When it comes to air combat games on Xbox One, the genre is surprisingly underrepresented. However, that scarcity has led to a small but passionate community of fans who rally behind the titles that do manage to shine. In this article, we delve into the most acclaimed and widely discussed air combat experiences available for Xbox One, focusing on gameplay fidelity, immersion, visual storytelling, and long-term replayability.
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown – The Reigning Champion of Dogfights
No discussion of air combat on Xbox One can begin without mentioning Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, which remains the undisputed frontrunner in this genre. Developed by Bandai Namco, this game blends hyperrealistic visuals, deep narrative arcs, and fluid aerial mechanics to deliver an experience that is both cinematic and mechanically sound.
The game is set in the fictional universe of Strangereal, a richly developed alternative Earth that adds depth to its military campaigns. The missions are not only varied—ranging from stealth operations to full-scale dogfights—but are also punctuated by high-stakes moments, powerful soundtracks, and a real sense of purpose in each sortie.
What sets Ace Combat 7 apart is the sheer tactility of its control system. While it can be played arcade-style, the game also features a “Simulation Mode” which demands precise maneuvering, situational awareness, and quick decision-making, making each dogfight a pulse-pounding event. Despite its age, the game’s graphical fidelity and weather systems—which include turbulence, lightning strikes, and cloud interference—still hold up remarkably well.
Moreover, the multiplayer mode, though not the main attraction, offers a competitive outlet for players looking to test their skills against others in tight, high-speed aerial combat scenarios.
Project Wingman – The Indie Powerhouse with a Roguelike Twist
Closely following Ace Combat 7 in both form and spirit is Project Wingman, a title that began as a fan homage and quickly became a standalone success in its own right. Released to Xbox platforms through backward compatibility and Game Pass in some regions, Project Wingman borrows the best elements of Ace Combat while forging a unique path through its Conquest Mode—a roguelike-inspired campaign that layers resource management and strategic base control on top of traditional dogfighting gameplay.
This mode adds remarkable replay value, challenging players to think tactically over extended campaigns. The main campaign also delivers tightly scripted action sequences, supported by a fictional geopolitical narrative that, while minimalist, enhances immersion. Where Project Wingman truly excels is in its gameplay fluidity—dogfights are intense, missiles streak across the sky, and the visceral satisfaction of landing a cannon hit on an evasive enemy is second to none.
Although it lacks the big-budget cutscenes of its counterparts, Project Wingman offers high-octane aerial combat that feels fresh and rewarding, especially for seasoned pilots seeking something beyond surface-level arcade experiences.
Star Wars: Squadrons – A Space Combat Experience Grounded in Classic Dogfighting
Though technically space combat, Star Wars: Squadrons earns its place in the conversation for its tight dogfighting mechanics and immersive cockpit realism. Developed by Motive Studios and published by Electronic Arts, Squadrons throws players into the iconic starfighters of the Rebel Alliance and Empire alike, blending traditional dogfighting with a deep layer of space-based tactical navigation.
The single-player campaign delivers both Rebel and Imperial perspectives, offering rich world-building and character development. While the multiplayer scene has been criticized for exploits and imbalance—particularly by those facing cheaters across cross-play servers—the core mechanics remain solid, with ship roles (interceptor, bomber, support) ensuring variety in combat approaches.
For Xbox One users, Squadrons is especially noteworthy for its VR-inspired cockpit designs, providing a heightened sense of scale and spatial awareness that makes dogfights incredibly visceral. Despite its limited post-launch support, it remains a worthy title for fans of aerial maneuvering and cinematic battles.
Chorus – A Space Combat Adventure with Unique Flight Dynamics
Chorus blurs the line between air combat and space flight simulation but deserves mention for its fluid, stylish dogfighting mechanics and visually rich environments. The story follows Nara, a former cultist pilot who rebels against a galactic evil she once served. The narrative is dark, introspective, and emotionally charged—adding a layer of psychological depth rarely seen in the genre.
Chorus innovates in flight dynamics with its drift mechanic, allowing players to decouple movement from orientation. This opens up acrobatic maneuverability during combat, letting players rotate and fire in one direction while gliding in another. The effect is highly cinematic and empowers a more expressive playstyle.
Unlike many space combat titles, Chorus ensures its battle arenas are filled with massive structures, wreckage, and asteroid fields, which gives players spatial references during high-speed fights—an essential element that often goes missing in games set in empty space. This environmental design, coupled with vibrant art direction, makes Chorus an unforgettable visual experience.
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare – Surprisingly Effective Dogfighting Segments
Though not primarily an air combat game, Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare surprises players with its slick and engaging spaceflight missions. These sequences, while somewhat on-rails, allow players to pilot the Jackal, a high-tech fighter capable of engaging in short-range dogfights and surface strafing runs.
What makes these missions memorable is the immersion factor—you seamlessly transition from ship to foot combat and back, with impressive audio-visual cues and a strong sense of speed. The campaign is among the franchise’s most polished, with emotional weight and a gripping pace that keeps engagement high.
Although not a game one would purchase solely for dogfighting, its high production value, tight controls, and memorable sci-fi atmosphere make Infinite Warfare a surprising gem in the Xbox One library.
Honorable Mentions: Trailmakers and Everspace 2
Two games that deserve passing mention for niche appeal are Trailmakers (with the Airborne expansion) and Everspace 2. Trailmakers leans into the sandbox and construction genre, letting players build their own aircraft and test them in physics-based flight trials. While not a traditional air combat game, the Airborne expansion introduces challenges that require both creativity and piloting skills.
Everspace 2, on the other hand, is more akin to a looter-shooter in space. Its combat is satisfying, with a wide array of weapons and upgrade paths, but the game leans more heavily on RPG elements and exploration than pure dogfighting. Still, for those craving variety, these titles can supplement a broader air combat library.
The State of Air Combat Games on Xbox One: A Niche Yet Passionate Scene
The limited number of air combat titles on Xbox One underscores a larger industry trend: the genre has not received mainstream attention in recent years. While franchises like Battlefield have flirted with aerial warfare, their focus has largely remained on infantry combat. Meanwhile, serious simulators such as IL-2 Sturmovik or DCS World remain PC-exclusive, leaving console users with few high-fidelity options.
That said, the existing titles do a remarkable job of capturing the thrill of flight. From the adrenaline-fueled missions of Ace Combat 7, to the innovative roguelike structure of Project Wingman, to the narrative-rich flight of Chorus, there’s enough variety to keep enthusiasts engaged.
What players desire now is evolution: deeper customization, improved multiplayer support, and a more robust selection of aircraft and combat scenarios. Xbox One still serves as a viable platform for air combat fans, but as we transition into the next generation, one can only hope developers take more daring steps into the skies.
Final Thoughts: Soaring High, Despite Limited Horizons
While the genre may not be overflowing with options on Xbox One, what exists offers immensely rewarding aerial experiences for those willing to strap in. Ace Combat 7 remains the gold standard, Project Wingman delivers a gritty indie twist, and games like Squadrons and Chorus offer compelling variations in both setting and mechanics.
In a gaming landscape where high-octane shooters dominate, these air combat titles provide a welcome contrast—offering mastery, patience, and tactical finesse. Whether you’re flying over stormy coastlines or drifting through asteroid fields, these games remind us that sometimes, the best fights happen above the clouds.
