Best online flight simulator

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

When it comes to online flight simulators, several platforms offer multiplayer features, allowing you to fly with other users, participate in virtual air traffic control, or compete in online missions. Here are some of the best online flight simulators that provide immersive multiplayer experiences:

1. Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020)

Best for: Immersive visuals, global online multiplayer experience, and virtual flying communities.
Why it’s great:
- Real-Time Multiplayer: Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) allows you to fly alongside other pilots in real-time, with live air traffic, weather, and time of day.
- Shared World Experience: The simulator uses cloud-based technology to stream real-time data, meaning you’ll encounter real-world weather conditions, traffic, and stunning scenery while flying with others.
- Events and Community: There are frequent online events, group flights, and challenges hosted by both the developers and the MSFS community, allowing you to interact with other flight enthusiasts around the world.
- Live Air Traffic: You can also engage with live air traffic control (ATC) when flying in certain regions, enhancing the realism of your experience.
Platform: PC, Xbox Series X|S.
Cost: Base version starts at $59.99, with additional content available through premium editions.

2. X-Plane 12

Best for: Advanced flight physics, realistic training, and an active online community.
Why it’s great:
- Realistic Online Multiplayer: X-Plane 12 supports multiplayer features where you can fly with others, participate in ATC-controlled airspace, and fly in formation with friends or other pilots worldwide.
- Virtual ATC: The simulator allows for realistic ATC communication with both AI and live controllers, enhancing the multiplayer experience.
- Flight Planning: Users can plan long-haul flights or smaller regional flights, adding to the realism of the multiplayer experience. There are also dedicated flight groups and events.
- Online Communities and Events: X-Plane has a dedicated online community with regular online events, meet-ups, and group flights.
Platform: PC, macOS, Linux.
Cost: The base version starts at $59.99, with additional aircraft and content available for purchase.

3. DCS World (Digital Combat Simulator)

Best for: Combat flight simulation and military aviation multiplayer.
Why it’s great:
- Realistic Combat Multiplayer: DCS World is known for its ultra-realistic military combat aircraft, and it offers an in-depth multiplayer experience with realistic combat scenarios and missions.
- Dynamic Missions and PvP: You can engage in multiplayer dogfights or cooperative missions, providing an immersive combat simulation with other pilots.
- Team-Based Operations: Players can form squads, engage in team-based missions, and participate in large-scale military campaigns with other users.
- Strong Community: DCS World has a passionate online community with frequent events, tournaments, and online training programs.
Platform: PC.
Cost: Free base version, with additional aircraft, maps, and campaigns available for purchase.

4. FlightGear

Best for: Free, open-source flight simulation with a focus on multiplayer.
Why it’s great:
- Free and Open-Source: FlightGear is a completely free simulator, and its open-source nature allows a wide variety of modifications, aircraft, and scenery created by the community.
- Multiplayer Servers: FlightGear offers online multiplayer servers where you can fly with others, participate in virtual airshows, or just enjoy casual flying with other users.
- Active Community: There’s a dedicated online community for FlightGear, with organized events and group flights, making it a great choice for those seeking a free and social flight simulator.
- Cross-Platform: FlightGear supports multiple platforms, including PC, macOS, and Linux, allowing users from different systems to fly together.
Platform: PC, macOS, Linux.
Cost: Free.

5. VATSIM (Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network)

Best for: Realistic online air traffic control (ATC) and a massive online multiplayer network.
Why it’s great:
- Realistic ATC: VATSIM is a global online network that focuses on realistic air traffic control. Both pilots and virtual ATC controllers interact in real time to create a realistic flying environment.
- Immersive Multiplayer: VATSIM connects thousands of pilots worldwide and is known for its highly realistic air traffic and communication protocols, with a structured system for flying.
- Training and Certification: For those serious about flight simulation, VATSIM offers training and certification for pilots and air traffic controllers, adding a professional edge to the multiplayer experience.
- Global Reach: VATSIM has a massive user base and offers virtual flying across the globe, with controlled airspace and live controllers.
Platform: Compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, and others.
Cost: Free.

6. Aerofly FS 4

Best for: Casual flight simulation with online multiplayer features.
Why it’s great:
- Simple and Fun Multiplayer: While Aerofly FS 4 is primarily known for its ease of use, it also offers online multiplayer options where you can fly with friends or join public servers.
- Multiplayer Aircraft Interaction: You can see and interact with other pilots in the sky, making for a fun and casual flying experience.
- Casual Community: While not as complex as MSFS or X-Plane in terms of its online experience, Aerofly FS 4 still has a friendly, easy-to-access multiplayer mode that’s great for casual simmers.
Platform: PC, macOS, iOS, Android, VR.
Cost: Around $59.99.

7. IL-2 Sturmovik: Great Battles

Best for: World War II combat simulation and immersive multiplayer battles.
Why it’s great:
- Historical Combat Multiplayer: IL-2 Sturmovik is a renowned World War II combat flight simulator that offers realistic multiplayer dogfights, with multiple players participating in large-scale battles or missions.
- Team-Based Missions: You can team up with others in combat missions, engage in strategic air battles, or join a squadron for long-term campaigns.
- Realistic Flight and Damage Modeling: The game offers highly detailed aircraft and realistic flight physics, with a focus on air combat during the WWII era.
Platform: PC.
Cost: Around $59.99 for the base game, with additional aircraft and campaigns available for purchase.

8. Aerofly FS 2

Best for: Casual multiplayer flights with good visuals.
Why it’s great:
- Easy-to-Use Multiplayer: Aerofly FS 2 offers a simple multiplayer mode that allows you to fly with other pilots in a laid-back and fun environment.
- Great Visuals: The simulator has great graphics, making the flying experience visually appealing while flying with others.
- Casual Atmosphere: The multiplayer experience is less intense than some of the others on this list, making it perfect for casual flights and exploring the skies with friends.
Platform: PC, macOS, iOS, Android.
Cost: Around $39.99.

Conclusion: Best Online Flight Simulators

For realistic, global multiplayer with stunning visuals: Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) is the top choice, with its immersive multiplayer features and live weather.
For advanced flight physics and training: X-Plane 12 offers detailed flight dynamics and multiplayer options, perfect for serious simmers.
For combat aviation and military missions: DCS World is unmatched, offering highly detailed combat scenarios and team-based multiplayer.
For free and flexible multiplayer experiences: FlightGear is an excellent open-source simulator that allows for casual flights and online interaction.
For realistic ATC and a professional multiplayer experience: VATSIM is the network of choice for those who want to experience realistic air traffic control and interact with pilots and controllers globally.

Choosing the best online flight simulator depends on whether you're looking for casual fun, professional training, or immersive combat experiences. Each of these simulators offers unique multiplayer features, so your choice should align with your flying interests.

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