Virtual reality and flight simulators are a match made in heaven. If you're a fan of aviation, there's no better way to experience the thrill of flying than in VR. Luckily, 2024 offers a range of fantastic VR flight simulators to choose from. Let’s dive into the best ones available.
Aerofly FS4 deserves much more attention. It performs brilliantly in VR, and you don't need an expensive Hotas setup; your VR controllers are enough. This simulator is perfect for those who’ve always dreamed of flying a commercial airliner. Featuring satellite imagery, the ground looks realistic, adding to the immersion. The best part? You can interact with the cockpit using just your hands—switching knobs, pulling levers, and more, all through VR controllers. This level of hand tracking is rare and makes Aerofly FS4 extremely immersive. With a variety of aircraft, including Airbus, Boeing, the Concorde, and even WWII transport planes, there’s something for everyone. While it lacks multiplayer and full realistic ATC, its fine-tuned VR experience makes it a top choice for a chilled, immersive flying experience.
VTOL VR is another simulator that excels in hand tracking, offering a more intense experience than Aerofly FS4. Designed from the ground up for VR, VTOL VR only requires your VR controllers to fly. Initially, you might find it clumsy, but it works exceptionally well. The graphics, though not cutting-edge, are decent in VR. VTOL VR is not an easy simulator—it involves learning both flight and combat mechanics. The game includes a wide range of workshop content, missions, and co-op or competitive multiplayer options. If DCS is too complex, VTOL VR is the perfect entry point into VR combat flight simulators.
For those ready to take the next step, DCS World in VR is unparalleled. Although not initially designed for VR, with some tweaking, it delivers an unmatched experience. You’ll need a powerful computer to run it smoothly, but once you do, it's hard to go back to other sims. DCS offers full-fidelity aircraft, meaning every button and knob does something. While it lacks the hand tracking of Aerofly FS4 or VTOL VR, the graphical fidelity and realistic flight models are stunning. Flying an F-16 or taking off from an aircraft carrier in the Tomcat in VR is breathtaking. DCS is ideal for those who dream of flying classic warbirds like the Spitfire or P-51.
IL-2 Sturmovik is a WWII flight simulator that runs better in VR than DCS. If you struggle to run DCS, IL-2 is a great alternative. It offers a variety of WWII planes, campaigns, and multiplayer sessions. The aircraft aren’t full-fidelity, but the flight mechanics are solid. The game’s visuals hold up well, and the dynamic multiplayer campaigns add to the immersive experience. If you’re a fan of WWII aviation, IL-2 is a must-try.
War Thunder is perhaps the most popular flight simulator, but it’s more arcade-like compared to the others. It runs great in VR and is free to try, making it a good starting point for VR flying. However, it lacks the realism of more serious flight sims. If you’re looking for a quick, action-packed experience, War Thunder is a good choice. But for a true simulation experience, you might want to look elsewhere.
Falcon BMS is a lesser-known but highly respected flight simulator with a dedicated community. Originally released in 1998, it has been continuously updated and improved. It’s particularly noted for its dynamic campaign, a feature many other sims lack. If you’re interested in flying the F-16, Falcon BMS in VR is a fantastic option.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 needs no introduction. Its stunning graphics make it a spectacle in VR, though it requires significant tweaking to run smoothly. The VR controllers can be used for interacting with the cockpit, but not as well as in VTOL VR or Aerofly FS4. If you’re looking for the ultimate experience in flying commercial airliners and have a powerful computer, this is the sim for you.
These VR flight simulators offer a range of experiences, from relaxed flying to intense combat. As VR hardware continues to improve and become more accessible, the future of flight simming in VR looks bright.
I'm Laurens — the real person behind this digital canvas of Virtual Reality. I'm a Virtual Reality content creator who also translates YouTube transcripts into blogs.
