Many helicopter lovers will not have a chance to fly in their favorite helicopter, and even see it from a short distance. There’s something really special about helicopters and aircraft in general, so we see people collecting the toys or buying helicopter PC games. But, what is so great about those games? Is it the action that they offer or simply a feeling of superior power because you are attacking from above? Well, that’s a question that you can answer by yourself. Today, we are going to take a look at a special genre of action games, and that’s 20 best helicopter games for PC. Ascend your way to victory!
1. Apache: Air Assault
So, is there a better way to start off this list? I mean, if you are just a little bit into helicopters, you know what we are talking about? Apache is a highly powerful helicopter that can rip the enemy lines and shred them to pieces. In this game, you are going to be sitting in the cockpit of this powerful machine and show your enemies your annihilation instinct. Use machine gun, or maybe missiles to bring the victory to your team in this hyper-realistic helicopter game. This isn’t a hundred percent arcade experience, but a fine balance between arcade and simulation gameplay. It’s easily one of the best helicopter games ever!
2. DCS World
If you want a hyper-realistic aircraft simulator, look no further than DCS World. DCS World was released in 2013 and it’s an ultimate simulation game for your PC. Not only that you get to fly some badass helicopter, but also planes and use tanks! Basically, DCS World is a tank game, but with lots of stuff going on. Just be careful as this game isn’t for softcore whinny kids, but for the true aircraft enthusiasts.
3. Ace Combat: Assault Horizon
Unlike DCS World, Ace Combat: Assault Horizon is much more approachable game. By that, I mean that you can play it even if you don’t have ANY previous experience with this type of game. Developed by NAMCO, this is an amazing arcade game which will put you in a role of a pilot using planes and helicopters to his advantage. There are tons of aircraft battles and dogfights waiting for you to participate. If you are brave enough, you might as well try multiplayer.
4. Sky Hunter
Sky Hunter is a strictly multiplayer game which lets you… well, drive a helicopter! And you know what? This game rocks! Using your mighty Sky Hunter was never this fun, especially because you’re doing it in multiplayer. However, it’s an action-packed title with lots of arcade elements in it, which may turn off some hardcore simulation lovers. But, if you are good with the game being arcade, then go on. There are 5 huge locations that will provide you with lots of fun.
5. Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft is known for their polished and streamlined Flight Simulator which is still a real deal. I mean, where can you find a better flight simulator than this? Microsoft isn’t only a company that works on Windows OS, but a game this great. So, Microsoft Flight Simulator is basically a game that lets you use planes and helicopters and explore the skies. The controls are great, and the graphics are solid, I would say. Just take your time and be patient with this game, because it’s still a realistic experience.
6. Heliborne
Heliborne is another fantastic helicopter game with beautiful graphics and polished gameplay. Oh, it’s also released in October, last year, so it’s not strange that it looks stunningly good. On the gameplay side, we have tons of powerful helicopter which you can use to beat the crap out of your enemies in both multiplayer and singleplayer. This is one of those game that’s much more fun in multiplayer, but you can play singleplayer as well.
7. Air Missions: HIND
Have you heard of a Mi-24 Hind helicopter? If not, that’s a badass piece of aircraft made by Russians. There’s no bullshit and filler content in this game. Instead, you are being deployed on the battlefield and your mission is to annihilate the enemy lines and survive the vicious battle. To make things easier, Air Missions: HIND lets you play with your friend and increase the chances of survival. But, don’t expect the game to hold you by your hand; you’ll still have a hard time surviving!
8. ARMA 3
ARMA 3 is an all-around military game with a high focus on realistic physics and gun behavior. Because of this, you can’t just go guns-blazing at your enemies, or you’ll finish a couple of meters below the ground. Instead, ARMA 3 forces you to go tactically, which is EXTREMELY fun when playing with your friend(s) and creates that war tension, like you’re on a real battlefield. But, wait. How exactly is this a helicopter game? Well, it’s a helluva helicopter game, because ARMA 3 allows for using numerous vehicles to bring yourself a victory. The helicopters are very powerful in this game, but only if you are a skillful pilot.
9. AirStrike II: Gulf Thunder
AirStrike II: Gulf Thunder is very fun helicopter game which completely ditches a realistic helicopter behavior for a badass arcade experience. Actually, you’ll only need a couple of buttons to play this game! Although the graphics are a little… well, not that great, the game is still fun as hell. This is one of those games that will kick your ass if you’re not careful, but also let you relax after a long day of work. Plus, it takes a very little space, so you can download it and start flying the same moment.
10. Take on Helicopters
Take on Helicopters was developed by Bohemia Interactive, a developer that worked on many military simulation games. So, is this a helicopter game we all want? It depends. If you like games like AirStrike II, then you won’t like this one. However, if it’a laid-back approach to helicopters that you see, then you might consider this game. Take on Helicopters is a simulation game that’s nothing but amazing! Everything from visuals to gameplay is simply fun to behold.
11. GTA V
Come on, you can’t say that GTA V isn’t a helicopter game. Just play it for half an hour and you’ll change your opinion quickly! This open world game is here to bring you a story and visuals that will make your jaw hit the ground and kiss your feet below. GTA V first began as a console game, until it was ported to PC and guess what? It immediately became a real freakin’ deal! A huge, open world where you can do literally everything and even drive tanks and helicopters… hell yeah! Be sure to get this game and enjoy like never before.
12. Homefront
Homefront is an FPS game that has a lot to do with helicopters. In fact, Homefront lets you use various gadgets, guns, and vehicles to bring a victory to your country. In my opinion, Homefront is a very underrated game, but it’s fun as hell, unlike its younger brother Homefront: Revolution. So, basically, Koreans attack your country killing everything in their sight, and you are the hero tasked with putting an end to that. Expect some heavy resistance, lots of shooting, and of course, helicopter battles.
13. Team Apache
Team Apache was a revolutionary game back in the time and you wouldn’t believe me when it was created. So, can you guess? It’s released in 1998, and in that time, it was a VERY advanced game. You know what I mean? The graphics were phenomenal at the time, and you were sitting in a high-detailed cockpit of an Apache helicopter! Isn’t that so badass? Oh, yeah, and you are a superhero, bombing and shooting the enemies below you like a lunatic. It’s so much fun and I recommend playing it right now!
14. Air Conflicts: Vietnam
Air Conflicts: Vietnam is a solid helicopter game which also lets you use planes to wage war. Speaking of war, we are dealing with the most brutal version of Vietnam I’ve ever seen! You aren’t going to be an infantry soldier, carving your way through the forests and trenches, but an angel guardian, watching over your teammates and helping them in battle. The game offers both singleplayer and multiplayer modes, and you can pick it up for a very cheap price.
15. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
For those who like shooter games, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is probably one of the best games ever. You know… I must agree with that! Now, why is this a helicopter game? Right now, I asked you the stupidest question on Earth! Modern Warfare 2 is an excellent military game, including all of the powerful guns, vehicles, and helicopters which you’ll use very often in your gameplay. Sure, you can’t drive a helicopter, but there are lots of them, meaning that you’ll often get roasted by one. Battlefield 4 is still a king when it comes to using those vehicles.
16. Spec Ops: The Line
Specs Ops: The Line is easily the most underrated game of the 21st century! The story, the gameplay, and the graphics are excellent, and I really don’t know why it’s so overlooked. Nevertheless, the game puts you in a helicopter right from the start, letting you use your minigun to shoot the enemies below. After that, you helicopter crashes in a sandstorm and you are on your own, in a fictional version of Dubai, torn by hunger, murders and weather conditions. Spec Ops: The Line will question your morality and make you feel like a real murderer, which will then anoint a layer of guilt on your heart.
17. Battlefield 4
Battlefield 4… oh, that awesome game! It’s another FPS game, with beautiful graphics and polished gameplay. And sure, this is the game that you want to play over and over again. I mean, I finished the campaign like ten times or more, and multiplayer is even more fun to play! DICE did a really good job here, making the game appealing and simply addictive. If you like a great multiplayer shooting, Battlefield 4 offers everything you want. Use tanks, cars, planes, helicopters, and guns to your advantage, and remember- have no mercy in battle!
18. Mercenaries 2: World in Flames
It’s been a long time since I played this game, but I remember it quite well. Mercenaries 2: World in Flames is an open-world game that puts you in shoes of a mercenary, trying to earn some cash and buy powerful weapons to defeat his enemies. Because it’s an older game, the graphics aren’t on point, and the story isn’t to be taken seriously. However, the gunplay and helicopters are simply perfect. Using a helicopter to launch the missile into the enemy encampment is priceless! You can use everything you have at your disposal and beat the devil out of your enemies!
19. Gunship 2000
Old games are the games we often use for our daily dose of nostalgia. Well, Gunship 2000 is such game, and if you aren’t a fan of old-school games, the get out! As its name says, the game is all about gunships and huge battles across the open terrains and skies. Because it’s an older game, don’t expect your pretty-looking graphics, but visuals that just do the job. The helicopters are crazy good in the game, meaning that it’s a pleasure to play it, even at this point in time. The best of all is that it doesn’t take much space, and it’s a low-spec game, so yeah… try it.
20. Air Brawl
Air Brawls is a beautiful indie game that will let you fly an old-timer plane and evade the obstacles on your way. Isn’t it scary when the plane flies so low? Oh, yeah, it is! And you are going to be doing this, in this epic, fast-paced game that will test your reflexes and inject you with a dose of adrenaline. Unfortunately, Air Brawl isn’t a singleplayer game, offering just a multiplayer. But that’s not a problem since the multiplayer nails it and the fun factor is strong.