Compare the best online multiplayer flight simulators for civilian flying, combat, online ATC, mobile and free play, including their drawbacks.
The best online multiplayer flight simulators are Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 for easy civilian group flying, DCS World for combat, X-Plane 12 for serious procedures and online ATC networks, FlightGear for a free open-source option, and Infinite Flight for mobile. Choose by multiplayer type, not graphics alone.
Best online multiplayer flight simulators compared
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is the best all-round choice because joining friends is straightforward and its streamed scenery suits sightseeing, formation flights and group tours. It runs on PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and PS5 Pro; Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 was never released for PlayStation.
| Simulator | Best for | Multiplayer style | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 | Civilian group flying | Built-in public traffic, friends and group sessions | Stable internet is particularly important, and built-in multiplayer does not provide human ATC |
| DCS World | Modern combat and co-operative missions | Public and private mission servers, PvP, co-op and supported multicrew aircraft | Steep learning curve; servers may require particular terrain, modules or approved modifications |
| X-Plane 12 | Procedural civilian flying | Direct multiplayer and external online ATC clients | Structured internet flying normally requires more setup than MSFS group flying |
| FlightGear | Free civilian multiplayer | Public shared-world multiplayer servers | Aircraft quality, model matching and ease of setup are less consistent |
| Infinite Flight | Phones and tablets | Global multiplayer with user-operated ATC | Multiplayer access requires a subscription, and cockpit depth varies by aircraft |
| IL-2 Sturmovik: Great Battles | Second World War combat | Competitive and co-operative mission servers | Its aircraft, mission design and multiplayer rules are tightly focused on WWII combat |
| GeoFS | Browser-based casual flying | Shared online world without a large installation | Physics, cockpit systems and controller support are lighter than desktop simulators |
Console online play may require the platform's multiplayer subscription. PC remains the most flexible choice when external ATC software, specialist aircraft and community utilities matter.
Which multiplayer flight simulator should I choose?
Choose MSFS 2024 for accessible civilian flying, DCS World for modern combat, X-Plane 12 for desktop procedure training, and FlightGear when the budget is zero.
- Sightseeing and formation flights: MSFS 2024 has the strongest combination of scenery, aircraft variety and uncomplicated friend sessions. Our explanation of MSFS player visibility, groups and online settings covers how its built-in system works.
- Airline procedures and online ATC: Both X-Plane 12 and MSFS 2024 work well on PC. Choose X-Plane for its flight-model focus and established desktop utility ecosystem; choose MSFS for scenery and easier casual group flying. See our civil-simulator comparison of X-Plane 12 and MSFS 2024 for the wider differences.
- Combat missions: DCS World is the clear choice for detailed modern aircraft, tactical co-operation and supported multicrew modules. IL-2 is the more focused option for WWII dogfighting and period aircraft.
- Free multiplayer: FlightGear provides civilian shared-world flying, while the free DCS core provides an entry point into combat simulation. Our comparison of free PC flight simulators explains what is included and where paid content becomes relevant.
- Mobile or browser play: Infinite Flight offers the deeper mobile community, while GeoFS is easier when installing a full simulator is not practical.
Do I need VATSIM or IVAO to fly online?
No; built-in multiplayer is enough for flying with friends, seeing other aircraft and joining public combat servers. VATSIM and IVAO are separate networks designed around human air traffic control, radio procedures, flight plans and realistic airport operations.
These networks suit disciplined airline and general-aviation flying rather than casual formation sessions. They normally require a compatible desktop client, correctly set radio frequencies and some knowledge of ATC phraseology. Our guide to virtual airlines and structured online flying explains how these communities fit together.
Console pilots should choose a simulator for its built-in multiplayer rather than assume desktop ATC clients will work. Built-in AI ATC, public multiplayer traffic and a human-controlled ATC network are three different systems.
Can two people share one cockpit?
Ordinary multiplayer does not automatically provide shared-cockpit flying. Most civilian multiplayer sessions place each pilot in a separate aircraft, even when both pilots select the same model and departure point.
DCS modules designed for multicrew can assign players to specific seats, such as pilot and weapons-system operator. In civilian simulators, support depends on the exact aircraft, simulator version and shared-cockpit implementation. Confirm those details before buying hardware or an aircraft specifically for two-person operation.
Shared cockpits also introduce synchronisation problems that normal formation flying avoids. Autopilot modes, radios, fuel selectors or switches may not remain aligned if the aircraft does not explicitly synchronise them. Both pilots should use matching aircraft versions, agree who has control and avoid competing joystick inputs.
Why can't I see my friend in multiplayer?
Most missing-player problems come from mismatched session settings, server regions, simulator builds or account permissions rather than the aircraft itself.
- Match the simulator build: Install the same update and, for combat servers, the required terrain and approved modifications. A server can reject a different build before loading the mission.
- Use the same server or region: Select the same regional server and join the same group or named session. In civilian simulators, check that multiplayer aircraft are enabled rather than displaying only real-world live traffic.
- Check account permissions: Privacy, parental-control and cross-network settings can block invitations or hide other players. Console users should also confirm that online multiplayer access is active.
- Test without modifications: Temporarily remove traffic injectors, network utilities and recently installed mods. Firewalls or restrictive router settings can block direct-hosted sessions even when ordinary internet access works.
- Spawn separately: Use adjacent parking stands rather than exactly the same gate or runway position. Some simulators suppress, relocate or overlap aircraft when two players occupy one spawn point.
For most civilian pilots, we recommend Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 because it combines easy group flying with broad platform support. DCS World is the better multiplayer simulator when the mission requires combat, crew co-ordination and server-controlled objectives.