DCL - The Game: Official Drone Racing Experience
Drone Champions AG, together with Climax Studios, released the official video game based on the Drone Champions League (DCL) — the world’s premier live drone racing circuit. DCL - The Game is a simulation that puts you in the pilot’s seat across more than 30 striking courses, from the snowy halfpipes at LAAX to the ruined castle of Reutte. The title also recreates real DCL events, offering track-specific challenges that demand refined flying techniques.
Alternative title to consider
If you want a different paid racing experience outside of drones, try Need for Speed: Carbon.
Flight styles you can choose
The game includes four distinct flight configurations. (Order below starts with the most advanced control style.)
- Full Manual (Acro)
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Gives you complete authority over the aircraft with no stabilization assists. This is the closest to real competitive drone racing and rewards practice and precision, but it has a steep learning curve.
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Stabilized Setting (Angle)
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Mimics the behavior of entry-level racing drones by limiting tilt and providing stabilization. It’s easier for casual use but won’t deliver the top-tier performance needed for high-level racing.
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Cinematic / Camera Mode (GPS)
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Includes altitude hold and stabilization so drones fly more like consumer camera drones. Ideal for practicing smooth piloting and capturing footage rather than aggressive racing lines.
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Assisted Racing (Arcade)
- Adds automated altitude control and simplified inputs to make racing more accessible. Recommended for newcomers and for quick, pick-up-and-play sessions.
Controls and progression
You can pilot using keyboard, gamepad, or an external transmitter. Beginners will find keyboard or controller input comfortable when using Assisted Racing or Cinematic modes. For the most authentic experience and to build transferable skills for real-world events (such as DCL draft tryouts), use a dedicated transmitter—this provides the closest feel to actual drone controls and helps develop advanced technique.
Presentation: visuals and audio
Graphically, the game presents convincing environments and crisp visual feedback that enhance immersion. However, the audio mix can be problematic: drone sound effects are loud and repetitive, which some players may find intrusive. Many users prefer to lower or mute the in-game audio.
Competitive and online features
DCL - The Game supports synchronous online racing. You can join scheduled networked tournaments or take part in open challenges that match pilots across skill levels. This online component is a central draw for players who enjoy competing against others and testing their flying against a global community.
Who will enjoy this game
If you want a faithful drone racing simulator that balances realistic piloting with accessible options for newcomers, DCL - The Game is worth trying. It’s especially appealing to players seeking an authentic training ground for competitive drone flying or those who enjoy high-speed, technical racing simulations.
Technical
- Windows
- Mac
- German
- English
- Spanish
- French
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Full