X-Shop EducationWhere to start in MSFS 2024: the first 3 hours in the simulator
Bought MSFS 2024 and don’t know where to start? We tell you what to do in the first hours so as not to get lost and immediately enjoy flying.
You just installed Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Opened the game. I saw the globe, a beautiful sky and... you don’t know what to click.
This is normal. MSFS is not a simple game, there is literally the whole world here. Here's what to do in the first hours to avoid getting lost.
Step 1: Don't touch addons. Bye.
The first instinct of a newbie is to immediately Google “the best addons for MSFS 2024” and install everything. Stop.
Deal with the vanilla version first. The default content in MSFS 2024 is already very good: more than 30 planes, the whole world, live weather. This will be enough for the first few weeks.
Addons - later. When it becomes clear what is missing.
Step 2: Choose the right first plane
Don't get on the Boeing 747 or Airbus A320 straight away. It's a trap.
For your first flights, choose something simple:
Cessna 172 Skyhawk is a training classic. Simple controls, clear cockpit, forgiving of mistakes. This is exactly what real pilots are taught.
Icon A5 is an amphibian, flies slowly, steers easily. Great for getting to know controls.
Pipistrel Virus SW 121 - lightweight and maneuverable. Good for VFP (visual flight).
Give yourself time. When you can confidently keep a small plane in the air, move on to turboprops, then to jets.
Step 3: First settings that need to be changed immediately
Before you fly, go to the settings and correct a few things.
Assistance Options By default, MSFS 2024 includes a bunch of assistants: automatic fuel mixture, simplified engine control, hints. For the first time this is ok, but over time, turn it off one at a time - this way you learn faster.
Find: Settings → Gameplay → Assistants
Camera control Adjust the mouse or joystick sensitivity settings to suit you. Default is usually too abrupt.
Graphics If FPS is low, don’t panic. Set the preset to Medium or High, then adjust. MSFS is demanding on hardware, this is normal.
Step 4: First flight - keep it simple
Don’t plan the Moscow-Dubai route for the first time.
First flight algorithm:
- Choose a small airport near beautiful nature (mountains, coastline)
- Time - day, weather - clear (you can set it manually in the flight settings)
- Start - directly from the runway (not from the apron, it’s more difficult there)
- Take off, fly over the area for 15-20 minutes
- Go back and try to land
The landing will be clumsy. It's ok. It’s like this for everyone in the beginning.
Step 5: Learn the basics
MSFS - simulator. There is a language here, and it’s better to understand it right away.
VFR (Visual Flight Rules) - flight by visibility. You look out the window, orient yourself to the area. For beginners, this is your mode.
IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) - instrument flight. You will need it when you fly in the clouds or at night. Don't touch it yet.
ATC (Air Traffic Control) - dispatcher. MSFS has a built-in ATC. You can turn it on from the very beginning - it adds atmosphere. Just answer the calls, he will direct you.
Flaps - flaps. They are released during takeoff and landing to increase lift. On Cessna there is a lever or keys F5-F8.
Step 6: Learn little by little, take your time
The mistake of many beginners is to try to master everything at once: FMC, SID/STAR, VATSIM, complex aircraft. And burn out in two weeks.
The progression looks something like this:
- Week 1-2: small aviation, WWF, just fly and enjoy
- Week 3-4: try turboprops (King Air, TBM), learn autopilot
- Month 2: first airliner (Airbus A320 or Boeing 737)
- Month 3+: addons, online flights, complex routes
What to do next?
When you get comfortable with the base, take a look at our Education section. There are articles about planning a route, reading the weather, ATC and much more.
And if you want more realistic planes, in X-Shop you will find addons that are really worth the money. Without water and unnecessary marketing.
Have a nice flight ✈️
