If it were up to people to choose a superpower, many would prefer flying. But did you know you could experience it through the best VR flight games?
Regardless of the kind of VR games you wanted to indulge in, flight games weren’t as hyperrealistic and convenient in the age of joysticks and pedals. But with virtual reality technology, flight enthusiasts can enjoy high-definition simulators with multi-players or detailed story campaigns.
A VR flight simulator can offer a range of immersive experiences, from flying in realistic and detailed cockpits to futuristic spaceships amidst galaxies. Moreover, there has been an increase in the popularity of fighting jet simulators for space dogfights or faction wars.
In this article, we have curated a list of some of the best VR games in flight simulation to help you choose your next immersive experience. Read on…
List Of VR Flight Games
1. Microsoft Flight Simulator
Developed by Asobo Studio, the Microsoft flight simulator allows the gamer to fly the most iconic airplanes in history. It has a huge number of aircraft available–from light or broad-body jets to the highly detailed cockpit and sufficient flying instructions to help you learn how to navigate the skies like a pro!
You can test your piloting skills by opting for challenges such as night flying, weather turbulence, and other atmospheric simulations. Microsoft flight simulator will hone your skills so that you can navigate and land the plane safely, even among natural obstructions. Moreover, this flight simulator features over 20 highly-detailed planes and 30 well-constructed airports.
2. Star Wars: Squadrons
If you want an immersive experience in ship combat and space battle, Star Wars: Squadrons is the best VR flight game for you. Get your adrenaline pumping by learning and navigating realistic flight physics in space dogfights with the multiplayer feature.
It also makes you feel like a real squadron pilot fighting in the highly popular Star Wars series. And with multiple weaponry, shields, and Starfighter classes, you are guaranteed to be invested in this flight simulation for a long time!
Star Wars: Squadrons also caters to different preferences since it can play in multiplayer and virtual reality modes on PSVR and PC VR headsets.
3. Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
Ace Combat 7 is a VR fighter jet game for VR enthusiasts who love air combat and a realistic battle experience. You can experience being an ace pilot on serious missions to take down enemies through tactical air fights and advanced weaponry. With hyper-realistic visuals, magnificent warplanes, detailed flying mechanics, and a well-composed storyline, you’re surely in for an immersive experience like never before.
Ace Combat 7 is known for its cutting-edge theatrical visuals, audio quality, and graphics engine that can impress every player with the slightest rattle from an air bomb. It also offers captivating scenery, historical facts, and details about its extensive plane inventory.
This VR combat game is compatible with Playstation VR and includes full HOTAS support for a smoother gaming experience.
4. No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Sky VR is a space-adventure game niche focussed on survival and exploration, thus allowing the players to explore a universe that doesn’t seem to end. This revolutionary VR game includes numerous planets and space creatures you can explore with your spaceship. Furthermore, you can control a spaceship to land in different locations and another secondary jetpack.
Besides the usual exploration, this PC VR game requires the player to use skills to find resources and upgrade spaceships to survive in extreme space conditions. Moreover, there’s an option to play solo or explore with your friend, which can make the experience more fun!
No Man’s Sky is better experienced in a VR headset such as PSVR or PCVR.
5. Elite Dangerous
Even though it’s similar to No Man’s Sky, Elite Dangerous has been dubbed one of the best VR flight games due to its unique role-playing feature. Originally an open-world adventure game, it was soon completely changed to include a highly-detailed narrative and a Milky way recreated in real proportions.
Using the Elite Dangerous spaceship, you can complete jobs in space, such as bounty hunting, trading, or mining, to collect money. This VR flight simulator also has the option of playing with friends or Discord followers. So, collect rewards and titles with your friends to rise among the Elite and score points.
6. VTOL VR
Compatible with Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index, and Microsoft VR, this virtual reality simulation is a futuristic flight combat game. It features multi-role jets with a plane’s actual controls, which the player can use to press buttons and flip switches.
With VTOL VR, you can indulge in in-depth missions and challenging combat that will test your pilot skills. This flight simulator also requires a heightened awareness of surroundings to facilitate vertical landings, aerial refueling, and engaging in aircraft warfare. VTOL VR also includes a mission editor and built-in map editor to help during tough missions.
However, it is highly recommended to use motion controllers for better immersion and mobility during aircraft control.
7. X-Plane 11
Developed by Laminar Research, X-Plane 11 is a realistic and modern flight simulator compatible with Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Valve Index. It features a user-friendly, intuitive interface with high-definition cockpits, real airports, 3D audio, and stunning scenery.
Moreover, X-Plane 11 uses a new effects engine that makes lighting and explosions extremely realistic. But you have to use the same planes at different levels.
X-Plane also offers single and local multiplayer simulation with local virtual reality support. You can indulge in this immersive experience while standing or sitting, preferably with a high-quality motion controller, keyboard, and mouse.
Flight Games For Oculus Quest 2
The Oculus Quest 2 headset is currently the most inexpensive yet premium-quality VR headset on the market. And since many veterans and emerging gamers use this headset, we have listed a few flying games in the Oculus App Lab.
1. Warplanes: WW1 Fighters
Developed by Home Net Games, this is a PC VR game that allows you to experience WW1 with a thrilling and impressive immersion intensity. You can choose either multiplayer or single-player campaigns to enjoy this VR game online or offline.
Warplanes: WW1 Fighter is one of those rare flight simulators that help you experience and pilot the most iconic aircraft from the war. So, you can use the incredible VR support to explore the virtual world of realistic combat and detailed visuals.
It also allows gamers to customize their experience through aircraft visuals and mechanics. Thus, it is ideal for hardcore VR enthusiasts who love both simulation and the realistic aspect of a game.
Warplanes: WW1 Fighters is compatible with Oculus Quest, PSVR, and PC VR headsets.
2. Ultrawings 2
Ultrawings 2 is a fun video game that works with or without a headset, although using VR equipment is preferable. It features intuitive controls, a unique graphic design, and a wide array of aircrafts. Using its detailed flight mechanisms and fun concept, you can pilot around different locations, including historical points such as the ones in WW1.
Moreover, it is one of the few flying games that allows up to seven other users to play simultaneously. Ultrawings 2, much like its predecessors, is known for its quality content, replayability, and various gaming modes.
It is available on PC VR and Oculus Quest headsets–however, you can also play it as a video game on PC without a headset.
3. End Space
It is an adventure VR game that allows the gamer to participate in starfighter combat by fighting with other spacecrafts to gain control over the Tartarus Sector. End Space features various weaponry and strategic tools such as machine gun fire, powerful lasers, and air bombs to tackle enemies.
This game lets you unlock new levels and upgrades so that you never run out of goals to achieve. It is available on PSVR, PCVR, and Oculus Quest headsets.
4. Echo Arena VR
Echo Arena is a unique flight simulator since it allows gamers to experience a zero-gravity chamber or frisbee that floats in space. The immersive intensity of this game is very real, making your body feel like it weighs nothing as you float around different match arenas.
It features basketball, frisbee, and Rocket League matches where you have to propel yourself forward to score in the match. Moreover, Echo Arena equips the gamer with jet boosters to control the floating. A great way to hang out with friends casually or competitively, it is one of the best VR games you can play free of charge.
5. Rush VR
Rush is a thrilling and fast-paced flight simulator compatible with Oculus Quest 2. It includes challenging missions where you can float in space and travel through the air using cutting-edge plane designs and realistic physics. What’s more, Rush is a first-person VR game that requires its players to use virtual wingsuits to race against other competitors.
With various flying simulation options, Rush is ideal for gamers inclined towards extreme air sports and adrenaline-pumping challenges. Moreover, it supports single and multiplayer modes, which lets you compete with your friends and acquaintances. You can also play rush on PSVR and PCVR.
Free VR Flight Games
Purchasing multiple VR games with high-quality visuals and intuitive controls can burn a hole in the average gamer’s pocket. So, to ensure you remain within your budget while enjoying virtual reality, here’s a list of free VR flight games.
1. War Thunder
War Thunder is a free-to-play one-on-one flight combat game with a full MMO feature that allows access to various aircrafts. In this game, you can jump into the cockpit and use the controls of some of the most infamous aircrafts used in the Korean War and WWII. Furthermore, each battle or aerial combat comes with a detailed story to motivate the gamer by placing them in the right headspace.
Even though it doesn’t have as advanced flight physics as other high-end games, War Thunder can be ideal for those looking for a free yet fast-paced VR experience.
2. DCS World
DCS World is a digital combat simulator focussing on immersive flight battles. It offers an authentic visual representation of military tanks, aircrafts, missiles, and other battle equipment. With 3D cockpits and detailed flight controls, you can launch bombs and missiles with accurate landing range and speed.
However, in its free version, DCS World only allows the gamer to use two planes for hands-on piloting. You can upgrade with only a few dollars to access hundreds of aircraft and weaponry. But free users are guaranteed to face enough challenges since the free version also has a massive player base ready to compete against them.
3. Star Wars BattleFront Rogue One VR Mission
This is an excellent VR experience for beginners considering entering the Star Wars gaming franchise. It will equip the gamer with basic knowledge and visual design of the major Star Wars VR games. And what’s more, it utilizes the same Frostbite engine used in Star Wars: Squadrons. So, if you’re looking for a tasteful yet free VR experience, BattleFront Rogue One is the way to go!
Final Thoughts
This comprehensive list of the best VR flight games includes simulators that are extremely popular among VR enthusiasts. Honestly, these flight games stood out to us due to their visual quality, graphics engine, versatility, and compatibility with various headsets.
Before playing your VR game of choice, don’t forget to carefully read the game instructions and safety warnings. And since VR games, especially ones related to flying and combat, include a lot of movement, they can be harmful for people with migraine or vertigo; so look for health conditions mentioned in the warning.
Moreover, it is highly recommended for beginners to start playing these games in a sitting position so that their bodies and minds can adjust to the sensation.
Do check our website for updates on the latest virtual reality simulations and equipment. Until next time, happy gaming!
