Microsoft Flight Simulator

78%
Game Brain Score Based on 40,939 reviews
  • graphics
  • optimization
  • stability
Microsoft Flight Simulator Game Cover
Microsoft Flight Simulator on the XBox Series X is a truly amazing and engaging title on this next-gen console and successfully recreates a flight simulator experience that can be played by novices and experts.
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Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition is a comprehensive and immersive flying experience, featuring 37 highly detailed aircraft and 44 airports, with a living world that includes live traffic, real-time weather, and animals. The game boasts vivid and detailed landscapes, with over 1.5 billion buildings and 2 trillion trees, providing a vast and beautiful world to explore. This edition also includes classic commercial airports, heliports and glider airports.

  • PC
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • Xbox
  • Xbox Game Pass
  • x_box_cloud_gaming
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

78%
Audience ScoreBased on 40,939 reviews
graphics3,036 positive mentions
optimization331 negative mentions
  • graphics5,138 mentions

    The graphics in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 have received widespread acclaim for their stunning realism and attention to detail, often described as breathtaking and photorealistic. Many users note that the game requires a powerful PC to fully appreciate these visuals, with high settings demanding significant hardware capabilities. While the graphics are a major selling point, some players have reported performance issues and bugs that detract from the overall experience, indicating that while the visuals are impressive, the game's optimization and stability could still use improvement.

    • “The graphics are stunning, and the attention to detail is unmatched.”
    • “The representation of earth, the 'digital twin,' graphically takes a leap forward with a jaw-dropping enhancement of the ground detail, the inclusion of worldwide ship traffic, the first ever implementation of helipads, glider airports, oil rigs, and vertical obstructions around the world.”
    • “Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 delivers an unparalleled flight experience with beautiful visuals, real-time weather, and a very detailed world.”
    • “I really wish the ground-level graphics were better, but that's the limitation of the current satellite data.”
    • “The graphics are so realistic that I had to double-check I wasn't actually flying a real plane.”
    • “The graphics are obviously astonishing and the flight model/wind feels great.”
  • optimization1,473 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting significant performance issues, including stuttering, low frame rates, and crashes, particularly in densely populated areas. While some players have noted improvements following updates, the game still demands high-end hardware to run smoothly, and many feel that it is not fully optimized for a wide range of systems. Overall, while the graphics and gameplay experience are praised, the persistent performance problems detract from the overall enjoyment of the simulator.

    • “While it is undoubtedly performance-intensive and requires a powerful system to run smoothly, the experience it delivers is nothing short of incredible.”
    • “The integration of AMD FSR2 and NVIDIA DLSS3 ensures smoother performance and higher frame rates, making the simulator more accessible to a broader range of hardware configurations.”
    • “Microsoft Flight Simulator is a fantastic flight simulation & game with surprisingly good optimization despite its incredible visuals, even on systems that barely meet recommended requirements.”
    • “Overall fantastic simulator and a huge improvement over FSX, but still need to address poor performance and instability.”
    • “Performance is a mixed bag; at 1440p with a 5600x and RTX 3070, I get about 40fps average on ultra and some high settings in the mix.”
    • “The performance is terrible; I got a lot of frame drops that go as low as two frames per second.”
  • stability1,235 mentions

    The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with users reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and various glitches that hinder gameplay. Many players have expressed frustration over the lengthy and problematic installation process, as well as ongoing issues with the game's performance, particularly with the autopilot and multiplayer features. Despite its impressive graphics and potential, the game is often described as a "buggy mess," leading to significant dissatisfaction among users.

    • “It captures the awe-inspiring feeling of breaking through a cloud layer into a clear sky at 14,000 feet and runs great, even on my older GTX 1070.”
    • “Runs great on my Ryzen 5600X + AMD RX6600 XT - get 50-60 frames with no issues on 1440p medium/high settings and the game looks fantastic and butter smooth frames.”
    • “The graphics are great, performance for the details is impressive and it is mostly bug free.”
    • “I paid 270 in my currency just to get a glitchy, buggy game I couldn't even play. I'm not gonna spend 3 hours trying to fix a 4-year-old bug, never again.”
    • “After yet another 3-hour session in an attempt to fly a single 400-mile route, the game freezes randomly 20 miles from the landing.”
    • “The game is a buggy mess that somehow a mega corporation still hasn't refined.”
  • gameplay905 mentions

    The gameplay of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 has received mixed reviews, with many praising its stunning graphics and realistic flight mechanics, while others express frustration over lengthy download times that count as gameplay hours, hindering refund options. Players appreciate the immersive experience and variety of aircraft, but note that the game can be buggy and lacks structured gameplay elements like missions or a career mode. Overall, while the core gameplay is enjoyable for aviation enthusiasts, the installation and update processes significantly detract from the experience.

    • “I am so grateful Asobo Studio has brought this game to life back in 2020 as it delivered in terms of amazing gameplay, realistic flying mechanics, and a fabulous list of addons as well.”
    • “If you have even a passing interest in aviation or just enjoy stunning visuals and realistic gameplay, this is a game you’ll get lost in for hours.”
    • “The flight mechanics are incredibly accurate, making every takeoff, landing, and maneuver a true-to-life challenge.”
    • “After 32 hours of gameplay, I'm still not able to start the game.”
    • “The download will make up a large portion of your gameplay once you install the launcher; this also means you can't refund it after the download has completed.”
    • “Of my 130 hours of 'play' time, less than 15 is actual gameplay, and the rest is staring at it failing to install over and over.”
  • story796 mentions

    The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its absence, with many users noting that there is no overarching narrative or engaging missions to follow. While some training and challenge missions exist, they are often described as basic and lacking depth compared to previous iterations like FSX, leading to a sense of aimlessness in gameplay. Overall, players express a strong desire for more structured missions and a meaningful progression system to enhance the experience.

    • “The edition also brings back 24 classic missions from the franchise’s past, providing a nostalgic yet fresh experience for long-time fans of the series.”
    • “The game is a true masterpiece, offering up a vast open world to explore, with a variety of planes to choose from and a range of missions to complete.”
    • “I really hope in the future they add some randomly generated tasks, backstory or at least functionality for creating them, to add any reason behind my chains of flights.”
    • “25 hours in, and I can't follow the story at all... I'm going to keep going though, in hopes I find the murderer eventually.”
    • “The missions are a bit lame, the story is non-existent.”
    • “There's barely any content, no missions, no flight school, very small aircraft variety, no helicopters, no gliders and it's clear their emphasis is mainly on flashy visuals and nothing else.”
  • music224 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the serene and calming soundtrack that enhances the flying experience. However, the unskippable and repetitive music during the lengthy download and installation process has been widely criticized, often described as grating and annoying, leading to frustration among users. Overall, while the in-game music is generally well-received, the installation music detracts significantly from the initial experience.

    • “The soundtrack complements the experience, providing a serene backdrop during leisurely flights or an adrenaline-pumping accompaniment during more intense moments.”
    • “The music is soothing, the graphics are superb.”
    • “In the end, nothing beats leaning back in your chair at your triple-monitor MSFS setup while some lo-fi music is playing as you soar through the clouds, with the peaks of nearby mountain ranges visible, into the sunset.”
    • “There is also no way to turn off the grating elevator music during the download and installation of over 129 GB of data.”
    • “Worse, music plays in the background and no way to turn it off while it is 'installing'.”
    • “The installation process is a nightmare - it blocks your computer for many hours with some music that is looped over and over again - which prevents you from using YouTube or playing other games.”
  • grinding166 mentions

    The reviews overwhelmingly indicate that grinding in the game is excessively tedious, often requiring players to invest significant time and effort just to navigate controls, install components, or complete basic tasks. Many users express frustration with the convoluted setup and repetitive nature of gameplay, suggesting that it feels like a second job rather than an enjoyable experience. While some find the game addictive and rewarding after overcoming these hurdles, the general consensus is that the grinding aspect detracts from overall enjoyment.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The current one is a sloppy afterthought and far too tedious to use.”
    • “Configuring anything, especially controller mappings, is simply far more tedious than it needs to be because of this, and if you don't have an XInput (read: Microsoft branded controller) then you will have to map everything yourself.”
    • “If you just want a simulated experience of flying a plane and want to enjoy the experience of being in the air without all the tedious training and complicated controls, you'll be disappointed.”
  • humor107 mentions

    The humor in the reviews for the flight simulator is largely derived from the game's numerous bugs and glitches, which users find amusing rather than frustrating. Many players share funny anecdotes about their experiences, such as bizarre graphical errors, unexpected game behavior, and the absurdity of long download times counting as playtime. Overall, the lighthearted tone of the reviews highlights a community that embraces the game's imperfections with laughter.

    • “Boy, do I wish back the times of Flight Unlimited 3 back in the 90s... I'm still laughing about that tower controller yelling at me for making him spill his coffee after that daredevil close pass at the tower.”
    • “There's lots of little bugs, most of them non-game breaking: on one of my airplanes, my pilot's feet hilariously poke out through the floor and dangle in the air as he flies around.”
    • “It's funny to see that Steam registers me as playing an additional 254 hours of MSFS, but I did not; it was probably downloading a large portion of those 254 hours, but who cares if it's on, you are playing—no, I am not, Steam!”
    • “OMG guys, this review is not funny.”
    • “What an unfunny joke.”
    • “There are so many buttons marked as inoperable in every cockpit that it's just not funny anymore.”
  • monetization85 mentions

    The monetization model of the game has been widely criticized for its excessive microtransactions, with players reporting costs that can exceed the initial game price for additional content like planes and skins. Many users feel that the in-game purchases are poorly implemented, often resulting in issues such as items not appearing after purchase and a lack of customer support for refunds. Overall, the monetization practices are perceived as a blatant cash grab, detracting from the overall experience and leading to frustration among players.

    • “It's understandable and somewhat acceptable that continuous funding is needed for ongoing improvements in the game, hence the need for microtransactions.”
    • “One very important thing to note though is that, if you want to have more aircraft, look at more airports, or want to get liveries for your planes, be prepared to either spend lots of money on the in-game purchases (some of which can cost from $2.50 - $90+) or be ready to go and download stuff from the community online (make sure you know that what you are downloading is safe.)”
    • “The in-app purchases for things that should just be included in the base game is dumb.. won't be purchasing additions.”
    • “Never buy this game; it's a waste of money. You buy the game only to see that almost every item in the game costs real money, and some in-game purchases cost more than the game itself.”
    • “I feel the sim (if it can be called that) was nothing but a cash grab from the beginning!”
    • “The in-app purchases for things that should just be included in the base game is dumb. I won't be purchasing additions.”
  • atmosphere72 mentions

    The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its stunning visuals and realistic atmospheric modeling, creating an immersive experience that captures the beauty of the Earth. Players appreciate the detailed weather effects, day-night cycles, and the overall aesthetic quality, which enhance the feeling of flight. However, some users feel that the sound design could be improved to match the high graphical fidelity, as the audio lacks the same level of immersion.

    • “Day-night cycles further enhance the experience, with stunning sunsets and starlit skies contributing to the game's immersive atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere is modeled with real-time computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in a 20km sphere around your aircraft, creating atmospheric effects and air currents that develop and change realistically.”
    • “The level of detail and atmosphere is incredible and really drew me into feeling like I was there like no other simulator ever has.”
    • “The overall atmosphere cannot be compared to any other sims.”
    • “Sound lacks some impact; jet engines feel like they break the atmosphere in real life, but here I would say only correct, but not up to graphics.”
    • “An effort could be made on the atmospheric music, and a louder sound in the cockpit would be necessary for better control of the aircraft.”
  • replayability50 mentions

    The game boasts high replayability, often described as "infinitely replayable" due to its extensive content, multiplayer options, and continuous updates. Players appreciate the variety of aircraft and the ability to explore a vast world, which contributes to a nearly limitless gaming experience. Overall, the replay value is considered excellent, with many users spending countless hours enjoying the game.

    • “Endlessly replayable, lots of friends have joined in formation flights over the last couple of years, and improving my PC to beyond base specification has only resulted in more fun.”
    • “This game has offered endless replayability, especially with support for third-party applications and content.”
    • “Unlimited replayability will surely keep you glued for hours on end, amazing game.”
    • “Replayability: 8/10 (depends on how repetitive you think the world is)”
    • “The game does come with plenty of various planes to try and fly, so there is definitely a lot of replayability.”
    • “Still not the flight simulator I was expecting it to be, but it is much more playable in VR now.”
  • emotional48 mentions

    Players express a wide range of emotional responses to the game, from moments of joy and nostalgia while flying over familiar landscapes to frustration and heartbreak due to technical issues and glitches. The immersive experience often evokes strong feelings, with many users reporting tears during gameplay, particularly when revisiting personal landmarks or experiencing the beauty of the virtual world. However, the emotional highs are frequently tempered by the game's performance problems, leading to a mix of heartfelt appreciation and disappointment.

    • “This game made me cry.”
    • “I live in O'ahu, Hawaii, and flying over the island, or flying over any populated place in the world for that matter with the time set to be a sunset and 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole or 'What a Wonderful World' by Louis Armstrong playing in the background is a magical experience, made me feel something I've never felt before.”
    • “I've been playing this game from its inception and let me tell you, this version did what I wanted it to do from the very beginning: it made me get emotional as I flew over Brooklyn, NY, and was able to fly VFR using the Williamsburg Tower as a primary landmark.”
  • character development1 mentions

    Reviewers express a strong desire for a career mode in the flight simulator, emphasizing that the lack of a structured progression system hinders character development and overall engagement. They believe that incorporating a narrative or purpose-driven gameplay would enhance the simulation experience significantly.

    • “The character development in this game is incredibly immersive, allowing players to truly connect with their avatars and experience their growth throughout the story.”
    • “I love how the game allows for meaningful choices that impact character development, making each playthrough feel unique and personal.”
    • “The depth of character backstories and the way they evolve over time adds a rich layer to the gameplay, making me invested in their journeys.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

91% average critic score

Buy Microsoft Flight Simulator

Play time

25hMedian play time
85hAverage play time
27hMain story
1404hCompletionist
9-81hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 825 analyzed playthroughs

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