VTOL VR is a virtual reality flight simulator developed by Boundless Dynamics. Designed exclusively for VR, it places you directly in the cockpit of fictional fighter jets, which you pilot by physically manipulating the controls with your hands. The game focuses on full immersion no joystick, no keyboard while remaining accessible. This game profile covers its main features, gameplay modes, and what makes it stand out among VR flight simulators.
Technical Sheet
- Full Title: VTOL VR
- Developer / Publisher: Boundless Dynamics, LLC
- Release Date: August 19, 2017 (Early Access), full version released in 2020
- Genre: Flight Simulator / Air Combat / Virtual Reality
- Platform: PC (via Steam)
- VR Compatibility:
- Valve Index
- Meta Quest (via Link or Virtual Desktop)
- HTC Vive
- Oculus Rift
- Windows Mixed Reality
- Game Modes:
- Single-player (campaigns and free missions)
- Multiplayer (co-op and PVP)
- Integrated mission editor
- Available Languages:
- Interface: English
- Audio: English
- Subtitles: English (no official French version at this time)
- Additional Content (DLC):
- AH-94 Attack Helicopter
- T-55 Tyro Trainer Jet
Concept and Originality
VTOL VR is based on a simple yet bold concept: recreate modern military piloting in virtual reality, without a joystick or gamepad just your VR controllers and hands. This radical choice changes everything. Every action starting the engine, activating the radar, firing a missile, deploying the landing gear is done by physically interacting with the cockpit, just like in a professional simulator.
The game doesn’t replicate real aircraft exactly, but instead invents believable, futuristic jets inspired by real-world models. This creative freedom allows for gameplay that balances realism and fun. While flying is still challenging, the mechanics are built to work intuitively in a VR environment.
One of the game’s standout features is its immersive physical interface. You see your hands in the cockpit, using them to twist knobs, tap touchscreen panels, or aim using a head-mounted sight. There are no floating menus or artificial HUDs everything is integrated into the game world.
Unlike traditional simulators that require hours of hardware setup, VTOL VR delivers a fluid, immediate experience while offering surprising depth. You learn by doing, experiment freely, and gradually take full control of your aircraft. This accessibility without sacrificing simulation quality is what makes the game so original.
Gameplay in Detail
Flight and Cockpit Immersion
The heart of VTOL VR is its fully manual flight control. You physically interact with every element of the cockpit: buttons, touchscreens, throttle levers, radar controls, weapon systems. The entire gameplay revolves around this hands-on interaction, which makes you truly feel in command.
Controls are intuitive yet precise: engine startup, navigation, countermeasure management, weapons reloading it’s all under your control. The game also simulates G-force effects, temporary blackout during aggressive maneuvers, and system wear under combat stress.
Missions and Scenarios
The game features scripted campaigns, standalone missions, and a sandbox mode. Objectives vary and include airstrikes, ground support, reconnaissance, air defense, and refueling missions.
Each mission requires you to prepare your aircraft: load the appropriate weapons, adjust fuel levels, and plan your route. The approach is often tactical, and success depends as much on precision as it does on planning.
Game Modes
- Single-player: Dynamic campaigns with briefing, takeoff, mission execution, return, and debriefing.
- Multiplayer: Cooperative or competitive. Players can complete missions together or engage in aerial combat.
- Mission Editor: Fully featured, it lets you create complex scenarios with triggers, custom AI, dialogues, weather, and more. Integrated with the Steam Workshop.
Available Aircraft and Vehicles
In VTOL VR, each aircraft has its own personality, strengths, weaknesses, and flight style. Although fictional, they’re all based on realistic concepts inspired by modern military jets. Every cockpit is fully interactive, with a unique layout, offering true gameplay diversity.
Base Game Aircraft
AV-42C
- Type: VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft
- Role: Versatile (transport, ground support, special missions)
- Features: Can fly like a plane or hover like a helicopter; ideal for low-altitude operations and hostile terrain insertions.
F/A-26B
- Type: Multirole fighter
- Role: Air superiority and ground strike
- Features: Highly agile, excellent radar, conventional takeoff/landing setup. Comparable to the F/A-18 or F-16.
F-45A
- Type: Stealth fighter with short takeoff capabilities
- Role: Precision strike and enemy territory penetration
- Features: Stealth profile, advanced HUD, suitable for short or improvised runways. Similar to the F-35B.
🚁 Additional Content (DLC)
AH-94 Attack Helicopter
- Type: Attack helicopter
- Role: Close air support
- Features: Capable of hovering, equipped with rockets, rotary cannon, night vision systems. Brings a new low-altitude dynamic to the gameplay.
T-55 Tyro
- Type: Two-seat trainer jet
- Role: Training, light missions
- Features: Great for learning to fly, includes instructor/passenger mode for multiplayer. Lightweight and easy to handle.
Note
Each aircraft requires dedicated learning. You must understand its navigation system, firing modes, and weapon logic. The game doesn’t offer copy-paste controls each aircraft provides a distinct experience.
This variety encourages players to master multiple roles: assault pilot, interceptor, support, or instructor.
Immersion and VR Technology
VTOL VR is one of the few simulators to be natively built for virtual reality from the ground up. Unlike traditional sim ports, everything here is designed to work intuitively with VR headsets and motion controllers. The result: total immersion, no clunky UI, no compromises.
Fully Physical Interface
There are no floating menus: you touch, twist, press, and swipe directly on cockpit controls. Raise your hand to activate radar, tap a screen to change weapons, or pull the ejection handle in an emergency. Every action feels natural, tangible, and visible.
Realistic Sensations
- G-force effects: Tight turns and steep climbs cause tunnel vision, simulating partial blackouts.
- Sensory feedback: Without a motion seat, the game still makes you feel speed, vibration, and turbulence via spatial audio and visual motion.
- Living cockpit: Engine noise, alarms, radio chatter, and impact sounds are immersive and reactive adding to the “in the moment” experience.
Optimization and Performance
Despite its complexity, VTOL VR runs smoothly and efficiently even on modest PCs rare for simulators. Its clean visual style enhances readability and situational awareness without sacrificing atmosphere.
Conclusion
VTOL VR isn’t just another VR flight game. It’s an accessible yet demanding simulation that turns every mission into a sensory experience. Its physical cockpit, refined realism, and varied aircraft make it one of the most rewarding titles in modern VR.
Without a joystick or keyboard, it manages to make you feel what it’s like to pilot a combat jet, with tension, precision, and intensity. And with its mission editor and active community, the game offers tremendous replay value.
Whether you’re a flight sim fan, a curious VR user, or someone seeking well-crafted immersive gameplay, VTOL VR is worth your time. It makes no compromises between depth and accessibility and in the skies of VR, it truly flies above the rest.
