Shop flight simulation
Navigate this guide:
Controls
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Microsoft Flight Simulator
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Hardware
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Furniture
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Setup costs
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Bundles
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FAQs
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What you need for a home flight simulator
First things first - building out a flight simulator setup can be as simple or advanced as you want it to be. Here’s some of the essential flight simulator hardware you’ll need to get going:
A PC or Xbox
Gaming monitor or TV
Throttle quadrant
Joystick or yoke
Gaming headset or speakers
Don’t worry if you haven’t come across some of these words before. We’ll explain everything in loads more detail down below.
Flight simulator controls
To kickstart your aviation career, you’ll have to get the right type of kit. A bog-standard keyboard and mouse might get you off the ground, but dedicated sim tech is where the fun really starts. They make the experience ten times more realistic and completely immerse you in the moment.
Here’s a few of the essential flight sim controls that are definitely worth thinking about…
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Minimum requirements (PC):
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10
Processor: Intel Core i7-6800K or AMD Ryzen 5 2600X
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: Radeon RX 5700 or GeForce GTX 970
DirectX: Version 12
Network: Broadband internet connection
Storage: 50 GB available space
Extras: Network speed of 10 Mbps bandwidth
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is one of the most realistic flight sims you can play at the moment. Head to the hangar and choose from a fleet of military jets, gliders, helicopters, and planes. They handle just like their real-life counterparts, and you’ll have to master each one to earn your wings.
You won’t be flying around aimlessly either. You’ll sign up for special missions covering everything from aerial firefighting to medevac operations and search and rescue. But if you want something slightly less stressful, there’s always work available as a commercial airline pilot. Just keep in mind those transatlantic flights aren’t short.
With the whole world to explore – and live weather that tracks rain, thunder fog and more – your skills will be tested from Africa to Asia. If you’ve just graduated from flight school, don’t worry though. The game can be fully customised to suit your abilities.
Oh, and the game’s now on Xbox Game Pass and can even be streamed through Xbox Cloud Gaming. Your internet will need to be nice and nippy for that. So, if it’s a little sluggish, now might be the perfect time for an upgrade.
And if you still want even more flight sim goodness, there’s always the Premium Deluxe Edition of the game. It’s packed with even more aircraft (95 in all) and airports (160) to explore. Chocks away!
Must-have gaming hardware
To really get the most from your flight simulator, you’ll need to shop around for some extra gaming peripherals. They don’t have to cost a ton, but having some quality flight sim hardware will make a huge difference. Think of it like building your own cockpit at home!
Gaming monitor
A great gaming monitor or two should be the centrepiece of your cockpit. Keep an eye out for one with a high refresh rate (120 Hz or above) and a crisp resolution (4K is perfect for the detailed landscapes sprawling out below you).
Make sure it’s at least 27” or bigger. That extra screen size adds a better field of view, which’ll come in handy for spotting tight runways or just admiring the scenery. Some gamers also swear by ultrawide monitors and curved monitors, which put you right in the middle of the action. But it’s completely up to you.
It’s also worth saying that not every monitor comes with built-in speakers. Check the specs before you buy!
Gaming PC
Flight simulators are pretty demanding to run. So, we’d suggest at least a mid-tier gaming desktop PC. Look for a processor like an Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 (or better), and a graphics card like the NVIDIA GTX 1660 or higher. Don’t skimp on the RAM either – 16GB is the ideal sweet spot. All of this should give you high frame rates, increased resolution, and faster load times.
You can always go for one of our prebuilt gaming PCs if you’re unsure where to start. And we’ve got plenty to pick from.
Gaming headset and speakers
Sound is 50% of any gaming sim sesh. And if it’s not right, it can really take you out of the experience. A good gaming headset will let you hear every tiny detail – whether that’s the hum of the engines, or instructions from air traffic control. Look for one with crisp, clear audio and a built-in mic if you’re planning on playing with your mates.
If you prefer an open setup, get yourself a set of external PC speakers. That way you can play and still listen out for the front door. And if you really want to splash out, there’s always a surround sound system instead!
Improve your setup with the right gaming furniture
If you’re strapping in for a few long-haul flights, don’t forget about the gaming furniture…
Gaming desk
It’s fair to say that a simulation rig can take up a lot of room. That’s where a good flight sim desk comes into its own. When you’ve got a few screens, a yoke, throttles (and the rest of the kit), you don’t want to cram it into a tiny space. So, spread things out a bit and give yourself enough room to fly in style.
Gaming chair
Remember how good those seats were when you got bumped up to business class that one time? Well, a good gaming chair will have exactly the same impact. Every flight you take will be extra comfy (especially during those marathon sessions that stretch right into the night). And your back, neck and shoulders will thank you.
How much does a home flight simulator cost?
Your flight sim cost can range anywhere from a few hundred quid to thousands of pounds. Just like whether you prefer economy or first-class seats for your summer hols, it all depends on how you like to fly!
If you’re a complete newbie, you could use your current Xbox or PC and add a joystick. This can cost as little as £100 - £200. Throw in a yoke, throttle controls and some rudder pedals, and you’re probably looking at £500 - £1000. While a high-end setup – where you combine multiple screens with advanced controls – is likely to set you back at least £2000 or more. It’s totally worth it though.
Know how much you’ve got to spend? We’ve put together three special bundles below - perfect for all types of pilots and budgets.
