Aces of Thunder: New VR Flight Simulator Launching on February 3, 2026

Gaijin Entertainment has announced the release date for  Aces of Thunder, a simulator featuring aerial combat with virtual reality support. The game is set to launch on February 3, 2026. Players will have the option to fly in both VR mode and on a standard flat screen.

The project aims to deliver a deep immersion and realism experience. The developers are incorporating flight models and damage systems familiar from  War Thunder and adapting these elements to a cockpit-focused format. Gamers will be able to control aircraft using a HOTAS, gamepad, or VR controllers.

Aces of Thunder features a substantial selection of aircraft—not thousands of military assets, but there’s certainly a diverse array of “birds” to choose from. The game includes over 20 World War II aircraft, such as the P-51 Mustang, Bf 109, Fw 190, Il-2, Yak-9T, Spitfire, and A6M3 Zero. Additionally, it presents World War I fighters ranging from the Fokker Dr.I to the SPAD S.XIII, which was flown by Allied ace René Fonck.

Battles will take place across 15 maps, representing key theaters of conflict. Players will experience locations in Western and Eastern Europe, the Pacific region, and World War I fronts. Each area is designed to reflect the distinctive conditions of its specific region and time period.

Aces of Thunder will offer both multiplayer battles and solo missions for skill development. Between flights, players can explore aircraft in the hangar, examine cockpits, and prepare for upcoming engagements.

The developers have placed a significant emphasis on VR support. With OpenXR, a wide variety of virtual reality headsets can be utilized. The project is designed with VR enthusiasts in mind, while still remaining accessible for fans of traditional flight simulators without specialized VR equipment.

Gamers will be able to showcase their piloting skills in Aces of Thunder on PC (Steam) and PlayStation 5. The developers have promised a text translation into Russian.