VRHow / Game guides / VR flight simulators

VR flight simulators: Quest, PC and PS VR2 editions

Short answer: this source-checked shortlist separates desktop PC VR editions, the Meta Quest listing for Ultrawings 2, and Aces of Thunder’s PS5 edition with PS VR2 features. Last checked October 11, 2026.

This is a practical shortlist, not a star ranking. Each title has an official publisher, developer or storefront source for VR and a flight-focused experience. PC VR means the cited edition uses a PC; whether a standalone headset can connect to that PC is a separate, setup-specific question. A Meta Quest store entry identifies the headset edition; PS5/PS VR2 labels identify the console version.

Shortlist

DCS World 2.9 — Windows PC; VR support listed by Eagle Dynamics. Eagle Dynamics describes DCS as a free-to-play digital battlefield and explicitly lists virtual-reality support. Its VR FAQ names PC headset paths including SteamVR and Oculus Link. It is a military flight-simulation option; the official page lists substantial storage and VR hardware requirements, so check the current requirements before installing. Official DCS World 2.9 page
X-Plane 12 — Desktop PC (Windows, macOS or Linux); PC VR documented. Laminar Research’s 12.4.3 release notes call the update “The VR Release” and document OpenXR and Quest 2/3 controller compatibility through Meta Quest Link or Virtual Desktop. Its system-requirements page lists Windows, macOS and Linux; the cited evidence describes a PC version, not a Quest store app. Official X-Plane 12.4.3 release notes Official system requirements
VTOL VR — Windows PC via Steam; VR Only. The Steam listing calls it a near-futuristic combat flight game with hand-interactable cockpit controls and lists SteamVR, Meta Quest Link and OpenXR under VR support. These are PC-edition requirements; they do not indicate a native Quest app. Official Steam listing for VTOL VR
Ultrawings 2 — Meta Quest 2, Quest 3, Quest 3S and Quest Pro; Meta Quest store edition. Meta’s listing identifies the supported platforms and describes five aircraft, hundreds of missions, hand controls and optional online dogfighting. This entry refers only to the Quest edition. Official Meta Quest listing for Ultrawings 2
SimplePlanes VR — Windows PC via Steam; VR Only. Steam lists SteamVR/OpenXR support and describes a flight sandbox with downloadable aircraft, a dynamic flight model and challenges. This entry covers the cited Steam edition only. Official Steam listing
War Thunder — Windows PC; VR mode via OpenXR/SteamVR. Gaijin’s official wiki says the PC version supports VR devices and can be launched in VR from its launcher or through SteamVR. It separately says console versions do not have VR; this entry is PC-only. Official War Thunder VR mode guide
Aces of Thunder — PS5; PS VR2 required for VR features, sitting play mode. PlayStation’s store calls it a flight simulation game and lists a PS5 edition with PS VR2 features. Its separate Steam edition is Windows PC and lists VR support/OpenXR; platform versions are not interchangeable. Official PlayStation Store listing Official Steam listing

How to choose

Choose the Meta Quest store version of Ultrawings 2 if you want that headset edition. For DCS, X-Plane, VTOL VR, SimplePlanes VR or War Thunder, check the cited PC requirements and supported VR path. Aces of Thunder is the PS5/PS VR2 console option in this selection; its Steam edition is a separate PC release.

This is a non-ranked editorial selection across flight styles, not a performance ranking, review-score list or universal winner.

Simulation, combat and sightseeing are different goals

Flight titles can emphasize piloting procedure, aerial combat, mission-based action or simply viewing the world from a cockpit. Compare the official descriptions to decide which one matches your interest. This list does not assume every game models aviation systems to the same depth, and it does not label a game “realistic” unless the developer’s own product description supports that wording.

The platform line is essential. A SteamVR flight sim is a PCVR title even when the headset is a Quest; a PS5 listing requiring PSVR2 is console VR; only a Meta Quest listing explicitly naming your model establishes a native headset edition. Store pages also differ in supported input and play position, so check those fields before planning to use a controller, HOTAS or seated setup.

Before you choose a cockpit

Check the exact mode: single-player, online play and missions are not interchangeable.
Check controls: use the official input/device list for the specific version; do not infer HOTAS or wheel support from a flight-sim label.
Check PC requirements: PCVR means the PC renders the experience. The listed minimum components are requirements to compare, not proof of a particular frame rate.
Consider motion: cockpit motion can affect comfort differently for different people. No title is described here as universally comfortable.

The picks are an editorial range across flight styles, not a flight-model benchmark or hands-on aviation review.

Match the cockpit to your setup

Before choosing a flight title, decide whether you want to pilot aircraft, fly combat missions, explore scenery or try a more system-focused simulation. Those descriptions are not interchangeable. The list’s official game pages establish what each title says it offers; they do not establish one objective ranking for realism, aircraft handling or training value.

Then confirm your controls and display route. Some editions are native headset apps, while PCVR versions require the PC to run the game and send the image to the headset. If you plan to use a gamepad, HOTAS or another peripheral, look for that exact device in the publisher’s supported-input documentation. Never infer hardware support from “flight simulator” in a title.

Will a Quest run a Steam flight simulator by itself?