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To use a flight stick in War Thunder, open Controls, run the Controls Setup Wizard, select the detected joystick or a matching profile, then assign and test its aircraft axes. A joystick is optional: War Thunder also offers Mouse Aiming with a Virtual Instructor in most game modes.
Can I play War Thunder using a gamepad or joystick?
Yes. War Thunder supports joystick input, but connecting a stick does not necessarily configure every axis or disable the game’s flight assistance. Gaijin’s joystick setup guide recommends using the Controls Setup Wizard and points to preconfigured joystick settings.
You do not need a flight stick to play. The official FAQ describes Mouse Aiming with a Virtual Instructor, which handles most maneuvers in most modes. Gaijin’s Instructor guide explains that the system translates input from a mouse, keyboard, controller, or joystick into aircraft control commands. Realistic and Simulator Battles are options for players seeking greater historical accuracy, but a stick is not a requirement for either.
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Set up the stick and assign its aircraft axes
- Connect the device. Attach the joystick or HOTAS and confirm that your computer or console recognizes it. Compatibility depends on the platform and hardware; the official FAQ’s device example does not establish that every stick works on every platform.
- Open Controls and run the Controls Setup Wizard. Choose the detected joystick or a matching profile when prompted. The exact controls available can vary with the device and current game interface.
- Check pitch, roll, yaw, and throttle. In the aircraft control assignments, move each physical control separately and watch the in-game axis display. A common layout is stick forward/back for pitch, left/right for roll, twist or pedals for yaw, and a separate throttle control for engine power.
- Correct mismatched directions. If an axis display moves opposite to the direction you intend, adjust that axis’s direction setting and test it again. Do not assume the hardware’s labels, layout, or direction match the game’s assignments.
- Test before a live match. Use a test flight to check that each axis responds, returns to a usable neutral position, reaches full travel, and moves the aircraft in the intended direction.
Gaijin’s joystick axis guide explains the available axis settings and visualization. Treat the display in your own game as the final check rather than relying on a preset that may describe different hardware.
#1 Best Overall
Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X USB Flight Sim Stick & Throttle - PC
- COMFORTABLE ERGONOMIC HOTAS DESIGN - Fly for hours without fatigue thanks to the wide hand rest and real size ergonomically shaped throttle control that keeps your hands in a natural position. Every flight sim session feels as immersive as sitting in an actual cockpit with your favorite flight simulator controller setup.
- FULLY PROGRAMMABLE FLIGHT CONTROLS - Customize all 12 action buttons and 5 axes to match your preferred flight sim setup, giving you instant command over every function in your joystick for flight simulator games, whether you are navigating civil aviation routes or engaging in intense military combat maneuvers across your favorite titles.
- DETACHABLE THROTTLE FOR FLEXIBLE SETUP - Separate the full size throttle from the joystick to create your ideal flight sim cockpit mount configuration, or keep them connected for a compact desktop arrangement, giving you the versatility to build the perfect hotas flight stick arrangement that suits your space and play style.
- PRECISION JOYSTICK WITH ADJUSTABLE RESISTANCE - Enjoy pinpoint accuracy with a high precision flight joystick featuring a resistance dial that lets you fine tune stick tension to your liking, plus dual rudder control via handle rotation or progressive tilting lever so your aerial maneuvers feel smooth and perfectly responsive every single flight.
- PLUG AND PLAY INSTANT TAKEOFF READY - Skip complicated configuration and start flying immediately with preconfigured controls, an exclusive preset button to swap profiles on the fly, and built-in memory that saves your custom programming even when the flight stick is disconnected, ensuring you are always ready for your next mission.
Tune an axis only when you know what needs fixing
The axis settings solve different problems. Make a small change, then repeat the same test-flight movement so you can tell what changed. The concepts below are documented in Gaijin’s axis guide, dated 25 May 2018; interface names or placement may change, so check the current Controls screen.
- Dead zone: Ignores movement near the axis center. Increase it only enough to stop unwanted drift or oscillation while the control is at rest. The required amount depends on the device; Gaijin notes that a small setting is usually sufficient.
- Nonlinearity: Shapes how input maps to aircraft response. Reducing sensitivity near the center can make small adjustments more precise while retaining stronger response toward the ends of travel. It is a tuning preference, not a required preset.
- Sensitivity: Affects how quickly the in-game stick and control surfaces respond to device input. If the aircraft feels slow to respond, lowering sensitivity further may make that worse; compare changes in a test flight.
- Multiplier and correction: Multiplier affects total axis deflection; correction can compensate for an axis that is misaligned. Leave both alone unless the axis display or flight behavior gives you a specific reason to change them.
There is no single best numeric setup established for all sticks. Start with the wizard’s assignments, confirm the axes, and adjust only the setting tied to an observable problem.
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Thrustmaster T-Flight Stick X USB Ergonomic Flight Sim Joystick - PC
- INSTANT PLUG AND PLAY SETUP - Stop wasting time with complicated installations and start flying in seconds because this USB joystick is recognized immediately by your system with zero driver headaches, letting you jump straight into your favorite flight simulator, space sim joystick adventure, or combat flight stick scenario without any frustrating delays or technical setup.
- PRECISE ADJUSTABLE RESISTANCE CONTROL - Feel total command over every maneuver with an extremely precise flight joystick featuring adjustable resistance that lets you fine tune stick tension to match your flying style, whether you are executing gentle banking turns in a flight simulator controller session or engaging in intense dogfights that demand razor sharp responsiveness.
- SOLID WEIGHTED STABILITY BASE - Never worry about your flight stick sliding or tipping during critical moments thanks to a heavily weighted base that keeps your joystick for pc firmly planted on your desk, giving you the confidence to make aggressive inputs during turbulent helicopter controller scenarios or high speed combat engagements without any unwanted movement.
- BUILT IN THROTTLE AND RUDDER TWIST - Enjoy a complete flight control system in one device with an ergonomic integrated throttle lever for smooth speed management and a rotating handle with a built in locking system that delivers flawless rudder control, eliminating the need for separate rudder pedals or a standalone flight throttle while saving valuable desk space.
- FULLY PROGRAMMABLE BUTTONS AND PRESETS - Customize every aspect of your gaming joystick experience using twelve reprogrammable buttons, an exclusive mapping button, and a preset button with internal memory that stores your configurations, so you can instantly switch between flight sim stick profiles for different joystick for flight simulator games and aircraft types.
Choose a stick based on your setup, not a universal ranking
If you want physical controls, a flight stick or HOTAS is the relevant equipment category. War Thunder’s FAQ names the Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One as an example, but that mention is not a current availability check or a guarantee of compatibility with every platform.
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Before choosing a device, check platform compatibility and whether the game detects it. Then consider whether you want a separate throttle or rudder control, how the controls and buttons fit your hands, and whether the available pitch, roll, and yaw controls match how you want to fly. The available setup information does not establish a validated performance ranking among joystick models.
Rank #3
PXN 2113PRO PC Joystick USB Gaming Flight Simulator Controller Flight Stick
- 【With Vibration Function】This flight stick is ONLY for PC/Computer and ONLY compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11 (Mac/Apple computers/Apple devices/PS3/PS4/PS5/Xbox One/Switch not supported).PXN2113 PRO gaming joystick for pc will never let you down with realistic fly experience. Compatible with many flight joystick pc games: World of Tanks,World of Warplanes,War Thunder,Assault Horizon,Microsoft Flight Simulator,X Plane 10,etc. Vibration Switch is at the bottom,please switch to“ON”.If less than 20%,you will almost not feel the vibration.Please set the vibration strength in the driver to 50% or higher for this joystick pc flight simulator.
- 【Immersive Fly Experience for Your Flying Dream】You can make the right moves with rapid fire trigger,4 axis controlling,8-Way hat switch and 12 programmable buttons of this computer joystick for gaming pc flight.Advanced software,Support various custom adjustment and keyboard mapping,enjoy exciting joystick flight simulator controls for pc games now! Not only a game, but also a dream of flying!
- 【FAQ】:Q1:Why doesn't it work on my pc/Xbox? A: It is ONLY for PC and Windows 7/8/10/11(Not for Mac/Apple devices/Xbox).Please turn on pc First and then connect with this joystick.If not,some pc may not identify it. Q2: How to install the driver? A: No need to install the driver and can play games directly.If you need driver,please find "Installation" section in manual or follow below steps: 1:Visit PXN official website→Support→Driver→Find PXN-2113PRO driver to download. 2:Extract the driver and install. 3:Plug joystick into PC USB port,pc will identify new hardware and install automatically. 4:Play games or set the joystick in driver.The drive can test and calibrate the pc flight joystick.
- 【Comfortable to Hold, Agile to Operate】This usb joystick for pc is with a solid and smooth feeling,very comfortable.Four power-grip suction cups at the bottom of this pc joystick for flight simulator pc games,they can fix firmly and easily when the table is smooth.Precise throttle control,Ergonomic design,Single hand control full function with this flight joystick for pc games.(Note:Force Feedback/Minecraft/Asphalt 8/Ace Combat 7 not supported).This Flight simulation pc controller with Friendly and Easy-to-Reach Customer Service.If any problem,please contact us directly(Contact Seller),Fengying will reply within 12 hours.
- 【Setup Guide for Microsoft Flight Simulator】For PXN 2113 flight sim joystick pc setup in Microsoft Flight Simulation,please refer to below images and follow below steps: Step 1: Launch the game and click"MENU.FLOWBAR_ OPTIONS",select“MENU.OPTIONS CONTROLS". Step 2: Except the keyboard and mouse mode, also have joystick mode in game.Please click“GENERIC USB JOYSTICK" to map the key. (Note:The joystick should be plugged into PC before this setting). Step 3: For function settings,take “INPUT.KEY_ _SWITCH_ CAMERA"as an example,scroll down to select“Select an input",click No.12 button,finally click“VALIDATE”to save.
Player forum posts can illustrate that configurations vary, but individual reports are not authoritative, current compatibility guidance for every device or platform.
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Thrustmaster T16000M FCS Space Sim Duo Combat Flight Sim Joystick - PC
- HALL EFFECT PRECISION SENSORS - Both joysticks in this dual flight stick setup use Thrustmaster's exclusive hall effect magnetic sensor technology, delivering pinpoint accuracy with zero drift or degradation over time so every subtle input in your favorite flight simulator registers exactly as intended for surgical control during intense dogfights and maneuvers.
- 32 ACTION BUTTONS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS - Never take your hands off the controls with 32 programmable buttons spread across both joysticks, each featuring tactile Braille style identification that lets you locate and activate every command by touch alone, keeping your eyes locked on the action while you manage weapons, shields, and flight systems seamlessly.
- FULLY AMBIDEXTROUS DUAL STICK DESIGN - Three detachable ergonomic components on each joystick let you configure this space sim controller for left handed, right handed, or true dual stick operation, giving you the immersive two handed flight control that elite space simulation pilots demand from a combat flight stick setup that adapts perfectly to your grip.
- COMFORT BUILT FOR MARATHON MISSIONS - Wide contoured hand rests cradle your palms while heavy weighted bases anchor each usb flight stick firmly to your desk, eliminating wobble and fatigue during extended gaming sessions so you can navigate asteroid fields and execute precision strafing runs without discomfort slowing you down.
- CUSTOM PROFILES WITH TARGET SOFTWARE - The included T.A.R.G.E.T programming suite lets you load community created mapping profiles or build your own from scratch for any flight simulator joystick scenario, ensuring every button, axis, and response curve is perfectly tailored to each game you play for a truly personalized pc joystick experience.
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Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One Flight Stick & Throttle - XBOX & PC
- REALISTIC FLIGHT SIMULATOR CONTROL - Experience true hands-on flying with a precision HOTAS joystick and throttle system designed for immersive flight simulator gameplay. Ideal for flight simulation.
- ERGONOMIC FLIGHT STICK DESIGN - Comfortable flight stick joystick with adjustable resistance, responsive trigger, hat switch, and multiple programmable buttons for smooth aircraft control during takeoff, landing, and combat maneuvers.
- DETACHABLE THROTTLE FOR VERSATILE SETUPS - Modular design allows the flight stick and throttle to be used together on a desk or separately on your lap, ideal for cockpit, desk, or casual flight simulator setups.
- PLUG & PLAY FOR PC & CONSOLE - Easy USB connection delivers instant compatibility with Windows PC and Xbox Series X|S. This flight simulator controller requires no complex setup and works seamlessly with most popular flight sim software.
- ADAPTED FOR ALL FLIGHT SIMULATION TYPES – Adjustable joystick resistance and ergonomically placed buttons deliver precise control across all aircraft categories. Ideal for commercial aviation, combat jets, and helicopters, making it perfect for both beginner pilots and seasoned flight sim enthusiasts.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
