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 14.2%, Realistic 10.7%, Simulation 10.6%, Multiplayer 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: It is the closest possible alternative, carrying over the same globe-spanning civilian flight-sim foundation with more aircraft, missions, and modern presentation.

Ultra-Realistic Flight Simulation

Why similar: Flight 44.5%, VR 17%, Realistic 11.9%, Simulation 11.8%, Open World 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: This is one of the strongest pure-flight alternatives thanks to its advanced aerodynamics, realistic cockpits, weather systems, and serious IFR/VFR flying appeal.

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 12.9%, Realistic 9.7%, Open World 8.3%, VR 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers a similarly deep civilian aviation experience with accurate handling, strong systems simulation, and a huge community of aircraft and scenery add-ons.

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 57.7%, Simulation 12.7%, Realistic 8.7%, Open World 8.6%, Multiplayer 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: Despite its age, it still offers the same broad sandbox of civilian aircraft, world travel, and procedure-focused flying that makes MSFS so compelling.

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 44.8%, VR 15.9%, Realistic 11.5%, Open World 10.9%, Simulation 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: It is a polished civilian flight sim with strong VR support, detailed aircraft, and smooth free-flight exploration across large scenic regions.

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 15.3% ★, VR 12.9%, Open World 9.1%, Realistic 8%

Why You'll Like It: It is another strong cockpit-and-flight experience for players who want realistic aircraft handling and especially good VR immersion.

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%, Simulation 16.1%, Realistic 9.9%, Open World 9.5%, TrackIR 8.1% ★

Why You'll Like It: This older X-Plane still scratches the same realistic global-flight itch with authentic aerodynamics and a wide civil aviation focus.

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: It is much more combat-focused, but few games match its aircraft fidelity, cockpit depth, and serious respect for real flight procedures.

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 44.8%, VR 18.6%, Simulation 12.7%, Realistic 7.8%, Open World 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: It captures a similar open-flight feel while leaning harder into interactive VR cockpits, helicopters, and hands-on low-altitude flying.

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 19.5%, Realistic 9.3%, Simulation 8.5%, Physics 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: It trades globe exploration for cockpit immersion, offering a tactile, systems-driven VR flight experience that still feels like true piloting.

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 22.1%, TrackIR 20.6% ★, Open World 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: If the helicopter side of MSFS appeals to you, this is one of Steam’s better rotorcraft sims with demanding, authentic-feeling controls.

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 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: This is a top-tier historical flight sim with excellent flight models and cockpit realism for players who enjoy mastering aircraft rather than just shooting things.

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 17.3%, TrackIR 12.2% ★, Realistic 5.8%, Multiplayer 4%

Why You'll Like It: It is an older but still very rich combat flight simulator with a huge aircraft roster and a strong emphasis on authentic flying.

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 22.4% ★, VR 14.5%, Simulation 10.7%, Realistic 9%

Why You'll Like It: It offers dense procedural flying, navigation, and realistic WWII aircraft handling that appeal to the same simulation-minded audience.

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 57.9%, Realistic 16.1%, Simulation 14.1%, Physics 11.9%

Why You'll Like It: It sits between sim and action, offering modern aircraft, VTOL operations, and a more physical flight model than most arcade jet games.

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 68.7%, VR 14.7%, Simulation 7%, Epic 4.2% ★, Realistic 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the same pure joy of being in the cockpit and maneuvering aircraft, just in a more action-heavy and less procedural format.

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 62.2%, Simulation 17.3%, Multiplayer 10.7%, Realistic 4.6%, VR 2.8%

Why You'll Like It: Its careful aircraft handling, navigation, and atmospheric open-sky flying make it a great fit if you enjoy the airmanship side of MSFS.

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 24% ★, Simulation 12.5%, Real-Time 11.4% ★, Realistic 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: It is a solid sim-lite option for players who want convincing flight behavior and mission-based flying without the full complexity of study sims.

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 72.8%, Open World 13.9%, Simulation 9.4%, Atmospheric 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: Its cargo-hauling, takeoff-and-landing loop, and emphasis on controlling aircraft in a large world make it a good left-field pick for civilian flying fans.

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 29.8%, VR 17%, Realistic 13.8%, Simulation 12.8%, Multiplayer 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: Although it is built around RC aircraft, its excellent aerodynamics and varied plane handling can still scratch the technical flying itch.

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 19.4%, Simulation 13.3%, Realistic 11.8%, Multiplayer 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: In Simulator Battles it provides a large variety of aircraft and a more accessible path into serious multiplayer flying with cockpit-based control.

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 75.6%, Simulation 19.4%, Colorful 4%, Singleplayer 1%

Why You'll Like It: Even with simplified visuals, it focuses on the feel of low-level flight, landings, and aircraft handling in a way flight-sim fans often appreciate.

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 63.1%, Open World 23.3%, Physics 13.7%

Why You'll Like It: Its physics-driven sandbox lets you pilot aircraft and helicopters in an open world with weather, navigation, and mechanical problem-solving.

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 16.1%, Physics 11.7%

Why You'll Like It: It mixes aircraft creation with hands-on flying and enough physics depth to appeal to players who like experimenting with how planes actually behave.

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 13%, Open World 12.7%, Simulation 11.7%, Physics 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: This is a spaceflight detour, but its cockpit-focused, physics-heavy piloting still appeals to players who value precision flying over combat spectacle.

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 50.3%, Open World 14.7%, Realistic 13.9%, Simulation 9.9%, Physics 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: Like Kerbal, it emphasizes building and flying craft with realistic mechanics, making it a good fit for players who enjoy the technical side of aviation.

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 64.9%, Simulation 17.6%, Multiplayer 8.5%, Realistic 8.5%, Singleplayer 0.6%

Why You'll Like It: This is a helicopter-focused military sim-lite that still delivers cockpit flying, instrument awareness, and the challenge of managing a demanding aircraft.

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 42.4%, Physics 30.7%, Open World 22.4%, Singleplayer 2.5%, Adventure 2%

Why You'll Like It: It is more aerospace sandbox than pure flight sim, but it shares MSFS’s love of real physics, vehicles, and learning through piloting.

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 53.4%, Realistic 14%, Multiplayer 12.6%, Simulation 11%, Open World 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: It is more combat-oriented, but it remains a strong choice if what you enjoy most is learning rotorcraft handling and flying in varied conditions.

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 7.7%

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 9%, Multiplayer 7.1%, Simulation 6.8%, Realistic 6.5%

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 23.2%, Simulation 20.6%, Open World 20.4%, Physics 13.1%, Family Friendly 8.3%

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 21.4%, Open World 15.3%, Multiplayer 11.9%, Physics 11.5%

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%

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 13.4%, Open World 12.4%, Realistic 11.9%, Simulation 10.4%

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 44.8%, Realistic 13.6%, Open World 13.6%, Simulation 10.9%, Multiplayer 6.2%

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 22.8%, Realistic 21.2%, Open World 14.1%, Physics 10.6%, Multiplayer 8.2%

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 57.5%, Open World 13.9%, Physics 13.2%, Simulation 9.3%, Atmospheric 2.4%

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 56.1%, Open World 21.4%, Simulation 14.9%, Realistic 5%, Adventure 2.2%

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 61.1%, Simulation 20.2%, Physics 10.6%, Realistic 6.1%, Singleplayer 1.1%

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

Why similar: Open World 26.1%, Multiplayer 16.2%, Realistic 15.4%, VR 13%, Beautiful 12% ★

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 26.3%, Open World 14%, Family Friendly 9.6%, Atmospheric 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 55.8%, Realistic 16.1%, Simulation 14.5%, Multiplayer 13.6%

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

Why similar: Flight 50%, Simulation 23.8%, Open World 14.1%, Realistic 12.1%

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 56.2%, Simulation 14.8%, Realistic 14.3%, Multiplayer 10.3%, Atmospheric 3.2%

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 46.8%, Realistic 19.4%, TrackIR 14.1% ★, Open World 11.3%, VR 3.8%

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

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 21.7%, TrackIR 18.7% ★, Simulation 15.2%, Realistic 14.3%, Multiplayer 10.8%

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 49.7%, Simulation 42.3%, Multiplayer 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 28.1%, Open World 24.4%, Physics 4.2%, Atmospheric 3.8%

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 27.7%, Realistic 24.6%, Simulation 20%, Multiplayer 11.6%, Atmospheric 8%

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%, Realistic 18.7%, Physics 18.2%, Simulation 17.9%, Multiplayer 9.9%

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%

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 18.8%, Multiplayer 17.4%, Simulation 16.3%, Physics 10.7%

SimRail is new, advanced railway simulator. Master high-speed long-distance EMU, heavy freight hauls and suburban trains. Travel 500 km of geodetic-data based real routes. Become train dispatcher and control the traffic according to the schedule or cooperate with other players on multiplayer mode.

Why similar: Realistic 20.7%, Open World 19.9%, Simulation 18.4%, Multiplayer 17.8%, Physics 13.5%

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 19.5%, VR 14.2%, Realistic 8.4%, Open World 6.8%

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

Why similar: Flight 50%, Realistic 14.4%, Simulation 12.6%, Open World 8.4%, VR 7.7%

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 10.9%, Atmospheric 7.9%