Microsoft Flight Simulator Important Notes guide screenshot

Important Notes

Important Notes for Microsoft Flight Simulator



1. Warnings and Pitfalls



  • Gigantic Download Size: The base game requires approximately 100 GB of free space. With World Updates, optional scenery packs, and aircraft add-ons, it can easily exceed 300 GB. Ensure you have a fast internet connection and ample SSD storage.

  • Always-Online Dependency: Although you can fly offline, the game streams high-resolution scenery, live weather, and real-time air traffic. Without internet, you will see blurry textures and generic weather. Offline mode is functional but greatly diminished.

  • Performance Demands: This is one of the most graphically intensive games. Do not expect smooth performance on mid-range hardware at Ultra settings. Use the in-game benchmark tool to find your optimal settings.

  • Control Setup: While flying with keyboard and mouse is possible, it is highly recommended to use a joystick, yoke, or at least an Xbox controller. Cheap flight sticks may have poor longevity; invest in a reputable brand.


    • 2. Irreversible Choices



  • Marketplace Purchases: Any aircraft, scenery, or livery purchased from the in-game Marketplace is tied to your Xbox/Microsoft account and is non-refundable. Check third-party reviews before buying, as some add-ons may have bugs or poor performance.

  • Pilot Profile Customization: Your in-game pilot name and appearance can be changed at any time in the menu – not irreversible.

  • Control Bindings: Custom control profiles are saved locally. While you can revert to defaults, losing your carefully tuned bindings due to a game update or settings reset is common. Back up your `UserCfg.opt` file located in `%APPDATA%\Microsoft Flight Simulator\` periodically.


    • 3. Missable Content



  • Time-Limited Events: The game occasionally runs live events, such as Discovery Flights (e.g., flying over the Grand Canyon) or landing challenges (e.g., short-field competitions). These may not be repeated. Participate while available if you want the corresponding achievement or just a unique experience.

  • Game Pass Availability: If you are playing via Xbox Game Pass, your access to the game and any included DLC ends when your subscription lapses. There is no permanent loss of progress, but you cannot play without an active subscription.


    • 4. Difficulty Spikes



  • Learning Curve vs. Tutorial: The built-in flight training covers basic aircraft but does not teach advanced topics like instrument flight rules (IFR), jet systems, or complex avionics. New players often struggle with the transition from a Cessna 152 to an airliner. Use online resources and the in-game checklist.

  • Live Weather: Real-time weather can include severe turbulence, low visibility, icing, and strong crosswinds. Beginners should start with "Clear Skies" preset and gradually introduce live weather.

  • Navigation: Understanding VOR/NDB, GPS, and ILS approaches requires study. The default Garmin units can be confusing; consider watching tutorial videos or using third-party flight planners.


    • 5. Grinding Traps



  • Achievement Hunting: The achievement “100% A Pilot” (land at every airport in the world) is impractical – there are over 37,000 airports. Do not focus on this; pursue achievements that are fun and within reason.

  • Bush Trips: Official bush trips (e.g., Patagonia, African Bush) are long, repetitive point-to-point flights. They are not required for any major reward and can become tedious.

  • Livery Collections: Downloading hundreds of liveries from sites like Flightsim.to can clutter your Community folder and slow loading times. Only install what you actually use.


    • 6. Online Etiquette & Anti-Cheat



  • Multiplayer Behavior: When playing on the default multiplayer (in-sim traffic), avoid flying erratically near other players, colliding with them, or blocking runways. There is no reporting system, but disrespectful behavior can ruin the experience for others.

  • VATSIM/IVAO Networks: These external ATC networks have strict rules (e.g., proper phraseology, obeying controllers). Failure to comply can result in a ban from the network, not from MSFS itself.

  • Anti-Cheat: Microsoft Flight Simulator does not use any active anti-cheat software. Using mods is generally safe, but unstable or malicious mods can corrupt your installation. Stick to popular, well-reviewed mods.


    • 7. Save Management



  • Auto-Save: The game automatically saves your position and flight state, but only retains the most recent few saves. If you want to keep a specific flight (e.g., during a long-haul), use the "Save Flight" option from the pause menu.

  • Cloud Backup: Your pilot profile, achievements, and landing challenges are synced to the Xbox network. No manual backup is needed for these.

  • Custom Content: Your Community folder (containing mods) is not backed up automatically. Manually back it up before major updates, as SIM updates can break mods.


    • 8. Common Regrets



  • Not Updating Graphics Drivers: Many performance issues and CTDs (crashes to desktop) are caused by outdated GPU drivers. Always keep them current.

  • Using an HDD: The game streams scenery continuously. Installing on a mechanical hard drive leads to severe texture pop-in, stuttering, and long load times. Use an SSD.

  • Skipping Checklists: In complex aircraft like the A320neo or 787, ignoring checklists can lead to engine failures, incorrect flap settings, or autopilot issues. The in-game checklist is your friend.

  • Buying Bad DLC: Some Marketplace aircraft are known to be buggy or abandoned. Research on forums (e.g., r/MSFS, official forums) before purchasing. Freeware mods on Flightsim.to are often of higher quality than paid content.