Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 starts at US$69.99. Compare all four edition prices, Game Pass access and extra costs before you buy.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 costs US$69.99 for Standard, US$99.99 for Deluxe, US$129.99 for Premium Deluxe, or US$199.99 for Aviator at US list price. Standard is also included with eligible Xbox Game Pass plans. Regional pricing, sales and platform taxes can change what you actually pay.
How much does each MSFS 2024 edition cost?
The four paid editions range from US$69.99 to US$199.99 at US list price.
| Edition | US list price | What the extra cost buys |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | US$69.99 | The complete base simulator and its standard aircraft and airport selection |
| Deluxe | US$99.99 | Standard content plus additional aircraft and handcrafted airports |
| Premium Deluxe | US$129.99 | Deluxe content plus a larger aircraft and airport selection |
| Aviator | US$199.99 | Premium Deluxe content plus a collection of Microsoft-published Marketplace aircraft |
These are one-time base-game prices rather than annual fees. All editions share the same core simulator, worldwide map, graphics engine and major features; paying more does not improve frame rate, weather or visual quality. Our detailed MSFS 2024 edition comparison explains the content differences without duplicating every aircraft and airport here.
The checkout total can differ by country, platform, tax and sale. For purchasing considerations alongside the published prices, see our MSFS 2024 buying and pricing guide.
Which edition offers the best value?
Standard is the sensible choice for most simmers because it contains the complete simulation rather than a restricted starter version.
- Choose Standard if you mainly want the core simulator, intend to use freeware or are unsure which aircraft you will fly.
- Choose Deluxe or Premium Deluxe only when their specific aircraft or handcrafted airports matter to you.
- Choose Aviator when you specifically want its broad Microsoft-published aircraft collection; it does not include every third-party Marketplace add-on.
A mistake we see constantly is buying Standard on the assumption that a later upgrade will cost only the original price difference. Upgrade bundles are separate products and may cost more than choosing the desired edition initially, so check the upgrade price before buying.
Can you get Microsoft Flight Simulator through Game Pass?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Standard Edition is available through eligible Xbox Game Pass plans on PC and Xbox, reducing the upfront cost for subscribers.
Game Pass provides access rather than permanent ownership. If the subscription ends or access terms change, you must buy the base simulator to continue using it. Purchasing aircraft or scenery separately does not give you ownership of the base game, and Game Pass does not cover the PlayStation 5 version.
On PC, Game Pass uses the Microsoft/Xbox ecosystem rather than Steam. A Steam licence and a Microsoft Store licence are separate purchases, so compare the implications in our PC storefront comparison before committing.
Are there extra costs after buying MSFS?
No mandatory simulator subscription is required after buying Microsoft Flight Simulator outright, but optional purchases and practical costs can add up.
- Marketplace add-ons: Extra aircraft, airports and scenery are optional. The base simulator already lets you fly worldwide.
- Flight controls: A joystick, yoke, throttle or rudder pedals can improve the experience, but they are not required; supported controllers or keyboard and mouse can operate the simulator.
- Internet and data: MSFS 2024 relies heavily on streamed content, so a suitable connection and any data charges should be considered.
- Freeware: PC users can install many free aircraft, liveries and scenery packages, although console versions cannot use arbitrary PC Community-folder mods.
Is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 cheaper?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 are separate products, and owning the older version does not automatically grant the newer one.
MSFS 2020 pricing and availability can vary, especially during sales. It remains a PC and Xbox release and was never released for PlayStation; MSFS 2024 is available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro. Our side-by-side guide to MSFS 2020 and 2024 helps determine whether a cheaper older copy suits your needs.
When a listing appears unusually cheap, verify the version, platform and region, and confirm that it is the full simulator rather than an upgrade, add-on or currency pack.