The Finest FPV Drone Simulators: Full Spherical-Up

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One of the difficult features of moving into FPV drones is studying methods to fly. FPV drone simulators will let you follow 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 obtainable FPV drone simulators and show you how to select one of the best sim in your wants.

Should you’re new to FPV, try 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 refined coaching instruments designed to carefully 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 secure, 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 Listing 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 sport administration and ensures your software program stays up to date with the most recent patches. Moreover, Steam provides 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 laptop. 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 suggest utilizing gaming consoles (reminiscent of PlayStation or Xbox) or a keyboard, as expertise gained from these strategies not often 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 precious long-term funding.

Searching for radio suggestions? I’ve acquired you coated: 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 laptop. It’s that easy.

When you’ve got a DJI Distant Controller (reminiscent of RC2 or RC3), it’s additionally completely high-quality for simulators – simply join it utilizing a USB cable.

VelociDrone

For these searching 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 obtainable. 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 robust racing neighborhood. It helps map enhancing, provides a whole lot of user-created racing tracks, and includes a improbable “Nemesis” mode, which pits you in opposition to different gamers’ greatest lap occasions. In case your objective is to enhance your racing expertise with extremely life like physics, VelociDrone is an unparalleled alternative.

Whereas VelociDrone can be appropriate for freestyle follow, it doesn’t fairly match the leisure worth provided by freestyle-focused simulators that function 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).

Be aware that VelociDrone isn’t obtainable on Steam. For non-gamers, this could be a profit, as you received’t have to cope with the gaming platform. Nonetheless, 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 neighborhood. Its up to date coaching program offers a wonderful structured studying path for full learners.

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

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

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

Listed here 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) offers an distinctive place to begin for anybody new to FPV flying, due to its complete coaching program and fascinating gameplay.

Priced at simply $10, DRL provides spectacular worth, boasting over 20 various maps, intensive multiplayer choices, and a number of sport modes. It’s a wonderful alternative for each learners and seasoned pilots.

The standout function is its structured coaching program, which fastidiously guides you from primary 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 side 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 probably the most 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 observe:

DRL additionally provides aggressive racing options, reminiscent of racing in opposition to “ghosts” (pre-recorded flights from different pilots at the same talent stage). Nonetheless, as a racing-focused simulator, VelociDrone could also be extra forgiving concerning laptop {hardware} necessities.

TRYP FPV

Launched in 2022, TRYP FPV is arguably among the finest freestyle simulators obtainable, recognized particularly for its unbelievable 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 provides a complete simulator expertise. Nonetheless, 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 brief, probably making the training curve difficult for learners. However, for knowledgeable pilots, the simulator’s huge and various environments are a delight. It options transferring objects (reminiscent of race vehicles and skiers) you possibly can comply with together with your drone, serving to to reinforce your freestyle and cinematic flying expertise. Whereas the simulated quads really feel barely heavier than in actual life, the physics stays moderately correct, and drone parameters are adjustable to carefully replicate real-world flight traits.

Total, TRYP FPV stands out as considered one 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 on the lookout for expansive and immersive flying experiences. With excessive graphics settings enabled, the simulator can often really feel astonishingly near flying in an actual surroundings.

Uncrashed

Launched in 2021, Uncrashed is a dream come true for knowledgeable 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 commonplace 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 can assist you grasp flying FPV. Drone and surroundings settings might be custom-made, however this is perhaps overwhelming for learners.

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

In my view, Uncrashed excels as a visually immersive and satisfying freestyle simulator. The expansive playgrounds present countless leisure, and flying by way of futuristic environments paying homage to the flying-car scenes from “The Fifth Factor” by no means will get previous.

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

FPV.SkyDive

FPV Skydive initially seems to be promising when it was launched in 2021, particularly as a very free simulator providing freestyle, racing, and multiplayer modes. Nonetheless, 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 primary entry level, however not beneficial when you’re trying to progress critically. In case you are prepared to spend cash, different paid choices are extra full packages and extra price 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 recognized for its life like physics much like VelociDrone, however lean extra in direction of freestyle flying. Though considerably barebones, it options glorious freestyle maps good for flowing by way of inventive gaps and contours. It features a primary 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 often really feel uncommon. Though actively up to date, it feels restricted in comparison with TRYP, DRL, or Uncrashed, providing much less general worth.

Tiny Whoop Simulators

Liftoff: Micro Drones

When discussing Tiny Whoop simulators, it’s essential to try Liftoff: Micro Drones. This unbiased, 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 regulate and more difficult to maneuver precisely by way of 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. Nonetheless, this forgiving nature may diminish the expertise for extra superior racers. Should you’re searching for a more difficult simulator to enhance your whoop piloting expertise, Liftoff: Micro Drones is perhaps the higher alternative.

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

Tiny Whoop GO

Should you’re on the lookout for a free Tiny Whoop simulator, Tiny Whoop GO was a improbable possibility. It felt moderately life like, although barely simpler to fly than in actual life, which could disappoint pilots on the lookout for extra of a problem.

Replace 2025: Sadly, Tiny Whoop GO is not free, and its present worth is almost thrice increased than Liftoff: Micro Drones, making it arduous to suggest.

Different FPV Simulators

AI Drone Simulator

At $15, AI Drone Simulator guarantees a contemporary FPV simulator expertise however falls brief in delivering a standout function set. Whereas it provides high-detail maps and the choice for community-made drone downloads, its lack of options and sport modes in comparison with different fashionable sims place it in a difficult place. For these prioritizing neighborhood content material and drone customization, AI Drone Simulator provides some attraction, however general, it struggles to justify its place in a aggressive market.

FlowState

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

FPV FreeRider (Authentic and Recharged)

FPV Freerider ($6) and its upgraded model, FPV Freerider Recharged ($10), have been form of outdated. Regardless of having good drone physics and a good racetrack generator/editor, the small maps, lack of customization, and poor graphics undermine their worth. FPV Freerider Recharged provides improved graphics however strips away precious options like the automated observe generator, failing to justify its increased 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 immediately 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 slightly than severe simulation or coaching.

Connecting Radio To FPV Simulator

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

1. Energy in your radio controller.
2. Join it to your laptop utilizing a USB-C cable (some radios has one USB port for each knowledge and charging, however some has two ports, one for charging and the opposite for knowledge; be certain to hook up with the information 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. Affirm every enter is appropriately assigned by transferring 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 other ways to attach your radio controller to the simulator. You should use ExpressLRS Bluetooth or even a receiver dongle (reminiscent of by way of a flight controller or utilizing merchandise just like the Squid Stick). These wi-fi strategies provide comfort, however consider they might introduce extra latency resulting from additional processing, which may make simulators really feel barely much less life like.

One other advantage of utilizing a USB cable is that your radio’s battery will not often run out when you’re utilizing the simulator, because the USB connection concurrently fees the battery.

Pc Requirement

How effectively FPV simulators run largely is dependent upon your laptop’s GPU, CPU, and the chosen video decision and graphics settings. When you’ve got an older or slower laptop, some simulators might not carry out optimally. Decreasing your graphics settings can usually assist older computer systems deal with simulators extra easily.

When your laptop 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 gradual. After reducing all graphics settings to the minimal, these points have been enormously improved. Later, after I upgraded to a quicker gaming PC, I might run Liftoff easily even at excessive graphics settings.

Should you’re not sure how effectively your simulator is operating, monitor the body fee. Goal for body charges equal to or larger than your monitor’s refresh fee. In case your body fee falls beneath this, think about reducing your graphics settings.

My gaming PC handles all these simulators fairly effectively even at excessive picture high quality settings. Nonetheless, I desire utilizing low-to-mid settings to attain increased FPS, making the simulation really feel nearer to actual life. Listed here are my PC specs (Amazon affiliate hyperlinks):

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

Finest FPV Sim for MacOS

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

Most sims ought to run easily on the most recent Macs. Nonetheless, for individuals who wish to play secure, Velocidrone is a wonderful alternative. It has one of many lowest CPU and GPU necessities. Regardless of an absence 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 happy to present them a go. Steam’s refund coverage is there in the event that they don’t carry out effectively in your machine.

Does Physics Matter?

Sure and no.

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

Finally, the aim of a simulator is that can assist 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 laptop.

Focus your time on constant follow slightly than worrying an excessive amount of about simulator physics.

What to Observe in Simulators

Keep correct posture and ergonomics whereas utilizing simulators. Should you sometimes stand whereas flying in actual life, do the identical throughout simulator follow. Equally, when you usually use a neck strap, use one throughout your simulation classes.

Should you’re a whole newbie, choose an open map with minimal obstacles to begin.

For learners, right here’s what I’d suggest to follow:

• Arming and Disarming: Observe arming and disarming your drone usually. Once you crash, follow disarming the drone earlier than hitting the reset button—this can be a essential behavior to kind.
• Fundamental Flight Actions: Observe taking off, flying in a straight line, making left and proper turns, and flying in circles.
• Touchdown: Observe managed touchdown by hovering near the bottom earlier than disarming, minimizing affect. Don’t underestimate this straightforward train, you’d be shocked how many individuals can carry out complicated acrobatic strikes however battle to land with out crashing 🙂
• Precision Maneuvering: Observe flying by way of gaps to develop precision and management.
• Freestyle Maneuvers: Observe exact rolls, flips, and split-S maneuvers – these are the elemental 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—reminiscent of PIDs and charges—you may as well fine-tune the simulator’s physics. Your objective is to match the quad efficiency in simulator to your real-world quad as carefully as potential. Should you’re simply beginning out, you may not 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 vital 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 very 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 form of pointless, however you possibly can strive if you need.

FPV Goggles with HDMI enter, reminiscent of Skyzone SKY04X Professional, Walksnail Goggles X or HDZero Goggles, can connect with your laptop and function an exterior monitor, permitting you to follow FPV flying with goggles. This may assist learners grow to be accustomed to flying with goggles from the beginning.

Nonetheless, I personally discover utilizing a normal monitor simpler on the eyes, particularly throughout lengthy follow classes. 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 general.

Line of Sight Flying Simulators

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

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

Should you’re excited about training LOS in simulators anyway, listed below are just a few choices:

• Liftoff: Press B to modify to LOS mode.
• VelociDrone: Scroll the mouse wheel to zoom into LOS mode.
• FPV Freerider: Presents 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 inside and exterior RF modules within the Mannequin setup. This helps preserve your transmitter’s battery throughout simulator classes.

Points Connecting Radio to macOS?

Should you’ve related your radio controller to a Mac and nothing occurs—no immediate on the radio to pick joystick mode and no detection by the pc—it is perhaps a cable difficulty. I encountered this drawback when utilizing a USB-C to USB-C cable. The identical cable labored high-quality on a Home windows laptop however didn’t work with my MacBook.

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

You’ll find an appropriate adapter right here: https://amzn.to/470TcYI

Can I Use an Android Cellphone or iPhone for Simulators?

Should you’re trying to follow FPV flying on a smartphone, utilizing an Android machine is usually extra simple. You’ll be able to join your radio on to an Android telephone utilizing an OTG USB cable.

Nonetheless, connecting by way of USB isn’t potential on an iPhone resulting from iOS restrictions. When 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 part of that WiFi community out of your iPhone, and configure the joystick inside appropriate simulators (such because the VelociDrone iOS model). Take note, although, that WiFi connections might introduce increased latency in comparison with a direct USB connection on Android.

Last Ideas – My Suggestions

Listed here are my high FPV simulator suggestions:

FPV drone simulators can’t absolutely 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 follow turns into more and more vital. Whereas some simulators emphasize graphics and visible realism, others prioritize correct flight physics and broad {hardware} compatibility. Finally, select a simulator that aligns greatest together with your particular wants and preferences. Pleased flying!

Edit Historical past

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