The Top 10 plane games to play in 2026: virtual aviation experience

Virtual experiences are becoming more realistic than ever before. For aviation enthusiasts, aviation games offer a unique opportunity to soar through the skies, piloting various aircraft in aerial combat missions or in hyper-realistic commercial aviation.

Whether you dream of becoming a fighter pilot or flying commercial jets, these top 10 plane games for 2026 deliver you closer to the skies. Our list includes the best fighter jet games, World War I and II aviation games, air traffic control games, general aviation, naval, and commercial aircraft simulation games.

10. FlightGear  

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, IRIX and Solaris 
Release date: 1997 (initial release) 
Company: FlightGear development team (open-source community-driven project) 
In FlightGear, the player steps into the shoes of a virtual pilot, immersing themselves in a realistic and open-world flight simulation. This open-source project suits aviation enthusiasts, gamers, and developers alike.

One of the key highlights of FlightGear is its ever-evolving nature. After its initial release, the game continues to receive updates and improvements. Additional aircraft models and improved features regularly enhance the overall gameplay.

The variety of aircraft available in FlightGear covers a wide range of planes from historic models to modern commercial jets and military aircraft. According to aviation enthusiasts sharing their experiences on Reddit, FlightGear is a great stepping stone to more serious simulators and is highly accessible.

Exploration is a central aspect of FlightGear. The game features a vast, open-world environment that allows players to fly over detailed and accurate terrain, spanning various continents and regions. It also offers the flexibility for players to choose between flying solo in a single-player mode or engaging with other pilots in a multiplayer environment.

Curtis L. Olson / Wikimedia 9. RealFlight Evolution 

Platform: Microsoft Windows  
Release date: 2022  
Company: Horizon Hobby 
In RealFlight Evolution, players get to pilot over 300 aircraft. It provides a risk-free environment for users to practice their radio-control (RC) flying skills and experiment with different aircraft. RealFlight Evolution offers a vast array of aircraft options, from small RC drones to large-scale jets.  

The physics engine is designed to replicate the intricacies of RC flight, including factors like wind, turbulence, and aerodynamics. Also, you can change aircraft, airports, weather conditions, and even create your own flying scenarios. This flexibility ensures that every session can be tailored to your preferences and skill level. 

To enhance the authenticity of the experience, RealFlight Evolution supports a wide range of RC transmitter controllers, but the InterLink DX is recommended. If you already have a controller, you can use it to further immerse yourself in the game. Also, it supports virtual reality (VR). 

Knife Edge Software, the game’s developer, has a track record of providing regular updates and expansions to keep the game fresh and up-to-date. 

RealFlight Evolution includes both single and multiplayer modes, allowing users to fly with friends or other players from around the world. 

8. IL-2 Sturmovik: Great Battles 

Platform: Microsoft Windows 
Release date: 2013 
Company: 1C Game Studios 
In IL-2 Sturmovik: Great Battles, players are transported to the intense and historically accurate world of World War I and II aerial combat. This flight simulation game focuses on delivering an experience centered around iconic aircraft from that era.

Players have the opportunity to pilot various aircraft, ranging from legendary fighters like the Spitfire and Messerschmitt Bf 109 to iconic bombers such as the B-17 Flying Fortress and the Ju 88. Each aircraft has its own unique flight characteristics, weaponry, and handling.

The game offers an extensive campaign mode where players can participate in historically inspired missions and pivotal battles that took place during World War I and II. Whether it’s dogfighting with enemy fighters in the skies, conducting ground attack missions, or defending strategic targets, each mission is designed to offer a challenging, and experience.

In 2026, 1C Game Studios will fully release Korea: IL-2 Series, an updated combat flight simulator set during the Korean War. Built on a brand-new engine, the upcoming title will feature a massive map of the Korean Peninsula alongside iconic early jet-era aircraft like the F-86A Sabre, MiG-15bis, and F-80 Shooting Star, as well as propeller planes like the F-51D Mustang. According to current reports, the game is available for pre-order ahead of its Early Access launch on June 25, 2026.

7. Airport CEO 

Platforms: Microsoft Windows and MacOS 
Release date: 2017 (early access) 
Companies: Apog Labs 
It’s not a flight simulator, but the Airport CEO gives you a glimpse into airport and operations management, which is a huge part of commercial aviation. The heart of the game is building and customizing your airport from the ground up. You have control over every aspect, from runway placement and terminal design to security checkpoints and baggage handling systems.

Airport CEO incorporates the movement of passengers, baggage, aircraft, and airport staff. Real-world challenges such as managing delays, handling emergencies, and optimizing airport flow are also part of the experience.

The game features a wide range of aircraft, from small regional planes to massive jumbo jets. Each type has specific requirements, and you must provide suitable infrastructure, including runways, gates, and taxiways, to accommodate them.

As the airport CEO, you’ll need to make strategic decisions. These include setting airline contracts, managing budgets, hiring and training staff, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Balancing finances, efficiency, and passenger experience is crucial to your airport’s success. The game also presents real-time challenges, such as weather disruptions, equipment breakdowns, and unexpected emergencies.

Airport CEO offers modding support, allowing players to create and share custom content, including new aircraft, buildings, and gameplay mechanics.

In addition to the single-player experience, Airport CEO offers a multiplayer mode where you can collaborate or compete with other players in managing airports.

6. X-Plane 12/X-Plane 11

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux 
Release date: 2022/2016
Company: Laminar Research 
X-Plane 12 is the modern evolution of the classic older simulator X-Plane 11. In both versions, players take on the role of virtual pilots with the freedom to explore and master various aircraft. This game offers an incredibly realistic and detailed flight experience, making it a popular choice for aviation enthusiasts and professional gamers alike.

While both games are of similar nature, the newer X-Plane 12 features a revamped physics engine, volumetric 3D clouds, and dynamic weather. While it offers vastly superior visuals and immersion, X-Plane 11 remains a staple for users with older hardware who prioritize higher frame rates and a massive library of mature add-ons.

The game offers a diverse selection of scenic locations and airports worldwide, allowing players to embark on flights across continents and explore famous landmarks and geographical features. The immersive landscapes, realistic weather conditions, and day-night cycles further enhance the sense of realism.

The multiplayer component of X-Plane 12 and X-Plane 11 allows pilots to interact with others online, flying in the same virtual skies, and even collaborating on shared missions or flight events. You can also play as a single player.

5. War Thunder 

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4, 5, GeForceNow, Linux,  Xbox One, and Xbox Series S and X 
Release date: 2013 
Company: Gaijin Entertainment 
In War Thunder, players are thrust into the heart of World War I and II battles and beyond, taking on the roles of tank commanders, aircraft pilots, and naval captains. This game offers a multiplayer online experience where players from around the world engage in intense and immersive combat scenarios. 

The game features various game modes tailored to different types of warfare. In the ground forces mode, players take command of armored vehicles, battling it out in tank warfare on detailed and historically inspired maps. 

As aircraft pilots, players can engage in high-flying dogfights in the air forces mode. The game features an extensive roster of World War II-era planes and later aircraft from various nations. Players can perform daring aerial maneuvers and participate in intense air battles across vast skies. 

To further enhance the experience, the game offers a progression system where players can research and unlock new vehicles and upgrades as they progress through battles.  

4. Arma 3 

Platforms: Microsoft Windows and MacOS  
Release date: 2013  
Company: Bohemia Interactive 
Ranking fourth on this list, Arma 3 offers players a realistic portrayal of modern conflict. Spanning from infantry skirmishes and vehicular combat to high-altitude aerial operations, the game masters a wide spectrum of military activities. For that, it remains widely celebrated as one of the most comprehensive military combat simulators available to the public.

In Arma 3, players have the opportunity to pilot a wide array of military aircraft, including helicopters, fixed-wing planes, and even drones. The game’s terrain features diverse landscapes that range from dense forests to urban areas.

Aerial combat in Arma 3 is not limited to dogfights and airstrikes. Players can also engage in transport missions, medical evacuations, and troop insertions by air, contributing to the game’s sense of versatility and realism. The vast open-world environment and the interplay between air and ground units create a dynamic and challenging experience, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the role of a military pilot or air support specialist.

The Arma series has a dedicated modding community that produces a wealth of additional content, including new maps, vehicles, and missions. The game company is currently producing the Arma 4, targeting an official launch in 2027. The new Arma 4 will offer better graphics and performance as well as return to its roots of Cold War setting.

3. Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown

Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows
Release date: 2019 
Company: Bandai Namco Entertainment 
In Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, players embark on an adventure as skilled fighter pilots, engaging in aerial combat and missions set in a fictional world.

The game features a storyline, following the conflict between two nations vying for control over the skies. As the protagonist, players become part of an elite fighter squadron and find themselves at the center of a gripping narrative filled with twists and turns.

Ace Combat 7 offers a selection of modern and futuristic fighter jets, each equipped with weapons and capabilities. Players can customize their aircraft with various upgrades, tailoring them to their preferred playstyle and mission requirements.

The heart of the game lies in its aerial battles. Players engage in intense dogfights against enemy aircraft, requiring sharp reflexes, precision aiming, and tactical maneuvering. The game’s flight controls are accessible yet responsive.

Beyond dogfights, Ace Combat 7 presents a diverse range of mission types. Players can undertake air-to-ground strikes, targeting enemy installations and ground forces, as well as air-to-sea missions where they engage enemy naval vessels.

While the game is heavily aerial-based with gorgeous flight mechanics, it offers an arcade-like experience set within a cinematic atmosphere with great storytelling. Bandai Namco is set to launch the new Ace Combat 8 later this year.

2. Digital Combat Simulator World (DCS World)

Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Release date: Initial release – 2008 (DCS World as a platform, various modules released over time)
Company: Eagle Dynamics
In Digital Combat Simulator World (DCS World), players are in the world of realistic combat flight simulation.

DCS World offers many modules, each focusing on a specific aircraft or theater of operations. Players can choose from a vast selection of modules, including popular modern fighters like the F/A-18C Hornet, F-16C Viper, and A-10C Warthog, as well as historical aircraft like the P-51D Mustang, Spitfire, and MiG-21bis. Each aircraft is recreated with fully clickable cockpits, avionics systems, and authentic flight physics.

Players can also fly over recreated terrains, including various regions and historical battlefields, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the experience.

DCS World caters to different levels of players, with its “Flaming Cliffs” series offering simplified flight models for those seeking a more accessible and arcade-like experience, while its more complex modules cater to hardcore simulation enthusiasts.

The game’s single-player experience includes various campaigns, dynamic missions, and instant action scenarios. Players can test their piloting skills in diverse combat situations, engaging in dogfights, ground attacks, and anti-ship missions.

DCS World has a multiplayer community. Players can team up with friends or join large-scale multiplayer servers. Players can also create and share custom missions, campaigns, aircraft skins, and additional modules.

1. Microsoft Flight Simulator X 

Platform: Microsoft Windows  
Release date: 2006 
Company: Microsoft Game Studios 
What makes Microsoft Flight Simulator a number one game? Players assume the role of a virtual pilot, gaining access to a hyper-realistic commercial aviation setting, featuring real-world weather, time, and global air traffic.

Virtual pilots can choose from narrowbody commercial airliners, from the Airbus A321neo to the Boeing 737, or pilot a massive jumbo jet like the Airbus A380, depending on the game’s edition. If players want to simulate flights using general aviation, the simulator offers a wide variety of aircraft, including the Cessna 152, the Cessna 172 Skyhawk, and multi-engine options like the Beechcraft Baron.

The newest iterations introduce deep career modes, search-and-rescue operations, and interactive challenges. To this day, MFS provides the ultimate and most realistic aviation experience.

 The post The Top 10 plane games to play in 2026: virtual aviation experience appeared first on AeroTime.

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