Controllers and keyboards aren’t the only ways to game. HOTAS, which stands for Hands on Throttle-And-Stick, is one of the most immersive ways to play. There are a variety of kinds and you can use them to gain total control of your aerial vehicles in a large number of titles.
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This emulates how pilots have controlled aircraft since the late 1950s. It can take some time to get used to, but its realism and command are hard to pass up. Whether you enjoy cruising around the planet,exploring the galaxy, or fighting a war, there are plenty of games you can connect your HOTAS controller to.
10Squad
Squad is a large-scale combat simulator that receives frequent updates. You load in, select a server, andenter a massive battlewith other real players. In that battle, you can choose among several classes that determine your loadout and abilities. One of those is being a pilot.
If you dedicate your time in Squad as a pilot, you can connect a HOTAS controller and fly many different planes and helicopters. It is up to you to determine if you want to be a transport pilot or get into the thick of it as a fighter pilot.
9Arma 3
Military simulators are where you’ll find plenty of use for your HOTAS controller. InArma 3, you can experience authentic war or science fiction battles. There arenumerous modsthat take you away from realism and drag you into universes such as Halo and Star Wars.
There are planes, helicopters, Pelicans from Halo, LAATs from Star Wars, and so much more. The options are seemingly endless with Arma 3. You can even jump into a map on your own to test out whatever aircraft you’re trying to get familiar with.
8Project Wingman
Project Wingmanis a beloved fighter jet simulator. You can take part in campaign missions, multiplayer combat, or dogfight challenges to hone your skills. With first and third-person views, you have your choice of how to pilot your jet.
If truly being in the moment is your thing, you’ll be happy to hear this game offers standard and VR modes. Jump in with a VR headset, or don’t as it allows VR modes without one. Then use your HOTAS to feel like a real fighter pilot.
7DCS World
Digital Combat Simulator World is the fan-favorite among the DCS products. The game itself shies away from the intense combat of other simulators that use HOTAS. Instead, it acts as a study simulator that really tests your flying skills.
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The aircraft in DCS World are modeled after real ones. Down to every last detail. You’re tasked with using real correct procedure to takeoff and maintain flight. Of course, they send you into combat scenarios, but you need to understand the controls first and foremost.
6House Of The Dying Sun
If you want to use your HOTAS controller in a tactical space shooter, House of the Dying Sun is for you. The game puts you in the cockpit of the universe’s most notorious starfighter as you hunt down enemies of the Empire.
The only issue with House of the Dying Sun is that HOTAS controllers are not officially supported. They work wonderfully, but you have to piece together the right mods and configurations to get yours up and running.
5War Thunder
War Thunder is afree-to-play gamethat focuses on land, air, and sea combat. It has over 70 million users and is a very popular choice for HOTAS use. Plug yours in with no problem and you’re able to start flying immediately.
The game dishes out realistic battles, arcade battles, and simulator battles. You have your choice of pace, realism, and style of combat. Dogfighting will test your might and you’ll find yourself wearing out the joystick on your HOTAS controller with how intense it can be.
4Elite Dangerous
Elite Dangerousgives you control over your own starship. The galaxy is full of danger and you’ll run into a lot of other players. The MMO space flight simulator is fully open world with a replicated Milky Way for you to explore.
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There are a ton of ways to fly in Elite Dangerous. You decide if you want to takeoff from a ship, a spaceport, or a planet. You can also seamlessly fly down to the planet’s surface and put your landing skills on display for others to see.
3Star Citizen
Star Citizenis one of many space exploration games that allows for HOTAS use. The multiplayer title dabbles in combat and space trading more than any of the other games in the same category. Its specialty is in its ship customization.
You are able to get your hands ona massive amount of shipsand customize them to your liking. Then you can take control of them with your HOTAS and fly all throughout the game’s universe. The difference in size and upgrades determine just how the ship handles.
2Star Wars: Squadrons
Ever since the Star Wars: X-Wing games of the 90s, we’ve waited patiently for a modern version. That finally happened with the release ofStar Wars: Squadrons. It runs in both standard and VR modes, and lets you take full control with a HOTAS.
In Squadrons, you step into the cockpit of several iconic ships from Star Wars. The game puts you right into a story post-Return of the Jedi andprovides multiplayer combat. Its first-person perspective makes it all that more immersive.
1Microsoft Flight Simulator
When you think of a flight simulator,Microsoft Flight Simulatoris often the first that comes to mind. This is a game that lets you leisurely fly from one real world location to another. There’s no combat to engage in or tricky planet side landings to worry about.
Microsoft Flight Simulator has classic airports, missions to complete for points, andaircraft beloved throughout history. Use your HOTAS to perfect a transcontinental flight or simply enjoy the scenery as you circle a mountain range.
