The best flight simulators, according to hackers
6 flight simulators were recommended on Hacker News between November 2025 and November 2026. We rank them by how many separate people recommend each one, and 2 earn the Hacker Approved badge.
Top picks
The two most recommended flight simulators with the badge. Each figure is 2 people. RecommendsCriticizes One comment
Detailed real-world scenery from satellite imagery
Recommended for its detailed real-world scenery, VR flying, and reliable performance. Critics point to inaccurate terrain, distorted visuals, and a disappointing 2024 version.
Groundbreaking for its time
Recommended as a groundbreaking, fondly remembered helicopter game from its era. Critics say its graphics look dated.
All 6 flight simulators, ranked
Select a column heading to sort. Approval share is recommenders out of everyone who gave an opinion; the tick on each bar marks the 2 to 1 line the badge needs. Months counts the months, out of 13, in which someone recommended it.
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microsoft Flight Simulator | 20 | 10 | 67% | 10 | — | Approved |
| 2 | Passenger-perspective flight simulator | 19 | 9 | 68% | 1 | — | — |
| Tied 3 | Comanche by NovaLogic | 10 | 2 | 83% | 5 | — | Approved |
| Tied 3 | F-15 Strike Eagle II | 10 | 1 | 91% | 1 | — | — |
| 5 | Google Flight Simulator | 8 | 6 | 57% | 1 | — | — |
| 6 | DCS World | 7 | 3 | 70% | 6 | — | — |
How we rank
Rank is the number of separate people who recommend a product in a Hacker News comment over the past year. Someone who praises the same flight simulator in five threads counts once.
The badge goes to flight simulators that at least 10 people recommend, with recommenders outnumbering critics at least 2 to 1, recommended in at least 4 of the 13 months.
Rankings are never for sale. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes the order.