Compare the best free flight simulator games on Steam, including DCS World and War Thunder, with realism, DLC limits and control advice.
The best free flight simulator on Steam is DCS World Steam Edition: its free core includes a detailed combat environment and flyable aircraft without a time limit. War Thunder is better for quick multiplayer, Rise of Flight United for First World War flying, and World of Warplanes only if you prefer arcade controls.
Best free Steam flight simulators compared
DCS World is the strongest choice for serious simulation, but the other free games suit different styles of flying.
| Game | Best for | Simulation level | What is free |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCS World Steam Edition | Detailed combat aviation | High | Core simulator, included aircraft and terrain; most aircraft and campaigns are paid modules |
| War Thunder | Accessible online air combat | Medium in Simulator Battles | Free-to-play progression with optional purchases |
| Rise of Flight United | First World War aircraft | High, but based on an older engine | A limited starter selection; extra aircraft and content are paid |
| World of Warplanes | Quick arcade combat | Low | Free-to-play progression with optional purchases |
DCS World Steam Edition
DCS World is our overall recommendation when realism matters more than immediately having a large aircraft collection. The free installation includes the Su-25T attack jet and unarmed TF-51D, giving you both combat flying and a more detailed clickable-cockpit experience.
The free aircraft do not represent every DCS module equally. The Su-25T uses a less interactive cockpit than the high-fidelity paid aircraft, while the TF-51D has detailed cockpit operation but no weapons. Our guide to the free DCS World base package explains what you receive before buying modules.
DCS also demands more storage, graphics performance and control configuration than the other choices. A joystick is strongly recommended, and a throttle or twist rudder axis makes combat flying much easier.
War Thunder
War Thunder is the best option for quick multiplayer and a gentler start with mouse or controller controls. Its Simulator Battles mode adds cockpit-focused flying and stricter controls, but aircraft still sit inside a progression-based combat game rather than a full procedural aviation simulator.
You can play without paying, although unlocking particular aircraft takes time. Choose it for matchmaking and action; do not choose it to practise checklists, radio navigation or realistic cockpit management.
Rise of Flight United
Rise of Flight United remains the best free Steam choice for First World War aviation. It models fragile airframes, low-powered engines, close-range gunnery and the handling quirks of early aircraft more convincingly than an arcade game.
The free starter package is deliberately limited, with much of the aircraft catalogue sold separately. Its interface and graphics also show their age, but the underlying flying is worthwhile. Use a joystick if possible; these aircraft require constant, small control inputs.
World of Warplanes
World of Warplanes is an arcade flying game rather than a serious simulator. Its simplified controls and short battles make it approachable with a mouse, but it is not suitable for learning aircraft systems or realistic handling. We include it because Steam commonly groups it with free flight games, not because it matches DCS for simulation depth.
Are free Steam flight simulators really free?
These games are free to start, but only DCS World provides a self-contained simulator package that can be used indefinitely without progression grinding. Even there, most advanced aircraft, maps and campaigns are optional paid DLC.
- DCS World: the included aircraft and terrain have no normal time limit, but extra modules cost money.
- War Thunder and World of Warplanes: gameplay is free, with progression systems and optional premium purchases.
- Rise of Flight United: the starter content is free, while its broader aircraft collection is paid.
A mistake we see constantly is treating every Steam demo or temporary free weekend as a free simulator. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and FSX: Steam Edition are paid products; a discounted listing or downloadable demo does not make the full simulator freeware.
Should you install DCS World through Steam?
Use the Steam edition if you want Steam-managed installation, updates and purchases in one library. If you intend to build a large DCS module collection, decide on your preferred edition before spending money.
Do not buy a module from the standalone DCS shop and assume Steam will recognise it. Some Steam licences may be eligible for binding to a standalone DCS account, but compatibility is not symmetrical and can vary by product. The safest rule is to buy Steam DLC only for a Steam installation unless transfer eligibility has been confirmed.
What if you want free civilian flying?
Steam has a weak selection of genuinely free civilian flight simulators. FlightGear is the better answer when you want airliners, light aircraft, navigation and non-combat flying without paid aircraft packs, but its normal distribution is outside Steam.
Our FlightGear download and platform overview covers that open-source simulator. If Steam is optional, our comparison of free PC simulators by flying style and hardware demand also covers alternatives that Steam’s catalogue misses.
Which free Steam flight sim should you choose?
- Choose DCS World for the most realistic combat flying and cockpit systems.
- Choose War Thunder for active multiplayer-style combat and easier controls.
- Choose Rise of Flight United for dedicated First World War simulation.
- Choose World of Warplanes only when arcade action matters more than realism.
Before downloading, check storage requirements, controller support and whether the Steam listing says Free to Play rather than Demo. Availability and product labels can vary by region, while high-detail DCS installations can grow substantially once extra terrain and aircraft modules are added.