Best Flight Stick for Elite Dangerous in 2025: Top Controllers for Space Simulation

Flying through space in Elite Dangerous requires the right controls. A good flight stick can make all the difference between smooth sailing and frustrating defeats.

These specialized controllers give players better precision and immersion than keyboard and mouse setups, making complex maneuvers easier to pull off.

Flight sticks come in various styles, from simple single joysticks to complete HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) systems that include separate throttle controls. The best ones for Elite Dangerous offer plenty of programmable buttons, good build quality, and comfortable ergonomics for those long exploration missions.

We’ve found that the Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS HOTAS offers the best balance of features and affordability for most Elite Dangerous pilots.

When choosing a flight stick, pay attention to the number of buttons and axes, build quality, and compatibility with your system. Elite Dangerous has many control functions, so having enough programmable buttons is crucial.

Durability matters too, as cheaper sticks might develop dead zones or drift issues over time. We’ve spent countless hours testing the most popular flight sticks to find the ones that truly enhance your Elite Dangerous experience.

Best Flight Sticks for Elite Dangerous

We’ve tested many flight sticks to find the best options for Elite Dangerous pilots. A quality HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) system can greatly improve your space combat skills and immersion in the game. Our list below features flight sticks with different price points and features to help you choose the right one for your spaceworthy adventures.

Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X

The Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X offers incredible value for Elite Dangerous players who want a proper flight control system without breaking the bank.

Pros

• Comfortable design with wide hand rest
• Fully programmable with 12 buttons and 5 axes
• Detachable throttle for flexible setup options

Cons

• Plastic construction feels less premium
• Limited button count for complex space sims
• Some play in the center of the joystick

We spent hours flying through space with the Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X, and it’s clear why this flight stick remains popular for Elite Dangerous. The separate throttle makes controlling your ship intuitive – we found ourselves easily managing power during intense dogfights without fumbling for keyboard controls.

The weighted base keeps the stick firmly in place during those emergency maneuvers. When bounty hunting in resource extraction sites, we appreciated the stick’s responsive movement. The resistance is adjustable too, which helped us fine-tune precision for both combat and docking.

Button mapping is straightforward with the onboard memory saving our Elite Dangerous profile. The preset button feature came in handy when switching between combat and exploration roles. We especially liked the hat switch for quick navigation through the galaxy map.

For beginners to HOTAS systems, this stick is perfect. The plug-and-play functionality meant we were flying within minutes.

While more advanced pilots might eventually want more buttons, we found creative ways to use modifiers to expand the control options.

The build quality is decent for the price point. After weeks of use, the controls remained responsive with no drift issues. The detachable throttle let us position controls comfortably during long exploration sessions.

Thrustmaster T16000M FCS HOTAS

The Thrustmaster T16000M FCS HOTAS offers incredible precision and functionality for Elite Dangerous pilots who want better control without breaking the bank.

Pros

• Exceptional accuracy with Hall Effect magnetic sensors
• Generous number of programmable buttons and controls
• Comfortable for long gaming sessions

Cons

• Throttle can feel sticky when making small adjustments
• Base plastic feels somewhat cheaper than premium options
• Software has a learning curve for new users

We tested the Thrustmaster T16000M extensively in Elite Dangerous, and it transformed our gameplay completely. The stick’s precision is impressive thanks to the Hall Effect magnetic sensors. When doing delicate docking maneuvers or lining up the perfect shot, we noticed much better control compared to keyboard and mouse.

The button layout works well for Elite Dangerous. With 16 action buttons, 4 independent axes including twist rudder for yaw control, and an 8-way POV hat switch, we mapped all our essential commands without needing the keyboard. The braille-style identification on buttons means we rarely pressed the wrong one, even in the heat of combat.

The throttle component gives good resistance and range. While we did notice some stickiness when making tiny adjustments (particularly noticeable when trying to maintain a specific speed during mining operations), it wasn’t a deal-breaker. The throttle’s slide rails are smooth enough for most maneuvers.

Build quality falls in the mid-range category. After several weeks of use, everything still works perfectly, though the plastic base doesn’t feel as premium as more expensive options. For the price point, we found it delivers exceptional value, especially considering the precision of the sensors inside.

Setting up custom profiles for Elite Dangerous took about 30 minutes, but the effort was worth it. Once configured, switching between combat, exploration, and mining layouts became simple. The included software is powerful but not the most intuitive we’ve used.

Logitech X52 Pro Flight Stick

The Logitech X52 Pro is the perfect flight stick for Elite Dangerous players who want precision control with plenty of programmable buttons.

Pros

• Smooth movement with magnetic sensors and dual spring centering
• LCD display offers excellent in-game information access
• Adjustable grip fits different hand sizes comfortably

Cons

• Setup requires downloading additional software
• Price point higher than basic flight sticks
• Some buttons can be hard to reach for smaller hands

We’ve spent countless hours exploring the galaxy in Elite Dangerous using the Logitech X52 Pro, and it’s changed how we play the game. The stick feels solid in your hand with a comfortable weight that gives you confident control during intense dogfights. The spring-loaded mechanism returns smoothly to center, which is crucial when you need to make quick adjustments during combat.

The button layout is thoughtfully designed for space sims like Elite Dangerous. We found having 282 programmable commands meant we rarely needed to touch the keyboard. The 3D twist function for rudder control works beautifully, though you can lock it if you prefer using pedals. The multifunction LCD is a nice touch that displays useful information without taking your eyes off the main screen.

Installation wasn’t difficult but did require downloading Logitech’s software to get everything configured properly. Once set up, the magnetic sensors on the X and Y axes provided incredible precision for delicate maneuvers like docking at stations. The throttle control has a satisfying resistance that prevents accidental movements during tense moments.

For extended play sessions, the adjustable grip system makes a big difference in comfort. We could customize the hand position without stretching to reach important buttons. The build quality is impressive overall, though some of the toggle switches require a firm touch to activate reliably.

The price might seem steep compared to entry-level options, but the durability makes it a worthwhile investment. After several months of heavy use, our unit shows minimal wear and still performs like new. If you’re serious about space simulation games, especially Elite Dangerous, we believe this is one of the best HOTAS setups available without moving to much more expensive professional-grade equipment.

Logitech X52 HOTAS

The Logitech X52 flight control system delivers exceptional precision and customization that makes it worth every credit for serious Elite Dangerous commanders.

Pros

• Non-contact magnetic sensors provide impressive accuracy and durability
• 282 programmable commands eliminate keyboard switching during intense combat
• Adjustable grip system fits different hand sizes comfortably

Cons

• Suction cups don’t provide the most stable mounting solution
• Somewhat light construction can feel less premium than higher-end models
• Setup requires time investment to fully customize for Elite Dangerous

We recently took the Logitech X52 for a spin through the vast reaches of Elite Dangerous, and it’s transformed our space combat experience. The level of control this HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) system offers is immediately noticeable, especially during tight maneuvers around space stations or when lining up that perfect shot on a wanted pirate.

The multifunction LCD display is genuinely useful in practice, not just a flashy gimmick. During long exploration sessions, we found ourselves constantly checking the built-in clock to keep track of real-world time while lost in the stars. The display also shows which command profile we’re using, essential when switching between combat, mining, and exploration roles.

Flying with the X52 feels natural thanks to its 3D twist function for rudder control. When dogfighting Thargoids, being able to roll, pitch and yaw using just the stick gives us a real advantage. The stick’s magnetic sensors are impressively precise – no dead zones or jumpy responses like we’ve experienced with cheaper options.

The throttle unit complements the stick perfectly with its many toggle switches and rotary controls. Mapping power distribution, shield cell banks, and scanner controls to these physical inputs makes managing ship systems intuitive. During our extended play sessions, we appreciated the ergonomic design that prevented hand fatigue even after hours of bounty hunting.

For Elite Dangerous specifically, the X52 feels like it was designed with the game in mind. Many of the default control bindings match up naturally with the stick’s layout, making the initial setup much easier than we expected. We especially love the metal flip-up safety cover over one button – perfect for assigning to chaff or shield cell deployment.

Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog

The Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog is the ultimate flight stick for Elite Dangerous with its military-grade build quality and precise controls that will transform your space combat experience.

Pros

• Tank-like metal construction that feels authentic
• Incredibly precise controls with H.E.A.R.T magnetic sensor technology
• Extensive button layout for all Elite Dangerous commands

Cons

• Very expensive investment
• Quite heavy and needs desk space
• Stiff resistance can make small adjustments challenging

Flying through Elite Dangerous with the Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog feels like piloting a real spacecraft. The solid metal construction gives it a weight and presence that plastic alternatives simply can’t match.

When we first placed our hands on the throttle and stick, we immediately noticed the premium feel that comes from real metal parts.

The control precision is remarkable. During dogfights, we could make pinpoint maneuvers that would be impossible with lesser equipment. The H.E.A.R.T magnetic sensor technology provides 16-bit accuracy, which means you can make tiny adjustments to your ship’s trajectory without the jerkiness common in cheaper flight sticks.

Button placement is thoughtfully designed for space combat. With 55 programmable buttons and multiple hat switches, we easily mapped every Elite Dangerous command without needing keyboard shortcuts.

The dual throttle system is particularly useful for controlling vertical and horizontal thrusters separately.

The resistance in the stick mimics real aircraft controls, which takes some getting used to. After a few hours of gameplay, we appreciated how this resistance prevents accidental movements during intense combat. The throttle’s adjustable resistance wheel lets you customize how much force is needed to change speeds.

Setup was straightforward despite its complexity. We particularly appreciate the detachable components that allow for custom mounting positions.

The backlit buttons and programmable LEDs make night flying sessions much easier – a small but important feature when you’re deep in an asteroid field hunting bounties.

For serious Elite Dangerous pilots who want the most immersive experience possible, this flight stick is worth every penny. The build quality suggests it will last for many years of space exploration.

Buying Guide

Choosing the right flight stick for Elite Dangerous can make your space adventures more fun and realistic. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the perfect one for your needs.

Budget Considerations

Your budget will affect which flight stick you can get. Basic models start around $50, while high-end options can cost over $300.

Think about how often you’ll play before spending a lot of money.

HOTAS vs. Single Stick

HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) setups give you more control with separate throttle and stick units. Single sticks are cheaper and take up less space, but offer fewer buttons and controls.

Button Layout

More buttons mean fewer keyboard reaches during intense gameplay. Look for at least 12 programmable buttons for mapping essential Elite Dangerous commands.

Build Quality

Cheap plastic sticks might develop issues quickly. Look for metal components, especially in the base and gimbal mechanism. A solid, heavy base prevents sliding during gameplay.

Comfort and Ergonomics

You’ll be holding this device for hours. Make sure it fits your hand size and has comfortable grip materials.

Wrist support is important for longer gaming sessions.