FSX: Steam Edition includes Acceleration. See what is built in, how to confirm it, and why you must not install the boxed expansion.
Yes. FSX: Steam Edition includes the content and core features of the FSX Acceleration expansion, integrated alongside the Deluxe Edition content. You do not need to buy or install Acceleration separately, and you should not run the boxed Acceleration installer over the Steam release.
What Acceleration content is included in FSX Steam Edition?
The Steam release contains the Acceleration aircraft, missions and simulator functionality as part of its main installation. In content terms, it is broadly equivalent to boxed FSX Gold, although installation, multiplayer and some compatibility details differ; our comparison of Steam Edition with boxed FSX explains those differences.
- The F/A-18 Hornet, EH-101 helicopter and P-51D Mustang
- Aircraft-carrier launches and arrested landings
- Helicopter sling-load operations
- Acceleration missions and air-racing content
- The simulator updates and features on which Acceleration-dependent add-ons rely
Acceleration does not appear as separate Steam DLC, a second library entry or an optional expansion tick box. Its files are folded into the standard FSX: Steam Edition installation.
| FSX release | Acceleration status | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| FSX: Steam Edition | Built in | Install FSX through Steam only |
| Boxed FSX Gold | Included in the Gold package | Install from the supplied media in the correct order |
| Boxed FSX Standard or Deluxe | Not built in | Use the separate boxed expansion if required |
How can I check that Acceleration is installed?
The quickest check is to open the aircraft selection menu and look for the F/A-18, EH-101 or P-51D. These are Acceleration aircraft, so finding them confirms that the relevant content is present. Our breakdown of the aircraft supplied with each FSX edition provides a fuller comparison.
If those aircraft are unexpectedly missing, check that the aircraft list is not filtered and then use Steam's Verify integrity of game files function for FSX. Do not attempt to fix the problem by installing an old Acceleration disc.
Should I install boxed Acceleration over Steam Edition?
No. The boxed Acceleration installer was made for the disc release of FSX, not the Steam directory structure and executable. Installing it over Steam Edition can replace files, create conflicting registry information or leave FSX with a mixture of boxed and Steam components.
The same warning applies to the boxed FSX service-pack installers: Steam supplies its own integrated, updated build. Our guidance on installing boxed Acceleration on a modern PC applies to disc-based FSX only, not Steam Edition.
If a boxed installer has already been run and FSX now crashes or behaves incorrectly, back up custom aircraft and scenery before using Steam's file-verification tool. A clean Steam reinstall may be necessary if verification cannot remove the mixed components.
Will add-ons that require Acceleration work in Steam Edition?
Most add-ons that require FSX Acceleration can use Steam Edition because the required simulator features are already present. The more common problem is an old add-on installer that looks only for the boxed FSX registry entry or automatically chooses the wrong folder.
Use a Steam-specific installer option when one is offered, or direct the installer to the actual FSX Steam folder. Acceleration being included does not guarantee that every legacy gauge, module or installer is Steam-aware; see our FSX add-on compatibility guidance for Steam Edition for the checks and typical fixes.