Best Open-World Games With Thrilling Airborne Combat

Key Takeaways

The Falconeer features vast skies and oceans with warbirds upgrades for combat.
Far Cry 6 offers fast-paced helicopter combat in Yara’s rich tropical setting.
No Man’s Sky is a deep-space exploration game with procedural planets and varied combat.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I’ve had the pleasure of soaring through skies and exploring vast open worlds in numerous games. However, none have quite captivated me like the ones on this list, each offering unique experiences that cater to different tastes.

For over several decades now, the allure of the open-world gaming genre has held millions of players spellbound across the globe with its limitless opportunities. Given its adaptability, the open-world concept can seamlessly blend with a wide range of genres, including First-Person Shooters (FPS), Role-Playing Games (RPG), Beat ‘Em Ups, and naturally, aerial combat and exploration games as well.

Being able to soar through the skies inside a fighter jet, a spaceship, or a giant bird of prey is one of the most entertaining and fulfilling experiences in gaming. It not only allows players to cover more distance in an open-world setting, but also provides breathtaking views of the map. Here are some of the best open-world games with thrilling airborne combat.

5 The Falconeer

Upgrade Warbirds & Explore The Vast World

Vast, open world with large ocean areas.
Players can upgrade their warbirds to make them stronger for combat.

In the game titled “The Falconeer“, players find themselves soaring through expansive skies and vast oceans within a captivating universe. Here, they engage in intense battles while maneuvering colossal birds of war. The enchanting realm of Great Ursee serves as the backdrop for this adventure, and it incorporates aspects of naval combat. When these naval elements blend with the game’s exceptional aerial mechanics, players are treated to an extraordinary and unforgettable gaming experience.

In this game, you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your fighter planes, making them more robust and suitable for battle, as you traverse the expansive world it presents. This game offers an intriguing feature: a changing weather system that demands strategic adaptation from the players.

4 Far Cry 6

Helicopter Combat In This Revolutionary Setting Is Great

Helicopter combat is fun and fast-paced.
Players can explore Yara’s open areas freely while airborne.

In the game Far Cry 6, players find themselves in a scenario where they are citizens of the island Yara, and must rise up against a ruthless dictator who pays little heed to the well-being of those under his authority. The performance of Giancarlo Esposito as the villainous Antón Castillo, known as “El Presidente,” is exceptional and lends an extra dimension to the gameplay experience.

As I dive into the vibrant world of Far Cry 6, I can’t help but feel the thrill of soaring through the lush tropical skies. This game offers a variety of vehicles, from nimble helicopters to swift planes, which I use to traverse the expansive open world and engage with incoming adversaries. The dense foliage provides ample coverage, making air combat not only exhilarating but also strategically sound. The seamless blend of engaging game mechanics, a gripping narrative about revolution and liberty, and the sheer fun of flying these machines makes my gaming experience truly unforgettable.

3 No Man’s Sky

A Deep-Space Exploration Game With Fun Aerial Combat

Procedurally generated planets that always feel different.
Players will have to defend themselves from pirates and other threats.

No Man’s Sky is widely considered one of the most intricate, expansive, and fully-realized space exploration video games ever developed. Each planet in the game is procedurally generated, ensuring that players encounter unique environments and discover new items consistently. The game offers both dogfighting in low orbit and spaceship combat, as players fend off pirates and other dangers.

Players possess an array of starships and versatile spacecraft, which they can use to tinker with settings to optimize performance in diverse combat scenarios. No Man’s Sky additionally emphasizes strategic resource collection and is consistently enhanced with new updates and attributes to maintain player satisfaction. It’s projected that the game boasts approximately 18 quintillion planets, making complete exploration by a single player an unattainable feat. With over 10 million simultaneous players, it would take over 50,000 years of collaborative exploration to fully traverse them all.

2 Starlink: Battle for Atlas

Pulse-Racing Battles Across Several Planets

Modular aircraft and weapon customization.
Good story and a decent co-op.

In the realm of planetary exploration and aerial combat, Starlink: Battle for Atlas delivers a science fiction adventure where you engage in battles against extraterrestrial beings and various adversaries as part of your struggle for survival. Featuring open-world gameplay mechanics, this title seamlessly transitions from interstellar voyages to descending and penetrating the atmospheres of diverse planets.

In Starlink: Battle for Atlas, players enjoy extensive modular customization for their spacecraft and weapons, ensuring a thrilling, heart-pounding gameplay experience. The narrative is also captivating, and the cooperative mode offers a refreshing feel, despite the game having been released a few years ago.

1 GTA 5

Amazing Airborne Physics & Game Mechanics

Excellent airborne physics and game mechanics.
Wide range of vehicles.

Lastly, but by no means least, it’s the undisputed king among kings – GTA 5. Since its debut in 2013, this game has amassed numerous awards and continues to be a favorite among gamers due to its timeless design. A significant factor contributing to its longevity is the exceptional flight mechanics that enable players to take control of various aircraft, from leisurely recreational crafts to military-grade vehicles.

As a devoted admirer, I can confidently say that when it comes to vehicle handling and physics, few developers match the genius of Rockstar Games. Their unwavering commitment creates an exhilarating aerial adventure that always feels fresh, even after more than a decade. The arrival of GTA Online has only amplified this experience, breathing new life into the game with an array of ground and airborne vehicles, along with countless new missions and challenges to conquer.

2024-09-16 05:33