Hi,

I've been using XPlane11 for a few years but want to upgrade to MSFS but I'm nervous and concerned about all the stuff I read about never ending update downloads etc etc.  My PC is just a couple of years old and was built for XPlane11 with VR so according to my IT friend it should run MSFS ok.  I also have fibre at home so my internet should be ok too.  

I've read the forums and understand that Steam is the preferred option for many but I'm still a bit confused about how it all works and I'm hoping someone can provide a bit more clarity for me.  

Some retailers offer for sale the actual package with CD's.  Am I right in thinking that buying and installing that is basically equivalent to buying off the MS Store and once you boot it up you're then connected to them and their downloads (which is not advisable according to many)?

If I go with Steam are there any ongoing costs after the purchase of the software or is it just my local data I have to consider?  

I want to go with the Premium edition of MSFS and I'm not too concerned about who or where is the cheapest.  I've just upgraded to all Honeycomb gear and I just want the stuff to work so I can continue learning rather than wasting time with housekeeping.  

Thanks for your help.  I really appreciate it. 

Owen

New Zealand 

To use the steam version, you must first create a Steam account (free). You buy MSFS on the Steam website. But you do not buy any addons on the Steam website. You buy those inside the sim (the marketplace), or at other online retail internet sites. When you buy thru the marketplace you will pay using the 'wallet' you created in your steam account. However, the purchase process in the marketplace is exactly the same as if you had the MS store version. 

To fly with the steam version, you click on the Steam client icon and log onto steam (using your Steam password). That is very fast, not a slow process, not a hassle. Then you click on the MSFS logo in the steam client and MSFS boots up. Your then minimize your steam client window to reduce it to an icon on your desktop toolbar. 

The only real difference is that you have to log onto the Steam client before booting MSFS. Everything else is the same. 

With Steam, when you boot the steam client, any Asobo steam updates will begin when you click on the MSFS icon to play flightsim. Which is about 10 times easier than if you have the MS store version for some people. 

Safest and easiest is to buy on Steam.  Far too many reported download/logon/security issues with the store version.

Hi Owen! Fielder gave a good description of the process for Steam above. There's also nothing wrong with purchasing MSFS from the Microsoft Store - one advantage there being that the store app is probably already installed on your system. The other advantage to purchasing from the MS Store is that you also get the product on the XBOX, since it's a "play anywhere" title. Even if you don't have an XBOX now, it's something to consider should you ever feel the need to start flying from your living room in the future.

To answer your other question - there is no recurring fee or subscription required for MSFS.

You can't go wrong with either the Steam or MS Store version - and you're going to have a blast with your Honeycomb gear. Enjoy!

Marketplace here.  Disregard the noise. If you are an XBOX gamer it's a must.

 

sp

Edited June 16, 20223 yr by Sky_Pilot071

27 minutes ago, MrBitstFlyer said:

security issues with the store version.

You're going to have to elaborate on that one...

16 minutes ago, The Moose said:

You're going to have to elaborate on that one...

MS Account / password / login issues.

2 minutes ago, MrBitstFlyer said:

MS Account / password / login issues.

LOL - that's why I don't use Steam.

sp

20 minutes ago, MrBitstFlyer said:

MS Account / password / login issues.

Okey dokie.  Never heard of that but I'll take your word for it.

 

3 hours ago, NZOwen said:

I'm nervous and concerned about all the stuff I read about never ending update downloads etc etc. 

Remember, there is a massive user base for this sim, and people on forums trend towards the negatives.  The reality is a minority of people have issues (and that includes some Steam users)     Issues like stuck downloads are easily sorted if your unlucky enough to run into that problem.

I'm on MS store version and have been through every update cycle since Feb'21. Never had an issue.   Don't be influenced by "the sky is falling" crowd.

Just know it's a live service product and like anything that's updated this often there will be some sort of issues now and again. It's the nature of the beast.  It's an Aviation MMO in effect.  Always evolving and changing. If you can live with that then choose your platform and go for it.  You'll love it whatever route you go, hopefully!

Hi Owen - I came from XP11 when MSFS first came out. One of the first things I did was set up my quick views and quick view save buttons just how I had them in XP11. Made everything feel much more normal and comfortable. Sounds like you might be using VR so maybe that's not as much of an issue for you. - I set my software up directly through the Microsoft Store. I've never had a problem, like someone mentioned before, the majority of people don't have problems, but the ones that do get very loud.

I also buy most my addons directly from the in-game marketplace. People cry about updates for those 3rd party addons taking longer to be available through the in-game marketplace vs. buying direct from the 3rd party vendor, however I find the convenience of buying it right there in the game much more beneficial then having to deal with 3rd party websites and vendors. 

I agree with anyone who is going to buy an Xbox console, you can move all your MSFS and most marketplace bought addons over to Xbox console free. Because it flies OK with the controller that comes included with the Xbox, its a great way to introduce kids to flightsims.

Edited June 17, 20223 yr by Fielder

Also it is on Microsoft Game Pass, looks like they are doing first 3 months for a 1 dollar.  Try there before paying full price.

Haven't been simming much, but hearing good things about steam ver, I already had FSX steam which I had never used so went ahead and set up steam program which by default loads on system start and installing FSX steam was pretty simple.  I guess I created a steam account previously and had no trouble getting in.  So through steam they had a discount after the GOTY last fall and went ahead and bought premium MSFS.  Install I found a little unclear about what's steam and what's MS, but the install itself wasn't an issue.  I have a desktop shortcut to MSFS and I don't see a need to interact with steam at all -- everything goes through MSFS after launching it, but you will find out eventually about the "community" folder where you can install addons like other sims outside of MSFS.

 

scott s.

.

 

 

7 hours ago, enright said:

Hi Owen! Fielder gave a good description of the process for Steam above. There's also nothing wrong with purchasing MSFS from the Microsoft Store - one advantage there being that the store app is probably already installed on your system. The other advantage to purchasing from the MS Store is that you also get the product on the XBOX, since it's a "play anywhere" title. Even if you don't have an XBOX now, it's something to consider should you ever feel the need to start flying from your living room in the future.

To answer your other question - there is no recurring fee or subscription required for MSFS.

You can't go wrong with either the Steam or MS Store version - and you're going to have a blast with your Honeycomb gear. Enjoy!

I purchased via the Store app, and did not have many issues while updating, but when I did a re-install, I used the Xbox app instead and it went even smoother. I don't even have to go to the store anymore before every update.

There was never a problem installing it from the Store, and now through xBox App.

I have a PC with Win 11. Initially I had bought the DVD version from AEROSOFT but soon found out that after first install it took the same amount of transfer time / gigas to reinstall, and it was a mess to use the DVDs, so, I mada an image of DVD 1, and I mount it and start the Store / xBox install process. It flawlessly fetches the rest from the Cloud ...

Steam has good Worldwide network support but I believe MS has even better, so no advantage in buying from Steam in the particular case of MFS.