I've been reading about MSFS 2020 and have decided to buy it.  However, I'm struggling with which edition to buy.  Is the Premium Deluxe worth the extra money, and Why?  Is there still an annual cost, and how much?  Also What edition is the latest?  Does it make a difference where I buy, or does Microsoft recognize all internet sellers.

I know, lots of questions.  But I just want to make sure I'm not getting something old that I have to update.

Thanks.

Premium Deluxe via Steam. The extras you get with this Premium Deluxe edition are worth it. Those with lesser versions are excluded from some really nice modded (aka study level) aircraft too. The extra stuff you get is really good value.

Agree!

 

I bought the standard version and regret it. Some very cool mods are for deluxe planes only. I wanted to upgrade to premium but the only way is buying a complete new version of msfs.

 

Cheers

Ok, I kinda figured.  What is the "Steam'?  Is that the old FSX Steam edition?

 

I bought the Premium Deluxe, notably because of the added planes, including the Steam gauge C172. It also contains some additional upgraded airports like a good OMDB Dubai. A few of them became obsolete when I bought Payware later, and this may strike some more over time, but I still found it worth for myself.

There is no annual cost involved, for no edition. I think the only exception is the X-Box game subscription, but you probably are not looking for this one.  

All editions are "latest". When MS releases new Sim/World Updates they all are updated in parallel. Again one exception. Should you go for the Aerosoft 10 DVD box, this is certainly outdated and will require a lot of updates.

There is a basic decision to make, and this is important as some addons you bought via the integrated marketplace can't be transferred later: Buy via the MS Store (or a reseller of the MS Store version) or via Steam. You will get differing opinions and experiences here. I myself was once burnt by the Store version, returned it, bought the Steam version and am more than happy since. 

Kind regards. Michael

The Steam version is here:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1250410/Microsoft_Flight_Simulator_40th_Anniversary_Edition/

Nothing related to FSX.

Kind regards, Michael

I bought the Premium deluxe version mainly for the extra airports. I bought mine from the MS Store and have had no problems. 

I'm another one happy to have bought the Premium Deluxe.  I bought from the Microsft Store and I've had no problems with that.  Well, so far!

Definetly Premium Deluxe. I didn't, so a few days ago I had to buy a default plane for 119 euro's by upgrading Deluxe to Premium 🙂

Not regretting this, because with the TBM I flew the most since 2020. And by the looks of it, the Longitude with the WT G5k will be one of my next favourites.

Just be aware that the Premium Deluxe 'extra' airports are mediocre at best (elevation issue, lazy/wrong placement of taxi signs etc) and the default 787 is a disaster. I agree the C172 with steam gauges is pretty good. So in my opinion a mixed bag....

I bought the Premium Deluxe version through the MS Store. That was mainly to get the additional planes. Ultimately I haven't stuck with many of those but for the few I do still use, I think it was worth it overall. With some of the really good mods coming out lately for those I think you'll be satisfied. No issues with the MS store (at least not around the purchase of the sim itself).

The added "custom" airports are another matter. You'll get varying opinions on those. Personally I've never seen one that truly impressed me, a lot of sloppy work to be honest. So if that's a major consideration I'd just say don't have super high expectations.

If it's for the airports, I wouldn't. They were obviously the very first custom airports and though the modelling of the buildings is still good, everything else has been radically surpassed. 

If you want some of the specific planes then I'd consider going for it. I'd definitely miss the Shock Ultra if I didn't have it.

If you just like the idea of a bunch of extra planes the free 40th anniversary supplies some good ones. 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 20, 20233 yr by superspud

Just a hint which I hope isn't understood as a plug. There is an excellent guide to MSFS made by SoFly

https://sofly.io/store/a-guide-to-flight-simulator-extended-edition/

It's also available via various resellers.

I contains detailed descriptions of the differing planes and airports in the three versions, including images. If you are new to MSFS, I can highly recommend it for a host of information on installaiton, settings etc. Actually, I would call it the manual which MS should have been added from the beginning. And it is regularly updated. And no, I am in no way related to SoFly.😉

Kind regards, Michael

 

  

Thanks everyone.  You have made up my mind!  I am currently downloading from MS Store (Only because I could not figure out how to reguster at Steam) .

Also, Do I need terrain Mesh, Photoscenery of the Earth, etc?  In other words, what addons will I want or need?

i bought the standard coz i don't use default aircrafts and i prefer to wait the payware versions of the airports (standard ones are ok).