Helicopter Games

Chocks Away!

There’s no better way to get a bird’s-eye view than by playing helicopter games! Helicopters appeared in video games as early as 1979 and have been capturing players’ imaginations ever since. By the early 80s, the graphics in helicopter games had vastly improved upon the previous 8-bit models. In 1992, Electronic Arts released Desert Strike, widely considered to be one of the best helicopter games ever made. The game was set in the heart of the Gulf War, with players taking control of an Apache attack helicopter and using it to destroy enemy weapons and bases. They had a lot to juggle, however, as players also had to rescue hostages and keep an eye on their fuel, ammo and armor levels.

As graphics improved over the years, helicopter games became more detailed with their gameplay and their strategies. 2010’s Apache: Air Assault pitted players against fictional terrorists and boasted both single and multiplayer options, both local and online! It even featured gunships that could be customized. Players also had the option of adjusting their layout to match the controller they were playing on. Sky Hunter then took things to the next level in 2017. It focused on large-scale dogfights and up to eight players were able to play at once. Players particularly loved how frantic the gameplay was and how unpredictable some levels and combat zones were, with each presenting a fresh challenge. Sky Hunter also made use of arcade-style controls, which meant that piloting was simple and accessible for all players.

You’ll notice that all of the games we’ve talked about so far take place in fictional war zones and have players swooping in to save victims of attacks. Not all helicopter games involve fighting though, and FlightGear falls into this category. What’s more, it’s one of the most popular helicopter games of all time. It’s an open-source flight simulator that features more than 20,000 airports, with the option to fly almost every type of aircraft on the planet. With realistic graphics, changing weather patterns and accurate gravitational responses, it’s an impressive feat of engineering and collaboration! In fact, it’s so well-known and lifelike that NASA used its dynamics engine to judge simulation code for the standards of the space industry!

Arcade vs Realism

There tend to be two distinctive types of helicopter games. Some of them have realistic controls and physics to emulate the true experience of what it is like to hover high in the sky. Other helicopter games instead focus on trying to be exciting and engaging, prioritizing gameplay over realism. Which approach do you prefer? Here are some pros and cons of realism in helicopter games.

Pros:

Tools for learning: Some of the more realistic controls can be good training for people who are learning to fly real helicopters! If the controls are similar to what they’re going to use, they’ll be more prepared up in the air.
Challenge: Some people love a challenge! If the controls are more difficult to master then these types of players will feel a greater sense of satisfaction once they get the hang of them.
Immersion: Certain players find that they are more invested in a game if it feels like they are really operating in its world. That sensation can often be achieved by making the gameplay more realistic.

Cons:

Difficulty: Some players may have less time on their hands to learn the skills required for a more realistic helicopter game, meaning that they get frustrated and stop playing.
Inaccessibility: Certain players may not be able to play more realistic helicopter games for a wide variety of reasons, including phobias and disabilities. Therefore, more accurate mechanics may cut some helicopter lovers off from the more realistic simulators.

The opposite of these points is true for arcade controls—they are accessible and not too difficult to get the hang of, but that can sometimes mean that the games are less immersive.

The Hangar

The sky’s the limit here at GamePix! If helicopter games sound like your kind of thing then we’ve got many different titles for you to choose from. Whether you’re looking to play a classic game or a more modern option, we’re sure you’ll find something you love. Players love these games because of the quick pace of the action and how realistic the graphics are. You can learn how to fly, take down bad guys or rescue stranded people and animals. These games mimic the way helicopters actually work, so you’ll feel like you’re in the cockpit as you fly through the clouds and admire the landscapes. To give you a taste, here is just a bit about some of the games you could play:

In the addictive clicker Flappy Copter, you have to pilot your helicopter safely through the terrain. Easy, right? Wrong! There are treacherous pipes everywhere that you have to avoid! One false move and your helicopter will succumb to the powers of gravity…
Puppy Rescue is exactly as cute as it sounds. You must use your helicopter to rescue all of the dogs stranded in each level and bring them safely back to the helipad. If you can do it in as little time as possible, you get more stars. So many dogs to save, so little time!
In D. Copter Reloaded your mission is to take out all of the targets from the (relative) safety of your helicopter. Try to shoot them all before they blow you out of the sky!
Online game Defly.io finds players piloting helicopters around a map, gaining as much territory as possible by drawing lines with their copter to create an enclosed space. No enclosed territory? No points! As you level up you unlock more abilities, but beware of the other players, who can shoot at you and destroy your territory!
Back to School Helicopter Coloring Book is as simple and calming as it sounds. You’re given a wide range of coloring pencils and the chance to customize drawings of helicopters in any way you like! The game even makes your life easier by allowing you to change the brush size. There are four different drawings to color so this helicopter game will keep you occupied for hours! Don’t forget to take a photo of your masterpiece when you’re done!

Sounds like fun, right? Well, what are you waiting for?

Up, Up and Away

If you’re ready and raring to go it will please you to know that here on GamePix, our helicopter games are free to play online! What’s more, they don’t require you to download anything at all, allowing you to take to the skies as quick as a flash!

FAQs

How do I control the helicopter?

This question depends on the helicopter game you’re playing. There are many to choose from, so we can’t possibly list all the controls here, but our games here on GamePix are easy to pick up. Just follow the instructions and you’ll be soaring around in no time!

Can I play helicopter games on GamePix?

We’re so glad you asked! Yes, you can play helicopter games on GamePix! Just have a browse through our selection, find one you like the look of, and away you go. No downloads necessary!