Regarding airplanes in games, they tend to fall into one of two categories.

The second option is sandbox games, where you have little to no choice over the airplane you fly.

Theres a third, much smaller category of games that allow you to actually create planes.

Collage image of three Remote Control Planes with a sky background

These are great for the remote control plane enthusiasts!

Theres also often a lesson or two in physics in these games.

you could collect parts and assemble flying machines, from simple gliders to complex aircrafts.

Flyout image showing a plane.

The games physics-based engine ensures that each creation behaves realistically, whether it’s flying smoothly or crashing spectacularly.

Players can take their planes into various open-world environments, testing their creations against the elements.

Its a great choice for players who enjoy realism and historical aircraft.

Trailmakers image showing a custom made helicopter.

7Besiege

Go Medieval

Besiegeis likely to be the most unusual game on the list.

That doesnt mean, however, that you wont make a creation or two that simply fails at physics.

Launching a rocket in Kerbal Space Program 2 is no easy feat.

Plane Mechanic Simulator image showing a plane being repaired.

Here, you’ve got the option to learn how to launch your first rocket.

Some of your planes in Kerbal might explode on the runway.

Others might crash a few seconds into the air.

Flying a plane in Besiege.

You start building an airplane in the game with a plane capsule.

Then, you oughta add a few barrels of jet fuel to your plane.

And oh yeah, if you want to land this plane, you must also add landing gears.

Building a plane in Kerbal Space Program.

From the games start, youre met with a tutorial about both creating and flying planes.

Some of these include references to various movies, TV shows, and even Air Force One.

If you actually want to build a plane from scratch, SimplePlanes gives you tons of options.

kerbal space program 2 launching first rocket featured image with statue and rocket in split screen

The game also boasts a new graphics engine that offers improved lighting and explosions.

The world below, including airports, road mapping, and buildings, is also much more fleshed out.

X-Plane 11 includes a mode called Plane Maker that allows you to create your own airplanes and helicopters.

Laying a cockpit in SimplePlanes.

The powerful system offers a wide range of plane and helicopter parts you’re able to utilize.

You run a coastguard service that employs various vehicles you create, ranging from boats to planes.

Creating crafts in this game is challenging but immensely rewarding.

Creating a plane in X-Plane.

Theweather effectsare much more noticeable than in other games.

Stormworks feels like it offers a ton more to do and play than many of the other comparable games.

The game utilizes much of the physics behind airplanes, though.

Creating a plane in Stormworks.

The games career mode teaches you about the mechanics behind how aircraft fly.

With each successful flight, you earn both money and XP to unlock additional parts and funds for repairs.

Players can go almost anywhere in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 but some places are more breathtaking than others.

Creating a plane in Balsa Model Flight Simulator.

The game offers one of the more nuanced workshops on the list.

Many parts must be unlocked before you have full access to features.

After fully designing your plane, you might also paint it however you like.

Split image of Grand Canyon, USA and Paris, France

you’re free to even add weapons.

(The first and only occurrence on this list.)

Then, you test out the creations in a world modeled around realistic physics.

Creating a plane in Main Assembly.

To help you learn the game, a skippable tutorial is offered.

The game also offers a challenge mode where you deal with multiple scenarios and receive stars on completion.

Theres even a Bot Brawl, where it’s possible for you to fight other players or vehicles.

Drake in keyart for Uncharted 3 and exiting the plane in the Mile High Club mission in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.

While many simulators go for a serious, polished look, Main Assembly feels much more cartoonish and light-hearted.

Planes make for very exciting set pieces.

Triple-A Games

Kerbal Space Program