In addition to setting up the software itself, many people use a HOTAS (which means “hands on throttle-and-stick”) to get more immersion with flight sims like Flight Simulator X. Since this is the Gold Edition, we also needed to run through the same setup process for the Accelerator Expansion Pack that adds additional content.Īfter everything is properly installed and ready to go, you can either open up the base game or the expansion pack, which will give you a host of options to choose from to set up your first flight.įor the Steam version, simply install the software through the client and it’ll do all of the above, minus the discs. Once there, you’ll also need to activate your new software with the key found inside the case. Ensure you’ve got at least 30 GB of storage space available before beginning this step.Īs you progress, the installer will have you swap out discs as they complete individually until you reach the end.

We began this process by setting up our external DVD drive, popping in the first disc and then running through the on-screen steps.

The Steam version was released back in 2015 and is largely the same, with perhaps a more streamlined setup.

Thirteen years later, the game remains one of the most-played flight simulators and continues to get support despite the original studio being closed.įor our review, we purchased the good old box set of CDs to install, but you can also get the game online from a distributor like Steam if you don’t want to mess with discs.

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