Microsoft Flight Simulator: List of best mods Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 guide, tips

Last update: 29 December 2022

In this chapter of the guide to Flight Simulator 2020, we present the best modifications and additions - both free and paid, which significantly enrich the content or mechanics of Microsoft Flight Simulator. Here you will find a full range: from fine textures that upgrade the atmosphere, to realistically recreated aircraft or new gameplay modes.

• General information
• Planes - mods list
• Tools and gameplay - List of mods

General information

It is worth remembering that fan-made mods, especially the free ones, can sometimes cause some errors or stop working with any version of the game if their author does not make appropriate corrections in time. There should be no problems with add-ons downloaded directly from the marketplace built into the game.

Remember that collecting a large number of add-ons and mods can significantly increase the already huge amount of disk space occupied by the game, and sometimes extend the startup time. Make sure to install only the part of the mods that you use - this is especially true for patches of cities and objects on earth, which usually weigh the most.

We added prices of each mod, but remember that they could change over time, so please, don't treat them as an official offer.

Planes - mods list

A32NX by FlyByWire

1. Price: free

The A32nx by FlyByWire is unanimously voted one of the best modifications to FS2020, and behind the enigmatic name is a reworking of the existing in-game passenger aircraft Airbus A320neo for a much more realistic version - better reflecting the operation of on-board instruments and simulating the operation of more systems. In general, it changes a much simplified version of the default machine to the "study-level" level, which is sure to be appreciated by more advanced virtual pilots and anyone looking for the greatest immersion and challenge.

Depending on when you download the mod, you may find yourself on the "overlay", that is, the replacement of the existing in-game Airbus A320neo to the a32nx version or the "stand-alone" version, which is the target for the creators of the mod. In the game, you will get to choose between two machines, differing only in the degree of realism. The "standalone" version will be available in the official marketplace in the game menu at no charge.

When downloading it from the official website of the developers, we can choose between versions:

1. Stable - the best tested, with the least possible errors;
2. Development Build - developer version, includes more functionality and new mechanics, but not yet fully tested - something like Early Access
3. Experimental Build - an even earlier version, with proprietary solutions

And what can you expect from the A32NX? Improvements in the flight model and the operation of many systems, such as autopilot. You have to wait longer to tune the navigation system or start the engines. The authors also added a functional tablet that allows quick access to many tools, as well as integration with external applications, thanks to which, for example, we can plan a flight faster. Improvements were also made to the visual frame of the aircraft - including lighting, texture, and "skins" of popular carriers.

CJ4 by Working Title

1. Price: free

CJ4 by Working Title is another upgrade of the aircraft included in the game - this time Cessna Citation CJ4. The authors worked on the deficiencies in the flight model, autopilotm, and on-board computer, significantly improving, and most importantly, increasing the reality of the performance of the aircraft in many aspects. It is also a mod designed rather for more advanced users, looking for a greater challenge not so much in the flying itself, but in the handling of complex onboard devices.

Bombardier CRJ 550/700 by Aerosoft

1. Price: 62,72 USD

Bombardier CRJ 550/700 is the first aircraft in MFS2020 on the so-called "study level", that is, faithfully reflecting the original, with most of the working instruments in the cockpit. It is not a conversion from other simulators, only it was created from the ground up for Microsoft Flight Simulator. This has an obvious impact on its high price, almost as big as the standard version of the game, but the CRJ 550/700 already at the beginning has collected quite good reviews for the quality of execution. Despite the release, the project is not finished and will continue to be developed.

T-45 Goshawk by IndiaFoxtEcho

1. Price: 25,85 USD

The T-45 Goshawk is a training aircraft used by the US Navy to train future pilots operating on aircraft carriers. The DLC does not offer the highest level of realism of any system, but compared to the most slow and heavy civilian machines of the game, it allows you to traverse the map with much greater speed and agility. A similar impression is offered by the Italian aircraft of the same class MB-399, moreover, from the same studio.

Spitfire L. F Mk IXc by FlyingIron Simulations

1. Price: 23,58 USD

The famous Spitfire fighter in Microsoft flight simulator does not allow, of course, air combat or the use of guns in general, but it is certainly a very atmospheric addition. It offers a perfectly made cockpit and exterior model, based on accurate scans of a real plane. With similar care, the sound and model of the flight, and even the typical failures that happened to the pilots at that time, were recreated. The package also includes a variant with trimmed wing tips.

Tools and gameplay - List of mods

Pushback Helper

1. Price: free

Pushback Helper is a small add-on, which greatly improves the functions of ground handling, especially pushing the aircraft from the gate to the point where it can begin taxiing to the runway. In the original version, radio messages operating with a small delay were used for this. With this mod, you can do this much more efficiently, using the cursors on the screen. In addition, you can also initiate other ground handling functions, such as calling a fuel tank or expanding the "sleeve" to let passengers on board.

Realistic Ground Vehicle Liveries

1. Price: free

The mod changes the default, neutral textures of ground handling vehicles to authentic markings with logos of various companies and organizations, which can be viewed at many international airports. This adds a bit of immersion and realism when preparing the aircraft for flight. Note - the textures mainly match the equipment used at European airports - not American ones.

Global AI Ship Traffic

1. Price: free

This mod does not affect aircraft and flying, but improves a little immersion and realism by adding a lot of types of ships and vessels moving around the world's waterways. Tthere will be no emptiness, when flying over the ocean. You can now look for huge tankers or naval ships. The large variety of objects is impressive.

LukeAirTool - passenger simulator

1. Price: free

A small add-on called LukeAirTool allows you to take care of something during long-term flights in passenger aircraft. It's basically a cabin crew simulator, because it allows you to fulfill passengers' requests or solve their problems. By clicking on the appropriate buttons, you will provide them with a snack, a glass of water, and also welcome passengers. The developers plan a module for running your own airline and a task generator.

NeoFly - Career mode

1. Price: free

Neofly is an external application that retrieves our flight data from flight simulator. The interface is very complex, but once we master its functions, we get a really powerful machine that add a meaning to each of our flights. In NeoFly, we play as a pilot just starting his career or a veteran who has access to everything in sandbox mode. In this first role, we earn money to buy more and better aircraft, transport goods and unlock more types of missions. And we must admit that the developers have prepared a lot of surprises-from mail delivery, to rescue missions and VIP transport.