The Greatest FPV Drone Simulators: Full Spherical-Up

35.7K

Probably the most difficult elements of moving into FPV drones is studying the way to fly. FPV drone simulators can help you apply and develop your expertise with out risking harm to your drone, even when the climate isn’t cooperating. On this article, we’ll discover all of the accessible FPV drone simulators and make it easier to select the perfect sim to your wants.

If you happen to’re new to FPV, take a look at our complete information to FPV drones to get began: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-drone-guide/

What’s an FPV Drone Simulator?

Think about with the ability to fly an FPV drone in a vividly life like digital world—that’s precisely what FPV drone simulators provide. These simulators aren’t simply video games; they’re subtle coaching instruments designed to intently mimic the expertise of flying an actual FPV drone. Whereas no simulator can completely replicate the fun of real-world flying, they arrive extremely shut, permitting pilots to sharpen their expertise and grasp freestyle methods in a protected, crash-proof surroundings—whatever the climate—24/7.

Solely in simulators are you able to fearlessly try daring methods that really feel practically inconceivable in the true world! 😀

A Checklist of FPV Simulators

For Computer systems:

What’s Steam?

Steam is a digital platform the place you should purchase, play, and replace video games. It simplifies recreation administration and ensures your software program stays up to date with the newest patches. Moreover, Steam gives a user-friendly return coverage, permitting refunds for video games performed for lower than two hours—splendid for testing a simulator to see if it meets your expectations or runs easily in your pc. Most FPV drone simulators can be found on Steam.

For Smartphones:

What You Have to Fly FPV Simulators

Earlier than selecting an FPV simulator, you’ll first want a correct radio controller.

Professional Tip: I don’t advocate utilizing gaming consoles (similar to PlayStation or Xbox) or a keyboard, as expertise gained from these strategies hardly ever translate successfully to flying an actual FPV drone utilizing an precise radio controller.

Utilizing a correct radio controller helps construct muscle reminiscence and maximizes the advantages of your simulator coaching. Plus, you’ll proceed utilizing the identical radio when flying precise drones, making it a useful long-term funding.

In search of radio suggestions? I’ve obtained you lined: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/#Radio-Suggestions

All radios beneficial in my information are plug-and-play appropriate with the simulators mentioned on this web page—simply join by way of USB, and your radio will seem as a gaming joystick in your pc. It’s that easy.

In case you have a DJI Distant Controller (similar to RC2 or RC3), it’s additionally completely positive for simulators – simply join it utilizing a USB cable.

VelociDrone

For these looking for essentially the most genuine FPV drone flying expertise, VelociDrone stands out. Launched in 2016, it’s one of many oldest and most established simulators accessible. Though its graphics are comparatively easy and considerably cartoonish, this implies it doesn’t require a high-end gaming PC to run easily.

Priced at $19.99, VelociDrone excels as a racing-focused simulator and boasts a powerful racing group. It helps map modifying, gives tons of of user-created racing tracks, and incorporates a incredible “Nemesis” mode, which pits you in opposition to different gamers’ finest lap instances. In case your objective is to enhance your racing expertise with extremely life like physics, VelociDrone is an unparalleled selection.

Whereas VelociDrone can be appropriate for freestyle apply, it doesn’t fairly match the leisure worth supplied by freestyle-focused simulators that characteristic higher graphics and extra different environments.

Drone choice and customization in VelociDrone are considerably restricted, and extra drone fashions require buying DLC packs (such because the Freestyle and Micro Drone DLCs).

Word that VelociDrone isn’t accessible on Steam. For non-gamers, this is usually a profit, as you gained’t must cope with the gaming platform. Nevertheless, for normal Steam customers, it’d really feel inconvenient, as managing updates for the simulator can require extra effort.

Liftoff

Launched in 2018, Liftoff stays among the finest all-around FPV simulators, providing wealthy content material and a big on-line group. Its up to date coaching program gives a wonderful structured studying path for full learners.

Priced at $19.99, Liftoff strikes a steadiness between ease of use and a complete characteristic set. With a user-friendly interface, life like physics, and numerous gameplay choices, it appeals to a large viewers, from learners to skilled pilots.

Whereas its graphics may fall barely quick in comparison with some newer simulators, Liftoff stays an exceptionally mature FPV sim, boasting a powerful quantity of content material. No different simulator matches its intensive assortment of tons of of drone fashions and 1000’s of tracks created by each builders and the group.

Liftoff was additionally the primary simulator to introduce a “components system,” permitting you to customise your drone by swapping elements identical to in actual life. Moreover, it’s one of many few simulators that simulate propeller harm (this characteristic may also be disabled), selling exact flying and elevated consciousness of obstacles for a extra genuine flying expertise.

Listed below are a few of my flying in Liftoff a few years in the past.

The Drone Racing League Simulator (DRL)

Launched in 2017, the Drone Racing League Simulator (DRL) gives an distinctive place to begin for anybody new to FPV flying, due to its complete coaching program and interesting gameplay.

Priced at simply $10, DRL gives spectacular worth, boasting over 20 numerous maps, intensive multiplayer choices, and a number of recreation modes. It’s a wonderful selection for each learners and seasoned pilots.

The standout characteristic is its structured coaching program, which rigorously guides you from fundamental flying strategies to superior maneuvers, making it splendid for learners.

Though its graphics are barely dated resulting from its launch in 2017, DRL’s intensive content material makes it a extremely beneficial simulator. One other distinctive facet is that DRL makes use of this simulator to host on-line tryout occasions—top-performing pilots can earn an opportunity to compete in real-life DRL occasions.

As a gamer, I discover DRL to be one of the vital entertaining simulators. The maps are creatively designed and provide distinctive selection; for instance, one map seamlessly combines skyscrapers, deserted factories, and a shipyard, all inside a single surroundings.

Right here’s a video of me having enjoyable diving highrises and navigating its race monitor:

DRL additionally gives aggressive racing options, similar to racing in opposition to “ghosts” (pre-recorded flights from different pilots at an analogous talent stage). Nevertheless, as a racing-focused simulator, VelociDrone could also be extra forgiving concerning pc {hardware} necessities.

TRYP FPV

Launched in 2022, TRYP FPV is arguably among the finest freestyle simulators accessible, identified particularly for its unimaginable graphics.

As one of many newest FPV simulators, TRYP FPV impresses customers with its gorgeous visuals, expansive maps, and meticulous consideration to element. Priced at $14.99 on Steam, it gives a complete simulator expertise. Nevertheless, regardless of its superior graphics, some customers have reported poor optimization, resulting in low body charges or body drops, particularly throughout freestyle maneuvers, relying on the particular map or surroundings. Its demanding efficiency necessities might restrict accessibility for customers with out highly effective gaming PCs.

Sadly, the coaching program falls quick, doubtlessly making the training curve difficult for learners. However, for skilled pilots, the simulator’s huge and numerous environments are a delight. It options shifting objects (similar to race automobiles and skiers) you possibly can comply with together with your drone, serving to to boost your freestyle and cinematic flying expertise. Whereas the simulated quads really feel barely heavier than in actual life, the physics stays fairly correct, and drone parameters are adjustable to intently replicate real-world flight traits.

General, TRYP FPV stands out as one in every of my favourite simulators resulting from its gorgeous graphics and wealthy freestyle/cinematic options. It’s significantly interesting to folks with high-performance gaming PC in search of expansive and immersive flying experiences. With excessive graphics settings enabled, the simulator can sometimes really feel astonishingly near flying in an actual surroundings.

Uncrashed

Launched in 2021, Uncrashed is a dream come true for skilled freestyle pilots, due to its gorgeous graphics and expansive environments.

I’d place Uncrashed in the identical class as TRYP FPV, as these newer simulators set a excessive customary for visible high quality and clean flying efficiency. Though the physics really feel common—not fairly as life like as another simulators—they’re definitely ok that will help you grasp flying FPV. Drone and surroundings settings may be personalized, however this may be overwhelming for learners.

With over 19 distinctive maps that includes participating actions like chasing automobiles, Uncrashed is good for freestyle pilots looking for selection. The simulator gives often up to date content material, Steam Workshop integration, and a very good multiplayer expertise. Nevertheless, the dearth of a structured newbie coaching program is a notable shortcoming, stopping it from turning into the definitive FPV simulator.

For my part, Uncrashed excels as a visually immersive and pleasurable freestyle simulator. The expansive playgrounds present infinite leisure, and flying via futuristic environments harking back to the flying-car scenes from “The Fifth Ingredient” by no means will get previous.

Selecting between Uncrashed and TRYP FPV may be difficult. Nevertheless, latest updates to Uncrashed—together with the addition of multiplayer mode and a map modifying instrument—give it an edge over TRYP, which lacks these options.

FPV.SkyDive

FPV Skydive initially appears to be like promising when it was launched in 2021, particularly as a very free simulator providing freestyle, racing, and multiplayer modes. Nevertheless, its free choices are shortly overshadowed by paywalls blocking extra tracks, maps, and coaching classes. Whereas it runs easily and enjoys lively multiplayer rooms, the drone physics really feel mediocre, detracting considerably from the general realism. Appropriate maybe for learners wanting a fundamental entry level, however not beneficial if you happen to’re trying to progress severely. In case you are keen to spend cash, different paid choices are extra full packages and extra value it in my view. With that stated you possibly can nonetheless obtain this sim and benefit from the free content material and get a style of FPV with out spending any cash.

Replace (Mar 2022): Orqa launched an Android/iOS model of this sim!

FPV Logic

FPV Logic is a comparatively new FPV simulator identified for its life like physics much like VelociDrone, however lean extra in the direction of freestyle flying. Though considerably barebones, it options glorious freestyle maps excellent for flowing via inventive gaps and contours. It features a fundamental race mode with AI opponents however lacks superior options like VelociDrone’s customized tracks or nemesis mode. Some pilots discover sustaining momentum difficult, making the physics sometimes really feel uncommon. Though actively up to date, it feels restricted in comparison with TRYP, DRL, or Uncrashed, providing much less total worth.

Tiny Whoop Simulators

Liftoff: Micro Drones

When discussing Tiny Whoop simulators, it’s essential to take a look at Liftoff: Micro Drones. This impartial, purpose-built simulator is designed particularly for the Tiny Whoop class by the identical individuals who made Liftoff.

The physics are fairly good, although if I’m being choosy, the whoops appear to hold barely extra momentum than in actual life—as in the event that they’re heavier. This makes them more durable to manage and more difficult to maneuver precisely via turns. The drone tends to “slide”, requiring extra stick changes and diminished velocity to navigate race gates easily.

As compared, Tiny Whoop GO feels extra forgiving, making it simpler for learners to deal with. Nevertheless, this forgiving nature may diminish the expertise for extra superior racers. If you happen to’re looking for a more difficult simulator to enhance your whoop piloting expertise, Liftoff: Micro Drones may be the higher selection.

The eye to element and creativity on this sim are spectacular. As an illustration, within the warehouse map, you’ll hear ambient appears like forklifts working and other people working, creating a really immersive flying expertise. The “Promenade Evening” map is full of interactive parts—you possibly can pop balloons, dispense soda from merchandising machines, and even play music from the DJ’s laptop computer!

Tiny Whoop GO

If you happen to’re in search of a free Tiny Whoop simulator, Tiny Whoop GO was a incredible possibility. It felt fairly life like, although barely simpler to fly than in actual life, which could disappoint pilots in search of extra of a problem.

Replace 2025: Sadly, Tiny Whoop GO is now not free, and its present value is sort of thrice greater than Liftoff: Micro Drones, making it arduous to advocate.

Different FPV Simulators

AI Drone Simulator

At $15, AI Drone Simulator guarantees a contemporary FPV simulator expertise however falls quick in delivering a standout characteristic set. Whereas it gives high-detail maps and the choice for community-made drone downloads, its lack of options and recreation modes in comparison with different well-liked sims place it in a difficult place. For these prioritizing group content material and drone customization, AI Drone Simulator gives some enchantment, however total, it struggles to justify its place in a aggressive market.

FlowState

Flowstate is on the market on Steam, and it’s free. It’s tailor-made extra in the direction of racing, and missing a number of options on different paid sims.

FPV FreeRider (Unique and Recharged)

FPV Freerider ($6) and its upgraded model, FPV Freerider Recharged ($10), had been type of outdated. Regardless of having good drone physics and an honest racetrack generator/editor, the small maps, lack of customization, and poor graphics undermine their worth. FPV Freerider Recharged gives improved graphics however strips away useful options like the automated monitor generator, failing to justify its greater price ticket.

CurryKitten FPV Simulator

At simply $2, CurryKitten FPV Simulator, created by an FPV YouTuber, deserves respect for its solo-developed roots. Sadly, it’s marred by outdated graphics, restricted maps, lack of drone customization choices, and common physics. The interface is difficult to navigate, and with no updates since 2022, it sadly doesn’t maintain up at this time within the aggressive market.

DCL – The Recreation

At $30, Drone Champions League (DCL) Simulator emphasizes gamification, together with incomes rewards and customizing drones. Sadly, unrealistic physics and lack of selection restrict its worth strictly to informal gaming moderately than severe simulation or coaching.

Connecting Radio To FPV Simulator

Connecting your FPV radio/controller to a simulator is simple, that is the way to do it with any EdgeTX radios:

1. Energy in your radio controller.
2. Join it to your pc utilizing a USB-C cable (some radios has one USB port for each information and charging, however some has two ports, one for charging and the opposite for information; be certain that to connect with the info USB port):
3. Choose the USB Joystick possibility in your radio as soon as related.
4. Launch your FPV simulator
5. Navigate to the simulator’s Choices → Controller settings.
6. Calibrate your radio/controller: Observe the on-screen prompts to assign throttle, yaw, pitch, and roll inputs.
7. Verify every enter is accurately assigned by shifting the sticks as instructed.
8. End calibration and return to the principle menu.
9. You’re now able to fly!

Different Methods to Join Your Radio to the Simulator

Whereas utilizing a USB cable is essentially the most simple technique, there are alternative routes to attach your radio controller to the simulator. You should utilize ExpressLRS Bluetooth or even a receiver dongle (similar to by way of a flight controller or utilizing merchandise just like the Squid Stick). These wi-fi strategies provide comfort, however remember they might introduce extra latency resulting from further processing, which might make simulators really feel barely much less life like.

One other good thing about utilizing a USB cable is that your radio’s battery will hardly ever run out when you’re utilizing the simulator, for the reason that USB connection concurrently costs the battery.

Pc Requirement

How properly FPV simulators run largely relies on your pc’s GPU, CPU, and the chosen video decision and graphics settings. In case you have an older or slower pc, some simulators might not carry out optimally. Reducing your graphics settings can usually assist older computer systems deal with simulators extra easily.

When your pc struggles to render the simulator, you may expertise stuttering, body drops, and elevated latency, making the flying expertise really feel unrealistic. When Liftoff first got here out, I initially complained it felt floaty and unresponsive. It turned out my PC was just too sluggish. After decreasing all graphics settings to the minimal, these points had been significantly improved. Later, after I upgraded to a sooner gaming PC, I might run Liftoff easily even at excessive graphics settings.

If you happen to’re uncertain how properly your simulator is operating, monitor the body fee. Purpose for body charges equal to or better than your monitor’s refresh fee. In case your body fee falls under this, think about decreasing your graphics settings.

My gaming PC handles all these simulators fairly properly even at excessive picture high quality settings. Nevertheless, I favor utilizing low-to-mid settings to realize greater FPS, making the simulation really feel nearer to actual life. Listed below are my PC specs (Amazon affiliate hyperlinks):

I additionally use my MacBook Professional for FPV simulators when touring. It’s been incredible for modifying FPV movies and training in sims whereas I’m away—I can’t advocate it extremely sufficient. I clarify why I favor the M1 Professional over the M2 on this article: https://oscarliang.com/macbook-air-m2-pro-m1/. Often, you will discover reductions of as much as 10% on Amazon. I saved practically $200 on my 14″ Professional M1. Verify costs on Amazon (affiliate hyperlink): https://amzn.to/3CgxOTr

Greatest FPV Sim for MacOS

Regardless of my preliminary worry that my non-gaming Macbook Professional (M1 14inch) would battle, I used to be pleasantly stunned to search out that I didn’t face any points with the simulators I examined. It’s additionally appropriate with widespread radios similar to Radiomaster and Jumper.

Most sims ought to run easily on the newest Macs. Nevertheless, for many who wish to play protected, Velocidrone is a wonderful selection. It has one of many lowest CPU and GPU necessities. Regardless of a scarcity of high-end graphics, it doesn’t skimp on options, guaranteeing a complete coaching expertise.

For these trying to discover different simulators on Steam, be at liberty to present them a go. Steam’s refund coverage is there in the event that they don’t carry out properly in your machine.

Does Physics Matter?

Sure and no.

The physics of a drone simulator are extremely subjective. Whereas simulators proceed to enhance and intently mimic real-life flying, they might by no means really feel precisely the identical as flying an precise drone.

In the end, the aim of a simulator is that will help you be taught the basics of flying and construct muscle reminiscence. Select a simulator that feels life like sufficient for you, has graphics you take pleasure in, and runs easily in your pc.

Focus your time on constant apply moderately than worrying an excessive amount of about simulator physics.

What to Follow in Simulators

Keep correct posture and ergonomics whereas utilizing simulators. If you happen to sometimes stand whereas flying in actual life, do the identical throughout simulator apply. Equally, if you happen to usually use a neck strap, use one throughout your simulation periods.

If you happen to’re a whole newbie, choose an open map with minimal obstacles to start out.

For learners, right here’s what I might advocate to apply:

• Arming and Disarming: Follow arming and disarming your drone often. If you crash, apply disarming the drone earlier than hitting the reset button—this can be a crucial behavior to type.
• Fundamental Flight Actions: Follow taking off, flying in a straight line, making left and proper turns, and flying in circles.
• Touchdown: Follow managed touchdown by hovering near the bottom earlier than disarming, minimizing influence. Don’t underestimate this easy train, you’d be stunned how many individuals can carry out advanced acrobatic strikes however battle to land with out crashing 🙂
• Precision Maneuvering: Follow flying via gaps to develop precision and management.
• Freestyle Maneuvers: Follow exact rolls, flips, and split-S maneuvers – these are the basic of freestyle strikes.

Simulator Tuning and Settings

After years of flying FPV simulators, I can confidently say that the default settings in most FPV sims sometimes aren’t optimum. Adjusting the settings can often make your digital drone really feel nearer to an actual one.

Along with settings generally discovered on actual quads—similar to PIDs and charges—you can even fine-tune the simulator’s physics. Your objective is to match the quad efficiency in simulator to your real-world quad as intently as potential. If you happen to’re simply beginning out, you won’t but have a transparent concept of how an actual drone ought to deal with. On this case, sticking to the default settings or copying another person’s confirmed settings is advisable. One essential setting to customise early is your charges, which management the sensitivity of your quadcopter. Try this information to be taught extra about charges: https://oscarliang.com/charges/

I sometimes set my graphics to the bottom potential settings and disable any pointless visible results. This ensures the best potential body fee, minimizing latency and maximizing smoothness for essentially the most life like flying expertise.

Ought to I Put on FPV Goggles for Simulators?

It’s type of pointless, however you possibly can attempt in order for you.

FPV Goggles with HDMI enter, similar to Skyzone SKY04X Professional, Walksnail Goggles X or HDZero Goggles, can hook up with your pc and function an exterior monitor, permitting you to apply FPV flying with goggles. This may assist learners change into accustomed to flying with goggles from the beginning.

Nevertheless, I personally discover utilizing a typical monitor simpler on the eyes, particularly throughout lengthy apply periods. Moreover, gaming displays sometimes provide superior body charges and picture high quality in comparison with FPV goggles, offering a extra comfy and life like expertise total.

Line of Sight Flying Simulators

Many FPV pilots can fly properly utilizing goggles however battle with line-of-sight (LOS) flying. Whereas training LOS in a simulator may assist considerably, it’s sometimes not the simplest method.

Firstly, simulators lack the depth notion you’d usually expertise in actual life, making it tough to precisely choose your drone’s distance on display. Moreover, orientation may be difficult to discern clearly in simulators resulting from decrease display resolutions.

If you happen to’re serious about training LOS in simulators anyway, listed here are a number of choices:

• Liftoff: Press B to change to LOS mode.
• VelociDrone: Scroll the mouse wheel to zoom into LOS mode.
• FPV Freerider: Gives a devoted LOS mode.

Devoted Radio Profile for Simulators

When utilizing simulators, arrange a devoted radio profile in your transmitter. Merely duplicate your present profile for FPV drone, and disable each inner and exterior RF modules within the Mannequin setup. This helps preserve your transmitter’s battery throughout simulator periods.

Points Connecting Radio to macOS?

If you happen to’ve related your radio controller to a Mac and nothing occurs—no immediate on the radio to pick out joystick mode and no detection by the pc—it may be a cable difficulty. I encountered this downside when utilizing a USB-C to USB-C cable. The identical cable labored positive on a Home windows pc however didn’t work with my MacBook.

The answer is to make use of a USB Sort-A to USB-C cable. In case your Mac doesn’t have a USB Sort-A port, merely use a USB-C male to USB-A feminine adapter. I’ve examined this and it really works completely.

Yow will discover an appropriate adapter right here: https://amzn.to/470TcYI

Can I Use an Android Telephone or iPhone for Simulators?

If you happen to’re trying to apply FPV flying on a smartphone, utilizing an Android gadget is mostly extra simple. You possibly can join your radio on to an Android cellphone utilizing an OTG USB cable.

Nevertheless, connecting by way of USB isn’t potential on an iPhone resulting from iOS restrictions. Whilst you can management the drone utilizing the touchscreen, this technique doesn’t successfully translate to real-world flying expertise. Alternatively, you possibly can join a radio to your iPhone wirelessly by way of WiFi, offered your radio has an ExpressLRS transmitter module. Merely allow WiFi in your ExpressLRS module, be a part of that WiFi community out of your iPhone, and configure the joystick inside appropriate simulators (such because the VelociDrone iOS model). Have in mind, although, that WiFi connections might introduce greater latency in comparison with a direct USB connection on Android.

Closing Ideas – My Suggestions

Listed below are my prime FPV simulator suggestions:

FPV drone simulators can’t totally exchange real-world flying, however they’re extraordinarily useful for bettering your flying expertise with out risking harm to your drone, or when outside flying isn’t potential. For learners, simulators provide a useful alternative to construct muscle reminiscence and be taught new expertise. As you advance, real-world apply turns into more and more essential. Whereas some simulators emphasize graphics and visible realism, others prioritize correct flight physics and broad {hardware} compatibility. In the end, select a simulator that aligns finest together with your particular wants and preferences. Completely happy flying!

Edit Historical past

• 2015 – Article created
• 2017 – Up to date evaluations
• 2018 – Up to date evaluations
• 2019 – Up to date evaluations, added “Carrying FPV Goggles in Sims”
• 2021 – Shortened URL, up to date my suggestions
• 2022 – Up to date checklist with new simulators
• 2023 – Up to date checklist with new sims
• 2024 – Up to date my evaluations and suggestions
• 2025 – Up to date suggestions and evaluations