The Best FPV Drone Simulators 2023

VelociDrone 

VelociDrone is a fast-paced multiplayer and single-player FPV drone racing simulator with realistic physics and graphics. It offers a variety of custom tracks with moving gates and barriers, a time attack mode, a qualify mode, a factory scene, a ship port scene, an apocalypse scene, an island scene, a countryside scene, etc.  It also supports VR option and mobile version. 

Pros 

• VelociDrone has excellent physics that can be adjusted and tuned to match your own quadcopter’s characteristics. You can also choose from different drone models and parts to customize your flying experience. 
• VelociDrone has a large number of maps and scenes that are diverse and challenging. You can also create your own tracks using the track editor or download tracks made by other users. 
• VelociDrone has a multiplayer mode that allows you to race or practice with other players online. You can also join tournaments and events hosted by VelociDrone or other organizations. 
• VelociDrone has a low minimum computer requirement compared to other simulators. It can run smoothly on most laptops or PCs with decent graphics settings. 

Cons 

• VelociDrone’s graphics are not as impressive as some other simulators. The textures and lighting are not very detailed or realistic, especially in some scenes. 
• VelociDrone’s user interface is not very intuitive or user-friendly. Some functions and settings are hard to find or access. You may need to watch some tutorials or guides to get started with the simulator. 
• VelociDrone’s controller setup is not very easy or straightforward. You have to assign the throttle stick to the throttle input yourself and calibrate your controller manually. You may also need to adjust your controller sensitivity and deadzone to get the best feel. 

Screenshots 

FPV Drone Simulator 

FPV Drone Simulator is a free-to-play FPV drone simulator designed for practicing drone flying skills in different environments. It has three scenes: abandoned factory, free ride, and fantasy forest.  It has a simple interface and controls but lacks some advanced features like multiplayer mode or track editor. 

Pros 

• FPV Drone Simulator is easy to download and install from Steam. You don’t need to pay anything to enjoy the simulator. 
• FPV Drone Simulator has decent graphics and sound effects that create a realistic atmosphere. The scenes are well-designed and have various obstacles and landmarks to explore. 
• FPV Drone Simulator has good physics and flight mechanics that simulate the behaviour of a real drone. You can adjust the sensitivity and expo of your controller to suit your preference. 

Cons 

• FPV Drone Simulator has limited content and variety. It only has three scenes and no option to create or download custom tracks. It also does not have any game modes or objectives to challenge yourself or compete with others. 
• FPV Drone Simulator has no multiplayer mode or online community. You can only fly solo or with AI drones that are not very smart or responsive. 
• FPV Drone Simulator has no customization or configuration options for your drone. You cannot change the drone model, parts, camera angle, or settings. 

Liftoff

Liftoff is a popular FPV drone racing simulator with a large community of players and racers. It has realistic physics and graphics, a track editor, a workshop mode, a career mode, a freestyle mode, etc. It also features licensed drones and parts from real brands and allows customization of drones.

Pros

• Liftoff has excellent physics that can be adjusted and tuned to match your own quadcopter’s characteristics. You can also choose from different drone models and parts to customize your flying experience.
• Liftoff has a large number of maps and scenes that are diverse and challenging. You can also create your own tracks using the track editor or download tracks made by other users.
• Liftoff has a multiplayer mode that allows you to race or practice with other players online or offline. You can also join or host races with official DRL courses, custom maps, leaderboards, tournaments, etc.

Cons

• Liftoff requires a decent computer system to run smoothly with high graphics settings. It may not work well on low-end laptops or PCs.
• Liftoff has a steep learning curve for beginners who are not familiar with FPV drone flying or racing. It may take some time and practice to master the controls and feel of the simulator.
• Liftoff does not support VR option or mobile version, unlike some other simulators.

Screenshots 

TRYP FPV Simulator

TRYP FPV Simulator is a new and innovative FPV drone simulator that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to create realistic and dynamic environments. It has four scenes: city, forest, desert, and snow. It also has a freestyle mode, a racing mode, a tutorial mode, a challenge mode and the awesome “TRYP MODE” which allows you to practice taking cinematic shots in various scenarios such as base jumpers and fast-moving vehicles.

Pros

• TRYP FPV Simulator has stunning graphics and sound effects that immerse you in the virtual world. The scenes are rich and detailed, with dynamic weather, lighting, and traffic.
• TRYP FPV Simulator has adaptive physics and flight mechanics that learn from your flying style and preferences. You can also customize your drone model, parts, camera angle, and settings.
• TRYP FPV Simulator has a variety of game modes and challenges that test your skills and creativity, including scenarios for cinematic flying practice. You can also compete with other players online or offline, or watch replays of your flights.

Cons

• TRYP FPV Simulator requires a high-end computer system to run smoothly with maximum graphics settings. It may not work well on low-end laptops or PCs.
• TRYP FPV Simulator is still in early access stage and may have some bugs or glitches. It also does not have many maps or scenes yet, but more are planned to be added in the future.
• TRYP FPV Simulator is a little more expensive than some of the other simulators in this list. You have to pay $14.99 USD to get access to the early access version from Steam.

Screenshots

FPV Freerider 

FPV Freerider is a basic FPV drone racing simulator that lets you train for racing or learn new tricks in freestyle mode. It has LOS (Line of Sight) and FPV (First Person View) flying modes, self-leveling mode, acro mode, and 3D mode. It has six scenes: desert, island, car park, meadow, playground, and winter. 

Pros 

• FPV Freerider is cheap and easy to download and install from Steam or Google Play. You only need to pay $4.99 for the full version or $2.99 for the mobile version. 
• FPV Freerider has simple and intuitive controls that can be configured to match your own transmitter or gamepad. You can also adjust the input rates, physics, and camera settings to suit your preference. 
• FPV Freerider has a racetrack generator that can create millions of tracks automatically with different layouts and difficulties. You can also choose between timed races or free flights. 

Cons 

• FPV Freerider has outdated graphics and sound effects that lack realism and detail. The scenes are bland and repetitive, and the drones are low-poly models. 
• FPV Freerider has no multiplayer mode or online community. You can only fly solo or with AI drones that are not very challenging or fun. 
• FPV Freerider has no customization or configuration options for your drone. You cannot change the drone model, parts, color, or settings. 

Screenshots

DRL Simulator

DRL Simulator is a professional FPV drone racing simulator that mimics the real Drone Racing League (DRL) experience. It has realistic physics and graphics, official DRL courses, custom maps, leaderboards, tournaments, etc. It also allows you to compete against real DRL pilots or join the DRL tryouts to become one. 

Pros 

• DRL Simulator has a high-quality and immersive flight experience that simulates the physics, sound, camera, and feedback of a real DRL drone. You can also use FPV goggles or VR headsets to enhance your immersion. 
• DRL Simulator has a large and diverse content that includes over 30 official DRL courses, over 50 custom maps, over 20 licensed drones and parts, and over 1000 community creations. You can also create your own maps and share them with others. 
• DRL Simulator has a competitive and exciting multiplayer mode that lets you join or host races with up to 24 players online. You can also participate in events and tournaments organized by DRL or other partners. 
• DRL Simulator has a unique and rewarding career mode that lets you progress through different levels of difficulty and challenge. You can also join the DRL tryouts and compete for a chance to become a professional pilot in the real Drone Racing League. 

Cons 

• DRL Simulator has a steep learning curve that may frustrate beginners or casual players. The controls are sensitive and complex, and the courses are challenging and demanding. 
• DRL Simulator has a high minimum computer requirement compared to other simulators. It may not run smoothly on older or weaker laptops or PCs without lowering the graphics settings. 
• DRL Simulator has a relatively high price tag compared to other simulators. It costs $9.99 on Steam. 

Screenshots 

In this article, we have reviewed the best FPV drone simulators available in 2023 based on their features and criteria such as realism, physics, graphics, multiplayer mode, track editor, etc. We have also provided pros and cons for each simulator and some screenshots to illustrate their gameplay. Hopefully this article has helped you to learn more about FPV drone simulation and to choose the best simulator for your needs. 

Choosing the best FPV drone simulators depends on your preferences and goals. If you are looking for a realistic and immersive flight experience that can prepare you for real drone racing, you may want to try DRL Simulator or Liftoff. If you are looking for a fast-paced and fun multiplayer mode that can challenge you and your friends, you may want to try VelociDrone or Liftoff. If you are looking for a simple and easy way to practice your drone flying skills in different environments, you may want to try FPV Drone Simulator or FPV Freerider. 

If you’ve been using an FPV drone simulator to learn to fly and you feel like you’re ready to fly for real, check out our list of Best FPV Drones for Beginners.

Want more tips on improving your FPV flying skills in addition to using FPV Drone Simulators? The Ultimate Guide to Learning and Improving FPV Drone Flying Skills is for you.

Some tips and recommendations for choosing the best FPV drone simulators: 

• Check the minimum computer requirement and compatibility of the simulator before buying or downloading it. Make sure your laptop or PC can run it smoothly with decent graphics settings. 
• Use a dedicated transmitter or gamepad that can be configured to match your own drone controller. This will help you to get used to the controls and feel of flying a real drone. 
• Adjust the settings and options of the simulator to suit your preference and skill level. You can change the input rates, physics, camera angle, video static, etc. to make the flight experience more comfortable and realistic. 
• Explore different maps and scenes and create your own tracks using the track editor. This will help you to improve your navigation and orientation skills and to discover new challenges and fun spots. 
• Join or host races with other players online or offline using the multiplayer mode. This will help you to improve your racing and freestyle skills and to compete with other pilots around the world. 

FPV drone simulation is a growing and evolving field that offers many opportunities and possibilities for drone enthusiasts of all levels. Some of the upcoming or potential features or developments in the field of FPV drone simulation are: 

• More realistic and detailed graphics and sound effects that can create a more immersive and lifelike flight experience. 
• More diverse and dynamic maps and scenes that can offer more variety and challenge for different types of flying styles. 
• More customization and configuration options for drones and parts that can allow more creativity and personalization of flying experience. 
• More integration and interaction with real drones and parts that can enable data transfer, tuning, testing, etc. 
• More collaboration and communication with other players online or offline that can enable socializing, learning, sharing, etc.