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IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2008

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Quick resume

Il-2 1946 includes all of the original IL-2 series content: IL-2 Sturmovik™: Forgotten Battles, Ace Expansion Pack, Pacific Fighters™ and alternate histry campaigns of year 1946. What was years ago began as a one-aircraft study sim is now an astonishing anthology, with a whopping 229 flyable aircraft and over 300 aircraft total!

Global score

88/100

Genres

Simulator, Shooter, Tactical

Pros

  • Extensive aircraft and mission variety
  • Robust modding community
  • Realistic flight and damage models
  • Mission and campaign editors
  • Strong replayability and longevity

Cons

  • Dated graphics and sound
  • Steep learning curve
  • Complex multiplayer setup and small community
  • Limited official tutorials
  • Some installation and compatibility issues on modern systems

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have extensive control over flight settings, mission creation, and gameplay style from arcade to full simulation."

  • Competence
    5

    "High skill ceiling with realistic flight models, challenging AI, and complex controls requiring mastery."

  • Competition
    2

    "Multiplayer exists with servers and clans, but community is small and multiplayer setup is complex."

  • Continuation
    5

    "Players report thousands of hours, strong replayability with mods, campaigns, and mission editors."

  • Cooperation
    3

    "Multiplayer and clan play involve teamwork and coordinated missions, though mostly niche."

  • Creativity
    5

    "Robust mission and campaign editors allow players to create and customize scenarios extensively."

  • Domination
    -2

    "Community emphasizes shared experiences and mutual respect rather than power over others."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game for immersive historical aviation experiences and stress relief."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of passion and interest, not obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Players explore many aircraft, mods, and mission types, experimenting with settings and gameplay."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Large maps and dynamic campaigns encourage discovery and varied mission experiences."

  • Expression
    4

    "Customization of aircraft skins, nose art, and mission design supports player expression."

  • Fantasy
    -1

    "Grounded in historical WWII aviation, though some experimental and prototype aircraft add slight fantasy elements."

  • Fellowship
    3

    "Active modding and multiplayer communities foster social connection and shared interest."

  • Growth
    5

    "Steep learning curve and complex flight mechanics promote skill development and mastery."

  • Health
    -4

    "Primarily sedentary gameplay with no physical activity components."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and continuous engagement during missions and flight."

  • Intimacy
    1

    "Some social interaction in multiplayer and clans, but limited emotional sharing."

  • Leadership
    2

    "Some players lead multiplayer groups and coordinate missions, though not dominant."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players accumulate aircraft, upgrades, and mission achievements over time."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Can be relaxing for some, but also involves tension and challenge in combat."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Engaging flight and combat sounds and visuals provide sensory stimulation."

  • Status
    1

    "Some recognition in multiplayer clans and community, but limited mainstream visibility."

  • Story
    3

    "Campaigns and dynamic missions provide historical narrative context and immersion."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Players plan missions, manage aircraft systems, and employ aerial combat tactics."

  • Thrill
    4

    "High stakes dogfights and realistic damage models create suspense and excitement."

  • Value
    5

    "Highly praised for content volume, mod support, and longevity at a low price."

  • Violence
    4

    "Combat involves realistic aerial dogfights, bombing, and destruction."

  • Survival
    4

    "Players must manage threats, damage, and resource states to survive missions."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026