As an avid drone enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for the best tools to improve my piloting skills. One of the most effective ways to practice flying drones is through simulations, which allow you to hone your abilities without the risk of crashing a real drone.
With a plethora of drone simulators available online, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this article, I will introduce you to some of the best free drone simulators that I have personally tried and tested. These simulators offer realistic physics, diverse environments, and customizable settings to help you become a proficient drone pilot.
Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced pilot seeking advanced training, these free drone simulators have something to offer for everyone. Let’s dive in and discover the exciting world of virtual drone flying!
Exploring the Best Free Drone Simulator
When it comes to honing your drone piloting skills without the risk of crashing a real drone, free drone simulators are the way to go. These simulators offer a realistic flying experience, allowing you to practice various maneuvers and techniques.
One standout free drone simulator that I’ve come across is a cutting-edge program that provides users with a comprehensive virtual environment to fly drones. It offers a wide range of drones to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and flight dynamics.
- Realistic Physics: The simulator incorporates realistic physics, wind effects, and environmental conditions to provide an authentic flying experience.
- Mission Modes: Engage in challenging missions and tasks to test your piloting skills and improve your precision and control.
- Training Modules: Take advantage of training modules to learn the basics of drone flying, from takeoff to landing, and advance to more complex maneuvers.
Why Use a Drone Simulator?
Using a drone simulator can greatly benefit both beginner and experienced drone pilots. One of the main advantages is the ability to practice flying skills in a safe and controlled environment. Simulators allow you to learn how to maneuver the drone, perform different flight maneuvers, and practice landing techniques without the risk of damaging your actual drone.
Additionally, drone simulators can help you get familiar with the controls and settings of different types of drones, allowing you to test out various models and configurations virtually before making a purchase. They also provide a realistic flight experience, including factors like wind, weather conditions, and obstacle avoidance, which can help improve your piloting skills and prepare you for real-life flying scenarios.
- Practice flying skills in a safe environment
- Learn how to maneuver, perform flight maneuvers, and practice landing techniques
- Get familiar with different drone controls and settings
- Experience realistic flight scenarios to improve piloting skills
Features to Look for in a Drone Simulator
When choosing a drone simulator, it’s important to consider several key features that will enhance your training experience and help you improve your piloting skills. Here are some essential features to look for:
- Realistic Physics: A good drone simulator should have realistic physics that accurately simulate the behavior of a real drone in various conditions, such as wind, turbulence, and obstacles.
- Flight Modes: Look for a simulator that offers different flight modes, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced, to cater to pilots of all skill levels.
- Customizable Settings: The ability to customize settings such as weather conditions, time of day, and drone parameters can help you tailor your training to specific scenarios and challenges.
- Scenarios and Challenges: A variety of scenarios and challenges, such as obstacle courses, racing tracks, and search-and-rescue missions, can keep your training engaging and help you practice different skills.
- Recording and Playback: The ability to record your flights and play them back can be a valuable tool for reviewing your performance, identifying areas for improvement, and tracking your progress over time.
Best Free Drone Simulators
When it comes to honing your drone piloting skills without the risk of crashing a real drone, free drone simulators are the way to go. These virtual training tools offer a realistic flying experience and are perfect for both beginners and experienced pilots looking to practice their maneuvers.
If you’re looking for a free drone simulator to improve your skills, consider checking out the following options:
- FPV Freerider: This simulator offers a first-person view flight experience and allows you to practice flying through various obstacles and environments.
- Liftoff: Liftoff provides a realistic drone racing experience with customizable drones and tracks, perfect for those looking to enhance their racing skills.
- VelociDrone: With realistic physics and multiplayer capabilities, VelociDrone is an excellent choice for pilots looking to practice racing or freestyle flying.
Comparison of Free Drone Simulators
When looking for a free drone simulator, it’s important to consider various factors to find the one that suits your needs. I have tested several simulators and here is a comparison of some of the best options available.
One simulator that stood out to me was Drone Racing League (DRL) Simulator. It offers realistic physics, diverse environments, and challenging courses to test your skills. Another great option is Liftoff, which provides a comprehensive FPV drone racing experience with customizable drones and tracks.
- Features: DRL Simulator offers realistic physics and challenging courses, while Liftoff provides customizable drones and tracks.
- Graphics: Both simulators have impressive graphics that enhance the immersive experience of flying drones.
- User Interface: DRL Simulator and Liftoff have user-friendly interfaces that make it easy to navigate and customize settings.
- Community: Both simulators have active communities where you can share tips, tricks, and compete with other drone enthusiasts.
Tips for Using a Drone Simulator
Drone simulators are valuable tools for both beginners and experienced pilots to practice flying skills and test different scenarios in a safe virtual environment. To make the most of your drone simulator experience, consider the following tips:
- Start with Tutorials: Most drone simulators offer tutorials or beginner modes to help you learn the basics of flying a drone. Take advantage of these resources to familiarize yourself with the controls and navigation.
- Adjust Settings: Experiment with different settings such as wind speed, camera angles, and drone models to simulate real-world conditions and improve your piloting skills in various scenarios.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your drone flying skills. Set aside dedicated time to practice maneuvers, emergency procedures, and flying in different environments to build confidence and proficiency.
- Challenge Yourself: Push your limits by trying advanced maneuvers, obstacle courses, or competing in virtual races. Challenging yourself in the simulator can help you improve your skills and prepare for real-life flying challenges.
- Review Your Flights: Many drone simulators offer flight data recording and playback features. Take advantage of these tools to review your flights, analyze your performance, and identify areas for improvement.
By following these tips and actively engaging with a drone simulator, you can enhance your piloting skills, gain confidence, and prepare yourself for successful and safe drone flights in the real world.
Best free drone simulator
RealFlight Evolution RC Flight Simulator Software with Interlink DX Controller Included RFL2000 Air/Heli Simulators Compatible with VR headsets Online multiplayer options
$199.99
9 new from $199.99
3 used from $162.23
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Amazon.com
as of August 2, 2024 11:06 am
Features
- A fresh and modern user interface that’s even easier and more intuitive to use, virtually eliminating the need to use a mouse or keyboard with the InterLink DX controller
- More than a dozen of the newest and most popular ultra micro, sport, scale, EDF and trainer aircraft from E-flite, HobbyZone and Hangar 9 plus multiple helicopters from Blade
- Fly at the newest PhotoField – the main flying site from Triple Tree Aerodrome, home of the world-famous “Joe Nall” and other events
- More than 100 additional aircraft plus dozens of 3D fields and PhotoFields previously only available separately via Expansion Packs
- Access to new models and fields released quarterly (starting in early 2023) for purchase à la carte, in money-saving content packs, or with yearly season passes
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Lowest price Product: RealFlight Evolution RC Flight Simulator Software with Interlink DX Controller Included RFL2000 Air/Heli Simulators Compatible with VR headsets Online multiplayer options - $199.99
BETAFPV Cetus Lite FPV Drone Kit for Kids, with Altitude Hold Self Protection Function 2 Speed Modes Support Simulator Ready to Fly Kit for FPV Beginners to Start Flying Indoor
$142.99
1 used from $137.31
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Amazon.com
as of August 2, 2024 11:06 am
Features
- 【Altitude Hold, Emergency Auto Locking】Altitude hold keeps the drone hovering at a certain height, combining with the LiteRadio 1 that has two centering gimbals, new beginners can easily control the height of the quadcopter. Integrated with a 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) sensor, which enables the quadcopter to ensure flight safeness. The Cetus Lite quadcopter will automatically disarm the motors when a collision is detected. Guarantees pilots' and property safeness.
- 【Effective Protection Frame Design】Safety is important, especially as a gift. The Cetus Lite features a propeller guard design, protecting from users getting hurt. The frame is made of PA12, a high-quality and durable material, allowing it to stay strong and detached even during flight crashes. Users can fly it confidently and has no concern about crashing. This reliable design ensures safe indoor and outdoor flying.
- 【FPV Simulator Supported】You can learn and practice flying a quadcopter through an FPV simulator before real flying. LiteRadio 1 supports playing FPV simulators like DRL/DCL/Uncrashed/Liftoff. LiteRadio 1 is capable of practicing and charging at the same time.
- 【VR02 FPV Goggles】Cetus Lite FPV Kit includes VR02 FPV goggles and the quadcopter has a built-in VTX and camera, allowing users to fly quadcopter with a First-person view and have an immersive flying experience. Users also can check the quadcopter flying status from the OSD information shown on the goggles.
- 【Ready to Fly】User manual is included, you will get the drone, transmitter, goggles, batteries, and necessary accessories at the same time. Ready to Fly. Cetus Lite FPV drone kit is an excellent choice for new FPV beginners to start flying.
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Lowest price Product: BETAFPV Cetus Lite FPV Drone Kit for Kids, with Altitude Hold Self Protection Function 2 Speed Modes Support Simulator Ready to Fly Kit for FPV Beginners to Start Flying Indoor - $142.99
BETAFPV Aquila16 FPV Drone Kit with Altitude Hold, 8Mins Flight, for FPV Beginner to Fly Indoor Outdoor Longer, 3 Flight&Speed Modes, DVR Recording, Simulator Supported, 1S RTF Kit with ELRS 3.0
$278.99
2 new from $278.99
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Amazon.com
as of August 2, 2024 11:06 am
Features
- 【8Mins Flight】Aquila16 FPV Kit with an impressive 8-minute flight time, pilots can enjoy endless practice sessions and a flight distance of up to 200m indoors or outdoors. Enjoy uninterrupted flights, enabling pilots to concentrate on refining their piloting skills. The kit features a high-power, low-latency 350 video transmission system, guaranteeing real-time video transmission with stable signals up to 200 meters. Say goodbye to lag and immerse yourself in the thrill of the flight.
- 【Altitude Hold】The Aquila16 drone excels in hover capability for assisted flight, ensuring safe and effortless flight for worry-free learning. Built-in highly precise barometer to detect the height, it benefits from great stability due to its position hold mode, and auto-hovering, which enables the drone to stay at the current height. This function guarantees emergency landing in situations of lost control or low battery.
- 【Flight Modes】The Aquila16 Brushless Quadcopter offers N/S/M 3 flight modes and supports 3 different speeds with SLOW/MID/FAST. With Turtle Mode, no burden to fly away, and there is no need to walk away to correct the position manually to flip it over and resume flying when the quadcopter falls to the ground and upside down. Whether you're a seasoned FPV pilot or a complete beginner, the Aquila16 FPV Kit empowers everyone to fly confidently from day one.
- 【Inverted Designed】The inclusion of an inverted duct system enhances thrust and stability, enabling the drone to achieve superior flight performance with precision. The fixed configuration port and modular battery minimize redundancy designs, making installation simple and hassle-free. The duct guard design ensures safe flights by protecting the propellers, equipped to handle unexpected obstacles.
- 【Package】All components, including the quadcopter, radio transmitter, FPV goggles, and accessories, are conveniently packed in a portable EVA storage bag for easy transportation and enhanced equipment protection. Please verify that all components are included, without damage and with no deformation, all parts are fully charged before flying the kit.
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Lowest price Product: BETAFPV Aquila16 FPV Drone Kit with Altitude Hold, 8Mins Flight, for FPV Beginner to Fly Indoor Outdoor Longer, 3 Flight&Speed Modes, DVR Recording, Simulator Supported, 1S RTF Kit with ELRS 3.0 - $278.99
RealFlight Evolution RC Flight Simulator Software Only RFL2001 Air/Heli Simulators Compatible with VR headsets Online Multiplayer Options
$99.99
10 new from $98.99
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of August 2, 2024 11:06 am
Features
- A fresh and modern user interface that’s even easier and more intuitive to use, virtually eliminating the need to use a mouse or keyboard with the InterLink DX controller
- More than a dozen of the newest and most popular ultra micro, sport, scale, EDF and trainer aircraft from E-flite, HobbyZone and Hangar 9 plus multiple helicopters from Blade
- Fly at the newest PhotoField – the main flying site from Triple Tree Aerodrome, home of the world-famous “Joe Nall” and other events
- More than 100 additional aircraft plus dozens of 3D fields and PhotoFields previously only available separately via Expansion Packs
- Access to new models and fields released quarterly (starting in early 2023) for purchase à la carte, in money-saving content packs, or with yearly season passes
Didn't find the right price? Set price alert below
Lowest price Product: RealFlight Evolution RC Flight Simulator Software Only RFL2001 Air/Heli Simulators Compatible with VR headsets Online Multiplayer Options - $99.99
FS-SM001 New RC Flight Simulator Controller 8-CH RC Airplane Simulator Supports a Variety of Flight Simulation Software for Airplane real flight simulators
$52.99
3 new from $52.99
Free shipping
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as of August 2, 2024 11:06 am
Features
- Channels: 6~8-CH
- Suitable for aircraft types: helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, gliders, 3D stunt planes, and cross-country aircraft, etc.
- Compatible operating systems: 32-bit and 64-bit systems such as XP, WIN7, WIN8, WIN10, WIN11 (desktop or laptop).
- SM001 supports left and right hand throttle switching, easy and fast to change to get a pleasant playing experience.
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Lowest price Product: FS-SM001 New RC Flight Simulator Controller 8-CH RC Airplane Simulator Supports a Variety of Flight Simulation Software for Airplane real flight simulators - $52.99
Drone with Camera for Adults 1080P HD,Mini Drone with Obstacle Avoidance 50 Min Long Flight Time,Foldable RC Quadcopter with Brushless Motor for Beginner,Dual Camera Drone from Techwonderz, Black
$122.00
1 used from $120.78
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Amazon.com
as of August 2, 2024 11:06 am
Features
- 【Camera Drone】The mini drone with camera which is 1080p HD dual cameras and the front camera can be rotated 90°. Take pictures and videos whenever you want and share them on social media as soon as possible. Remote Control FPV Transmission, 50 X Zoom, Gesture Photo & Video, One-Click Sharing to Social Networks. There are numerous features to provide a fun photography experience.
- 【Drones with Camera for Adults】For beginners and photographers, the Optical Flow Positioning function assists the drone in achieving excellent performance in precise positioning and photo taking. When used in conjunction with the base feature Altitude Hold Mode, you can lock the altitude and position more precisely, like a hummingbird, and shoot HD photos and videos steadily.Make it the best drone with camera for adults.
- 【Obstacle Avoidance】The drone is powerful and safe, as the intelligent 360° Obstacle Avoidance feature help while obstacles are detected, the UAV radar will avoid them deftly. Passing obstacles should be made safer, easier, and more exciting. The upgraded battery would support the long flight up to 50 mins. Just play the drone like a daring parkourist!
- 【Drones for Kids】It's simple to play, the user-friendly UX design makes the adult drone simple for beginners to play. The beginner drones adults has fast and slow gears, allowing beginners and children to quickly master the function and enjoy the fun of shifting. In low-speed mode, One Key Take-Off/Landing, Emergency Stop, Headless Mode, and Altitude Hold are all available. The best option for beginners, with plenty of fun.
- 【FPV Drone】There are more cool flying skills as our drone with camera can perform 360° flips and rolls, making flying more appealing. With Waypoint functions, you can draw an exact flight path on the App map, and the drone will fly along it, providing you with amazing flying experiences. Make a "V" or "palm" gesture to allow the camera drone to recognize you and take photos or videos. Follow me mode can detect moving people and focus the camera on them inteligently.
| Price history for Drone with Camera for Adults 1080P HD,Mini Drone with Obstacle Avoidance 50 Min Long Flight Time,Foldable RC Quadcopter with Brushless Motor for Beginner,Dual Camera Drone from Techwonderz, Black | |
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Lowest price Product: Drone with Camera for Adults 1080P HD,Mini Drone with Obstacle Avoidance 50 Min Long Flight Time,Foldable RC Quadcopter with Brushless Motor for Beginner,Dual Camera Drone from Techwonderz, Black - $122.00
Aircraft Control and Simulation: Dynamics, Controls Design, and Autonomous Systems
$110.92
12 new from $110.92
10 used from $104.80
10 used from $104.80
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as of August 2, 2024 11:06 am
Features
| Part Number | Illustrated |
| Edition | 3 |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Pages | 768 |
| Publication Date | 2015-11-02T00:00:01Z |
| Price history for Aircraft Control and Simulation: Dynamics, Controls Design, and Autonomous Systems | |
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Lowest price Product: Aircraft Control and Simulation: Dynamics, Controls Design, and Autonomous Systems - $110.92
LANSAND 2Pack Mini Drones for Kids,Beginners,Adults, Small RC Drone Quadcopter with 2-In-1 Race and Fly Mode,LED Light,Altitude Hold,3D Flip,4 Batteries,Stress Relief for Adult,Toy Gift for Boys Girls
$55.54
3 new from $55.54
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Amazon.com
as of August 2, 2024 11:06 am
Features
- This is a New Defined Mini Drone, and a Flying Car, which is the Newest and Most Innovative Version in All Mini Drones. Equipped with 2 in 1 Land Mode and Fly Mode, it can perform not only as a mini drone, but also a speedy toy racing car(on smooth surface), which provides you a much higher performance experience than all current mini drones in the market. You can enjoy both flying fun and racing fun from it but only spend as much as a mini drone.
- [Durable, Safety and Easy]: [DURABLE]---The body of this drone is made from resistant PVC material which is used on racing car toy. [SAFETY]---The full propeller guards are made from Nylon ABS Plastic, which prevent children from the rotating propellers. The One key emergency stop can launch in a snap to avoid any damage to the drone, furniture, people or pets nearby. [EASY]---this small drone is equipped with Altitude Hold function,so that the drone will auto-hover in the air.
- [Nice Shape and Led Light]: [Shape]---This Drone is made in the shape of racing car. When it flies, it performs much like a cool flying racing car, not only a drone. [Led light]----the small drone is also equipped with cool vivid running led light, which gives this drone a sense of mystery and technology.
- [Fun for Kids and Adults]: 3 speed mode, race car mode, 3D filps, headless mode can bring a lot of fun to Kids as well as adults. [3 SPEED MODES]----Kids can play it under speed mode of low and medium, and take fuller control of this drone. Adults can play it under the fast speed mode to feel the fast and furious; [3D FLIPS FUNCTION]----enable this drone to do wonderful flips stunts in 4 directions( forward, backward, left, right) in the air.
- [Great Gift for Boys and Girls]: The package includes 4 Batteries-- the play time is extended to 32 minutes. The 2.4Ghz remote enables 2 or more players to fly at the same time and have a race. This will definitely be a great entertainment for the whole family to get the whole family closer and make wonderful parent-child time. A great gift choice for your grandchildren, kids, other family members, friends or business partners.
| Price history for LANSAND 2Pack Mini Drones for Kids,Beginners,Adults, Small RC Drone Quadcopter with 2-In-1 Race and Fly Mode,LED Light,Altitude Hold,3D Flip,4 Batteries,Stress Relief for Adult,Toy Gift for Boys Girls | |
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Lowest price Product: LANSAND 2Pack Mini Drones for Kids,Beginners,Adults, Small RC Drone Quadcopter with 2-In-1 Race and Fly Mode,LED Light,Altitude Hold,3D Flip,4 Batteries,Stress Relief for Adult,Toy Gift for Boys Girls - $55.54
BETAFPV Literadio 2 SE Frsky D16 Transmitter Left Throttle RC Remote Controller Built-in 2000mAh Battery with FPV Simulator Function for FPV Racing Drone
$54.99
Amazon.com
as of August 2, 2024 11:06 am
Features
- 【BETAFPV Firmware】D16 protocol does not support the Frsky receivers with ACCST 2.0 firmware or higher, and it can only bind with ACCST 1.X firmware version XM+ receivers.
- 【FPV Simulator】Compared with other remote controllers, LiteRadios 2SE has the function of FPV simulator which can acts as a USB Joystick when connected to a personal computer. So you could use it to play FPV simulators like EREADRONE.
- 【Built-in Battery】 The LiteRadio 2 SE continued working time for a fully charged battery is about 8 hours, bringing an excellent endurance performance and enjoy control.
- 【Joystick Calibration】 Manually calibrate the joystick. The LiteRadio 2 SE joystick data may offset and can calibrate after it has been used for a period of time (if joysticks are hit by physical).
- 【System Upgrade】Updates with BETAFPV self-developed LiteRadio System. Player can directly operate the Joystick Calibration and Upgrade Firmware on the radio transmitter，which is more convenient for the beginner racer to operate.
| Price history for BETAFPV Literadio 2 SE Frsky D16 Transmitter Left Throttle RC Remote Controller Built-in 2000mAh Battery with FPV Simulator Function for FPV Racing Drone | |
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Lowest price Product: BETAFPV Literadio 2 SE Frsky D16 Transmitter Left Throttle RC Remote Controller Built-in 2000mAh Battery with FPV Simulator Function for FPV Racing Drone - $54.99
BETAFPV Cetus Pro FPV Drone Kit with 3 Flight Modes Altitude Hold Emergency Landing Self Protection Turtle Mode with Radio Transmitter Goggles for FPV Beginners Player-to-Pilot
$247.99
Amazon.com
as of August 2, 2024 11:06 am
Features
- ️【Cetus Pro FPV Kit】BETAFPV Cetus Pro FPV Kit is a brushless whoop drone designed from the ground up for FPV beginners. Auxiliary flight function is available for novices, greatly reducing the threshold of operating. Cetus Pro brushless quadcopter is robust and powerful, allowing you to fly faster, race, and even do freestyle flying. Taking you from ZERO to Super Pilot in one kit
- ️【N/S/M 3 Flight Modes】Normal/ Sport/ Manual are available, which can satisfy the different needs of pilots and adapt to various flight environments. Meanwhile, these 3 modes all support 3 different speeds in SLOW/MID/FAST
- ️【Altitude Hold Function】Altitude hold function enables Cetus Pro brushless quadcopter to Auto-Hover. The quadcopter can stay at a current height when pilots' hands are off the transmitter. The barometer/laser achieves accurate and stable positioning, which makes the quad hovering indoors very stable. (The altitude hold function is only available in N mode)
- ️【Self-protection Function】The Cetus quadcopter has an excellent self-protection function. Which can make an emergency landing when it loses control or in low battery. It will also automatically disarm and drop on ground once it has a strong collision with the object. No more worry about loss and crash
- ️【Turtle Mode】Cetus Pro brushless quadcopter comes with turtle mode which is the world's leading technology. When Cetus Pro brushless quadcopter falls to the ground upside-down, simply activate turtle mode with your transmitter to turn it over. No walking through the fields for this
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Lowest price Product: BETAFPV Cetus Pro FPV Drone Kit with 3 Flight Modes Altitude Hold Emergency Landing Self Protection Turtle Mode with Radio Transmitter Goggles for FPV Beginners Player-to-Pilot - $247.99
Q&A:
What is the best free drone simulator available?
One of the most popular free drone simulators is Liftoff. It offers realistic physics and a variety of drone models to choose from.
Are there any other good free drone simulators besides Liftoff?
Yes, FPV Freerider is another great free drone simulator that is widely used by drone enthusiasts. It provides a realistic FPV flying experience.
Can I practice flying a drone in different environments with these free simulators?
Yes, both Liftoff and FPV Freerider offer different environments and maps for you to practice flying your drone in various conditions.
Do these free drone simulators support different types of controllers?
Yes, both Liftoff and FPV Freerider can be used with a variety of popular drone controllers, allowing you to simulate the feel of flying with your own controller.
