Last updated: March 12, 2026
Why Aces of Thunder Is Trending Right Now
Aces of Thunder launched Feb 3, 2026 and has maintained modest interest with a 24-hour peak of just 46 players. Despite the small playerbase, it's drawing attention in the VR flight sim niche, offering high-fidelity graphics and built-in VR support—a rarer combo than it should be.
Mixed reviews (55% positive across 666 reviews) reflect a polarized experience: players who invest in proper control setups (HOTAS joysticks) find it genuinely engaging, while others struggle with the learning curve. It's a game that rewards precision equipment and patience.
Key Stats
Trending in the Steam Shooter category with 46 concurrent players and Trending on Steam this week.
What the Community Is Saying
Players passionate about VR flight sims and HOTAS controls rave about the immersion and graphics fidelity. The main criticism: a playerbase too small to sustain matchmaking, making it feel like an early-access title despite the $30 price tag.
Looks Good Feels Good DONT LET PEOPLE TELL YOU THAT HOTAS DOESNT WORK... they are just slow. you can just go into options and bind it yourself... i played for 1.5hrs now just in VR and using HOTAS It was amazing and fun.
If you're expecting War Thunder but with VTOL VR-style controls, look else where. Landing gear actuation is done through a radial menu, there's (seemingly) no haptics, and it's incredibly clunky to interact with the few things you can
Should You Play It? Pros & Cons
✅ Reasons to Play
- Native VR support with proven 2+ hour engagement in headset
- Full HOTAS controller customization—no dead-zone issues if you rebind
- High-fidelity graphics scale from desktop to VR seamlessly
- True cooperative multiplayer for squad-based aerial combat
❌ Things to Consider
- Severe playerbase issue: only 46 peak players makes finding coop partners difficult
- 55% mixed reviews suggest steep learning curve and controller setup friction
- $29.99 feels premium for a niche audience this small
Should You Play Aces Of Thunder?
Aces Of Thunder holds mixed reviews on Steam with a 55% positive rating, received mixed reactions from players. It attracts 46 players at its recent 24-hour peak, showing strong player retention for a Shooter title. Some players find it compelling, while others have noted areas for improvement — reading recent reviews is recommended.
Aces Of Thunder is mid-range priced at $29.99 on Steam, developed by Gaijin Entertainment. Shooter fans who want tight gunplay and competitive depth will find this worth their time. Whether playing solo or with friends, Aces Of Thunder offers solid replayability in the shooter genre.
Should You Play Aces Of Thunder?
Aces Of Thunder holds mixed reviews on Steam with a 55% positive rating, received mixed reactions from players. It attracts 46 players at its recent 24-hour peak, showing strong player retention for a game title. Some players find it compelling, while others have noted areas for improvement — reading recent reviews is recommended.
Aces Of Thunder is mid-range priced at $29.99 on Steam, developed by Gaijin Entertainment. Players who enjoy the game genre and want something currently trending on Steam will find Aces Of Thunder worth checking out.
Common Questions About Aces of Thunder
Will I find multiplayer matches?
Unlikely consistently. With only 46 peak players in 24h, matchmaking will be sparse. This is a 'bring your own squad' game—best played with friends rather than random players.
Does HOTAS actually work well?
Yes, if you're willing to rebind controls. Community reports confirm HOTAS is fully functional with custom binding—it's not plug-and-play, but the payoff is worth the setup time for flight sim enthusiasts.
Is the VR experience worth it?
Absolutely, if you own a VR headset. Reports show 1.5+ hours of continuous engagement in-headset, and the high-fidelity graphics justify the immersion. Desktop version is less compelling.
Is it worth $29.99?
Only if you're a VR flight sim fan with HOTAS equipment. If you're a casual player looking for active multiplayer, skip it. The niche appeal + small playerbase make this a 'specialty purchase,' not a general recommendation.
Is it free to play?
No, Aces Of Thunder costs $46 on Steam. It is not a free-to-play game, though Steam sales occasionally offer discounts.
How many people play Aces Of Thunder?
Aces Of Thunder has reached 46 concurrent players at its 24-hour peak. Player counts fluctuate with updates, sales, and new content — check SteamDB for the latest live data.
