Flight simulator 2020 trial version download

At long last, Microsoft Flight Simulator has finally taken off. The latest version of this hyper-realistic sim is available to download. But before you do, here's everything you need to know, from the price to the airplanes you'll be able to fly, to the equipment you'll need to run the game. 

Microsoft Flight Simulator release date

Since the first version was released in , Microsoft's Flight Simulator has been known for its realism, from the aircraft to the flight performance to the geographical world around it.

Microsoft Flight Simulator is available for PCs, and Xbox Game Pass subscribers. It will also be released for the Xbox, presumably with simpler controls, but the company has not said when this version will be available.

Microsoft Flight Simulator price

Microsoft Flight Simulator is available in three versions: The Standard Edition costs $, and will let you fly 20 different planes. The Deluxe Edition ($)  includes 25 aircraft, and the Premium Deluxe Edition ($) includes 35 aircraft. 

While all versions let you land and take off from 37, airports around the world, each edition has have "handcrafted" airports with additional details. The Standard Edition has 30 such airports, the Deluxe 35, and the Premium Deluxe 40 airports.

The Standard Edition is also available as part of Xbox Game Pass for PC (beta), which is currently just $1/month.

In Europe, would-be pilots can also purchase Microsoft Flight Simulator as a 10 double-layer DVD box set via Aerosoft. 

All versions are currently available for download.

Microsoft Flight Simulator system requirements

This is not a game for wimpy PCs. Microsoft Flight Simulator requires, at minimum, a Windows 10 PC with either an Intel i or AMD Ryzen 3 processor, an Nvidia GTX or AMD Radeon RX GPU, 8 GB RAM, 2 GB VRAM, GB of hard drive space, and support for DirectX  

According to Windows Central, Microsoft recommends an Intel i or AMD Ryzen 5 X CPU, Nvidia GTX or AMD Radeon RX graphics, 4GB of VRAM, 16GB of RAM, and a 20Mbps download speed.

You're also going to need a decent Internet connection, as map updates from Bing are said to be sizeable.

Microsoft Flight Simulator VR headset compatibility

Microsoft Flight Simulator will first be available on the HP Reverb G2 VR headset. Available for preorder ($), the Reverb G2 is slated to ship this fall. It will feature dual x LCD panels and four tracking cameras, and will be compatible with both Windows Mixed Reality and Steam VR platforms. 

Microsoft has not announced compatibility with any other VR headsets at this time, but we will update this story accordingly.

You can sign up for a closed VR beta program—in which it looks like you can use any VR headset—but you'll need at least an Intel Core i or AMD Ryzen 5 X processor, an Nvidia GTX or equivalent GPU, and at least 16GB of RAM. Then again, if you already have a VR headset, it's likely you have this equipment.

Microsoft Flight Simulator aircraft

The following aircraft are available in Microsoft Flight Simulator:

Microsoft Flight Simulator airports

According to Microsoft, players can land and take off from around 37, airports around the world. However, 40 of these airports have "hand-crafted" elements, offering more detail and other features. So, for instance, all players will be able to fly into San Francisco's airport, but only those who have the Premium Deluxe version will be able to see these hand-crafted items. Microsoft has not specified what the exact differences are between hand-crafted and non-handcrafted versions.  

Microsoft Flight Simulator map

As impressive as its aircraft modeling is, Microsoft Flight Simulator is also known for its highly accurate rendering of the Earth. The simulator relies on Microsoft's Bing Maps, and uses Microsoft's Azure AI to incorporate terrain data, foliage, as well as real-time weather for photorealistic graphics.

Microsoft Flight Simulator: Recommended peripherals

For those who plan to purchase Microsoft Flight Simulator, the company recommends the following peripherals, which include a variety of flight controls:

Honeycomb
Honeycomb Aeronautical

Logitech:
Extreme 3D Pro
Flight Rudder Pedals
Flight Throttle Quadrant
Flight Yoke System
X52
X52 Pro
X56

Thrustmaster
F/A Grip
Warthog HOTAS (stick + throttle)
MFD Cougar
Pendular Rudder
gwd.es Stick X
TM (stick only)
TM FCS (stick + throttle + rudder)
gwd.es HOTAS 4
gwd.es HOTAS One
gwd.es HOTAS X
T-Flight Rudder Pedals
TWCS Throttle

Virtual Fly
Ruddo+
TQ3+
TQ6+
V3rnio TPM
Yoko+

Microsoft
Xbox Controller
Xbox Adaptive Controller

Microsoft Flight Simulator: What the critics are saying

Across the board, reviewers who got their hands on Microsoft Flight Simulator praise the game for its attention to detail and amazing graphics.

Matt Hanson of TechRadar says "For fans of the series, and simulator games in general, the new Microsoft Flight Simulator offers a dramatic generational leap that will define the genre for years to come." However, he notes that there's a real learning curve, and recommends purchasing a peripheral, such as a game controller or flight stick, rather than relying on a keyboard and mouse.

Seth Macy of IGN is even more effusive, and calls Microsoft Flight Simulator "the most incredible experience I've ever had on a computer." He says that the game takes up a huge amount of data, especially when downloading Bing maps, so it's worth pre-loading some areas to save yourself some bandwidth issues.

Jeffrey Wilson of PCMag calls Flight Simulator a "love letter to aviation," but also noted it took him nearly 24 hours to download its GB installer. He says the learn-to-fly mode is essential for getting the basics down, and also liked how much you can customize the graphics, down to real-time weather and air traffic.