The best free drone simulator for PC that is not FPV is Real Drone Simulator. It is free for personal use and runs on Windows. DJI Virtual Flight is another free option, but it needs a compatible DJI controller and is reportedly no longer updated. Well-known sims such as Liftoff, DRL Simulator and VelociDrone are FPV racing games, and they are paid.
Which Free Drone Simulator for PC Is Best?
If you want a free simulator that is not an FPV racing game, Real Drone Simulator is the best fit. Reviews list it as non-FPV. It is still in development, so check the drone list and camera views in the current version before you spend time on it.
| Simulator | Free or paid | Style | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Drone Simulator | Free for personal use | Not FPV racing | Windows; still in development |
| DJI Virtual Flight | Free | DJI-style flying | Needs a compatible DJI controller; older models |
| FPV SkyDive | Free | FPV racing and freestyle | On Steam |
| Liftoff | Paid | FPV | Needs a game or radio controller |
| DRL Simulator | Paid (a trial may be offered) | FPV racing | On Steam, Epic and Xbox |
| VelociDrone | Paid | FPV racing | Used for MultiGP racing |
| RealFlight | Paid | RC planes and helicopters | Check the model list for multirotors |
Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane are aircraft simulators. They are not drone simulators, so they will not teach you to fly a drone.
Why Is Real Drone Simulator Best for Non-FPV?
It is the one free choice here that is not built around FPV racing. It is free for personal use, runs on Windows, and has several drone models based on real drones. Commercial use needs permission from the developer.
Physics and Drone Models
The developer says the physics use real-life formulas and measured drone parameters from manufacturers. That should help you judge throttle, momentum and braking before you risk a real drone. A simulator is still not a real drone, so expect small differences.
A built-in map editor lets you make custom courses and host multiplayer events. Graphics settings can be changed to suit weaker PCs.
Broad Controller Support
You can fly with a radio transmitter, a game controller or a touchscreen. A radio transmitter feels closest to real flying. A game controller is the quickest way to start.
| Input option | Why use it |
|---|---|
| RC transmitter | Closest to real stick feel |
| Game controller | Easy setup, no extra gear |
| Touchscreen | Works without a controller |
Free Access and Platforms
The developer lists Windows and an experimental Android version. It says more platforms are planned. Personal use is free.
How Realistic Is This Free PC Drone Simulator?
A free simulator can train stick control, orientation and braking. It cannot copy every detail of your own drone. Real drones have their own sensors, flight modes and return-to-home features. A simulator will only match those if it copies your exact model.
Use it to build habits: smooth stick moves, steady hovering and calm recovery. Then practice with your real drone in a safe, open area.
What PC Specs Do You Need?
The Real Drone Simulator site recommends this setup:
- Processor: 4-core CPU
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Graphics: DirectX 11 GPU with 4GB VRAM
- Storage: SSD
Other sims ask for more. For example, the minimum on the Liftoff Steam page includes an RTX 2060 class graphics card. Always check the requirements on the store page before you download.
How Do You Connect a Radio Controller?
Many radio transmitters can connect to a PC by USB and show up as a game controller. Some need a special cable or a wireless dongle, so check your radio manual first.
USB Connection Setup
- Plug the transmitter into a USB port on the PC.
- Open Set up USB game controllers in Windows and check that the radio appears.
- Open the simulator and go to its controller settings.
- Choose the radio as your input device.
Controller Calibration Steps
- Assign throttle, yaw, pitch and roll to the right sticks.
- Center the sticks and set their full range.
- Fix any reversed axis.
- Test with a simple hover and a few slow turns.
If a stick drifts, repeat the calibration and try another USB port.
Which Flight Modes Does It Offer?
- Free Flight: Practice hovering, turning and landing in an open space.
- Time Trial: Fly a course against the clock to measure progress.
- Racing: Race other players online.
The developer lists cinematography, aerial filming, freestyle, arcade and mission modes as planned. They are not available yet, so do not choose the simulator for them.
Is This Free Drone Simulator Good for Beginners?
Yes, for basic stick practice. You can crash as often as you like without cost. Start with a slow hover, then fly a small square, then practice landing on a spot. Try flying with the drone facing you, because the controls feel reversed.
Want more free apps for this? See our guide to free PC apps for learning line-of-sight flying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Drone Simulator?
It depends on your goal. Liftoff and VelociDrone are popular for FPV racing and freestyle, but they are paid. For a free simulator that is not FPV, try Real Drone Simulator.
What Is the Best Flight Simulator for PC?
Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane 12 are well known aircraft simulators. They are not drone simulators. Use a drone simulator to practice drone controls.
What Is the Best Drone Simulator App?
On PC, start with Real Drone Simulator. DJI also lists DJI Virtual Flight in its Download Center. It needs a compatible DJI controller, so check DJI’s page for supported models.
What Are Some Drone Games for PC?
Popular FPV drone games include DRL Simulator, Liftoff, VelociDrone and the free FPV SkyDive. All of them are FPV racing or freestyle games.
Conclusion
For a free drone simulator for PC that is not FPV, start with Real Drone Simulator. It is free for personal use and runs on Windows. Try DJI Virtual Flight if you own a compatible DJI controller. Choose Liftoff, DRL Simulator or VelociDrone only if you want paid FPV racing.
Last checked: October 2026. Features and availability can change.
