Compare the best Dash 8 add-ons for MSFS 2020, including payware and freeware Q400 choices, realism limits, installation and Xbox support.
For Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, Virtualcol’s Dash 8 Series is the best broad payware choice, while our freeware Dash 8 Q400 package is the strongest no-cost option. Both suit casual regional flying, but neither is a study-level Q400. Neither provides the systems depth associated with the Majestic Q400 on older simulators.
Best Dash 8 add-ons for MSFS 2020 compared
| Dash 8 add-on | Best for | Main compromise |
|---|---|---|
| Virtualcol Dash 8 Series | Multiple Dash 8 variants in one commercial package | Simplified systems rather than full procedural simulation |
| Fly Away Simulation freeware Q400 | Free DHC-8-400 flying, liveries and screenshots | Legacy port-over limitations and PC-only installation |
Virtualcol Dash 8 Series
Virtualcol is the better choice when you want a packaged Dash 8 family rather than a single freeware Q400. It is aimed at accessible regional operations, with multiple variants and fewer installation complications than a community conversion.
Buy it for aircraft variety and straightforward flying, not to practise every real Q400 electrical, hydraulic, engine or FMS procedure. Check the product listing shown on your platform before purchasing because included variants and Xbox availability can depend on the edition being offered.
Freeware Dash 8 Q400 package
Our freeware DHC-8 Q400 download with liveries and installation notes is the sensible first choice for PC users who want to try the aircraft without paying. It provides the recognisable Q400 experience for regional routes and screenshots.
This aircraft has port-over heritage rather than being a fully native, high-fidelity Q400. Expect compromises in cockpit integration, systems, flight dynamics and some animations. Its place among other converted aircraft is explained in our round-up of recommended freeware MSFS mods.
Which Dash 8 add-on should you choose?
- Choose the freeware Q400 if cost matters most, you fly on PC and you can accept a simplified conversion.
- Choose Virtualcol if you want several Dash 8 variants in a more convenient all-in-one package.
- Choose neither for systems training if accurate Q400 automation, failures and aircraft-specific procedures are your priority.
- On Xbox, use the in-simulator Marketplace. Xbox cannot install external Community-folder downloads, so our freeware Q400 is PC-only.
Liveries must match the exact aircraft model. A repaint made for the Virtualcol Q400 will not necessarily fit the freeware Q400, even though both aircraft carry the same DHC-8-400 designation.
Is there a study-level Dash 8 Q400 for MSFS 2020?
We would not describe either established option above as study-level. The Virtualcol package favours breadth and accessibility, while the freeware aircraft is primarily a legacy conversion. Do not expect Majestic-style system modelling from either one.
If regional turboprop procedures matter more than flying a Dash 8 specifically, Microsoft’s ATR 42/72 package is a more suitable alternative to consider. It is not a Dash 8, however, and its performance, cockpit logic and checklists are not interchangeable with those of the Q400.
How do you install the freeware Q400?
- Download and extract the archive. Do not place the compressed archive itself in the Community folder.
- Find the actual package folder. Its
manifest.jsonandlayout.jsonfiles should sit directly inside that folder rather than beneath another unnecessary wrapper folder. - Copy the package into the active Community folder. The location varies between Microsoft Store, Steam and custom installations, so use the folder read by your own MSFS 2020 installation.
- Launch the simulator and check the aircraft selector. Remove any aircraft filters that could hide the Q400.
Why does the Dash 8 not appear in MSFS 2020?
The usual cause is an extra folder level or installation into the wrong Community folder. A mistake we see constantly is a structure such as Community/package-name/package-name/manifest.json; the inner package folder belongs directly under Community.
- Remove older copies of the same Q400 so MSFS does not load duplicate packages.
- Temporarily disable unrelated mods to identify a conflict.
- Test the base aircraft before adding liveries.
- If the aircraft loads but retains known conversion limitations, reinstalling will not turn it into a native study-level model.
Can an FSX or Prepar3D Dash 8 be used in MSFS 2020?
No. Copying the Majestic Q400 or another FSX or Prepar3D Dash 8 into MSFS 2020 will not make it compatible. Those aircraft depend on different model, gauge, sound and flight-model systems. Use a package made or explicitly converted for MSFS, such as those found in our wider collection of compatible Microsoft Flight Simulator aircraft and mods.
Do not confuse the DHC-7 Dash 7 with the DHC-8 Dash 8, either. They are separate aircraft families, and an ATR is only an operational alternative—not a Dash 8 add-on.