Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWar Thunder supports joystick input, but connecting a flight stick does not automatically assign or calibrate every control. Open the Controls menu, run the Controls Setup Wizard, then verify each aircraft axis in-game. A stick is optional: the game also offers Mouse Aiming with a Virtual Instructor.
Can I play War Thunder using a gamepad or joystick?
Yes. War Thunder supports joystick input, and Gaijin’s support guidance points players to the Controls Setup Wizard and preconfigured joystick settings. You can also use a gamepad. If you prefer not to configure a physical stick, Mouse Aiming with the Virtual Instructor is another option; the official FAQ says it can perform most maneuvers in most game modes.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Virtual Instructor translates input from a mouse, keyboard, controller, or joystick into aircraft control commands. A joystick does not, by itself, mean that assistance is disabled or that every control is configured. Realistic and Simulator Battles are described by the official FAQ as options for players seeking greater historical accuracy.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Set up and verify the stick
- Connect the flight stick and any separate throttle or pedals. In War Thunder, open Controls and run the Controls Setup Wizard.
- Choose the detected joystick or a matching profile when prompted. Treat a profile as a starting point: hardware layouts and axis labels can differ, so check the assignments rather than assuming they are correct.
- Inspect the aircraft controls and move each physical control while watching the in-game axis display. Check pitch, roll, yaw, and throttle if your device provides a throttle axis.
- Confirm that each input moves the intended axis in the intended direction. If an axis moves opposite to the control you expect, adjust its direction in the axis settings.
- Take the setup into a test flight. Check that the controls return to a useful neutral position, respond across their full travel, and feel manageable before using them in a live match.
Match axes to the controls you have
- Pitch: usually stick forward and back.
- Roll: usually stick left and right.
- Yaw: often a twist grip or rudder pedals.
- Throttle: a separate throttle axis, if your device has one.
These are common arrangements, not a guarantee about a particular device’s labels or layout. Use the in-game display to confirm what each control actually does.
#1 Best Overall
- 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 when the response feels wrong
Make changes according to what the axis display and test flight show. The game’s axis guide, dated 25 May 2018, describes these controls; labels or interface details may change, so check the current in-game settings.
- Dead zone: ignores small movements near the axis center. Increase it only enough to suppress unwanted drift or oscillation while the control is at rest. The amount depends on the device; a small setting is usually sufficient.
- Nonlinearity: changes the response curve. Reducing sensitivity near the center can make small corrections more precise while preserving stronger response farther toward the axis limit. This 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 response feels delayed, do not lower sensitivity without a specific reason; compare adjustments in a test flight.
- Multiplier: affects total axis deflection. Change it only when the observed range of movement gives you a concrete reason.
- Correction: can compensate for an axis that is misaligned. Use it when the axis display or flight behavior indicates that problem, rather than changing it by default.
These settings address different issues. For example, a dead zone is for unwanted movement around center, while nonlinearity shapes how input builds across the axis. There is no single numeric setup established for every stick and mode.
Rank #2
- Military-grade Space and Flight Sim Precision. Customizable options including all the control surface options required to achieve the exact level of performance that aspiring combat pilots demand.System Requirements : Windows 11,10,8.1,7, 2x USB 2.0 Port
- New Mini Analog Stick Control Surfaces: Control pitch, roll, yaw, backwards, forwards, up, down, left and right as well as gimballed weapons that are controlled separately from the space craft
- RGB Backlighting: Many PC peripherals now feature RGB backlighting and the X-56 is no exception. Use the software to set the color of the lighting to match the rest of your gaming rig
- Ideal for VR: The X-56 places controls perfectly under your fingers where subtle distinctions in button feel and shape help you navigate the control set with ease
- Fully Featured HOTAS: Accurate 16-bit aileron and elevator axis with hall-effect sensors. Adjustable Stick Force via Advanced 4-Spring System. Twin Throttles with Friction Adjuster and Throttle Lock
Choose a stick based on your setup, not a universal ranking
A flight stick or HOTAS controller is the physical-equipment route, but you do not need one to play. War Thunder’s official FAQ names the Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One as an example; that mention is not a guarantee of current availability or compatibility with every platform.
Recommended Free Tools
Before choosing a joystick or HOTAS, check whether your platform recognizes it and whether War Thunder detects it. Consider whether the controls you want—pitch, roll, yaw, and throttle—are available, how the grip and buttons fit your hands, and whether you want a separate throttle or rudder control. The available guidance does not establish a validated model-by-model performance comparison, so no particular stick can be ranked as best for all players.
Rank #3
- PINPOINT HALL EFFECT PRECISION - Experience drift free accuracy that never degrades over time thanks to Thrustmaster's patented H.E.A.R.T magnetic sensor technology, giving you the reliable and consistent control you need for every flight simulator joystick session, from delicate landings to intense dogfights, so your inputs always translate perfectly into the cockpit.
- FULLY AMBIDEXTROUS ERGONOMIC DESIGN - Fly comfortably whether you are left handed or right handed with three removable and swappable components that let you tailor this pc joystick to your dominant hand, ensuring hours of fatigue free flying with a grip that feels custom built just for you, no matter which flight sim controller setup you prefer.
- 16 BUTTONS PLUS HAT SWITCH - Command every function at your fingertips with 16 action buttons featuring braille style physical identification so you never need to look away from the screen, plus an 8 way point of view hat switch that gives you instant situational awareness in any flight simulator controller scenario you encounter.
- FOUR INDEPENDENT AXES WITH RUDDER - Take full control of pitch, roll, yaw, and throttle using four independent axes including a built in twist rudder, eliminating the need for separate pedals and giving you a complete experience that handles every maneuver in your favorite joystick for flight simulator titles with smooth responsiveness.
- CUSTOMIZABLE PROFILES WITH TARGET SOFTWARE - Load or create detailed button mapping profiles for every game in your library using Thrustmaster's powerful T.A.R.G.E.T programming software, so your flight stick is always perfectly configured whether you are exploring space sims, combat missions, or civilian aviation with fully personalized controls.
Compatibility can depend on both platform and hardware. An individual player’s forum setup or compatibility warning is anecdotal and time-sensitive; it does not establish a current rule for every console or device. Verify your specific hardware and platform rather than relying on another player’s configuration.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- High-Precision, Non-Contact Main Axes
- Customizable, Multi-Function Throttle & Flap Levers
- Compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & PC
- 27 Programmable Buttons, 8 Axes, POV Hat & Rapid-Fire Trigger
- Integrated, OLED Flight Management Display
Rank #4
- 【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.
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.
