Compare Boeing 777-300ER add-ons for MSFS 2020, including PMDG and Captain Sim, with clear advice on realism, compatibility and liveries.
For Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, the main Boeing 777-300ER choices are the payware PMDG 777-300ER, built for detailed airliner operations, and Captain Sim's 777-300ER, a simpler, visuals-first option. Free downloads are mainly liveries or legacy FSX conversions rather than a comparable native, systems-rich 777-300ER.
Which 777-300ER should you choose?
Choose PMDG for realistic procedures and systems depth; choose Captain Sim when the exterior model and casual flying matter more than accurate 777 systems.
| Add-on | Type | Best suited to | Main caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| PMDG 777-300ER | High-detail payware aircraft | FMC programming, long-haul operations and Boeing procedures | More demanding to learn, and liveries must target the PMDG model |
| Captain Sim 777-300ER | Visuals-led payware aircraft | Casual flights, screenshots and a lower procedural workload | Uses adapted default-airliner systems rather than a complete 777 simulation |
| Liveries and enhancement mods | Free or payware extras | Adding operators, textures, sounds or small refinements | They require the correct base aircraft and are not complete 777s |
PMDG 777-300ER
The PMDG 777-300ER is the strongest choice for simmers who want a detailed simulation of the aircraft rather than only its appearance. It models 777-specific cockpit workflows, FMC operation, autoflight and VNAV, fuel management, electrical systems and normal airline procedures at substantially greater depth.
It suits long-haul route flying, realistic departures and arrivals, and learning how the 777 is operated. Our comparison of leading payware aircraft for MSFS provides more context on where the PMDG 777 fits among other detailed airliners.
That complexity can also cause false fault reports. A dark flight deck, unavailable autopilot mode or missed descent constraint may reflect an incomplete electrical, IRS or FMC setup rather than a broken installation.
Captain Sim 777-300ER
The Captain Sim 777-300ER is better treated as a model-driven alternative with lighter systems. Its adapted default-airliner avionics make it more approachable, but they do not reproduce the 777's systems and cockpit logic to PMDG's depth.
Check the package description carefully before buying. Similarly named Captain Sim base packs, variants and expansions may be separate products, and owning a 777-200 or freighter package does not necessarily include the 777-300ER.
Are there free Boeing 777-300ER add-ons for MSFS 2020?
Free 777-300ER downloads for MSFS 2020 are mainly liveries and enhancements, not complete aircraft comparable with PMDG. A livery changes the paintwork only; it does not supply a cockpit, systems or flight model.
PMDG and Captain Sim liveries are not interchangeable because each aircraft uses different model and texture definitions. We maintain a guide to compatible PMDG 777 liveries and installation, while our MSFS aircraft and add-on library can be checked for additional 777-related files.
Apply the same caution to sound packs, camera profiles and cockpit modifications. They must name the exact base aircraft they support, and an aircraft update can make an older modification unstable until its author revises it.
Will an FSX 777-300ER Mega Pack work in MSFS 2020?
An FSX or Prepar3D Boeing 777-300ER Mega Pack is not a native MSFS 2020 aircraft and cannot simply be placed in the Community folder. Legacy models, gauges, panels and configuration files use a different simulator architecture.
A repaint from an FSX package will not normally work either because texture mapping and material definitions differ. Our FSX-to-MSFS aircraft compatibility explanation covers why these older packages require proper conversion rather than a folder copy.
How do you install a 777-300ER add-on?
The correct installation method depends on the aircraft, purchase channel and platform.
- Confirm the simulator and platform. The listing must explicitly support Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. PC packages may use a developer installer, the in-sim Marketplace or the
Communityfolder; Xbox accepts Marketplace content only. - Check whether it is a base aircraft. A livery, sound pack or variant expansion may require a separately installed PMDG or Captain Sim product.
- Use the supplied installer when provided. Marketplace packages should be installed and updated through MSFS rather than moved manually.
- Inspect manual packages for extra folder nesting. The folder placed directly inside
Communityshould contain files such asmanifest.jsonandlayout.json, not another unnecessary wrapper folder. - Install liveries for the exact model. Match the developer and 777 variant, then follow the livery's stated installer or folder instructions.
- Restart MSFS and test the unmodified aircraft. Confirm that the base 777 loads correctly before adding sounds, cockpit changes or other enhancements.
Why is the 777 missing or not working?
Most missing-aircraft and loading problems come from an incomplete installation, the wrong Community folder or an incompatible modification.
- Aircraft absent from the selection screen: check that the package is installed in Content Manager or that its folder is in the active MSFS
Communitylocation. - Livery absent: verify that it targets the same developer and the 777-300ER rather than a 777-200, freighter or another simulator.
- Dark cockpit displays: confirm whether the aircraft loaded cold and dark before assuming the avionics are faulty. Detailed aircraft may require electrical power and IRS alignment.
- Crashes or abnormal controls: remove third-party enhancements temporarily, update the base aircraft, and test it in an otherwise clean configuration.
- Problems after an update: reinstall or remove older compatibility mods instead of overwriting the updated aircraft with their previous files.