How much does MSFS cost?
As a passionate gamer and content creator focused on flight simulation, one of the most common questions I get asked is:
"How much does Microsoft Flight Simulator cost to buy and play?"
It‘s an important question, because while MSFS offers an incredible simulation experience unmatched in gaming, it does require a hefty upfront investment depending on how deeply you want to get into it.
In this detailed guide, I‘ll break down exactly how much MSFS costs across all platforms and editions, what you get for your money, additional add-on pricing, and how it compares to professional flight training and simulators costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Let‘s get started!
MSFS Platforms and Editions
First, it‘s important to know that Microsoft Flight Simulator is available on PC and Xbox platforms, with standardized pricing across both. You have your choice of:
- Standard Edition – $59.99
- Deluxe Edition – $89.99
- Premium Deluxe Edition – $119.99
On PC you must purchase one of the above editions to play. On Xbox X|S, it is included with Xbox Game Pass, which is $9.99/month.
Below I break down what‘s included in each MSFS edition and platform option:
Standard Edition ($59.99)
The Standard Edition is the MSFS base package. For $59.99 you get:
- 20 highly detailed planes with unique flight models
- 30 handcrafted airports
- Realistic real-time weather and traffic
The Standard Edition lets you fly planes like the Cessna 152 Aerobat, Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental, and Airbus A320neo around Microsoft‘s high definition recreation of planet Earth. For most gaming needs, it offers exceptional value.
Deluxe Edition ($89.99)
For $30 more, the Deluxe Edition includes everything in Standard plus:
- 5 additional highly accurate planes
- 5 additional handcrafted international airports
With these extras you unlock more variety in landscapes to explore and aircraft to fly. For aviation buffs who don‘t need every add-on plane or airport, Deluxe hits the sweet spot.
Premium Deluxe Edition ($119.99)
This top tier edition packages all Deluxe content plus:
- 10 additional handcrafted international airports
- 7 additional planes with unique flight models
- More tutorials and challenges
Serious simmers who want to experience the full diversity of modeling and landscapes will appreciate everything bundled with Premium Deluxe. You save around $40 buying all add-ons together vs. separately.
Xbox Game Pass ($9.99/month)
For Xbox gamers, Microsoft Flight Simulator is included free with an Xbox Game Pass subscription. This grants access to the Standard Edition optimized for Xbox Series X|S.
If you don‘t need all the extra planes and airports included in Deluxe and Premium versions, Game Pass is an affordable way to take flight each month.
Now let‘s compare core features across editions:
| Edition | Price | Handcrafted Airports | Unique Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $59.99 | 30 | 20 |
| Deluxe | $89.99 | 35 | 25 |
| Premium Deluxe | $119.99 | 45 | 32 |
With each tier you expand variety in landscapes, planes, missions, and immersion into the world of flight simulation.
MSFS Add-Ons – Expand Your Hangar
One of the coolest things about Microsoft Flight Simulator‘s continuous development is the constant stream of new add-ons produced by official partners.
You can expand your hangar far beyond what‘s included in base packages through additional scenery, aircraft, and mission packs. Some stunning MSFS partner add-ons coming in 2024 include:
Aircraft
- PMDG Boeing 737-700 – $74.99
- Aerosoft Twin Otter – $44.99
- JustFlight PA-28R Arrow III – $32.99
Airports
- Frankfurt City Pack – $24.99
- MegaScenery Seattle Tacoma – $24.99
- Orbx Las Vegas Airport – $18.74
Missions/Other
- Jetliner Crew Deluxe Edition – $10.49
- GOF2 Greece Mesh Scenery – Free
- SimWorks Kodiak 100 Series II Red Bull Free!
Add-on pricing ranges from totally free legacy plane mods, to payware aircraft like the PMDG 737 costing $75+. But here‘s a hidden gem – many great add-ons are completely free!
One example is the freeware Zagreb Airport scenery which passionately recreates airports with no paywalls.
So while comprehensive add-ons cost extra after a base package purchase, there are avenues enabling free enhancements too. You choose your own adventure!
As an enthusiast always chasing the perfect flight, here are my top 5 must-have MSFS add-ons if funds allow:
1. Aerosoft CRJ 550/700 ($47.99) – beautifully modeled regional jet.
2. Orbx Amsterdam Airport ($24.95) – feels like you‘re descending into the Netherlands!
3. FlyInside Bell 430 Helicopter ($39.95) – makes whirlybirds come alive.
4. PMDG 737-700 ($74.99) – the gold standard in airliner payware.
5. Captain Sim 777-200 Base Pack ($24.95) – long haul flying excitement!
Browse SIMMARKET and Orbx for thousands more aircraft, airports, textures, and utilities money can buy!
How MSFS Compares to Professional Simulators
Given the preference for fancy flight sim gear and training aids in aviation circles, where does MSFS stand up?
According to FSElite, in raw system depth and flight modeling MSFS lags behind professional trainers like X-Plane and Prepar3D.
However in visual graphics, smoothness, framedrops, and globe recreation – MSFS leads the industry!
For reference, a Level D Boeing 737 simulator used for professional airline training can cost $15-20 million!
| Flight Sim | Graphics | Systems Depth | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSFS 2022 | A+ | B+ | $59.99+ USD |
| X-Plane 12 | B | A+ | $59.99 USD |
| Level D 737 | B | A+ | $20 million |
Clearly MSFS provides tremendous value for hobbyists. You access remarkably comprehensive physics, visuals, and globe data for 1/1000th of a pro fleet trainer.
Could MSFS completely replace real-world pilot training? Not yet according to Smithsonian Magazine. But it certainly augments skills for 100 bucks rather than 6 figures!
My Take – Well Worth the Money
As an avgeek gamer addicted to the escapism of flight, I can unequivocally say Microsoft Flight Simulator delivers insane value.
Sure it‘s an investment. $60-120 bucks if you have a properly equipped gaming PC or Xbox Series X|S.
But for the money you explore a gorgeously reproduced planet Earth while flying highly realistic aircraft using real global weather and traffic.
The attention to detail in modeling aircraft systems surpasses other simulations I‘ve tried in 25 years of virtual skies. Night engine startups or descending into Chicago O‘Hare – you feel transported through time and space thanks to smooth visuals and trippy VR potential.
While X-Plane 12 and newcomer FlightGear offer comparable depth, they lack MSFS‘s buttery frame rates and global harmonization at this price point. And desktop trainers simply can‘t match the stirring seat-of-pants sensations while battling stormy fronts in MSFS.
If funds allow I recommend the Premium Deluxe bundle including all handcrafted digital airports and accurately replicated aircraft. But start with Game Pass or Standard, then build your hangar when sales pop!
Happy sky trails my friend! Never stop chasing horizons near or virtual. 🙂
Game Pass – Solid Value to Start
Finally, while this article focused on answering "how much does MSFS cost to buy permanently across platforms and editions" – there exists a subscription option too.
Xbox Game Pass for PC/Xbox grants unlimited access to MSFS Standard Edition for only $9.99 monthly.
Given Game Pass also unlocks hundreds of bonus titles across Xbox/PC, it‘s an insane value worth considering to start.
Downsides being you don‘t permanently own MSFS to mod or play offline. But casual players who enjoy variety will love exploring MSFS plus every Halo campaign, Microsoft exclusives, or indie hits each billing cycle without buying anything!
Summary – MSFS Offers Unparalleled Value
I hope this comprehensive guide clearly answered the question "how much does Microsoft Flight Simulator cost?" across major platforms, editions, extras, and comparisons.
While a deeper simulator in some flight modeling regards, for the money I firmly believe MSFS delivers:
- Jaw-dropping realism
- Mass global harmonization
- Hyper-realistic aircraft exteriors/cockpits
- Smooth performance benefiting immersion
All wrapped in an approachable package ideal for casual and hardcore virtual aviators alike.
Have additional questions on MSFS pricing or recommendations? Don‘t hesitate to ask in comments and I‘ll respond ASAP!
Now clear skies and tailwinds to you my friend 🙂 Let your affordable aviation dreams take flight!
