IL-2 Sturmovik
IL-2 Sturmovik is a 2001 combat flight simulation developed by 1C:Maddox Games, focused on the air war of the Eastern Front during World War II. It set a new bar for realism and remains a touchstone of the hardcore flight sim genre, named after the famous Soviet ground-attack aircraft.
The game modelled aircraft flight, damage, and combat with exceptional fidelity, simulating engine management, overheating, fuel, and the individual effects of gunfire on airframes, control surfaces, and crew. Its roster of authentically reproduced Soviet and German aircraft, along with adjustable difficulty settings that ranged from arcade-friendly to unforgiving full realism, earned deep respect from simulation enthusiasts. A dynamic campaign and mission builder gave players plenty of scenarios to fly.
IL-2 Sturmovik grew into a sprawling franchise with numerous sequels, expansions, and the later Cliffs of Dover and Great Battles series still supported today. It remains a leading name in combat flight simulation on modern platforms.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to IL-2 Sturmovik, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
War Thunder
Free + in-app purchasesA free vehicular combat game with accessible air battles.
War Thunder runs on PC, Mac, Linux. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Verified.
DCS World
Free + in-app purchasesA free-to-play flight sim platform with highly detailed study aircraft.
DCS World runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Steam Deck.
IL-2 Sturmovik: Great Battles
€ 49,99The modern continuation of the series with high-fidelity WWII aircraft.
IL-2 Sturmovik: Great Battles runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
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