How to Practice Drone Flying with Simulators: A Beginner’s Guide

Practice Flying Drones with Realism: Top Simulators on Steam

Are you looking to improve your drone flying skills without risking damage to your expensive gear? Drone simulators are the answer—and many of the best ones are available right on Steam. These PC-based programs let you connect your actual remote (like a DJI RC or RC-N1 via USB or Bluetooth) and sharpen your flying from home with full realism.

What Are Drone Flight Simulators?

Drone flight simulators are software platforms that mimic real-world drone physics in a virtual environment. They allow you to practice flying using your real remote control—no risk, no weather issues, no battery limitations. Whether you're learning basic control or refining complex maneuvers, simulators help you build confidence and muscle memory before heading outdoors.

Top Drone Simulators on Steam

Some of the most popular and realistic drone simulators on the Steam marketplace include:

  • Liftoff: FPV Drone Racing – One of the most popular sims for both racing and freestyle practice, offering authentic physics and a massive community.

  • DRL Simulator (Drone Racing League) – Official sim of the DRL, perfect for high-speed racing and precision control.

  • Velocidrone – Not on Steam but worth mentioning; excellent for freestyle and racing with custom tracks.

  • Uncrashed: FPV Drone Simulator – A newer favorite praised for realistic environments and smooth flight mechanics.

These simulators are compatible with many common radio controllers and allow you to simulate everything from slow cinematic flying to aggressive freestyle and racing.

Getting Started with Drone Simulators

  1. Choose Your Simulator – Pick one that suits your flying goals: Liftoff for general practice, DRL for racing, or Uncrashed for scenic freestyle.

  2. Connect Your Controller – Most PC drone simulators support USB-compatible controllers, including DJI FPV and third-party radios like FrSky and Radiomaster.

  3. Tune the Settings – Adjust sensitivity, physics, and camera angle to match your real-life drone setup for maximum realism.

Benefits of Using Simulators

  • Realistic Flight Conditions – Practice in simulated wind, different terrains, and obstacle courses.

  • Muscle Memory & Confidence – Build reaction time and fluid control without risking real gear.

  • Progress Tracking – Monitor your growth with scoring systems, laps, or freestyle ratings.

  • Low Cost, High Reward – A one-time purchase and hours of risk-free flight.

Tips for Effective Practice

  • Master Takeoffs, Landings & Hovering – Even pros review the fundamentals.

  • Practice Emergency Recovery – Simulate motor failure, disconnection, or GPS loss to stay sharp.

  • Use Race Tracks or Freestyle Parks – Develop precision and flow.

  • Fly Daily if Possible – Consistency is key to developing strong habits.

  • Join Online Leaderboards or Discord Groups – Get feedback, compete, and improve faster.

Simulators on Steam like Liftoff and DRL give you the ability to fly anywhere, anytime. Whether you're prepping for your Part 107 exam, trying to nail cinematic orbits, or entering your first FPV race, drone simulators offer a fun, affordable way to practice with zero risk. Plug in your controller, fire up your sim, and take flight.

Back to blog