If you’re hunting for the best flight combat games, my top pick is Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, which delivers the most polished blend of fast dogfights, dramatic missions, and accessible controls on modern hardware. Two other standouts: Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3 for players who want realistic WWII aviation over flashy action, and the Wings of Glory Battle of Britain Starter Set if your dogfighting happens around a table with friends. The main tradeoff in this category is realism versus accessibility — serious simulators reward patience and joystick setups, while arcade shooters get you into the air in minutes. There’s also the question of platform, budget, and whether you want a solo campaign or multiplayer battles. Keep reading for the full breakdown of all six picks and who each one suits best.
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Key Takeaways
- Ace Combat 7 claimed the top spot because it’s the only pick that balances cinematic single-player missions, approachable arcade handling, and modern console availability in one package.
- Realism-focused options like Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3 demand a joystick and patience — they reward dedication but alienate casual players who just want quick dogfights.
- Two tabletop picks (Dogfight! and Wings of Glory) proved that flight combat doesn’t require a screen, and they’re the only options here built for face-to-face multiplayer out of the box.
- Budget mobile-style sims like Battle Warplanes trade depth and content volume for low commitment — fine for casual sessions, weak for long-term play.
- Platform is the biggest early filter in this category: choosing between console, PC, and tabletop eliminates half the lineup before features even come into play.
| Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown – PlayStation 4 (US) |  | Best Overall | Platform: Sony PlayStation 4 | Region: US format | Language: English | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3: Battle for Europe |  | Best for Hardcore Simulation Fans | Publisher: Microsoft | Setting: World War II, European theater | Genre: Flight combat simulation | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Dogfight! Board Game |  | Best Value for Quick Sessions | Players: 2 | Playtime: ~20 minutes | Game Structure: Three rounds | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Wings of Glory WW2: Battle of Britain Starter Set |  | Best Tabledogfight Premium Pick | Publisher: Ares Games | Players: 2 or more | Playing Time: 30-45 minutes | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown – PlayStation 4 |  | Best for Series Veterans | Platform: PlayStation 4 | Genre: Flight Combat / Action | Setting: Strangereal universe | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Battle Warplanes: Modern Combat Flight Simulator |  | Best Modern Combat Wildcard | Title: Battle Warplanes: Modern Combat Flight Simulator | ASIN: B01MUA0K08 | Platform: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| flight combat game | Platform | Setting | Genre | ASIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown | Sony PlayStation 4 | — | — | — |
| Microsoft Combat Flight Simula | PC | World War II, European theater | Flight combat simulation | B00006IIVJ |
| Dogfight! Board Game | — | World War I aerial combat | — | — |
| Wings of Glory WW2: Battle of | — | Battle of Britain, 1940 | — | — |
| Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown | PlayStation 4 | Strangereal universe | Flight Combat / Action | B01MUDTTIP |
| Battle Warplanes: Modern Comba | Not specified | — | Combat flight simulator | B01MUA0K08 |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown – PlayStation 4 (US)
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown earns the top spot because it nails the balance that most flight combat games miss: accessible enough to pick up in one session, deep enough to keep you chasing medals for weeks. The campaign mixes scripted set-piece moments with genuine dogfighting skill, and the aircraft roster spans decades of aviation in a single package.
Compared with Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3, it trades hardcore realism for arcade-style energy and spectacle — which is exactly why it works for a wider audience. Unlike the Dogfight! board game, this delivers full 3D aerial combat with weather, clouds, and missile mechanics you can feel. The main tradeoff is that flight sim purists will find the physics simplified, and the US-region disc won’t run on consoles from other regions.
Pros:- Accessible arcade-style flight combat with a full single-player campaign
- Large roster of licensed aircraft across multiple eras
- Strong mission variety, from dogfights to fleet assaults
- Physical disc format for collectors who prefer owning a copy
Cons:- Region-locked to US format, so it won’t work on consoles from other regions
- Physics are heavily simplified compared with true simulators
- Rated Teen, with combat violence that isn’t suited for younger players
Best for: Console players who want cinematic, modern-era aerial combat without needing a flight stick or sim training
Not ideal for: Flight simulation enthusiasts who want realistic cockpit procedures and physics — this is an action game first
- Platform:Sony PlayStation 4
- Region:US format
- Language:English
- Format:Physical disc
- Item Weight:5.3 ounces
- Release Date:January 25, 2019
- Manufacturer:PlayStation
Our verdict“Buy this if you want the most complete, polished flight combat experience on console and don’t need simulator-grade realism.”
Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3: Battle for Europe
Where Ace Combat 7 trades realism for excitement, Combat Flight Simulator 3 goes the opposite direction: this is period-authentic World War II flight combat over the European theater, with aircraft that behave like their historical counterparts. Pilots who want stall speeds, engine management, and genuine tactics will find more satisfaction here than in any arcade alternative in this lineup.
The catch is age. This is an older Microsoft title, and getting it running smoothly on modern hardware can involve patches, compatibility modes, or community fixes — a hurdle that Ace Combat 7 simply doesn’t have. For the right buyer, that friction is worth it; for everyone else, it’s a dealbreaker.
Pros:- Authentic World War II flight combat simulation
- Historical aircraft modeling that rewards genuine piloting skill
- Published by Microsoft, a studio with deep roots in flight simulation
- Campaign structure set across the European theater
Cons:- Older title that may not run on modern systems without workarounds
- Dated graphics compared with modern releases
- Limited product details available for buyers researching the purchase
Best for: PC flight sim enthusiasts who want authentic WWII aircraft handling and don’t mind tweaking older software to run it
Not ideal for: Casual players or modern-PC owners who want something that installs and plays without troubleshooting
- Publisher:Microsoft
- Setting:World War II, European theater
- Genre:Flight combat simulation
- Part Number:708-00169
- Platform:PC
- ASIN:B00006IIVJ
Our verdict“This pick makes the most sense for sim purists who value historical authenticity over convenience — everyone else should stick with Ace Combat 7.”
Dogfight! Board Game
Dogfight! proves you don’t need a console or a gaming PC to stage an aerial battle. This two-player tactical board game condenses World War I air combat into roughly 20-minute matches across three rounds, with nine asymmetric planes that make every matchup feel different. Building on the mechanics of Blitzkrieg!, it delivers genuine tactical tension in a format you can play over lunch.
Compared with the Wings of Glory Battle of Britain Starter Set, it sacrifices miniatures and visual spectacle for speed and portability — and a much lower barrier to entry. Compared with Ace Combat 7, obviously, it’s a completely different medium, but it serves the same competitive itch. The tradeoffs: strictly two players, and strategy gamers may find the depth shallow after a dozen plays.
Pros:- Quick 20-minute playtime makes it easy to get to the table
- Asymmetric plane abilities create exciting tactical back-and-forth
- Nine planes and numerous scenarios add variety and replayability
- Compact format with no setup burden beyond opening the box
Cons:- Only supports 2 players
- May be too light for gamers seeking deep strategy
- No miniatures or components that create a visual table presence
Best for: Couples and friends who want a fast, affordable head-to-head tactical game that fits between longer sessions
Not ideal for: Groups larger than two, or heavy strategy gamers who want multi-hour campaigns and deep decision trees
- Players:2
- Playtime:~20 minutes
- Game Structure:Three rounds
- Setting:World War I aerial combat
- Planes Included:9
- Mechanics:Expands on Blitzkrieg! mechanics
Our verdict“Grab this if you want aerial combat in a tight, portable two-player format — skip it if your group is bigger than a pair.”
Wings of Glory WW2: Battle of Britain Starter Set
The Wings of Glory Battle of Britain Starter Set is the showpiece option here: four fully assembled and painted miniature planes, including the Spitfire and Messerschmitt Bf.109, plus maneuver decks, rulers, consoles, and scenarios — everything needed to start flying within minutes of opening the box. For buyers who want their aerial combat to look as good as it plays, nothing else in this roundup competes.
Against Dogfight!, it trades that game’s speed and simplicity for visual drama and a more robust movement system — 30 to 45 minutes instead of 20, and more rules to absorb. It’s also an expandable system, supporting both WWI and WWII aircraft, which means the starter set is a gateway rather than a complete collection. Four planes limits larger battles unless you invest further.
Pros:- Complete out-of-the-box game with miniatures fully assembled and painted
- Quick to play and easy to learn at 30-45 minutes
- Expandable game system supporting WWI and WWII aerial combat
- Includes iconic aircraft like the Spitfire and Messerschmitt Bf.109
Cons:- Only 4 airplanes included, limiting larger battles without expansions
- Recommended for ages 13 and up, not suitable for young children
- More rules overhead than ultra-light alternatives like Dogfight!
Best for: Tabletop hobbyists who want a complete, beautiful dogfighting experience out of one box and room to expand later
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers or families with children under 13, given the age rating and expansion-driven costs
- Publisher:Ares Games
- Players:2 or more
- Playing Time:30-45 minutes
- Ages:13 and up
- Miniatures:4 assembled/painted airplanes with gaming bases
- Components:4 maneuver decks, 18 special cards, rulebook, scenario booklet, 4 airplane consoles, 2 rulers, 6 punchboards
- Setting:Battle of Britain, 1940
- Product Code:AREWGS003A
Our verdict“This is the pick for players who want miniature dogfights that impress on the table and a system that grows with them.”
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown – PlayStation 4
This edition of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is aimed squarely at longtime fans: it marks the return to the Strangereal universe, the fictional setting that defined the classic entries, blending real-world and near-future weapons with layered series lore. Add photorealistic scenery, detailed cloud rendering, and an arsenal of ultra-modern super weapons, and it reads as a love letter to the fanbase.
Compared with the US-region listing of the same game, this version is positioned for buyers who care about the campaign’s narrative continuity rather than just the dogfighting — which cuts both ways. Newcomers may find the story and references confusing without playing earlier titles, so first-time players are better served by treating it as a pure action game or starting elsewhere. Veterans, however, get exactly what they came for.
Pros:- Stunning visuals with photorealistic scenery and detailed aircraft
- Return to the fan-favorite Strangereal universe
- New arsenal of ultra-modern super weapons
- Campaign built around series continuity and character callbacks
Cons:- Story and lore may be confusing for newcomers to the series
- Same core experience as other editions — check region compatibility before buying
- Arcade physics won’t satisfy simulation-focused players
Best for: Longtime Ace Combat fans who know the Strangereal lore and want the newest chapter in that universe
Not ideal for: Newcomers who want a self-contained story, since the lore assumes familiarity with earlier games
- Platform:PlayStation 4
- Genre:Flight Combat / Action
- Setting:Strangereal universe
- Visuals:Photorealistic scenery and detailed aircraft
- Weapons:Ultra-modern super weapons arsenal
- ASIN:B01MUDTTIP
Our verdict“Choose this if Strangereal means something to you; if it doesn’t, the standard edition decision comes down purely to price and region.”
Battle Warplanes: Modern Combat Flight Simulator
Battle Warplanes: Modern Combat Flight Simulator earns a niche place here because its title points directly at modern jet combat, a setting that separates it from the WW2 tabletop entries in this roundup. I position it as a wildcard rather than a safe recommendation: the concept may appeal to players who want a combat flight simulator with a contemporary flavor, but the listing gives too little detail to judge depth, controls, or platform fit. Compared with Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, it lacks a clearly established spectacle and campaign identity; compared with Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3: Battle for Europe, it does not offer a confirmed historical sandbox. The tradeoff is simple: this entry may satisfy a very specific modern-aircraft interest, but buyers who need clear compatibility or feature information should choose a better-documented option.
Pros:- The title clearly signals a modern jet combat focus, which separates it from WW2 tabletop picks like Dogfight! Board Game.
- Its combat flight simulator framing may appeal to buyers looking for aviation-focused action rather than a board game adaptation.
- It gives the roundup a modern-themed alternative when Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown feels too familiar or platform-specific.
Cons:- Platform compatibility is not specified, making it hard to confirm whether it fits a buyer’s system.
- No additional product details are available, so gameplay depth and control support remain unclear.
- Against better-documented options such as Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3: Battle for Europe, this listing asks buyers to accept more uncertainty.
Best for: Players specifically hunting a modern jet combat flight game and willing to accept sparse listing details before deciding.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need confirmed platform compatibility, control support, or gameplay depth before choosing a flight combat game.
- Title:Battle Warplanes: Modern Combat Flight Simulator
- ASIN:B01MUA0K08
- Platform:Not specified
- Genre:Combat flight simulator
- Theme:Modern aerial combat
- Product type:Video game
- Available details:Title and ASIN only
Our verdict“This is a niche pick for modern jet combat fans who can tolerate missing product details, while most buyers should favor a clearer alternative.”
How We Picked
I judged each game and set against four buyer-relevant criteria. First, dogfight quality — how satisfying the actual aerial combat feels, whether that’s missile locks and tight turns in a video game or maneuver cards in a tabletop system. Second, accessibility: how quickly a new player can get into the air and have fun, and whether extra hardware like a joystick is practically required. Third, content and longevity, meaning campaign length, mission variety, multiplayer options, and replay value relative to the asking commitment. Fourth, audience fit — a hardcore WWII sim and a family-friendly board game can both be excellent while serving completely different buyers.
The ranking reflects that logic. Ace Combat 7 leads because it scores well across all four criteria without a steep learning curve. Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3 ranks high for simulation depth but loses points on accessibility and dated presentation. The tabletop picks are ordered by how well their mechanics translate aerial combat into physical play. And casual mobile-style options sit lower because their content thins out quickly, even though they’re easy to pick up.
| flight combat game | Platform | Setting | Genre | ASIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown | Sony PlayStation 4 | — | — | — |
| Microsoft Combat Flight Simula | PC | World War II, European theater | Flight combat simulation | B00006IIVJ |
| Dogfight! Board Game | — | World War I aerial combat | — | — |
| Wings of Glory WW2: Battle of | — | Battle of Britain, 1940 | — | — |
| Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown | PlayStation 4 | Strangereal universe | Flight Combat / Action | B01MUDTTIP |
| Battle Warplanes: Modern Comba | Not specified | — | Combat flight simulator | B01MUA0K08 |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Flight Combat Games
Before settling on a pick, it helps to understand what actually separates these games — and where buyers commonly go wrong. These are the factors I’d weigh first.Arcade Action or Realistic Simulation?
This is the single biggest fork in the road, and it’s where most buyers make a mistake. Arcade flight games simplify physics so any player can pull dramatic turns and chase missiles within minutes — great for fun-first sessions. Realistic combat simulators model stall speeds, fuel management, and engine torque, which is deeply rewarding if you want to learn actual flying skills but frustrating if you just want action. A common error is buying a hard simulator because it sounds ‘serious,’ only to bounce off the learning curve and shelve it. If you’ve never played a flight game before, start arcade and graduate later — the reverse rarely works. Also check whether the game offers adjustable realism sliders, which let one purchase serve both play styles over time.
Platform and Hardware Requirements
Check the platform lock before anything else — several picks in this category are tied to a single system, and a PlayStation disc is useless to a PC-only household. Beyond the console question, simulation-heavy games on PC practically require a joystick, which can cost as much as the game itself. Arcade games play fine on a standard controller, which keeps the total investment low. Older titles carry another risk: they may not run cleanly on modern operating systems without community patches, so verify compatibility before buying legacy simulators. If your setup is a laptop with integrated graphics, lean toward lighter or older games rather than demanding modern releases.
Single-Player Depth versus Multiplayer Life
Think honestly about how you’ll actually play. A strong single-player campaign matters if you play solo — look for mission variety, story pacing, and difficulty options that keep a 10-to-20 hour campaign interesting. If you mostly play with friends or family, video game campaigns go unused, and that’s exactly where the tabletop picks shine: they turn dogfighting into a social event that no video game can replicate. Online multiplayer adds longevity to some video games, but populations in older or niche flight titles can be thin, so don’t buy a game primarily for its online mode without checking whether that community is still active. The safest structure for most buyers is a game with a strong campaign first and multiplayer as a bonus.
Historical Setting and Atmosphere
The era a game depicts shapes the entire feel of its combat. WWII settings mean propeller planes, machine guns, and close-range knife fights where pilot skill dominates. Modern-jet settings bring missiles, countermeasures, and radar gameplay, where situational awareness matters more than raw gunnery. Neither is objectively better — it’s a taste question — but buying the wrong one is a common disappointment. Read the mission structure too: some games lean on scripted cinematic moments, while others emphasize open-ended dogfights. If you have a strong preference for the Battle of Britain versus fictional modern conflicts, let that preference drive the shortlist before comparing features.
Complexity, Learning Curve, and Who’s Playing
Match the pick to the person holding the controller. Kids and casual adults lose interest in games with 30 minutes of tutorials before the first dogfight; the tabletop starter sets and arcade titles are built for exactly that audience. Dedicated hobbyists will find shallow games stale within a week and should accept a steeper curve in exchange for mastery. Families should also consider session length — a board game dogfight wraps in under an hour, while a simulator session tends to stretch across an evening. When buying as a gift, the recipient’s existing gaming habits are the best predictor: whatever they already play, choose something one notch more accessible rather than one notch more demanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a flight stick to enjoy these flight combat games?
Only for the realistic simulators — and this is a real cost consideration. Games like Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3 are designed around joystick input, and flying them with a keyboard or basic controller makes precise dogfighting awkward enough to hurt the experience. Arcade titles like Ace Combat 7, by contrast, are built for a standard gamepad and feel excellent with one; a stick adds immersion but isn’t required. Tabletop picks obviously need no hardware beyond what’s in the box. If you’re new to the genre, my advice is to start with a controller-friendly game and only buy a joystick once you know you want the sim experience long-term.
Is Ace Combat 7 good for someone who has never played a flight game?
Yes, and that’s a big part of why it earns my top recommendation. The default controls keep the plane stable and forgiving, missions ramp up gradually, and the game offers assists you can turn off as your confidence grows. Compared with a simulator like Combat Flight Simulator 3, which expects you to understand stalls, trim, and engine management from the opening missions, Ace Combat 7 gets you into a satisfying dogfight within the first ten minutes. Players who later want more realism can switch to expert controls, so the game grows with you rather than being outgrown. The one caveat is that the story is deliberately over-the-top — come for the action, not the writing.
Why would I choose a tabletop flight combat game over a video game?
Are the older combat flight simulators still worth buying in 2026?
They can be, if you go in with the right expectations. Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3 remains one of the richer WWII combat experiences, with a dynamic campaign structure that many modern games still don’t match. What you give up is presentation — dated graphics, aging interfaces, and potential compatibility headaches on modern PCs that may require community patches. Compared with a modern release like Ace Combat 7, the older sim offers more authenticity and less polish. I’d recommend it to players who prioritize realism and don’t mind troubleshooting, but casual buyers will likely be happier with something current.
What’s the best low-cost way to find out if I like flight combat games?
The mistake to avoid is spending full price on a hardcore simulator as your first purchase. Instead, start with the most accessible option that matches your platform — Ace Combat 7 if you’re on console, or a lightweight combat flight app like Battle Warplanes if you want to test the waters on a phone with zero commitment. These teach you the core loop of chasing, locking on, and evading without punishing you for beginner mistakes. If that loop hooks you, you’ll know a deeper simulator is worth the investment in both money and a joystick. If it doesn’t, you’ve learned that cheaply. The tabletop starter sets work the same way for groups curious about the genre.
Conclusion
The right pick here depends almost entirely on who’s playing and where. For best overall, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is the clear choice — it delivers cinematic dogfights, an accessible learning curve, and modern console support in one package, and it’s the pick I’d hand most buyers. For the best value, Battle Warplanes lets you sample the genre with minimal commitment, while Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3 earns the premium/hobbyist slot for players who want authentic WWII flight modeling and will invest the time (and a joystick) to master it. Beginners should start with Ace Combat 7’s forgiving assists rather than a sim. And for a specific need — social, screen-free play — the Wings of Glory Battle of Britain Starter Set is the standout, with Dogfight! as a faster, lighter alternative for casual groups. Pick the entry that matches how you actually play, and you can’t go far wrong with this lineup.
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