Dec 31, 2018 Long the standard for realistic flight simulation games for Mac, X-Plane 11 continues the franchise’s reputation for ultra-realism, but now with a much friendlier interface making it more accessible to casual users. How realistic is X-Plane? There are versions used by people training to be actual pilots.
Flight simulators and aircraft combat games serve a solid niche for those of us that like to take to the skies when we're not doing other things with our computers. Here's a roundup of the top ones you can download today, with prices from free to reasonable and the focus from arcade-style action to ultra-realistic flight sim. They're not only great games, they're some of the best Mac games you can find.
X-Plane is without peer on the Mac. Calling X-Plane a game isn't just wrong, but it's insulting: X-Plane is the definitive flight simulator for the platform. Intricately detailed, it's also incredibly scalable - X-Plane runs on mobile, oz77n home Macs and PCs, and also operates as a detailed professional-grade aviation simulator.
More than 30 aircraft are available in the default installation: You can fly everything from a single-engine Cessna 172 — the most popular airplane in the world — to a B-2 bomber. The app models fixed and rotary wing aircraft both, along with tons of atmospheric conditions that affect flight. It even simulates what'd be like to fly the Space Shuttle. More than 1,400 additional aircraft models can be downloaded online. And you can fly almost anywhere: Land at more than 33,000 airports worldwide, touch down on an aircraft carrier and more.
A free demo is available, so don't let the price tag scare you off. Given the incredible level of detail and the huge ecosystem that supports X-Plane, it's well worth the money if you take your flight simulation seriously.
- $59.99 - Download now
FlightGear
An open source flight simulator, FlightGear is a bit more do-it-yourself than some of the other apps in this list, but it's still remarkable and definitely worth checking out. You download the central app, airplane models and scenery separately. Hundreds of aircraft models are available for download.
FlightGear's rough open source edges show, but if you're a developer or a code tinkerer, there's fun to be had here. And for everyone else, plenty of fun airplanes to fly and scenery to explore.
- Free - Download now
WarBirds
Total Sims' WarBirds flight combat game has going since 1995. Take to the skies behind the yoke of dozens of legendary World War II-era aircraft. Single player mode consists of 20 training modules, 12 instant missions, and five different Free Flight modes. What's more, you can play offline for free, for as long as you want.
But the real meat of this game is in online play, which does incur a monthly fee to continue to play. You go on raids with squadrons of other real-world players as you reenact many famous battles of World War II. Total Sims is a bit funky with their Mac support; their FAQs reference Apple's GameSprocket technology, which went out the door when Classic Mac OS gave way to OS X more than a decade ago. But it goes to show just how long WarBirds has been on the platform, too.
- $13.95 (monthly, free offline play) - Download now
Falcon 4.0: Allied Force
Graphic Simulations has been making flight sims for the Macintosh since the early 1990s. Falcon 4.0: Allied Force is the latest iteration of its classic F-16 Falcon flight simulator, taking you to the Balkans and the Korean peninsula for realistic combat missions.
Arm your aircraft with realistic weapons and ordnance, then fly missions deep into hostile territory with a dynamic campaign engine that changes things every time you play.
- $9.99 - Download now
Sky Gamblers: Storm Raiders
Atypical Games' entry is an absolute must if you want to dogfight World War II style. The game features terrific graphics and easy to understand gameplay. There are single-player missions here but where the game really shines is in multiplayer dogfighting combat, which has been the series' strength. A variety of different online game modes test your skill, like Capture The Flag and Last Man Standing.
Sky Gamblers supports iCloud and Game Center - any progress you make in game can be saved to the cloud. It also supports a joystick or gamepad, which is a must for any flight sim, as far as I'm concerned. $5 gets you plenty of game play, but there are in app purchases that let you unlock new customization features and new airplane models.
- $4.99 - Download now
F/18 Carrier Landing II Pro
It's obviously a port of a game that originated on iOS, but it's lots of fun regardless. Take off and land from aircraft carriers and airstrips in some of the most legendary combat aircraft flying: the F-A/18 Super Hornet, F-14 Super Tomcat, F-16 Fighting Falcon and MiG-29K are all represented, along with the Harrier, F35B Lightning II and more.
RORTOS calls itself maker of the most advanced flight sims for mobile, and they're pretty snazzy on the Mac too. More than thirty missions along with a half-dozen training missions and free flight so you can buzz around on your own with no agenda.
- $5.99 - Download now
Heads up, virtual pilots — what'd I leave out?
This is my list of favorites right now, but I'm sure I've left some off that you love too. Feel free to let me know in the comments!
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
(PRODUCT)REDApple is now redirecting (PRODUCT)RED purchases to COVID‑19 relief fund
Now through September 30, Apple is redirecting 100% of a portion of (PRODUCT)RED purchases to the Global Fund’s COVID‑19 Response.
How to play
How to play RFS - Real Flight Simulator on PC (3 Easy Steps):
You can find step by step guides bellow:
How to install BluestacksHow to install MemuPlay- Install RFS - Real Flight Simulator from the Google Store.
- Enjoy playing RFS - Real Flight Simulator on your favorite PC!
Fly Around the World with Realistic Flight Simulation
When it comes to flight simulators RFS – Real Flight Simulator takes its place as one of the most advanced game creations of its genre. The life-like depictions of this game are impressively dead on.
In this game, players get a chance to live out the virtual experience of operating different aircraft. That includes taking off the runway, landing a plane or completing full flights. You will fly in and out of 35 of the largest airports in the world, all while following aviation procedures. However, the best part is arguably when you get in the cockpit and fly a plane off the runway for some real-time flying. There are different scenes to explore complete with buildings, 3D satellite maps, and air traffic. And, you can savor the views thanks to the multi-cameras that take shots from many different angles.
You can live out the pilot experience by downloading this game from RORTOS for either your Android or iOS device. Alternatively, try installing RFS -- Real Flight Simulator for PC to enjoy the game on a larger screen.
The controls are very easy to use regardless of the device you choose to play on. You can even adjust the smoothness of play via a SENSITIVITY Controls. The lower the sensitivity setting, the smoother the response of the airplane will be to your movements.
Create and Manage Flight Plans
One fun thing about RFS – Flight Simulator is that you do not fly over existing routes. Instead, the game provides the amazing option of creating and managing flight plans. And, as you manage your own custom flights, you also get to communicate with ATC controllers via voice transmissions.
The game offers 40, 000 flights every day. You can search for real-time flights, jot them into your route, and pretend to be the captain of every voyage. Creating flight plans is done through the “Advanced Flight Planner” tab on the game’s main menu. Selecting it will take you to a File Selection menu where you are presented with several options. You can create your very own flight plan or duplicate an already existing one. Other options include deleting and editing selected flight plans.
Set Departure & Arrival Weather
Another fantastic feature that makes RFS -- Flight Simulator pleasant to play is the fact that you can customize flying conditions. The game goes beyond just switching between day and night cycles. You can fly in custom weather as well. You have the choice to experiment with options like clear, fog, turbulence, snow, rain, storm, clouds, cloud base, & ground temperature. Moreover, there are custom options for arrival and departure wind speeds.
Tips & Tricks for Playing RFS – Flight Simulator on PC
Keep Your Airplanes in Top Shape
In real life, aviation engineers are responsible for keeping aircraft in tiptop shape. However, plane maintenance falls on you in this game. It is up to you to ensure the plane has enough fuel, ensure the engine is working fine, and so on. You are also given free rein to customize the plane and make it yours. From picking aircraft color & graphics to the number of passengers, plane management options are pretty diverse.
Go Through Your Failures
In RFS -- Flight Simulator, players can challenge themselves using the failures options. What this function does is cause a random or custom fault during a flight. Generally, the failures can be related to the engine, fuel tank, gear landing, tires, brakes, rudder, flaps, altitude, speed or something else on the plane system. As the pilot, you have to overcome the failures and ensure that the flight is successful. It is important to look into them and re-customize your planes for more experience.
Interact with other Online pilots
When you find yourself stuck somewhere in the game or have a hard time with a certain aspect of play, turn to the community created liveries. You can post questions about the game or exchange information with other players to improve the overall gameplay experience.
About RFS - Real Flight Simulator:
True to its name, RFS is more of a simulator than a game. You will enjoy it if you are an aspiring pilot (or just have a passion for aviation). While the game is not free, it comes with a ton of features that any aviation buff will fall in love with. What’s more, RORTOS is always improving the game by introducing new features. From taxiing, gate parking, visual docking guidance, to passenger boarding bridge, the feature scope of this flight simulator is simply amazing. However, if you are looking for a fast-paced, adventurous, or action-packed flight game, you may want to look somewhere else.
Developer: RORTOS
Download: Android or iOS
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More