7 Tips to Get Started with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Launch day for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is finally here, and the excitement in the flight sim community is sky-high! Whether you’re a seasoned virtual pilot or just taking off for the first time, the launch of a new simulator can feel as daunting as it is thrilling. With new features, improved visuals, and an expansive Career Mode, there’s a lot to explore—but also a few potential pitfalls to navigate on day one.
To help you get the most out of your first experience with MSFS 2024, we’ve compiled a few essential tips. These will not only ensure a smoother start but also set you up for countless hours of fun in Microsoft FLight SImulator 2024. Be ready for a rocky start, but optimist for an engrossing virtual flying experience like never before!
From optimizing your setup to embracing the new community-focused elements, here’s everything you need to know before taking to the skies. Don’t forget to visit our MSFS 2024 Hub for more informative content about the new sim!
1. Be patient
Launch day can be a bit of a whirlwind. Between potential bugs, compatibility hiccups, and performance quirks, things might not run perfectly straight out of the gate. But here’s the thing: MSFS 2024 is a long-term project, designed to evolve and improve over time as developers and the community iron out the initial issues.
Add to that the increased reliance on cloud computing, which will face heavy demand—not only during the initial downloads but also as simmers worldwide explore the new features. It’s safe to expect a few bumps.
Our advice? Treat the first few days like a trial period. Use this time to learn the new features, explore the base simulator, and get a feel for how it performs. Save the add-ons and complex scenarios for later. And keep an eye on updates from official sources (and from us, of course!). We’ll be sharing all the key news as the rollout progresses.
2. Keep it clean: avoid overloading the Community folder
If there’s one golden rule for this launch, it’s this: resist the urge to dump all your favorite third-party add-ons from MSFS 2020 into the Community folder on day one. With MSFS 2024’s new engine, career modes, and structural changes, there’s no guarantee that older add-ons will work as expected… and they even cause problems.
Here’s what to do: start with a clean slate. Test MSFS 2024 in its default state, optimize your settings, and spend some time enjoying the base simulator. This gives you a baseline to compare performance and helps you avoid the frustration of tracking down compatibility issues. Once you’re confident with how it runs, reintroduce your add-ons one at a time, ensuring they’ve been updated or confirmed as compatible by developers.
Remember, performance in MSFS 2024 is widely reported to be at least on par with MSFS 2020, despite the significant enhancements. However, even a single problematic add-on can derail your experience. By taking a gradual approach, you’ll have a much easier time identifying any potential troublemakers.
3. Take time to set up and customize your controls
One of the first things you should do after installing MSFS 2024 is revisit your control setup. You won’t get any of the controller profiles you already have in MSFS 2020, so you’ll have to set up everything from scratch. Besides, the new features, aircraft, and career modes bring opportunities—and sometimes the necessity—for adjustments.
Start by testing your peripherals, whether you’re using a yoke, joystick, throttle quadrant, or a gamepad. Ensure that all buttons and axes are recognized and functioning as expected. Then, take a close look at the new keybinding options introduced in MSFS 2024. For example, career modes might include new commands for firefighting equipment or cargo operations, which you’ll want to assign to easily accessible buttons.
MSFS 2024 lets you save profiles, so take advantage of this feature to create tailored setups for airliners, GA aircraft, helicopters, or even hot air balloons!
4. Adjust graphics incrementally
MSFS 2024 is visually stunning, but those enhanced biomes, lighting effects, and weather systems demand a lot from your hardware. While the simulator is designed to perform similarly to MSFS 2020, maxing out settings on day one might not be the best strategy.
Start with medium-to-high settings and fine-tune from there. Pay close attention to how the sim performs in dense photogrammetry areas or under demanding weather conditions—these are often the most hardware-intensive scenarios.
If smooth performance is your goal, prioritize frame rates over ultra settings. A stutter-free experience makes all the difference when it comes to immersion. And don’t forget to update your graphics drivers ahead of time to avoid any unnecessary hiccups.
5. Explore the new aircraft and the career mode
MSFS 2024 isn’t just about technical improvements—it introduces an expansive Career Mode and a diverse lineup of aircraft. You can now step into the roles of aerial firefighter, air ambulance pilot, or cargo hauler, adding a sense of purpose and challenge to your flights. This mode offers a fantastic way to hone your skills while tackling unique scenarios.
The new aircraft lineup is equally exciting. With the largest selection ever included in an MSFS release, it spans a wide range of categories, from hot air balloons to cutting-edge electric planes. It’s a great opportunity to discover something new—whether it’s mastering advanced avionics or enjoying a relaxing flight in a simpler aircraft.
6. Go bush flying!
One of the highlights of MSFS 2024 is its improved scenery. With enhanced ground details, new biomes, and seasonal variations, it’s the perfect time to explore remote airstrips and backcountry locations.
Plan VFR flights over iconic spots like the Grand Canyon, or check out other scenic areas in North America and Europe where the scenery quality is expected to stand out. Fly at different times of day and in varying weather conditions to experience the upgraded lighting and atmospheric effects in full.
Airliner pilots won’t be left out—you’ll still notice the improved details. However, general aviation enthusiasts will find MSFS 2024 particularly rewarding for low-and-slow exploration.
7. Embrace the community
MSFS 2024 was described by Jorg Neumann, head of Microsoft Flight Simulator, as “built for the community, with the community.” It launches into a vibrant network of simmers eager to share tips, experiences, and insights.
Engage with multiplayer events, forums, and social media discussions. Whether it’s sharing your own experiences, learning from others, or just joining in on the excitement, being part of the community is a huge part of what makes MSFS so special. Watching livestreams or YouTube videos from creators exploring the new features is also a great way to pick up tips for your own flights.
By taking a patient, gradual approach to MSFS 2024 and immersing yourself in the community, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and enjoyable experience. Happy flying!
