Top Truck, Train & Flight Simulators for Every Gamer

Okay, top truck, train & flight simulators have straight-up hijacked my brain this year and I’m not even a little mad about it. Like, I’m sitting here in my freezing Ohio basement at 1:47 a.m., hoodie smelling faintly of yesterday’s Taco Bell, RGB lights flickering because one strip is dying again, and I’m debating whether to finish this American Truck Simulator run from Flagstaff to Vegas or just cave and fire up the PMDG 737 for the third time tonight. Send help… or don’t. Anyway.

Why Top Truck, Train & Flight Simulators Own My Soul Right Now

Real talk – I’m a 34-year-old dude who used to think “sim racing” meant Need for Speed on PS2. Then 2020 happened, I panic-bought a wheel during lockdown, and now I get genuinely stressed if my virtual Kenworth’s oil pressure drops below 50 psi. It’s pathetic and I love it.

The Trucking Sims That Turned Me Into a CB-Radio Weirdo

• American Truck Simulator (ATS) – Still my desert-island sim. Something about those endless Arizona sunsets and hauling oversized loads through construction zones just… hits different. I once spent 40 real minutes backing a flatbed into a Home Depot in Tucson because I refused to quick-save. My wife walked in, stared, and just whispered “divorce.” Worth it.
• Euro Truck Simulator 2 (SCS Software) – I said I’d never touch it because “Europeans drive on the wrong side.” Two weeks later I owned every map DLC and was taking screenshots of the Alps like a basic influencer. The ProMods mod? Illegal levels of pretty.

Top Truck, Train & Flight Simulators: The Train Chapter Nobody Asked For

I blame Derail Valley for this one. One minute I’m watching a YouTube video, next minute I’m shunting boxcars at 4 a.m. yelling “EASY WITH THE BRAKES, IDIOT” at myself. Train Sim World 5 is gorgeous but makes me sweat – the UK routes especially, because apparently British signaling is designed by sadists. Run 8 is ugly as sin but feels like cheating on your girlfriend with a spreadsheet… and I kinda respect it.

Flight Sims – Where I Pretend I’m Competent

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is witchcraft. I took off from my local airport (literally 15 minutes from my house), flew over my actual neighborhood, and waved at my own roof. Then I tried to land the Fenix A320 in 40-knot crosswinds at Innsbruck and cried. Real tears. My neighbor heard me screaming “FLARE YOU PIECE OF—” at 2 a.m. and texted “you good bro?”

PMDG 737, Fenix A320, and now the new 777… my credit card weeps. But the satisfaction of nailing a visual approach into Jackson Hole at golden hour? Better than s—… well, almost.

My Completely Subjective Top Truck, Train & Flight Simulators Tier List (Fight Me)

S-Tier (I will defend with my life):

• American Truck Simulator + all the map DLC
• Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (with PMDG/Fenix)
• Train Sim World 5 (Cajon Pass route slaps)

A-Tier (I rotate when I’m bored):

• Euro Truck Simulator 2 + ProMods
• Derail Valley
• Run8 (for when I hate myself)

B-Tier (I own but pretend I don’t):

• SnowRunner (it’s not really trucking but I spent 300 hours stuck in mud so it counts)
• Trainz (nostalgia only)

Final Thoughts From a Guy Who Needs Sunlight

Look, top truck, train & flight simulators have turned me into a gremlin who gets excited about realistic tire wear and dynamic weather, but I’ve never been happier in my hobby. If you’re on the fence – just pick one. Start with ATS, it’s like $5 on sale and the soundtrack alone is worth it. Your sleep schedule will never recover, but that’s future-you’s problem.

Drop your own favorites below1394-style, I wanna know what keeps you up at night too. And if anyone from SCS or Asobo is reading this… please add working CB radio chatter to ATS. I need to yell “10-4 good buddy” unironically.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a heavy haul to Albuquerque and the sun’s coming up in-game. Life’s weird.