What are the best flight simulator games for Xbox?

For Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is the best overall flight simulator: it combines worldwide civilian flying, detailed aircraft and the deepest console simulation. Choose War Thunder for free military combat, Ace Combat 7 or Project Wingman for accessible action, and Kerbal Space Program for aerospace physics.

Best Xbox flight simulator games compared

The strongest Xbox choices range from full civilian simulation to combat games with simplified aircraft systems.

Why is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 best on Xbox?

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is the best realistic flight simulator on Xbox Series X|S. It provides worldwide flying, airliners and general-aviation aircraft, live environmental data, structured career activities and detailed cockpit operation. A controller can handle basic flying, while a mouse makes cockpit switches and flight-management displays much easier to use.

Internet access is strongly recommended because much of the world data and other content is streamed. Series X and Series S run the same core simulator, but Series X offers greater graphics and memory headroom; dense airports and complex add-on aircraft can expose the Series S hardware limits sooner.

The Standard edition is enough for most new players. Higher editions mainly expand the included aircraft and handcrafted airport selection, so compare our MSFS 2024 edition and licensing guidance before paying for content you may not use.

Is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 still worth playing?

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 remains a sound choice if you already own it and are satisfied with its aircraft and purchased add-ons. It still delivers detailed civilian flying, but MSFS 2024 is the better starting point for a new Xbox Series owner because it is the newer platform and includes the expanded activity and career systems.

Do not confuse either game with Microsoft Flight Simulator X. FSX is an older PC simulator and has no native Xbox release.

Which Xbox flight game is best for combat?

War Thunder is the best Xbox choice for simulation-leaning military aviation, while Ace Combat 7 and Project Wingman are better action games.

• War Thunder: Free-to-play aircraft combat with Arcade, Realistic and Simulator-style modes. Its large vehicle progression system takes time, and monetisation is part of the design.
• Ace Combat 7: The strongest choice for a polished campaign, fictional superweapons and controller-friendly dogfighting. Its missiles, aircraft handling and mission structure are deliberately cinematic rather than authentic.
• Project Wingman: Suits players who want intense single-player air combat and simpler controls. It borrows the feel of arcade combat games rather than reproducing real cockpit procedures.

DCS World is not available on Xbox, so there is no console equivalent offering the same depth of individual military aircraft systems. Our round-up of free Xbox flight games covers the no-cost choices and their limitations in more detail.

Do these flight simulators work on Xbox One?

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 do not install natively on Xbox One.

Cloud streaming may provide access on older hardware where supported, but availability depends on the subscription, region and service catalogue. Cloud play also brings connection latency, image compression and tighter peripheral restrictions, so it should not be treated as equivalent to running the simulator on a Series console.

Xbox One owners should choose War Thunder for military simulation, Ace Combat 7 or Project Wingman for arcade combat, or Kerbal Space Program Enhanced Edition for aerospace engineering. Series X|S consoles can also play those Xbox One titles through compatibility.

Do you need a flight stick for Xbox?

You do not need a flight stick, but compatible flight controls improve fine pitch, roll, throttle and rudder inputs.

• Start with the controller: It is adequate for learning, external-camera flying and action-focused games.
• Add a mouse for MSFS: A mouse is substantially quicker than the controller cursor for operating cockpit switches, radios and avionics.
• Check Xbox certification: A PC USB joystick or yoke will not necessarily work merely because its plug fits the console. The device must explicitly support Xbox.
• Verify each game's support: HOTAS, yoke and rudder-pedal compatibility varies. Pedals may also need to connect through a matching yoke or control ecosystem rather than directly to the console.

A mistake we see constantly is buying PC-only flight hardware for an Xbox setup. Check both the peripheral's Xbox compatibility and the chosen game's supported-device list before ordering it.

What does Xbox lose compared with PC?

Xbox provides a simpler installation but gives up external mods, broader hardware support and many advanced configuration options.

MSFS console users cannot install ordinary Community-folder aircraft, liveries or scenery downloaded from the web; they are limited to compatible content distributed through the simulator's console ecosystem. PC also supports a much wider range of controllers, utilities and multi-monitor arrangements. Our detailed comparison of MSFS on Xbox and PC explains those trade-offs before you commit to a platform.

Which Xbox flight simulator should you choose?

• Choose Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 for the most realistic and complete civilian experience on Xbox Series X|S.
• Keep Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 if you already own it and do not need the newer career features.
• Choose War Thunder for free military flying with adjustable realism.
• Choose Ace Combat 7 for a polished cinematic campaign or Project Wingman for intense arcade dogfighting.
• Choose Kerbal Space Program Enhanced Edition when aircraft combat matters less than designing vehicles and learning orbital mechanics.