The Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas 4 is one of the only licensed sticks that you can easily use with games on your PS5 like Star Wars: Squadrons or Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown.
You can play Star Wars: Squadrons using a keyboard and mouse, PS4 DualShock controller, or Xbox One controller. But if you have the option, playing with a joystick is definitely the way to go.
When looking to elevate your Microsoft Flight Simulator experience beyond the entry experience, securing the best hands-on throttle-and-stick solution is an investment you won't regret. While there are dozens of sim-ready peripherals out there, the trusty joystick is a must-buy to improve the adventures ahead.
While it's still rather expensive, the Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog is worth the extra cost. The only downside is the Warthog's lack of Z-axis rotation, to be honest, and even that's a result of its grounding in real-world joysticks.
TL;DR – These are the Best PC Joysticks
- Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog PC.
- Hori PS4 HOTAS Flight Stick.
- Logitech Extreme 3D Pro.
- Thrustmaster TCA Sidestick Airbus Edition.
- Thrustmaster T16000M FCS.
- Logitech G Flight Yoke System.
- Lexip Np93 Alpha.
- ZLOT Vertical Gaming Mouse.
Every PlayStation VR Game with HOTAS Support in 2021
- Prepare for War: Ace Combat 7.
- Combat in space: Eve: Valkyrie.
- Battle your friends: StarBlood Arena.
- Take back control: Space Rift.
- War never changes: End Space.
- Open world flying: Ultrawings.
You can play Microsoft Flight Simulator with an Xbox controller and have a perfectly satisfying experience - though you might need a keyboard close by for some specific commands, such as changing sim rate and autopilot shortcuts.
If you are just dipping your wingtips into the Flight Simulator world and you want a budget pick, the $40 Logitech G Extreme 3D is a great choice. It's a well built joystick with a slider on the side that works as a throttle control.
A yoke, alternatively known as a control wheel or a control column, is a device used for piloting some fixed-wing aircraft. The pilot uses the yoke to control the attitude of the plane, usually in both pitch and roll.
Best Standard Flight Simulators
- Aerofly FS. Experience realistic flight physics in Aerofly FS.
- GeoFS. Fly to space and back thanks to the Google Earth capabilities with GeoFS.
- FlightGear.
- FlyInside.
- Infinite Flight.
- Microsoft Flight Simulator X.
- Take On Helicopters.
- X-Plane 11.
During the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021, it finally happened: Microsoft Flight Simulator for Xbox officially releases on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Game Pass for consoles on July 27, 2021.
Best PC Joystick in 2021
- Best Overall: CH Products Fighterstick.
- Best Premium: Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Flight Stick.
- Best Mid-range HOTAS: Logitech Pro Flight X-56.
- Best Value HOTAS: Thrustmaster VG T16000M.
- Best Budget HOTAS: Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X.
