Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) is a flight simulation game available on Xbox Series consoles and PC. The 40th Anniversary Aviator Edition expands the aircraft selection with a large collection of additional planes and helicopters drawn from the Marketplace, giving players access to a broad range of historical and specialized aircraft alongside the core fleet.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on realistic piloting across a detailed recreation of the Earth. Players select an aircraft, set departure and arrival points, and manage every stage of a flight from preflight checks through taxi, takeoff, cruise, and landing. The simulation incorporates real-time weather drawn from live data sources, accurate aerodynamics for each plane, and detailed cockpit instrumentation that requires proper use of systems like navigation radios and autopilot.
Assistance options allow scaling of difficulty. Beginners can enable waypoint markers, landing path guides, or a virtual co-pilot that handles radio calls and checklists. More experienced pilots can disable these tools for full manual control. Long flights can be condensed using a travel feature that jumps between phases while preserving the simulation's physics. The world model includes accurate terrain, airports, and air traffic, supported by an AI controller that manages clearances and instructions.
Game Modes
Free Flight serves as the primary sandbox mode. Accessed through the world map, it lets players choose any location on the globe, any available aircraft, custom weather and time of day, and either start on the ground or already airborne. This mode supports both short hops and long-haul journeys with full control over flight planning.
Flight Training provides structured lessons that cover basic handling, visual flight rules navigation, takeoffs, and landings. These guided sessions introduce systems gradually and include practice scenarios for specific skills.
Activities include Landing Challenges that test precision approaches at various airports and Bush Trips that combine navigation with sightseeing across regions such as Nevada, Patagonia, and the Balkans. Multiplayer sessions allow pilots to fly together in shared worlds or private groups, with options for both casual and more coordinated flights.
Aircraft Selection
The Aviator Edition adds thirty Marketplace aircraft developed between 2021 and 2024 to the base content. This collection spans light aircraft, twin-engine planes, regional airliners, heavy jets, seaplanes, and helicopters. Examples range from the Aero Ae-45 and Beechcraft Bonanza to larger types such as the Antonov An-225, Boeing 707, and ATR 42/72 series, plus historic models like the Ford Tri-Motor, Junkers Ju 52, and Curtiss C-46. Each aircraft features its own flight model, cockpit detail, and performance characteristics that influence how it handles in different conditions.
Is It Worth Playing?
The game continues to receive regular Marketplace updates that add new aircraft and content years after launch. It suits players who enjoy methodical, systems-focused aviation rather than fast-paced action. Those interested in learning real procedures or exploring the world from the cockpit will find substantial depth. The edition's expanded fleet provides immediate variety without requiring separate purchases. Ongoing support keeps the simulation current with new planes and refinements, making it a solid choice for dedicated flight simulation enthusiasts on Xbox Series or PC.
