Best Flight Simulator For Windows

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Microsoft Flight Simulator X came out in 2006, so it’s been over a decade for which this multiplayer game has ruled the charts when it comes to best flight sim games for PC. The game is a notch above its predecessor Microsoft Flight Simu 2004: A Century of Flight; there are great sceneries to explore flying a variety of aircraft. A-10C Warthog is perhaps the most complex fighter simulation I have ever worked with, having worked with flight simulators (especially Microsoft) since the mid 1980's. I discovered very quickly that, despite my own flight simulator experience (over 100,000 hours total), it was necessary to read and study the manual carefully. The first Game on the list of Best Flight Simulator Games for Windows 10 PC, we have the IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946. As the name suggests, the IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946 is based on the World War 2. Well, the IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946 has the best visual graphics on any Flight Simulator Game for Windows 10 PC.

Flight sims range from transporting passengers on jet planes to fighting battles in World War II. Almost all time periods are represented, whether it's a themed game (WWII is popular) or a historical plane included in a flight sim. With the add-ons available for 'Microsoft Flight Simulator,' you can fly just about anywhere, and with X-Plane 10, you can manipulate weather conditions and system failures for some scary good fun.

Our Top Picks

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Best flight simulator for windows 8

'X-Plane 11 Global Flight Simulator'

Flight enthusiasts are bound to enjoy the 3D cockpits that are part of every aircraft in 'X-Plane 11 Global Flight Simulator.' Even beginners can quickly learn to negotiate thousands of airports, immersive landscapes, and realistic cities. This flight simulator delivers a close-to-realistic experience for serious flight sim fans.

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'X-Plane 10'

'X-Plane 10' is one of the most realistic flight simulators on the market. You can create your own planes or fly just about any type of plane. It has everything from gliders to space shuttles and allows users to change flight conditions, play with different weights, and take off from thousands of different airports. It also has multiplayer functionality so you can duke it out with your friends.

Best Flight Simulator For Pc Windows 10

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'Microsoft Flight Simulator X'

Create your own routes, fly across the world, and make your own airplanes. The gameplay of 'Microsoft Flight Simulator' can be extended through downloading plane skins and buying add-ons made by third-party developers. With each new version, new aircraft and cities are added. This time around, Microsoft did something a little different and added mission-based play. 'Microsoft Flight Simulator X' comes in standard and deluxe editions. The deluxe version comes with more cities, airplanes, and airports.

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'IL-2 Sturmovik'

'IL-2 Sturmovik' is a WWII combat flight simulator. If you are looking for a combat flight simulator, look no further. This game has awesome features. There is an excellent mission builder, multiplayer features that include up to 32 players in dogfight mode and stunning graphics. The combat takes place in the air, and from the air to the ground. Anyone interested in war and flight will enjoy this one.

Windows

You may also want to take a look at our picks for the best World War II flight simulators. And if you like WW2 games in general, read our reviews of the best World War II strategy PC games.

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'Lock On: Modern Air Combat'

Take over the helm of eight jets from America or Russia in combat action. 'Lock On: Modern Air Combat' comes with training and quick-start missions. If single player missions are not your thing, you can play with up to 32 players via LAN or six through the internet.

Simulator
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'B-17 Flying Fortress'

Take control of a B-17 bomber and participate in long-range daylight bombing missions in 'B-17 Flying Fortress.' You'll be in command of a squadron of 12 bombers, as they target positions 20,000 feet below to destroy them. Play as a tail gunner to take out interceptors. For variety, you can join the Luftwaffe and work to prevent the B-17s from delivering their payloads.

Looking for more simulation games? We did the research and found the best airport simulation games available this year.

What to Look for in Flight Simulators for PC

Plane selection - Each flight simulator game offers a different array of planes you can fly. A WWII game will have historical planes from that era, while games set in today’s time will have more modern jets. Some games even have the option to create your own flyer.

Detail level - The graphics of your game make all the difference. While part of it depends on the capabilities of your gaming system, the development of the game will also play a factor. The more realistic and detailed the graphics are, the more immersive the experience will be.

Add-ons - At their most basic, all flight simulators are the same. However, it’s the add-ons that really set one game apart from another. If variation is important to you, look for games with lots of different airports and landscapes. You can also alter the experience by manipulating the weather conditions, cargo weights, and airplane skins.

The Download Now link directs you to the Windows Store, where you can continue the download process. You must have an active Microsoft account to download the application. This download may not be available in some countries.
From Lingo Games:
This Real Airplane Flight Simulator will really show you the fascinating world of flying huge commercial airliner and jumbos in a quality never seen before. Airplane Flight Simulator pilot 3D 2016 is an excellent; free to play commercial airplane flight simulation game. It's real easy for beginners who are learning to fly a commercial airliner and a bit challenging for some experience simulator campaigners. You will be able to navigate a real aircraft and commercial airliner pilot and realize what it is like to be a real commercial airline and airplane flight simulator, aviator and navigator pilot and what they need to go through before they get an airplane safely on the ground. The flights are infinite and extreme landings are being carried out due to weather conditions, so keep the runways clear for extreme landings and takeoff. Realistic and challenging extreme flight simulation and missions to choose, show you aviator and aviation skills in flying the highly ranked commercial airliners, airbuses, Boeings and jumbo jets through the high in the sky. Realistic physics and true-to-life simulated controls will test even the most skilled pilot. Fly a large selection of highly detailed airliners and aircraft in regions across the world. Be a real airplane flight simulator pilot and airport navigator to improve your skills with advanced camera system, letting you scrutinize every portion of your flight. The commercial airliners are parked in the hanger for safety. As an Avion Airliner Mr. Pilot and simulator, experience all the thrills in the exciting extreme landings. Your piloting skills will be tested to the limits. With the elements against you, you'll have to fly through tough situations in order to get to the destination on time in this airplane flying simulation. Prepare your flying crew and staff and get onto the cockpit of the most advance commercial airliner, as Airplane Flight Simulator will lead you to an awesome simulation extravaganza, as an ace veteran, fighter jet and helicopter cobra flight pilot fly your commercial jet to various the destination, navigate your commercial airliner jumbo jet and Boeing airplane through the waypoints to ensure you head to the correct destination, takeoff and land on various airports, with realistic aero plane cockpit controls, you can steer and control the plane to fly safely through the air and help get the passengers to their destination on time. The Airport is busy as infinite flight of commercial airlines and aircrafts are taking off and landing with frequent intervals, tourists and travellers are arriving into the city's busiest airports. Airport Flight Staff is really busy in simulating all types of advanced airport vehicles, pushback towing vehicle, passengers bus, follow me car, gasoline fuel tanker, emergency fire truck and staircase. Drive pushback truck tow passenger Boeing aero plane from hangar to the runway asphalt airstrip. Help pilot flight crew for safely takeoff from runway and drive follow me car to assist cockpit pilots for safe landing on landing asphalt airstrip. Be Careful, as landing simulator is tough as it takes a lot of experience in landing a huge commercial jet liner, slow the plane air speed, prepare for landing check air brakes, open the landing gears hit the breaks to make a perfect landing safely onto the runway, be careful not to crash, taxi your plane to the marked zone. Airplane Flight Simulator lets you explore the real world of real commercial flying never seen before. The game features massive highly detailed planes with ultra realistic physics. Take your seat in the cockpit and conquer the sky now.

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From Lingo Games:

Best Flight Simulator For Pc Windows 7

This Real Airplane Flight Simulator will really show you the fascinating world of flying huge commercial airliner and jumbos in a quality never seen before. Airplane Flight Simulator pilot 3D 2016 is an excellent; free to play commercial airplane flight simulation game. It's real easy for beginners who are learning to fly a commercial airliner and a bit challenging for some experience simulator campaigners. You will be able to navigate a real aircraft and commercial airliner pilot and realize what it is like to be a real commercial airline and airplane flight simulator, aviator and navigator pilot and what they need to go through before they get an airplane safely on the ground. The flights are infinite and extreme landings are being carried out due to weather conditions, so keep the runways clear for extreme landings and takeoff. Realistic and challenging extreme flight simulation and missions to choose, show you aviator and aviation skills in flying the highly ranked commercial airliners, airbuses, Boeings and jumbo jets through the high in the sky. Realistic physics and true-to-life simulated controls will test even the most skilled pilot. Fly a large selection of highly detailed airliners and aircraft in regions across the world. Be a real airplane flight simulator pilot and airport navigator to improve your skills with advanced camera system, letting you scrutinize every portion of your flight. The commercial airliners are parked in the hanger for safety. As an Avion Airliner Mr. Pilot and simulator, experience all the thrills in the exciting extreme landings. Your piloting skills will be tested to the limits. With the elements against you, you'll have to fly through tough situations in order to get to the destination on time in this airplane flying simulation. Prepare your flying crew and staff and get onto the cockpit of the most advance commercial airliner, as Airplane Flight Simulator will lead you to an awesome simulation extravaganza, as an ace veteran, fighter jet and helicopter cobra flight pilot fly your commercial jet to various the destination, navigate your commercial airliner jumbo jet and Boeing airplane through the waypoints to ensure you head to the correct destination, takeoff and land on various airports, with realistic aero plane cockpit controls, you can steer and control the plane to fly safely through the air and help get the passengers to their destination on time. The Airport is busy as infinite flight of commercial airlines and aircrafts are taking off and landing with frequent intervals, tourists and travellers are arriving into the city's busiest airports. Airport Flight Staff is really busy in simulating all types of advanced airport vehicles, pushback towing vehicle, passengers bus, follow me car, gasoline fuel tanker, emergency fire truck and staircase. Drive pushback truck tow passenger Boeing aero plane from hangar to the runway asphalt airstrip. Help pilot flight crew for safely takeoff from runway and drive follow me car to assist cockpit pilots for safe landing on landing asphalt airstrip. Be Careful, as landing simulator is tough as it takes a lot of experience in landing a huge commercial jet liner, slow the plane air speed, prepare for landing check air brakes, open the landing gears hit the breaks to make a perfect landing safely onto the runway, be careful not to crash, taxi your plane to the marked zone. Airplane Flight Simulator lets you explore the real world of real commercial flying never seen before. The game features massive highly detailed planes with ultra realistic physics. Take your seat in the cockpit and conquer the sky now.