simulation-focused global flight platform with realistic aerodynamics and procedural flying.

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 18.5%, Simulation 12.8%, Realistic 7.9%, Open World 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: It leans into immersive cockpit flying with helicopters, VR, and hands-on aircraft control in a way MSFS fans can appreciate.

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 19.4%, Realistic 9.3%, Simulation 8.5%, Physics 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: If the feeling of sitting in a cockpit and operating an aircraft is what you love, this delivers that brilliantly in VR.

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 72.7%, Open World 14%, Simulation 9.5%, Atmospheric 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: It scratches the bush-flying and low-altitude exploration itch with open-world cargo runs and hands-on STOL aircraft flying.

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 49.7%, Simulation 22.2%, TrackIR 20.5% ★, Open World 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: It trades fixed-wing airliners for rotorcraft, but offers the same satisfaction of learning realistic aircraft behavior and navigation.

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 54.9%, VR 12.9%, TrackIR 10.5% ★, Realistic 9.2%, Simulation 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: It offers authentic flight modeling, cockpit management, and atmospheric sorties for players who enjoy the serious sim side of flying.

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 57.6%, Simulation 17.4%, TrackIR 12.1% ★, Realistic 5.8%, Multiplayer 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: It remains a respected classic for detailed aircraft handling and a huge range of historical planes to learn and fly.

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%, VR 8.9%, Multiplayer 7.1%, Simulation 6.9%, Realistic 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: It is much more arcade-oriented, but the high-quality jet flying and cockpit perspective still capture the thrill of being airborne.

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 34.5%, TrackIR 22.3% ★, VR 14.4%, Simulation 10.8%, Realistic 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: This is another high-fidelity sim with weighty aircraft handling, navigation demands, and an immersive in-cockpit flying feel.

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 19.2%, Simulation 13.4%, Realistic 11.8%, Multiplayer 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: Its simulator mode and large roster of aircraft make it a more accessible multiplayer path from civilian flying into combat aviation.

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 57.8%, Realistic 16.2%, Simulation 14.1%, Physics 11.9%

Why You'll Like It: Its mix of jets, VTOL craft, and large sandbox battlefields makes it a good fit if you want more hands-on aircraft control with action.

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 29.7%, VR 16.9%, Realistic 13.8%, Simulation 12.8%, Multiplayer 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses on RC aircraft rather than full-size planes, but its excellent flight physics make it great for pure flying practice.

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 62.1%, Simulation 17.4%, Multiplayer 10.7%, Realistic 4.6%, VR 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: It swaps modern planes for WWI aircraft but keeps the same atmospheric, sim-minded focus on mastering flight.

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 72.1%, Open World 16.2%, Physics 11.8%

Why You'll Like It: It lets you build and test aircraft in a sandbox where aerodynamics and flight behavior are the core of the experience.

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 75.4%, Simulation 19.5%, Colorful 4%, Singleplayer 1%

Why You'll Like It: It is more approachable than a hardcore sim, but still nails low-level jet flying, runway ops, and aircraft feel.

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 69.2%, VR 14.7%, Simulation 7.2%, Epic 4.2% ★, Realistic 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: It is far more action-driven than MSFS, yet still delivers a strong sense of cockpit jet control and high-speed aerial flow.

Become an emergency pilot and test your skills to their limits, as you sit in the cockpit of an emergency helicopter, across more than 40 challenging missions.

Why similar: Simulation 54%, Flight 44.7%, Singleplayer 1.3%

Why You'll Like It: If you specifically enjoy helicopter flying and utility missions, this offers a more focused but still sim-minded alternative.

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 53.3%, Realistic 14%, Multiplayer 12.6%, Simulation 11.1%, Open World 8%

Why You'll Like It: This is a solid helicopter-focused alternative if MSFS made you want more rotorcraft flying and multiplayer air missions.

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 49.3%, Realistic 12.9%, Open World 12.7%, Simulation 11.7%, Physics 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: It shifts into spaceflight, but its hands-on cockpit flying and momentum management still strongly appeal to serious sim players.

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 50.2%, Open World 14.7%, Realistic 13.9%, Simulation 10%, Physics 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: Like MSFS, it rewards players who enjoy the systems side of flying, vehicle design, and open-ended piloting experimentation.

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 42.5%, Physics 30.6%, Open World 22.4%, Singleplayer 2.5%, Adventure 2%

Why You'll Like It: It is more engineering-heavy, but its realistic physics and freeform piloting capture that same mastery-through-flight satisfaction.

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 64.8%, Simulation 17.7%, Multiplayer 8.5%, Realistic 8.5%, Singleplayer 0.6%

Why You'll Like It: It gives you mission-based helicopter flying with cockpit views and enough handling challenge to appeal to aviation fans.

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 26.3%, Realistic 22.3%, Open World 19.7%, Physics 11.8%, Family Friendly 7.6%

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 23.2%, Simulation 20.7%, Open World 20.5%, Physics 13%, Family Friendly 8.2%

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 32.7%, Realistic 28.8%, Open World 26.6%, Multiplayer 3.7%, Atmospheric 3.3%

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 22.9%, Realistic 21.2%, Open World 14.1%, Physics 10.6%, Multiplayer 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 41.2%, VR 13.3%, Open World 12.5%, Realistic 11.9%, Simulation 10.5%

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 44.7%, Realistic 13.6%, Open World 13.6%, Simulation 11%, Multiplayer 6.2%

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 55.9%, Open World 21.5%, Simulation 15%, Realistic 5%, Adventure 2.2%

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 59.9%, Simulation 17.9%, Open World 9.8%, Physics 7.1%, Atmospheric 2.6%

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 22.6%, Simulation 21.5%, Open World 15.3%, Multiplayer 11.9%, Physics 11.5%

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 56%, Simulation 14.7%, Realistic 14.4%, Multiplayer 10.4%, Atmospheric 3.3%

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 35.8%, TrackIR 23.8% ★, Simulation 12.6%, Real-Time 11.4% ★, Realistic 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 57.1%, Open World 14%, Physics 13.2%, Simulation 9.5%, Atmospheric 2.4%

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 55.7%, Realistic 16.1%, Simulation 14.6%, Multiplayer 13.7%

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 34.4%, Realistic 26.2%, Open World 14%, Family Friendly 9.5%, Atmospheric 8%

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

Why similar: Flight 49.8%, Simulation 23.9%, Open World 14.1%, Realistic 12.1%

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 21.4%, TrackIR 18.7% ★, Simulation 15.5%, Realistic 14.4%, Multiplayer 10.8%

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 28%, Open World 24.4%, Physics 4.2%, 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 42.5%, Simulation 19.6%, VR 14.1%, Realistic 8.4%, Open World 6.8%

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 63%, Open World 23.3%, Physics 13.6%

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%, Realistic 19.4%, TrackIR 13.9% ★, Open World 11.3%, VR 3.8%

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 23.9%, Simulation 21.3%, Physics 14.1%, Multiplayer 13.1%, VR 9.8%

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 61.5%, Simulation 20.4%, Physics 10.7%, Realistic 6.2%, Singleplayer 1.2%

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 16.1%, Realistic 15.5%, VR 13.2%, Beautiful 11.9% ★

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 21.9%, Realistic 13.9%, Simulation 10.3%, Atmospheric 4.3%

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 46.9%, VR 21.8%, Simulation 12.7%, Realistic 11.8%, Multiplayer 5.9%

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%, Realistic 18.9%, Multiplayer 17.4%, Simulation 16.2%, Open World 10.8%

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 61.8%, Simulation 16.9%, Realistic 8.9%, Physics 7.9%, VR 3.3%

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 27%, Open World 25.5%, Realistic 25%, Multiplayer 14.1%, Atmospheric 6.3%

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 49.5%, Simulation 42.4%, Multiplayer 8%