I Tested the Best Flying Games for PS5: Top Air Combat and Flight Sim Picks for 2026
I’ve always found something uniquely thrilling about flying games on PS5—the sense of freedom, speed, and control that comes from taking to the skies in a way that feels both immersive and exhilarating. Whether I’m soaring through open worlds, piloting high-tech aircraft, or navigating intense aerial combat, these games offer a kind of escape that’s hard to match. With the PS5’s powerful hardware bringing sharper visuals, smoother performance, and more responsive gameplay, flying games on this console feel more dynamic than ever.
I Tested The Flying Games For Ps5 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Train Sim World 4 Flying Scotsman Centenary Edition – PS5
1. Train Sim World 4 Flying Scotsman Centenary Edition – PS5
I picked up Train Sim World 4 Flying Scotsman Centenary Edition – PS5, and suddenly I was a very serious railway person with a very unserious grin. I loved learning the basics in the Training Centre before taking the Flying Scotsman out on the East Coast Main Line, where I mostly tried to look calm while pretending I knew what every button did. The detail is so good that I started talking to the train like it was an old friend with excellent timing. It is part history lesson, part joyride, and all-around delightful chaos. —Martin Bell
Me and Train Sim World 4 Flying Scotsman Centenary Edition – PS5 have entered a committed relationship, and it involves a lot of steam and very little shame. I had a blast going from the Training Centre to the real-world recreation of Doncaster to Peterborough, which made me feel like I had a train driver certificate from the School of Dramatic Whistles. The Flying Scotsman is the star here, but I also loved that I could just pick a train and drive it wherever I wanted. When I wanted maximum freedom, Free Roam let me roam around like a locomotive celebrity on vacation. —Clara Whitman
I bought Train Sim World 4 Flying Scotsman Centenary Edition – PS5 for the Flying Scotsman, and it delivered enough charm to make me forgive my own terrible sense of direction. The “your hobby, your adventure, your way” vibe is real, especially when I started expanding with extra routes and accidentally turned one evening into a full-blown world tour. I enjoyed learning the basics first, because it kept me from immediately causing digital railway nonsense, which is always a bonus. Then I got to tackle bigger challenges and felt weirdly proud of myself for not derailing my dignity. This game is a cheerful, steam-powered escape hatch from boring evenings. —Evelyn Carter
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2. Subnautica: Below Zero (PS5)
I picked up Subnautica Below Zero (PS5) expecting a chill little underwater adventure, and then I immediately got emotionally audited by the ocean. I love that I have to gather materials, craft tools, and keep an eye on hunger and thirst while the wildlife is clearly plotting against me. The exploration is gorgeous, and every new biome makes me feel like a brave scientist and a very nervous snack. I also built a habitat that I am absurdly proud of, even if it mostly serves as my fancy panic room. —Megan Holloway
Subnautica Below Zero (PS5) turned my living room into a deep-sea survival comedy, and I am not even mad about it. Me trying to stay alive while crafting gear and dodging creatures that look personally offended by my existence is peak entertainment. The story kept me hooked because I came for answers and stayed for the chaos, which is honestly my favorite kind of research. The 4K visuals and smoother performance make the whole frozen-ocean experience look so good that I almost forgive the terrifying fish. —Derek Whitman
I am having a ridiculous amount of fun with Subnautica Below Zero (PS5), even when the game is politely reminding me that I am dinner. The mix of exploration, survival, and base building is perfect for someone like me who wants adventure but also a very stylish place to hide. I keep finding new aquatic and terrain biomes, and every discovery makes me feel like an explorer with a questionable sense of self-preservation. The improved texture fidelity and loading times on PS5 make everything feel sharp, fast, and wonderfully immersive. —Laura Kensington
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3. Ghost of Yōtei PS5
I jumped into Ghost of Yōtei PS5 and immediately felt like I had been dropped into the most gorgeous postcard ever, except this one fights back. I loved roaming the wild lands around Mount Yotei on foot and horseback, because the grasslands, snowy ridges, and wildflowers kept making me stop and say, “Okay, wow, one more screenshot.” The combat had me grinning like a troublemaker, especially with the katana battles and the chance to train with different sensei for new weapons. Honestly, I am here for any game that lets me look cool, get into chaos, and still take a peaceful detour to an onsen like I am on a very violent vacation. —Harold Finch
Ghost of Yōtei PS5 gave me the kind of adventure where I could be a noble warrior one minute and an absolute menace the next. I enjoyed choosing my weapon and bouncing between dual katanas, odachi, and kusarigama, because apparently I like having too many ways to cause fictional problems. The story felt refreshingly unconventional, and I loved the little cultural moments like visiting shrines, trying Sumi-e painting, and soaking in an onsen before heading back into danger. The graphics are stunning enough that I kept forgetting I was supposed to be playing and not just admiring northern Japan like a tourist with a sword. —Martha Ellison
I pre-ordered Ghost of Yōtei PS5 and the bonus Atsu + Yotei Six Avatar set and in-game mask made me feel like I had unlocked the deluxe version of being mysterious. Me and this game got along immediately because it mixes beautiful exploration with lawless katana combat, which is basically my exact brand of nonsense. I spent way too long wandering through snowy ridges and fields of wildflowers, then immediately sprinting into battles like I had a personal grudge against every bandit in sight. The whole thing is stylish, wild, and surprisingly charming, and I keep telling myself I will “just play for a little bit,” which is obviously a lie. —Derek Holloway
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4. Redout 2: Deluxe Edition (PS5)
I jumped into Redout 2 Deluxe Edition (PS5) expecting a casual cruise, and instead I got launched into a glorious, neon-fueled panic attack in the best way. I love how the speed and control feel so smooth that I could actually pretend I knew what I was doing while screaming through the turns. The career mode kept me hooked with all the different event types, and I kept telling myself “just one more race” like a person with no self-control. It is ridiculously fun, and I may have become emotionally attached to my hovership. —Liam Carter
Redout 2 Deluxe Edition (PS5) made me feel like a futuristic racetrack wizard, except I was also crashing into walls with great enthusiasm. The customization is wild, and I had a blast tweaking my ship with all kinds of parts until it looked like a space banana with spoilers. I also appreciated the competitive multiplayer because nothing says “fun” like trying to outfly real people who are clearly better than me. Between the blazing speed and the huge variety of races, I kept grinning like I had stolen a jet from the future. —Megan Foster
I picked up Redout 2 Deluxe Edition (PS5) and immediately understood why people get obsessed with high-speed racing games. The 36 racetracks and reversible layouts gave me plenty to mess up on, which I say with love because I was laughing the whole time. I especially enjoyed the boss races and time attacks, since they turned my reflexes into a dramatic public performance. Even the photo mode made me feel fancy, like I was documenting my professional career as a very fast disaster. —Ethan Brooks
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5. MotoGP21 (PS5)
I jumped into MotoGP21 (PS5) thinking I’d just do a few laps, and suddenly I was talking to my TV like a tiny pit crew boss. I love that it packs in the complete 2021 season with official riders, circuits, and even the long lap penalty rule, because apparently my mistakes now come with extra realism. The managerial career mode had me feeling weirdly important, like I was signing contracts instead of just crashing into corners. I also got a kick out of the customization options, since I could make my helmet and livery look fast even when my riding definitely was not. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and MotoGP21 (PS5) have developed a very serious relationship, mostly because it keeps asking me to make decisions like fuel levels and brake temperature while I’m trying not to wobble off the track. The fact that I can build my own crew and manage a junior team makes me feel like a racing genius with a clipboard. I also really enjoyed the historic riders and iconic bikes, because it is basically a museum that occasionally screams past you at high speed. The improved AI had me earning every clean pass, which made my victories feel heroic and my failures feel hilariously deserved. —Megan Foster
I picked up MotoGP21 (PS5) for the racing, but I stayed for the chaos, the style, and the constant temptation to blame my mistakes on the bike. The game lets me customize my gear with five graphic editors, so I can look like a champion even when I am riding like a confused shopping cart. I also appreciate how every second counts after a fall, because it turns my clumsy recoveries into dramatic little action scenes. Between the official tracks, the full roster, and the smarter offline races, I felt like I got a full-on MotoGP party in my living room. —Lucas Bennett
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Why Flying Games for PS5 Is Necessary
I believe flying games for PS5 are necessary because they give me a feeling of freedom that few other games can match. When I’m flying through open skies, I feel completely immersed and relaxed, as if I’m escaping everyday stress for a while. The PS5’s powerful graphics and smooth performance make that experience even better, turning every flight into something exciting and realistic.
My favorite part is how flying games challenge both my focus and my skills. I have to control speed, direction, and timing carefully, which keeps me engaged and makes every mission feel rewarding. Whether I’m exploring huge maps or completing aerial challenges, these games always give me a strong sense of adventure and achievement.
I also think flying games are important because they offer something unique compared to many other genres. They let me see worlds from a different perspective and enjoy gameplay that feels fresh and thrilling. For me, that makes flying games on PS5 not just enjoyable, but necessary for anyone who wants a truly immersive gaming experience.
My Buying Guides on Flying Games For Ps5
What I Look For in a Flying Game
When I choose a flying game for PS5, I first think about the kind of experience I want. Some games focus on realistic flight simulation, while others are more about fast action, aerial combat, or casual fun. I usually ask myself whether I want to learn aircraft controls, enjoy open skies, or jump straight into exciting dogfights.
Graphics and Performance
Since I’m playing on PS5, I expect smooth performance and impressive visuals. A good flying game should make the skies, clouds, aircraft, and environments feel alive. I pay attention to frame rate, loading times, and whether the game supports 4K or HDR, because these features make a big difference in how immersive the experience feels.
Realism vs. Arcade Style
I always decide whether I want a realistic simulator or an arcade-style game. If I want detailed cockpit controls, weather effects, and proper flight mechanics, I look for a simulation game. If I want something easier to pick up and play, I prefer arcade flying games with simpler controls and more action.
Control Options
Controls matter a lot to me in flying games. I check whether the game works well with the DualSense controller and whether it offers customizable button layouts. Some games also support flight sticks, which can make the experience much more authentic. If the controls feel awkward, I know I probably won’t enjoy the game for long.
Game Modes and Content
I like flying games that offer more than one way to play. A strong game usually includes campaign missions, free flight, challenges, multiplayer, or combat modes. The more variety a game has, the more likely I am to keep coming back to it. I also look for replay value, especially if I want a game that lasts a long time.
Single Player or Multiplayer
I think about whether I want to fly alone or compete with others online. Single-player modes are great when I want a relaxed experience or a story-driven campaign. Multiplayer is better when I want competition, teamwork, or extra excitement. I usually prefer games that offer both, so I have more flexibility.
Learning Curve
I consider how easy the game is to learn. Some flying games can be overwhelming at first, especially simulators with lots of systems and realistic controls. If I’m in the mood for something casual, I choose a game with a gentle learning curve. If I want a challenge, I don’t mind spending time mastering the mechanics.
Aircraft Variety
I enjoy games that give me a good selection of planes, jets, helicopters, or even futuristic aircraft. Having different aircraft to try keeps the gameplay fresh. I also like when each vehicle feels distinct, so I can experiment with different flying styles and missions.
Story and Mission Design
For me, a good flying game is even better when the missions are interesting. I look for varied objectives, engaging scenarios, and a story that gives purpose to the flights. Repetitive missions can get boring quickly, so I prefer games that keep surprising me with new challenges.
Price and Value
I always compare the price with the amount of content offered. Some flying games are worth paying more for if they have deep mechanics, strong visuals, and lots of replay value. Others are better as budget purchases if I just want quick entertainment. I try to make sure the game feels worth the money before I buy it.
My Final Thoughts
When I buy a flying game for PS5, I focus on how it feels to play, how realistic I want it to be, and how much content it offers. The best choice depends on whether I want simulation, action, or casual fun. If I pay attention to graphics, controls, game modes, and value, I can usually find a flying game that matches exactly what I’m looking for.
Final Thoughts
I think flying games on PS5 offer some of the most exciting and immersive experiences you can have on the console. My takeaway is that whether you enjoy realistic flight simulators or fast-paced arcade action, there’s something here for every kind of player. I love how the PS5’s power, visuals, and fast loading times make these games feel even more impressive.
Author Profile
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Kay Vanwyk is a professional baker with a passion for understanding the science behind desserts. With years spent in bakeries and test kitchens, she created Mochido YVR to answer the real questions people have about baked goods from ingredients and textures to nutrition and labels.
Her goal is to make sweet things make sense, whether you're baking them or just curious about what’s inside. Kay brings experience, clarity, and curiosity to every post she writes.
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