Updated October 2026 · Played on PC with mouse and keyboard
I spent about 20 hours in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 on PC, mostly in the flight school and flying freely around the world. What convinced me is the level of realism. What you need to accept is that this is a simulator: flights take time, and so does learning them.
My verdict in short
| Edition played | 40th Anniversary Edition, PC |
| Time played | about 20 hours |
| Controls | mouse and keyboard |
| What I did | flight school, free flight |
| Best part | the level of realism |
| Keep in mind | long sessions – it’s a simulator, not an arcade game |
| Price | $59.99 (Xbox Store, October 2026), included with Game Pass PC, Premium and Ultimate |
What the 40th Anniversary Edition is
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 came out on PC on August 18, 2020 and on Xbox Series X|S on July 27, 2021. In November 2022 it received a free update for the series’ 40th anniversary; the first Microsoft Flight Simulator was released in 1982. The game has been sold as the 40th Anniversary Edition ever since.
The update added:
- Historical aircraft: Wright Flyer, Ryan NYP “Spirit of St. Louis”, Douglas DC-3, DHC-2 Beaver, Curtiss JN-4, Grumman G-21 Goose and the Hughes H-4 “Spruce Goose”
- Helicopters: Bell 407 and Guimbal Cabri G2
- Gliders: two DG Flugzeugbau models
- Airliner: Airbus A310
- Classic airports and missions from earlier Flight Simulator versions
Realism: the reason to play
The whole planet is built from map and satellite data, with live weather and real airports. Aircraft behave differently, and you notice it quickly when the wind picks up on approach. That level of realism is what kept me flying.
Start with the flight school
If you are new to flight sims, start with the training lessons. They teach takeoff, turns, navigation and landing step by step. I did the flight school first and then flew freely, and that order worked well.
Mouse and keyboard are enough to start
I played with mouse and keyboard only. It works, especially in the lessons and on calm free flights. Many players later add a joystick or yoke for more precise control, but you don’t need one to get started.
Plan for long sessions
This is not a game for ten minutes between other things. A short flight with preparation easily takes half an hour or more, and learning the systems takes patience. If you enjoy that, the simulator rewards you; if you want quick action, it isn’t the right game.
2020 or 2024?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a separate purchase; owning 2020 does not get you 2024 for free. The main differences:
| Flight Simulator 2020 | Flight Simulator 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Game modes | mainly free flight and lessons | adds a career mode with licenses and paid jobs |
| Platforms | PC, Xbox Series X|S | PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5 |
| Data | larger install | streams more from the internet, depends more on your connection |
| Add-ons | large existing library | many 2020 add-ons work, but not all |
My take: if you want free flight and learning to fly, 2020 is still a good and cheaper entry, especially through Game Pass. I may try 2024 myself and will add my impressions here.
Who should play it
- Yes: You are interested in flying and want realism.
- Yes: You have Game Pass and want to try a flight sim without buying one.
- Maybe not: You prefer short sessions or fast action.
FAQ
Can you play Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 with mouse and keyboard?
Yes. I played about 20 hours that way.
Is the 40th Anniversary content free?
Yes, it was a free update in November 2022 and is part of every current copy.
Is Flight Simulator 2020 on Game Pass?
Yes, in Game Pass PC, Premium and Ultimate (October 2026).
Sources: VGC (40th Anniversary update, November 11, 2022) · Xbox Store (price and Game Pass, October 2026) · FlyAway Simulation (2024 vs. 2020, updated September 28, 2026)
Cover image – Photo: AsmodeanUnderscore, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
