Learn how to join multiplayer flights in a flight simulator, match servers and settings, invite friends, and fix missing players or connection errors.
To join a multiplayer flight, enable online multiplayer, sign in if required, select the same server or region as the other pilots, then join their lobby, group or listed server. Match the simulator version, map and required add-ons; if nobody appears, check privacy settings, filters and firewall permissions.
How do I join a multiplayer flight?
The exact controls differ between Microsoft Flight Simulator, DCS, X-Plane, FlightGear, FSX and Prepar3D, but the connection process follows the same pattern.
- Identify the session type. Public servers, private friend groups, direct-IP connections, organised flying networks and shared cockpits use different joining methods. If you have not chosen a platform yet, compare the multiplayer systems offered by the main flight simulators.
- Match the prerequisites. Use a compatible simulator build and install the map, aircraft module or server-specific add-ons the host requires. Cross-platform multiplayer depends on the simulator; owning similarly named PC and console editions does not guarantee they can connect.
- Enable online access. Sign into the simulator, turn on multiplayer and online data, and confirm that the platform account permits multiplayer and cross-network play where applicable. Console versions may also require the platform's online multiplayer subscription.
- Find the same session. Select the host's server region, search for the server name or accept a group invitation. For direct IP, enter the host's public address and port rather than a private home-network address.
- Choose a suitable starting position. Agree on an airport, stand and departure time. Spawn at a parking stand rather than an occupied runway; some simulators place pilots in separate instances when regions, filters or session modes differ.
- Join and verify communications. Check that the other aircraft appears and that text, voice or simulated radio channels work. Voice chat is not automatically included in every multiplayer mode.
The mistake we see most often is pilots selecting the same airport but overlooking the server region or player-visibility mode. Physical location alone does not put two users in the same online session.
Which multiplayer method does each simulator use?
The joining method depends on the simulator: some provide friend groups and world traffic, while others rely on a server browser or direct network connection.
| Simulator | How you join | Main compatibility check |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024 | Use built-in online multiplayer, social groups or invitations. Our step-by-step MSFS multiplayer setup covers grouping, server selection and missing-player fixes. | Match the online server region and compatible player-visibility settings. Check account privacy if invitations or other aircraft are missing. |
| DCS | Select a session from the multiplayer server browser or connect to its address. | The simulator build, required terrain, mission modules and integrity-check rules must be satisfied. You need the relevant aircraft module to occupy its restricted cockpit slot. |
| X-Plane | Use its network functions for compatible local or direct connections, or the client required by an organised online network. | Built-in networking is not a universal public lobby. Match network settings and any required aircraft or scenery packages. |
| FlightGear | Enable multiplayer through the launcher, choose the multiplayer service and connect with a callsign. | Use a unique callsign and confirm that everyone is connected to the same service and flying near the same coordinates. |
| FSX, Prepar3D and FS2004 | Use the lobby, LAN or direct-IP functions available in that particular edition. | Original public directory services for older editions may no longer operate, although LAN and direct-hosted sessions can still be viable. The connection and Join sequence is illustrated in our classic FS2004 multiplayer walkthrough, but its original public service should be treated as legacy. |
Do all pilots need the same aircraft and add-ons?
Pilots in separate aircraft usually do not need identical aircraft installations, but they must satisfy the server's mission and content requirements. A simulator may substitute a generic model when it cannot display another pilot's aircraft or livery.
- Maps and terrain: Install the scenery or terrain required by the server mission.
- Aircraft modules: A restricted cockpit slot normally requires that aircraft, even if you can observe other types without owning them.
- Server modifications: Install the exact required package and version. Extra modifications can trigger an integrity check or create mismatched objects.
- Liveries: These are generally cosmetic. Other players may see a default paint scheme if they lack your custom livery.
- Shared cockpit: Both pilots normally need the same aircraft version and compatible shared-cockpit system.
Why can't I see my friend or join the server?
Missing players are usually caused by mismatched regions, visibility filters, simulator versions or account permissions rather than distance from the airport.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Your friend is online but invisible | Different server region, player mode, privacy permission or session instance | Match the region and multiplayer filters, allow cross-network play where required, then leave and recreate the group. |
| The server does not appear | Browser filter, incompatible build, full server or server offline | Clear restrictive filters, refresh the list and confirm the host is running a compatible version. |
| The connection times out | Firewall, router, incorrect port or NAT problem | Allow the simulator executable through the firewall and verify the address and port. Only the host normally needs an inbound forwarding rule. |
| You are removed immediately | Missing terrain, required module, password or integrity-check failure | Read the session requirements, install the specified content and remove conflicting modifications. |
| You connect but find an empty airport | Different stand, time, location or online instance | Agree on an ICAO airport code and parking stand, then confirm the server and session names before reconnecting. |
Why does a direct-IP connection fail?
A direct-IP connection fails when the host is unreachable from the internet, even if the simulator itself is configured correctly. An address beginning with a private range such as 192.168. works only for devices on the same local network; remote pilots need the host's public address and the correct port.
Allow the simulator through the operating system firewall before changing router settings. Do not disable the firewall or expose a random range of ports. If the host is behind carrier-grade NAT, conventional port forwarding may not work; use the simulator's hosted lobby or relay system, or let another pilot host.
Can two pilots fly in the same cockpit?
Ordinary multiplayer places each pilot in a separate aircraft; sharing one cockpit requires explicit multicrew or shared-cockpit support. The aircraft and server mission must provide separate crew positions or a supported control-transfer system.
Both users should match the aircraft and add-on versions, then one pilot hosts or occupies the primary seat while the other selects the available crew role. If both users see separate aeroplanes or their controls fight each other, they have joined normal multiplayer or configured the crew roles incorrectly.