Here are the heavy hitters you can download right now.
Developed by Laminar Research (originally founded by an actual pilot, Austin Meyer), X-Plane uses "Blade Element Theory" to calculate airflow over every surface of the aircraft. It is the preferred simulator for pilots who want to feel the stall characteristics of a Cessna or the turbulence of a jet.
For those who crave the adrenaline of aerial dogfights and tactical missions, Digital Combat Simulator World, or DCS World, is the premier choice. Unlike general aviation sims, DCS focuses on the intricate systems of military hardware. You aren't just flying; you are managing radar systems, weapon payloads, and complex engine startups. The base game is a free downloadable flight simulator for PC, providing a few high-quality aircraft to get you started before you dive into the highly detailed paid modules.
Even the best software has hiccups. Here are fixes for common problems when downloading flight simulators for PC:
Before you click that "Download" button on your chosen flight simulator for PC, ensure your hardware is ready. Nothing kills immersion like low frame rates (FPS) on final approach.