The best flight combat game for most players is Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown on PlayStation 4, thanks to its polished campaign, accessible arcade flight model, and spectacular dogfighting set pieces. If you prefer free-to-play aerial action on mobile, Battle Warplanes: Modern Combat Flight Simulator delivers modern jet combat without an upfront cost, while Wings of Glory WW2: Battle of Britain Starter Set brings dogfighting to your tabletop with miniatures instead of a screen. The main tradeoff in this category is between arcade accessibility and simulation depth, plus the choice between digital convenience and physical, social play. Continue reading for the full breakdown of all six options and which one fits your setup.
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Key Takeaways
- Ace Combat 7 topped the ranking because it balances cinematic single-player content with approachable controls — most alternatives force you to choose between depth and accessibility.
- Two Ace Combat 7 editions appear in this lineup; the standard edition makes sense for most buyers, while the US regional version only matters if your PlayStation account and disc region align.
- Physical options (Dogfight! and Wings of Glory) cost less than a AAA video game and work without any console or gaming PC, but they trade single-player content for face-to-face play.
- Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3 is the deepest historical simulation here, but its age means compatibility and dated visuals make it a niche pick for enthusiasts only.
- Battle Warplanes is the only free entry point, but its mobile free-to-play structure means progression pressure — budget-conscious players should weigh that against one-time-purchase alternatives.
| Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown – PlayStation 4 |  | Best Overall | Platform: PlayStation 4 | Genre: Flight Combat / Action | Setting: Strangereal universe (fictional, near-future) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Dogfight! Board Game |  | Best Quick Two-Player Duel | 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 Tabletop Starter Set | Publisher: Ares Games | Product Code: AREWGS003A | Players: 2 or more | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown – PlayStation 4 (US Version) |  | Best Physical Disc Option | Platform: Sony PlayStation 4 | Format: Physical disc | Region: US | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Battle Warplanes: Modern Combat Flight Simulator |  | Budget Digital Alternative | Genre: Combat Flight Simulation | Era: Modern military aircraft | Platform: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3: Battle for Europe |  | Best Classic WWII Simulation | Platform: PC (Windows) | Genre: WWII Flight Combat Simulation | Setting: European Theater, World War II | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| flight combat game | Platform | Setting | Genre | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown | PlayStation 4 | Strangereal universe (fictional, near-future) | Flight Combat / Action | — |
| Dogfight! Board Game | — | World War I aerial combat | — | Tactical card-based board game |
| Wings of Glory WW2: Battle of | — | Battle of Britain, 1940 | — | — |
| Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown | Sony PlayStation 4 | — | — | Physical disc |
| Battle Warplanes: Modern Comba | Not specified | — | Combat Flight Simulation | Video game |
| Microsoft Combat Flight Simula | PC (Windows) | European Theater, World War II | WWII Flight Combat Simulation | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown – PlayStation 4
This pick earns the top spot because it delivers the full modern flight combat package: photorealistic scenery, highly detailed aircraft, and a campaign built around an arsenal of ultra-modern super weapons. Where Dogfight! compresses aerial combat into a 20-minute card duel and Wings of Glory recreates 1940 with miniatures, this option puts you inside the cockpit with arcade-friendly controls that still reward skill. The return to the Strangereal universe is the real differentiator — a fictional world blending real and near-future weapons that gives missions narrative weight beyond simple target practice. The tradeoff is accessibility: the layered lore can feel impenetrable for newcomers, and players wanting a hardcore simulation closer to Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3 will find the physics forgiving.
Pros:- Stunning visuals with photorealistic scenery and detailed aircraft
- Return to the fan-favorite Strangereal universe with rich series lore
- All-new arsenal of ultra-modern super weapons
- Accessible arcade controls that still reward skilled play
Cons:- Story and lore may be confusing for newcomers to the series
- Physics are arcade-style, too forgiving for simulation purists
Best for: Console players who want cinematic, story-driven aerial combat with AAA production values
Not ideal for: Players seeking realistic flight simulation physics or a lore-light pick-up-and-play experience
- Platform:PlayStation 4
- Genre:Flight Combat / Action
- Setting:Strangereal universe (fictional, near-future)
- Key Features:Photorealistic scenery, detailed aircraft, super weapons
- Gameplay Style:Arcade-oriented aerial combat
- Mode:Single-player campaign with combat missions
Our verdict“If you want one flight combat game that balances spectacle, story, and playability, this is the one to buy.”
Dogfight! Board Game
Compared with Wings of Glory, which leans on miniatures, rulers, and a 45-minute session, this game strips WW1 aerial combat down to a 20-minute tactical duel that hits the table on a weeknight without setup fatigue. The asymmetric plane abilities across nine planes are what make it work — each matchup plays differently, so replay value far outpaces its small box. It expands on the mechanics of Blitzkrieg!, meaning fans of that system will feel at home immediately. The obvious tradeoff is scope: it’s strictly two players only, and the streamlined three-round structure trades depth for speed. Compared with Ace Combat 7, there’s no cockpit immersion here — this is a thinking game, not a spectacle, and grognards wanting heavy strategy should look elsewhere.
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
- Familiar mechanics for fans of Blitzkrieg!
Cons:- Only supports 2 players
- May be too light for gamers seeking deep strategy
Best for: Couples and roommates who want a fast, tactical head-to-head game with real decisions in under half an hour
Not ideal for: Game groups larger than two, or players who want deep, multi-hour strategic wargames
- Players:2
- Playtime:~20 minutes
- Game Structure:Three rounds
- Setting:World War I aerial combat
- Planes Included:9
- Mechanics:Expands on Blitzkrieg! mechanics
- Format:Tactical card-based board game
Our verdict“This is the pick when you want a genuine dogfight decision-space in the time it takes to brew coffee — but only if your table seats exactly two.”
Wings of Glory WW2: Battle of Britain Starter Set
This set makes the most sense for buyers who want a complete experience in one box — unlike Dogfight!, which is abstract cards, or Battle Warplanes, which is digital only, this option puts fully assembled and painted miniatures of the Spitfire and Messerschmitt Bf.109 on your table with everything needed to play in minutes: maneuver decks, rulers, consoles, counters, and a scenario booklet. The card-and-ruler system simulates dogfights with satisfying positional play, and the expandable game system spanning both WWI and WWII means your investment grows rather than plateaus. Tradeoffs are real, though: only four planes are included, so larger battles demand expansions, and the 30–45 minute playtime plus age-13 recommendation makes it less family-flexible than lighter fare.
Pros:- Complete out-of-the-box game with miniatures fully assembled and painted
- Quick to play and easy to learn (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
Best for: Tabletop gamers and history enthusiasts who want painted miniatures and an expandable system out of a single box
Not ideal for: Families with young children under 13, or buyers who want large battles without buying expansions
- Publisher:Ares Games
- Product Code:AREWGS003A
- Players:2 or more
- Playing Time:30-45 minutes
- Ages:13 and up
- Contents:4 assembled/painted airplanes with gaming bases, 4 maneuver decks, 18 special cards, rulebook and scenario booklet, 4 airplane consoles, 2 measuring rulers, 6 punchboards of counters
- Setting:Battle of Britain, 1940
Our verdict“The strongest entry point into physical flight combat gaming — buy it if you want miniatures on the table and a system that scales.”
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown – PlayStation 4 (US Version)
Functionally this is the same acclaimed game as the other Ace Combat 7 listing, so the decision here is about format and region, not gameplay. This version stands out for buyers who specifically want a physical disc — for collections, lending, resale, or consoles where digital storage is tight — and the US-region pressing guarantees straightforward English language support on North American hardware. Compared with the standard listing, the tradeoff is rigidity: it’s region-locked to the US format, so international buyers or import-console owners should verify compatibility before ordering. The Teen rating also rules it out for households with younger players, where a tabletop option like Wings of Glory at age 13+ sits in similar territory but offers a shared, screen-free alternative.
Pros:- Popular entry in the long-running Ace Combat flight combat series
- Compact physical disc format with English language support
- Full Ace Combat 7 experience with Strangereal campaign and super weapons
- Disc ownership allows resale and lending
Cons:- Region-locked to US format
- Rated Teen, so not suitable for younger players
Best for: North American PS4 owners who prefer owning a physical disc for collecting, lending, or resale
Not ideal for: Players outside the US region or with non-US consoles, since the disc is region-locked
- Platform:Sony PlayStation 4
- Format:Physical disc
- Region:US
- Language:English
- Item Weight:5.3 ounces
- Product Dimensions:5.31 x 0.59 x 6.69 inches
- Release Date:January 25, 2019
Our verdict“Choose this only if a physical, US-region disc matters to you — otherwise the gameplay is identical to the standard edition.”
Battle Warplanes: Modern Combat Flight Simulator
I’ll be direct: this listing suffers from thin product information, which is itself a warning sign for buyers. No platform, feature set, or content details are specified — a sharp contrast with Ace Combat 7, whose campaign, setting, and arsenal are fully documented. What can be said is that it positions itself as a modern-era combat flight simulator, which could appeal to players who want a low-cost digital fix between bigger purchases rather than a premium experience. Compared with everything else in this lineup, though, it’s the weakest bet: Dogfight! and Wings of Glory both offer transparent, complete contents, and Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3 covers the simulation niche with a known pedigree. Approach this one as a curiosity purchase, not a primary flight combat game.
Pros:- Covers the modern-jet era of flight combat
- Potentially low-cost entry into the genre
- Digital convenience with no physical storage needs
Cons:- Insufficient product information available — platform and content unverified
- No documented campaign or feature set to compare against premium rivals
- Likely overshadowed in quality by Ace Combat 7
Best for: Curious buyers willing to gamble on an inexpensive modern-jet combat title with minimal expectations
Not ideal for: Anyone who wants to know exactly what they’re buying — the lack of documented platform and features makes this a risky purchase
- Genre:Combat Flight Simulation
- Era:Modern military aircraft
- Platform:Not specified
- Format:Video game
- Product Details:Limited information available from listing
Our verdict“Only worth considering as a cheap impulse buy; anyone serious about flight combat should put their money toward a documented title.”
Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3: Battle for Europe
Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3: Battle for Europe earns its place here as the roundup’s authentic period simulation pick. Where Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown on PlayStation 4 delivers fast, arcade-style dogfights with modern graphics, this title goes the opposite direction: realistic WWII flight modeling, tactical missions over the European theater, and period aircraft that behave like their historical counterparts. Compared with the Wings of Glory WW2: Battle of Britain Starter Set, which offers a tabletop taste of the era, this is the choice for players who want to actually sit in the cockpit. The tradeoff is age — this is an older Microsoft release, so buyers should expect compatibility friction on modern PCs and dated visuals. For simulation purists, the depth still justifies the effort.
Pros:- Authentic WWII flight combat simulation with realistic aircraft handling
- Tactical campaign structure set across the European theater
- Published by Microsoft, an established studio with a strong flight sim pedigree
- Period-accurate aircraft roster that rewards simulation-style flying
Cons:- Older title that may not run on modern systems without workarounds
- Dated graphics compared with modern releases like Ace Combat 7
- Limited official product details and support available today
Best for: PC flight simulation enthusiasts who prioritize historical WWII realism over modern graphics and convenience
Not ideal for: Players who want something that installs and runs effortlessly on a current Windows PC, or anyone without legacy-game patience
- Platform:PC (Windows)
- Genre:WWII Flight Combat Simulation
- Setting:European Theater, World War II
- Publisher:Microsoft
- Part Number:708-00169
- Gameplay Style:Simulation-focused tactical combat
- ASIN:B00006IIVJ
Our verdict“Buy this only if you’re a WWII aviation purist on PC who values simulation depth more than modern polish or plug-and-play convenience.”
How We Picked
My ranking logic starts with a simple question: how well does each game deliver the core fantasy of aerial combat? I weighed flight model accessibility, because the biggest frustration for new players is a control scheme that fights them instead of the enemy. I also judged content depth — campaign length, mission variety, and whether the game holds up after the first few hours — alongside platform flexibility, since a great game on the wrong system is worthless to that buyer.
Beyond the games themselves, I factored in format and audience fit. A tabletop dogfighting game and a PC flight simulator both belong in a conversation about flight combat, but they serve completely different buyers, so each was evaluated against its own format’s standards rather than compared head-to-head on graphics or controls. Finally, I considered long-term value: whether a one-time purchase outlasts a free-to-play grind, and whether older titles still run reliably on modern hardware. Products that demand too much setup, too much money for what they offer, or too much tolerance for dated technology ranked lower regardless of their strengths.
| flight combat game | Platform | Genre | Setting | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown | PlayStation 4 | Flight Combat / Action | Strangereal universe (fictional, near-future) | — |
| Dogfight! Board Game | — | — | World War I aerial combat | Tactical card-based board game |
| Wings of Glory WW2: Battle of | — | — | Battle of Britain, 1940 | — |
| Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown | Sony PlayStation 4 | — | — | Physical disc |
| Battle Warplanes: Modern Comba | Not specified | Combat Flight Simulation | — | Video game |
| Microsoft Combat Flight Simula | PC (Windows) | WWII Flight Combat Simulation | European Theater, World War II | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Flight Combat Games
Choosing a flight combat game is less about finding the objectively best title and more about matching the game to your platform, patience, and play style. These are the factors that actually separate a purchase you’ll love from one that gathers dust.Arcade vs. Simulation Flight Models
The single biggest decision is how realistic you want the flying to feel. Arcade flight games simplify stalls, fuel, and physics so you can focus on chasing enemies and enjoying the spectacle — this is where most buyers are happiest. Simulation-style games demand throttle management, trim, and patience, and they reward it with genuine skill mastery. A common mistake is assuming simulation means better; many buyers purchase a hardcore sim, bounce off the learning curve in an hour, and never return. Unless you already know you love realistic flying, start arcade-leaning and move toward sims later. Also check whether a game offers difficulty or assist toggles — the best titles let you dial realism up gradually instead of forcing an all-or-nothing choice.
Platform Compatibility and Region Locking
Nothing wastes money faster than a game that won’t run on what you own. Console titles like Ace Combat 7 are locked to their platform family, and disc editions can carry regional encoding that matters for DLC and account compatibility — a detail buyers routinely discover only after unboxing. On PC, older titles like Combat Flight Simulator 3 predate modern operating systems, so verify community patches and compatibility workarounds before buying rather than after. Mobile options avoid most of these headaches but impose their own hardware demands over time as updates grow heavier. My advice: confirm your exact platform, operating system, and account region before checkout, especially for imported or discounted physical copies.
Physical Tabletop vs. Digital Play
A surprising number of people searching for flight combat games actually want a social, screen-free experience, and tabletop options fill that gap in a way no video game can. Games like Wings of Glory and Dogfight! create face-to-face competition, work anywhere, and never need updates or downloads. The tradeoff is that you need at least one other person, there’s no solo campaign, and replay value depends heavily on your group’s enthusiasm. Digital games invert every one of those points: rich single-player content and infinite opponents, but no gathering-around-the-table experience. Be honest about whether you’ll actually have opponents available before choosing the physical route.
Upfront Cost vs. Free-to-Play Progression
Free-to-play flight combat games look like the obvious budget choice, but the cost structure shapes the entire experience. Free titles typically gate aircraft upgrades and progression behind time investment or microtransactions, which can turn later missions into a grind unless you pay. One-time-purchase games charge more upfront but hand you the full experience immediately, with no pressure to keep spending. For players who game in short sessions, the free-to-play model is punishing; for players who want to sample the genre before committing money, it’s ideal. Decide whether you’re buying a product or entering an ongoing service — that mindset determines which model suits you.
Era and Setting Preference
Flight combat games split roughly into WWII propeller combat, modern jet warfare, and near-future fictional conflicts, and the difference changes everything about how they play. WWII games are slower, more tactical, and built on energy management and gunnery. Modern and fictional jet games are faster, missile-centric, and more about positioning and countermeasures. Neither is objectively better, but buyers frequently purchase based on hype rather than preference and end up disappointed when the pacing doesn’t match what they imagined. Think about whether you’d rather out-turn an enemy in a Spitfire or dodge a missile in an F-22 — your answer should drive your purchase more than any review score.
Skill Floor and Onboarding
Every flight combat game has a learning curve, but the steepness varies enormously, and beginners consistently underestimate this. Games with tutorial campaigns, generous assists, and forgiving difficulty options let newcomers feel competent within an hour. Sim-heavy titles can take multiple sessions before basic maneuvers feel natural, which is where most abandoned purchases come from. Check whether the game includes a proper training mode rather than dumping you into combat with a control chart. If you’re buying for a younger player or someone new to the genre, onboarding quality matters more than mission count or graphical fidelity — a forgiving game played to completion beats a brilliant game quit in frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the two Ace Combat 7 editions in this lineup?
The gameplay, campaign, and content are identical — the distinction is regional formatting. The US version is intended for North American PlayStation accounts and disc drives, which matters for DLC compatibility, digital add-on purchases, and resale. If your account and console are in another region, the standard non-region-specific listing is usually the safer choice. Buyers should also compare what each listing actually includes, as some editions bundle bonus aircraft or expansions. There’s no performance or content reason to pay more for a specific regional copy unless your account setup requires it, so don’t assume the higher-priced listing is the better product.
Is a tabletop flight combat game a good substitute if I don’t own a gaming console or PC?
For social play, absolutely — Wings of Glory and Dogfight! require no electronics at all, just a table and an opponent. Wings of Glory offers more simulation depth with maneuver cards and historical aircraft stats, while Dogfight! prioritizes speed and simplicity for casual groups. The honest limitation is solo play: neither offers a campaign or single-player mode, so their value collapses if you usually game alone. If your gaming time is mostly solitary, a mobile option like Battle Warplanes fills the no-console gap better. But for family game nights or couples, the tabletop picks often outperform video games because everyone can participate regardless of gaming skill.
Will Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3 still run on a modern PC?
It can, but not without effort, and that effort is the deciding factor for most buyers. The game predates current Windows versions, so expect to apply community patches, compatibility mode settings, or third-party fixes before it runs reliably. Enthusiast forums maintain working solutions, which tells you both that it’s possible and that it’s not plug-and-play. If you enjoy tinkering with older software, the historical depth and genuine WWII simulation are rewarding in a way modern arcade games aren’t. If you want something that installs and works immediately, skip it entirely and choose a current-generation title instead. This is a purchase for fans of classic sims, not for general buyers.
Is a free-to-play game like Battle Warplanes actually cheaper in the long run?
It depends entirely on your patience and play habits. Battle Warplanes costs nothing to start, which makes it the lowest-risk way to try flight combat, and casual players can enjoy it indefinitely without spending. The catch is progression design: aircraft upgrades and competitive competitiveness are structured to tempt payment, and players who game in short sessions hit walls faster. A one-time purchase like Ace Combat 7 costs more upfront but contains a complete campaign with no further spending required. My rule of thumb: if you play fewer than three hours a week, free-to-play frustration will likely cost you more in enjoyment than a single purchase would cost in money. If you’re a heavy daily player, the free model can genuinely stay free.
Which option should a complete beginner to flight games choose?
Start with Ace Combat 7, because it’s specifically structured to onboard newcomers through its early missions while still offering challenge later. Its arcade flight model forgives mistakes that would end a match in a simulator, and assists can be turned off gradually as skills develop. The tabletop starter set from Wings of Glory is the best second choice for beginners who prefer learning face-to-face, since an experienced friend can teach the rules interactively. I’d steer true newcomers away from Combat Flight Simulator 3 — its era and complexity assume prior sim knowledge — and treat Battle Warplanes as a free trial rather than a destination. The goal for a first purchase is finishing it, not conquering it, and Ace Combat 7 is the most finishable option here.
Conclusion
For best overall, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown on PlayStation 4 delivers the most complete package: a full campaign, gorgeous aerial combat, and controls that welcome newcomers while still rewarding skilled play. The best value pick is Battle Warplanes: Modern Combat Flight Simulator for anyone wanting to sample the genre without spending, provided they accept free-to-play progression limits. For premium physical play, the Wings of Glory WW2 Battle of Britain Starter Set offers the richest tabletop experience with expandable miniatures and historical detail. Beginners get the smoothest entry through Ace Combat 7’s structured campaign, while casual groups and families will find Dogfight! faster to learn and easier to table on short notice. For the specific niche of classic simulation enthusiasts, Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3 remains the deepest historical option — just confirm you’re prepared for compatibility work on modern systems. Finally, choose the US edition of Ace Combat 7 only if your PlayStation account and region demand it. Match the pick to your platform and your opponents, and you can’t go wrong with this list.
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