Microsoft Flight Simulator

80%
Game Brain Score Based on 37,372 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.
Starting at €69.99Buy now
Get on Steam

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
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

80%
Audience ScoreBased on 37,372 reviews
graphics2,866 positive mentions
optimization288 negative mentions
  • graphics4,844 mentions

    The graphics in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 have received widespread acclaim for their stunning realism and detail, often described as breathtaking and unmatched in the flight simulation genre. Many users highlight the game's ability to recreate real-world locations with impressive accuracy, utilizing satellite imagery and advanced rendering techniques. However, the demanding graphical requirements mean that players need high-end hardware to fully experience these visuals, and some have reported performance issues and bugs that detract from the overall experience.

    • “Stunning graphics and with the right addons can be made very realistic!”
    • “The graphics are stunning, offering a realistic world to explore.”
    • “The graphics are absolutely breathtaking, and the game's use of cutting-edge technology is evident in every aspect of the game.”
    • “The graphics crash my computer.”
    • “The graphics are so realistic you'll feel like you're in the cockpit with Tom Cruise, sporting aviator sunglasses, of course.”
    • “The graphics in this flight simulator are breathtaking, and the game's use of cutting-edge technology is evident in every aspect of the game.”
  • optimization1,378 mentions

    The optimization of Microsoft Flight Simulator has received mixed reviews from users, with many citing significant performance issues, particularly in densely populated areas and during complex scenarios. While some players report satisfactory performance on high-end systems, others experience stuttering, low frame rates, and crashes, even with recommended hardware. Frequent updates have improved performance for some, but many still find the game poorly optimized, especially for VR and lower-end PCs, leading to frustration among users.

    • “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.”
    • “The dedicated development team at Asobo Studio consistently releases updates and improvements, adding new features, enhancing performance, and expanding the available content.”
    • “Performance has drastically improved since launch, and the game now runs smoothly on normal hardware.”
    • “In the end, you will experience so many high hopes to finally achieve a minimal acceptable performance level only to be disappointed again, and again, and again.”
    • “The most buggy game I've ever witnessed; within 4 hours of playing it, I've run into countless hangups and crashes. The game is rubbish and doesn't even run well on a GTX 2080 Ti. I've spent more time troubleshooting than actually flying.”
    • “Make no mistake, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is by far the worst optimized game I've ever played.”
  • stability1,166 mentions

    The stability of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has been widely criticized, with users reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and various glitches during gameplay and installation. Many players have expressed frustration over the lengthy and often problematic download and update processes, which can lead to significant time spent troubleshooting rather than playing. While some users have noted improvements over time, the overall consensus is that the game remains highly unstable and buggy, detracting from the overall experience.

    • “It runs great on my Ryzen 5 with 16GB RAM and a 1660 Super GPU.”
    • “The graphics are great, performance for the details is impressive, and it is mostly bug free.”
    • “But the foundation of this sim is incredibly strong; it runs great on my GTX 1080 at high/ultra settings at 2560x1440, much better than X-Plane or FSX.”
    • “You will set up a flight and at very random times, takeoffs, landings, mid-flight, and/or in-game menus, the game will do one of several glitches but all end with a frozen game with the last flight noises still being played or being booted out of the game completely.”
    • “Useless, typical for Microsoft: buggy in-game installer constantly crashes and corrupts your installed data, forcing you to reinstall the entire 130GB game.”
    • “This game is a buggy mess, but the incredible graphics and realism are just unbeatable.”
  • gameplay815 mentions

    The gameplay of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is praised for its stunning graphics and realistic flight mechanics, providing an immersive experience for aviation enthusiasts. However, many players express frustration with the lengthy download and update processes, which often count as gameplay time, leading to difficulties in obtaining refunds. While the core gameplay is engaging and offers a variety of aircraft and challenges, numerous bugs and performance issues detract from the overall experience, leaving some players feeling that the game is still in a beta state.

    • “The flight mechanics are not just realistic but also accessible, striking a delicate balance between authenticity and approachability.”
    • “With its unmatched realism, stunning visuals, and accessible yet authentic flight mechanics, the game stands as a testament to the evolution of the gaming experience.”
    • “The gameplay in Microsoft Flight Simulator strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and realism.”
    • “With 157 hours played, I think that only 80 hours is pure gameplay.”
    • “The vast majority of my playtime in this game was actually just waiting for game files to download (about 15 hours of waiting and 4 hours of gameplay).”
    • “Of my 130 hours of 'play' time, less than 15 is actual gameplay, and the rest is staring it failing to install over and over.”
  • story730 mentions

    The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its lack of engaging narrative or structured missions, with many users noting that it feels more like a sandbox experience than a traditional flight simulator. While there are some basic training missions and challenges, they are often described as uninspired and lacking the depth and variety found in previous iterations like FSX. Overall, players express a desire for more meaningful missions and a career mode to enhance the gameplay experience.

    • “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.”
    • “The biggest reason why I fell in love with aviation as a kid was through the scripted FSX missions.”
    • “Microsoft Flight X had tons of missions from flying a passenger jet to France, search and rescue plane over the mountains to land and rescue climbers, a chopper mission to rescue workers from exploding oil rigs and not to mention Red Bull air race.”
    • “There is no real story in this game.”
    • “The missions are just arcade style 'landing' or 'point A to B' challenges which, whilst looking pretty, don't offer much in the way of actual simming.”
    • “The only reason I played the old MS Flight Sim was for the missions.”
  • music215 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players praising the soothing and relaxing soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. However, the installation and update process is marred by a repetitive and often annoying background track that cannot be muted, leading to frustration during long download times. While the in-game music is generally well-received, the inability to turn off the installation music has left a negative impression on many users.

    • “The music is soothing, the graphics are superb.”
    • “Enjoy the menu music, which will permeate your soul in the meantime.”
    • “The soundtrack complements the experience, providing a serene backdrop during leisurely flights or an adrenaline-pumping accompaniment during more intense moments.”
    • “The installation process is a nightmare - it blocks your computer for many hours (24 hours in my case) with some music that is looped over and over again - which prevents you from using YouTube or playing other games in that matter...”
    • “I paid $60 to stare at a screen in which nothing functions, not to mention the annoying music and narrator, both of which I cannot turn off!”
    • “The music is at first relaxing, but soon gets on your nerves.”
  • grinding140 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being excessively tedious, with many players feeling that it requires an unrealistic amount of time and effort to progress. While some find the experience addictive and rewarding, the overwhelming consensus is that the installation process and gameplay mechanics are frustratingly slow and convoluted, detracting from overall enjoyment.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “There's no grinding involved; the game is all about enjoying the journey rather than chasing arbitrary goals.”
    • “After this tedious nonsense, there are still issues.”
    • “But initial impressions are good, other than the first level, it's really grindy; you just sit there for literally days on end waiting for the tutorial to happen (sarcasm isn't my strong suit).”
    • “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.”
  • humor104 mentions

    The humor in the game is often derived from its numerous glitches and absurdities, such as pilots' feet poking through floors, bizarre building renderings, and comical interactions with air traffic control. Players find amusement in the game's quirks, like the long download times counting as playtime and the unexpected outcomes of flight maneuvers. Overall, while the game aims for realism, its many humorous flaws and unexpected moments provide a lighthearted experience for players.

    • “It's funny to see that steam registers me as playing an additional 254 hours of mfs 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!”
    • “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.”
    • “The funny thing is, I flew from San Francisco to Honolulu, and I somehow got so relaxed in my chair while flying flight simulator that I dozed off for a moment.”
    • “OMG guys, this review is not funny.”
    • “What an unfunny joke.”
  • monetization79 mentions

    The monetization model of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many users labeling it a "cash grab" due to the high costs of in-game purchases, which can rival the price of the game itself. Players express frustration over mandatory microtransactions for content that many feel should be included in the base game, alongside issues with buggy DLC and a lack of refunds for failed purchases. Additionally, the presence of unskippable ads and long loading times further detracts from the overall experience, leading to a general sentiment of dissatisfaction with the game's monetization practices.

    • “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 to $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. I won't be purchasing additions.”
    • “It's exactly what you expect: extremely high quality, extremely large file sizes, super realistic feeling planes, weather, wind, etc., and a lot of (non-mandatory) 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.)”
    • “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.”
    • “This is just scammy practices, advertising a 10 years support for 2020, then dropping the 2024 bomb.”
  • atmosphere70 mentions

    The atmosphere in Microsoft Flight Simulator is widely praised for its stunning realism and immersive quality, with users highlighting the exceptional graphical representation of weather, lighting, and atmospheric effects. The meticulous attention to detail in simulating real-world conditions, such as volumetric clouds and dynamic weather patterns, creates a breathtaking experience that enhances the overall enjoyment of flying. While some critiques mention sound design and optimization issues, the overwhelming consensus is that the atmospheric modeling is among the best in any flight simulation to date.

    • “The level of detail and atmosphere is incredible and really drew me into feeling like I was there like no other simulator ever has.”
    • “Aesthetically, the devs did a great job of capturing the feeling of light and atmosphere - something that has always lacked in this series.”
    • “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 overall atmosphere cannot be compared to any other sims.”
  • replayability48 mentions

    The game boasts exceptional replayability, often described as "infinitely replayable" due to its multiplayer features, diverse aircraft options, and continuous updates. Players report spending countless hours enjoying the game, with many emphasizing the enjoyment derived from flying with friends and exploring various settings. Overall, the replay value is considered high, making it a compelling choice for those seeking long-term engagement.

    • “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.”
    • “The default aircraft are playable but need some work in the realism part.”
    • “Still not the flight simulator I was expecting it to be, but it is much more playable in VR now.”
    • “Replayability: 8/10 (depends on how repetitive do you think the world is)”
  • emotional44 mentions

    Players express a wide range of emotions while engaging with the game, from joy and nostalgia to frustration and heartbreak. Many describe deeply emotional experiences, such as flying over familiar places or achieving personal milestones, which evoke strong feelings and even tears. However, technical issues and crashes often detract from the overall experience, leading to moments of disappointment and frustration amidst the emotional highs.

    • “This game made me cry.”
    • “I live in O'ahu, Hawaii, and flying over the island, or any populated place in the world during sunset with 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole or 'What a Wonderful World' by Louis Armstrong playing in the background is a magical experience that 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 785 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games

Game News