Microsoft Flight Simulator: Guides and features hub

Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) is the next-gen entry in one of the longest-running gaming franchises of all time. Developed by Asobo Studios in conjunction with Microsoft, this simulator is powered by a massive array of data centers that inject petabytes of high-quality satellite imagery, building data, road networks, weather and live flight traffic into the sim every second. This allows it to function as a second Earth of sorts, allowing players to fly in beautifully designed aircraft in virtual skies that are not too dissimilar to what’s right outside their own windows.

The simulator appeals to fliers of all kinds, whether they be seasoned veterans or curious newcomers who are here just to gawk at the gorgeous visuals. Our list of guides and features will direct you to the best ways to enjoy your virtual flying experience in Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Microsoft Flight Simulator: Guides and features hub

Features and starter guides

• Official review – Microsoft Flight Simulator is the most complete out-of-the-box package of any flight sim ever. Its advancements have pushed the genre as a whole to an entirely new standard with the promise of ongoing support solidifying its rank as the defacto flight sim for the years to come. While it has its quirks, this really is “As real as it gets.”
• Downloading and installing your new journey – Microsoft Flight Simulator literally contains the whole world. So, it will take you some time to download and install it before you can take off.
• The best planes for newcomers – Find out which planes are the best to start with, from simple props to advanced airliners.
• Essential tips for every flight – Here are some handy tips to keep in mind for a great experience.
• Speeding up a long flight – Big flights can take a long time to complete, but there are ways to speed up the pace.
• Freeware add-on collection: Volume I –  Here are some recommendations to get you started on your add-on collecting journey.
• Freeware add-on collection: Volume II – Here are four more great (free) add-ons that you can use to enhance your Microsoft Flight Simulator experience.
• What kind of Microsoft Flight Simulator pilot are you? – There’s a wide variety of players in Flight Simulator, but we’ve discovered a few types of frequent fliers.
• How Microsoft Flight Simulator will inspire a new generation of gamers – A look at how the success of Microsoft Flight Simulator will continue with its release on consoles.
• Microsoft Flight Simulator — Too ambitious, or too soon to call? – Some fans feel that Microsoft Flight Simulator falls short of its promised glory. This feature takes an honest look at its strong points, weak points, and promises for the future.
• Microsoft Flight Simulator has let me go on vacation again – COVID-19 may have shut down real-life air travel in 2020, but Microsoft Flight Simulator came through with free flights for all.
• No, you don’t need the $120 Premium Deluxe edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator – The Standard Edition is a good purchase, and better than you might think.
• How accurate is a tiny country in Microsoft Flight Simulator? – As someone from The Bahamas, I was curious to see if the game’s impressive world tech did it justice.

Payware add-on value previews

• Just Flight – Piper Warrior II  — Just Flight’s Piper Warrior II for Microsoft Flight Simulator provides a simple, but effectively fun backcountry flying experience.
• Carenado C170B – Carenado’s C170B fully embraces the sim’s complex VFR capabilities. This taildragger is a photo pilot’s dream.
• Just Flight – Piper Turbo Arrow III/IV – The Piper Turbo Arrow III/IV offers an interesting experience, but is it unique from the original?

• ORBX EA-7 Edgley Optica – ORBX’s first aircraft for this title is the weird-looking EA-7 Edgley Optica. How does it handle?

• Carenado Piper Seneca V – Carenado’s Piper Seneca V boasts great aircraft performance and solid features, but is it worth the high price?

• Do you need REX’s new texture add-on – REX’s Real Global Airport Texture add-on harkens back to sim upgrades of old. But, do you need it?

• Just Flight’s Piper Arrow III – The Just Flight edition of the Piper PA-28R Arrow III is now in Microsoft Flight Simulator. But, is it worth the price?

• Aerosoft CRJ 550/700 – Aerosoft’s CRJ 550/700 has finally taken flight as the sim’s first study-level airliner. But, is it great?

Microsoft Flight Simulator is available via Steam, the Microsoft Store and also as part of Xbox Game Pass.