Aces of Thunder Brings Authentic Dogfighting to PS5 and Steam

Aces of Thunder Brings Authentic Dogfighting to PS5 and Steam

Strap in, pilots: the skies are alive with the roar of engines and the crack of machine guns as Aces of Thunder takes flight on PS5 and Steam. Released on February 3, 2026, by Gaijin Entertainment, this flight sim captures the raw intensity of World War I and II aerial combat like never before. From the cockpit of legendary fighters, you'll engage in heart-pounding dogfights that blend historical accuracy with modern graphics that are a sight to behold. If you've ever dreamed of channeling your inner Red Baron or Spitfire ace, this is your chance to soar.

Stunning Graphics and VR Immersion

Aces of Thunder shines with high-fidelity visuals that make every mission a visual feast. Detailed cockpits, sprawling battlefields, and dynamic weather effects pull you into the heart of the action. The game's 15 maps recreate key theaters from the Western and Eastern Fronts to the Pacific, all rendered with meticulous care. Whether dodging flak over Normandy or dueling in the trenches of WW1, the graphics hold up beautifully on base PS5 hardware and scale impressively on PC setups.

For VR fans, the immersion kicks into overdrive. Native OpenXR support on Steam ensures compatibility with a wide range of headsets, while PS5 players can strap on the PSVR2 for seated, cockpit-exclusive play. With a full VR and controller setup, the interactive cockpits let you flip switches and scan horizons as if you're really there. Reviews from release week highlight how the VR mode transforms dogfights into visceral experiences, though there is a pretty steep learning curve for newcomers UploadVR Review.

Check out the official release trailer to see the graphics in action:

True-to-Life Flight Mechanics

What sets Aces of Thunder apart is its commitment to realism, powered by physically accurate flight and damage models inspired by Gaijin's War Thunder; every plane handles with authentic weight and responsiveness. The roster boasts over 20 iconic WW2 aircraft, including the nimble P-51 Mustang, the sturdy Soviet Il-2, and the deadly German Bf 109. WW1 gets some love too, with fighters like the Fokker Dr.I and SPAD S.XIII featuring period-accurate weaponry and detailed interiors.

It looks, sounds, and feels fantastic — you just need to master its controls and manoeuvring to get off the ground first. - Push Square

These mechanics reward skill and knowledge, making each takeoff a tense affair. As the Push Square review put it, the cockpits and visuals are "exceptional," you just need a crash course in its controls before you can get off the ground. Push Square Review.

Exciting Dogfights: Solo Campaign and Multiplayer

Dogfighting is the soul of Aces of Thunder, and it delivers in spades across multiple modes. The solo campaign throws you into single-player missions that test your mettle against AI foes, from escort duties to ground strikes. These scenarios build on historical events, letting you relive pivotal air battles while honing your skills and tactics before you face off against other players.

Online multiplayer ramps up the adrenaline, pitting you against up to 16 global pilots in real-time skirmishes. Join squads for cooperative strikes or go lone wolf in free-for-alls. The cross-platform play between PS5 and Steam should keep the lobbies full and there are currently players fighting it out from all over the world.

Aces of Thunder Features

• Aircraft Variety: Start with a solid lineup right out of the box, expandable via optional packs like the Spitfire Mk Ia or P-40E-1.
• Damage System: Bullets and bombs affect flight dynamics realistically; a hit wing means struggling control, not instant recovery.
• Controls: VR controllers, full HOTAS joystick support for pros, plus gamepad options for casual pilots. Practice mode helps master the nuances without diving straight into combat.
• Solo Campaign: Structured missions with progression, ideal for learning aircraft quirks.
• Multiplayer Dogfights: Dynamic matches with respawns limited by team resources, encouraging strategy.

If authentic WW2 era dogfights and striking visuals sounds like your kind of thing, visit the Steam Page or PlayStation Store to check it out for yourself.

Maybe we'll get to face off against each other in the clouds!