The greatest video games available for air combat at the moment. Although there are many flight simulators accessible, there are situations when you don’t want to just fly in circles. We’re looking over the greatest video games ever published for air combat in this list. Check out our selections below for free-to-play games, VR experiences, and classic titles.
Best 20 Air Combat Video Games
In this article you can find out the best Air Combat Video Games that you can play list are below;
20. Heliborne Collection
In video games that simulate air combat, helicopters don’t receive the same recognition and focus as large military aircraft and jet fighters. Thankfully, there is Heliborne Collection, a game designed to let users pilot a huge assortment of helicopters. Here you will find helicopters manufactured between the 1950s and the 21st century.
Since this is still an air combat game, you will continue to face off against enemy aircraft, ground forces, anti-aircraft artillery, tanks, and other vehicles in a variety of missions over the years. Additionally, there is multiplayer support in this game. Players can engage in cooperative missions or engage in various skirmish-style games with one another.
19. Iron Conflict
A brand-new game called Iron Conflict was released in January 2021. Having said that, because it’s an early access game, there may have been modifications done while the development team worked on the game before you started playing. There is more to this RTS game than just air combat; players will be able to order various units into battle.
As an alternative, you will have tanks, infantry, and, of course, aircraft that might be utilized to drop artillery from above. In a succession of conflicts, players effectively command these aircraft together with other forces to eliminate the opposition. You may have access to a rather varied armament because the vehicles in this game are based on events from World War II to the present.
18. Warplanes: WWI Fighters
Warplanes: WW1 Fighters is a VR headset game that you should play if you have one. You can choose from a number of aircraft that were in use during the First World War because the game immerses players in various missions set during that time. In addition to piloting these aircraft during combat, players will be able to make use of the many armaments that are mounted aboard the aircraft.
This can include anything from handguns to machine guns that are fixed to the aircraft, as well as some bombs that you can physically seize and throw at targets below. Additionally, this game supports multiplayer, so if you go online, you can play cooperative missions or engage in player-versus-player PvP combat.
17. I1-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad
One of the entries in the IL-2 Sturmovik series, which is a PC air combat flight simulator, is Battle of Stalingrad. In this WWII air combat game, players will fly a variety of aircraft in a succession of missions, from fighters to bombers. In order to further immerse players in the chaotic gameplay, virtual reality support is also available.
Having said that, it’s important to note that this game also has a ton of DLC accessible. You could increase the number of planes and campaigns, but the cost of doing so will be high. You’d be spending close to $700 if you were to purchase every mission and additional plane that was released for this game.
16. Air Brawl
When it comes to video games, Air Brawl is very different from the titles that have been discussed thus far. In this multiplayer arcade game, players pilot futuristic-looking aircraft at high speeds across a map that resembles a maze. Through the course of the game, participants try to eliminate every other player by using long-range weapons or, when they reach near enough, melee-style attachments.
The controls are easy to use and the game is straightforward to comprehend. The greatest part is that you may play Air Brawl on Steam right now for free at all.
15. Star Wars Squadrons
This is a science fiction selection, but Star Wars Squadrons is a great option if you’re looking for something different. In the space warfare game Star Wars Squadron, you have the option to either the Rebellion or the Empire, and your choice will alter the course of events. Apart from the typical features of this kind of game (many epic battles, lots of ships), you may play this game in virtual reality (VR) for a more immersive experience.
14. Guns of Icarus Online
The gameplay of Guns of Icarus Online revolves around airship battle in a steampunk setting. Consequently, these are more arcade team-based fighting games than actual ships. On these enormous ships that circle a map, players are free to travel around and engage in continuous combat with one another. Guns of Icarus is a lot like Sea of Thieves, if you’re familiar with that game. Working as a team on an aircraft is quite different from working as a team on a pirate ship.
In order to defeat the opposition, you’ll need to use the various mounted guns while simultaneously keeping your aircraft safe. That being said, you can assemble a team of four players to function as the ship’s crew, and ships can also be customized to add a little more character. Online game matches, meanwhile, come in a variety of forms, from straightforward deathmatches to more goal-based options like King of the Hill.
13. Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X
Given that Tom Clancy’s video games are primarily tactical shooter-based, most players are probably more familiar with this successful series of games. However, did you know that Tom Clancy released a combat flight simulator game called Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X? In this game, players take control of a jet while taking part in various missions.
The Ace Combat series, which we’ll discuss later in this list, is somewhat similar to the gameplay. With just two H.A.W.X games released, it appears that Ubisoft is sticking to first-person shooter tactical strategy titles. With the newest platforms, it’s possible that Ubisoft will give this series another go, but only time will tell.
12. VTOL VR
Vtol VR is a great VR game that revolves around air combat; if you own a compatible VR headset, you’ve probably played it before. It’s more of a realistic air combat game in which you fly a variety of jet aircraft. Players will have an interactive cockpit when seated in the pilot’s seat, meaning they must do more than just grab the control stick—they also need to press buttons and flip switches.
In addition, a digital screen provides you with additional details and insight into the aircraft’s statistics or your mission targets. You should probably pass on this game if you’re looking for more of an arcade-style gaming experience, but if you’re looking for more VR simulation gameplay, this is a great option.
11. Arma 3
The Arma series began in 2006, and Arma 3, which was released in 2013, is the most recent game in the series. These are a series of tactical military combat games, set in the mid-2030s in the case of Arma 3. The large open-world setting of the game has drawn in fans, but it’s important to clarify that this is not just an air combat game. When they are not actively engaged in combat, players will have access to a selection of vehicles.
Having said that, there is DLC for this game that allows players to utilize various jets and helicopters, among other content additions. Because the developers of Arma 3 had supported the game with a number of DLC releases, you can still find a fairly active community for it nowadays. Fans are currently anticipating the much-awaited Arma 4 reveal.
10. Bomber Crew
In the strategic air combat game Bomber Crew, players are in charge of a bomber’s crew. Players will have to pay close attention to a lot of different aspects of their aircraft as they go through a series of missions. Members will be practicing navigation, using the various weapons to protect your aircraft, tending to downed members’ injuries, and performing repairs as needed.
In order to finish some of the longer missions, you may need to experiment quite a bit. Thankfully, players are rewarded with new upgrades as they advance, allowing them to further customize their crew and aircraft. That being said, since this is a single-player game, you cannot play it with friends to compete with them or assist them in group missions.
9. Project Wingman
Taking command of fighter jets and participating in a range of missions is the main objective of Project Wingman. Intense dogfights between rival jets will pit players against one another as they destroy bases, naval vessels, and ground control. All things considered, this is an arcade-style game that functions somewhat like the Ace Combat series. The gameplay appears to be like you’re racing through the skies at breakneck speeds thanks to the various jets.
In a similar vein, players can connect a compatible VR headset to the VR mode to experience a little more immersion in the game if they’d like to get even more involved in the action. However, the game can be played as a standard title and the VR mode is only an option. You are unable to play matches with friends or engage in online multiplayer gaming because this is a single-player game.
8. Warplanes: WW2 Dogfighter
The same development team that created Warplane: WWI Fighters, Home Net Games, also created Warplanes: WW2 Dogfighter. Players will discover that the developers did not release this game with VR capabilities in mind, even though the gameplay is essentially the same. Instead, this is a standard title where players take control of different aircraft in World War II. Players will be placed in different campaigns, so they will not be limited to playing as a specific nation; instead, they will be piloting campaign missions for the USA, USSR, Japan, Germany, and Great Britain, among others.
As you mentor and guide other pilots through perilous missions, players can also assume the role of a squadron leader. You won’t be able to play multiplayer in this video game because it is a single-player only title, but you can still play it through to the end for free on Steam right now.
7. Sky Rogue
A vibrant, colorful, retro-style arcade game of air warfare is called Sky Rouge. In this instance, the missions are generated procedurally for the players. Players will be able to search through their aircraft and attach some helpful armaments as soon as the game launches. After that, you take off and begin doing the tasks assigned to you by the mission. It can involve eliminating an opposing base or destroying its aircraft.
Thankfully, players are free to move around and keep attacking enemy units that aren’t necessary related to your tasks. By doing this, players will be able to accumulate more points, which they can then utilize to upgrade and unlock your aircraft’s equipment. Gamers who enjoy vintage arcade games will most likely lose themselves in the gaming for many hours.
6. Lock On: Modern Air Combat
Lock On: Compared to other of the games on this list, Modern Air Combat is a somewhat dated game. Developers Eagle Dynamics, who also made Digital Combat Simulator, a game we’ll be discussing later in this list, produced this contemporary combat flight simulator in 2003.
In all, there were only a few aircraft in the game that players could fly and use to engage in dogfights with other aircraft or try to seize control of the ground. Even while it may seem a little archaic now, the developers were able to move on to one of the more widely played air combat games after this one was released.
5. Rise of Flight United
Another WW1 air combat game, Rise of Flight United, lets players take on various missions as fighter planes, recon, bombers, or even artillery spotting. As a result, there are more than thirty distinct aircraft for players to pilot—and that doesn’t even account for the various DLC packs that bring more planes, armaments, and field upgrades. Given that the story takes place during World War I, you should anticipate that the aircraft will be more rustic than modern models.
You’ll soon be up and running when fighting against other pilots in the skies or ground soldiers after you get the hang of the mechanics and controls. The best part is that you may play this game for free right now. Nothing prevents you from giving this game a try, even though your access to everything may be a little restricted.
4. War Thunder
Give War Thunder a try if you haven’t played a good air combat game in a while because, let’s face it, the genre has gotten a little specialized. War Thunder is a great way to add excitement to combat flight simulation games. You can play the game for free, and you won’t need long to become addicted to this massively multiplayer online. Apart from the several campaign missions, the online arcade offers an exuberant and chaotic experience. Numerous customizations, realistic sounds, hundreds of planes, and tons of destruction are all present.
In an open field, you might be able to take that piece of metal down if your plane is not destroyed by explosion. Having said that, there are plenty of different military vehicles and aircraft to play around with in addition to the planes, so you won’t just be concentrating on the players in the air to battle with—you’ll also be focusing on those on the ground.
3. Crimson Skies: High Road To Revenge
A 2003 arcade aviation combat game called Crimson Skies: High Road To Revenge was released only on the Microsoft Xbox. The game was set in a different timeline where airplanes, not cars or trains, became the primary mode of transportation. In this game, players adopt the position of a kind of mercenary, taking on various jobs to make ends meet while controlling some quite unusual planes throughout missions.
This isn’t a simulation game; rather, it feels a lot more like an arcade game because it’s simple to pick up and control the planes, fire weapons, and use dodge mechanisms to avoid opponents that are following you. Even if there hasn’t been a remake of this game yet, gamers can still play it right now via the Microsoft Xbox store. You can still enjoy local multiplayer even though internet multiplayer is no longer available.
2. DCS World
One of the most well-liked realistic flight simulators out there at the moment is Digital Combat Simulator World, or simply DCS. This is a battlefield game with a greater variety of vehicles, much like War Thunder. For example, in addition to military aircraft, the game will have tanks, naval vessels, and other ground control units. The fact that you may customize the type of operation you want to go on makes DCS World rather intriguing. There are pre-made missions available, but you may also choose from a variety of activities in a window to challenge yourself to whatever level you’d like.
Having saying that, there is online cooperative PvP. Although the game is free to play, only the first two aircraft and one terrain are available for free. After that, you’ll need to purchase the various planes, maps, and campaigns. Since all of the DLC is now over $2,500 at the time this description is written, you probably won’t be able to get them all. Still, it’s an investment to experience everything DCS World has to offer.
1. Ace Combat Series
One of the most played video games featuring air warfare is Ace warfare. The game had a little hiatus after its initial release in 1995, but we were able to resume development of the IP in 2019. That’s not to suggest the game series was without some misses; in fact, most fans would advise avoiding some of the titles. But instead of selecting one game from the list or packing this list with multiple Ace Combat titles, I decided it would be best to just make it a series pick, much like how we began this list with Jane’s Combat Simulations.
In general, this is an arcade air combat game where players fly a range of aircraft to advance the story of the campaign. Similarly, the missions are typically action-packed, with you blasting away in various dogfights to take out ground bases. Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, the newest game in the series, is currently available and is a spectacular arcade combat game with an engaging plot. If you haven’t played an Ace Combat game before, you may easily jump right in.