Last updated: June 2026

There’s a real difference between making Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 more realistic and making it more immersive — and it’s worth thinking about which one you’re actually after.

Realism is usually about accuracy. Correct aircraft systems, proper checklists, real procedures, authentic ATC phraseology, real-world navigation. Flying the way it would be done in real life.

“Immersion is a slightly different feeling.”

Immersion is that sense of actually being there. Sitting in the cockpit, looking out over the nose, listening to the engine, watching weather build on the horizon, picking out runway lights through the haze, or feeling that quiet little bit of tension as you turn onto final.

As a real pilot and long-time flight simmer, I think this is where MSFS 2024 can be genuinely wonderful. It doesn’t have to be technically perfect to feel convincing. Sometimes a simple flight at sunrise — with good sound, good lighting, live weather, and the right aircraft — can feel more satisfying than a perfectly flown flight that somehow leaves you cold.

This article isn’t about turning your spare room into an airline training centre. Most of us aren’t doing that, and that’s absolutely fine.

This is about practical ways to make MSFS 2024 feel more alive, more believable, and more enjoyable to fly.

Some of these ideas cost nothing. Some involve a hardware upgrade. Some involve add-ons. And some are just about changing how you fly.

That’s part of the fun.

Quick answer: The best ways to make Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 more immersive are to improve your display, sound, lighting, flight controls, weather, camera movement, and flight planning — and to choose add-ons that make the world feel alive rather than ones that just add complexity.

Realism vs Immersion: They’re Not Quite the Same Thing

Before getting into the upgrades and add-ons, it’s worth clearly separating these two ideas.

Realism is about accuracy:

• Does the aircraft system behave correctly?
• Are the checklists accurate?
• Is the flight model believable?
• Are navigation procedures correct?
• Does ATC use realistic phraseology?

Immersion is more about feeling:

• Does the cockpit feel alive?
• Does the aircraft sound convincing?
• Does the weather make you think?
• Does the display pull you into the world?
• Does the flight feel like it has a purpose?

The two overlap, of course. A more realistic aircraft can absolutely be more immersive, and accurate weather will make you fly more carefully. But you can also have a very immersive flight without doing everything by the book.

A sunset run along the coast in a simple aircraft — room lights dimmed, good audio, live weather, and a beautiful view — can be incredibly immersive without a single checklist in sight.

That’s often the kind of experience flight simmers are really chasing.

1. Start with the Screen: Your Monitor Is Your Window

Your monitor is one of the biggest immersion factors simply because it is your window into the sim.

If the screen feels small, flat, washed out, or too distant, the whole experience suffers. You’re flying the same aircraft in the same simulator, but your brain isn’t being pulled into the world in the same way.

A better monitor won’t make you a better pilot overnight, but it can make the simulator feel dramatically more engaging.

Why a Larger Monitor Helps

A larger monitor gives you more visual presence. More cockpit. More sky. More runway. More of the world around you.

This matters because flying is a very visual activity. You’re constantly looking outside, scanning instruments, checking the horizon, watching for traffic, judging distances. When the display is too small, the sim can feel like you’re looking at a picture of flying. When it’s large enough, it starts to feel like you’re looking through a cockpit window.

Ultrawide Monitors

For flight simulation, ultrawide monitors make a lot of sense. A 34-inch ultrawide gives you a noticeably wider view than a standard screen, and a 49-inch super-ultrawide can feel almost like two monitors joined without the centre bezel.

This is especially useful in cockpit views — you can see more of the instrument panel and the outside world at the same time. Great for airliners, great for circuits and approaches, and simply beautiful for scenic flying.

OLED and Night Flying

OLED is particularly interesting for flight sim because of the contrast. Deep blacks, rich colours, and strong contrast make night flying, city lights, dawn approaches, and cockpit lighting look far more convincing.

If you enjoy flying around sunrise and sunset or late at night, an OLED monitor can be a significant step up. That said, price, screen size, brightness, burn-in concerns, and graphics card demands are all worth thinking about before committing. It’s a meaningful purchase, not a casual one.

2. Set the Room Up for Flying

This is one of the cheapest immersion upgrades and one of the easiest to overlook.

Your room matters.

If you’re flying with bright overhead lights, screen reflections, clutter in your peripheral vision, and distractions nearby, the simulator has to work harder to pull you in.

Try dimming the room and sitting somewhere calmer. For night flights especially, this makes a huge difference.

Fly in the Dark (or Near-Dark)

Night flying in MSFS 2024 feels genuinely better when the room is also dark. The cockpit lighting stands out. Runway lights look more convincing. City glow beneath you feels more real. Your attention naturally shifts into the sim rather than around the room.

You don’t need to sit in complete darkness — but reducing the ambient light makes a big difference.

Soft Bias Lighting

A small amount of soft light behind the monitor reduces eye strain and improves the overall mood of your setup. Warm white or subtle amber works nicely if you want that relaxed cockpit feel.

I’d avoid harsh colours or flashing RGB effects for serious flying. They might look good in photos, but they can be distracting when you’re trying to stay in the zone.

3. Improve the Sound

Sound is one of the most underrated parts of flight sim immersion.

A lot of simmers focus heavily on graphics — and fair enough, because MSFS 2024 can look stunning. But sound is what gives the aircraft weight, movement, and life.

The engine note matters. Wind noise matters. The squeak of a touchdown matters. Cockpit rattles matter. Runway rumble matters. ATC audio matters.

When the sound is weak or thin, the aircraft feels less real.

Good Speakers Make a Difference

You don’t need a home theatre setup, but better speakers will give you more depth and presence than basic computer speakers. Try to position them roughly at ear level and aimed toward you if you can.

Consider a Subwoofer

A subwoofer adds a subtle low-end layer — engine rumble, touchdown thud, ground roll, distant thunder. It doesn’t need to be loud. The goal isn’t to shake the room; it’s to add a physical quality to the experience that speakers alone can’t quite do.

Headphones Work Really Well Too

Good headphones block out room noise and let you hear smaller details — cockpit sounds, ATC, wind changes — up close and focused. For late-night flying, they’re often the best option.

4. Use the Right Aircraft for the Immersion You Want

Not every aircraft creates the same kind of experience.

Some are immersive because they’re complex. Others are immersive because they’re simple and let you enjoy the view. The best aircraft for immersion depends entirely on what you feel like flying.

For relaxed scenic flying:

• Small GA aircraft
• Light sport aircraft
• Floatplanes
• Helicopters
• Classic and vintage aircraft

For procedure-based immersion:

• Airliners
• Business jets
• Complex turboprops
• IFR-capable GA aircraft

For challenge and skill:

• Taildraggers
• Helicopters
• Bush aircraft
• Older aircraft with less automation

I think simmers sometimes get too caught up chasing the “best” aircraft when the better question is: what kind of flying do I actually feel like tonight?

5. Use Live Weather, Even When It’s Not Perfect

Live weather is one of the easiest ways to make MSFS 2024 feel less predictable — and that’s a good thing.

Perfect weather is pleasant, but it gets a bit dull. Real flying rarely involves perfect conditions all the time. Wind direction, cloud base, visibility, turbulence, rain, and changing light all affect how a flight feels. Even a short local flight becomes more interesting when the weather is doing something.

Why Weather Adds Immersion

Weather gives the flight context. You’re not just flying from A to B — you’re flying today’s conditions. You might need to think about runway choice, crosswind, visibility, or whether you even want to fly at all.

As a real pilot, I can say this is a big part of what makes aviation feel alive. Weather isn’t decoration — it’s part of the decision-making.

6. Fly at Sunrise, Sunset, and Night

The time of day completely changes the feel of a flight.

Midday flying can be clear and practical, but sunrise and sunset often create the most atmosphere. Long shadows, warm light, low sun angles, glowing cloud edges, and city lights coming alive make the sim feel cinematic.

Night flying is a different world again. Runway lights, taxiway signs, cockpit lighting, and city glow create a wonderful sense of depth — especially on a good monitor in a darker room.

7. Add Head Tracking

Head tracking might be one of the single best immersion upgrades you can make.

Once you can naturally look around the cockpit — glance at instruments, check the runway over your shoulder, look through turns — the simulator feels far more connected to your body. Instead of pressing buttons or dragging a mouse to move the view, you just move your head.

That feels genuinely different.

Why It Works So Well

In real flying, your head is always moving. You’re not locked to one fixed angle. You look outside, scan the panel, check the runway, look for traffic, keep your awareness moving.

Head tracking helps recreate that behaviour. For VFR flying, circuits, approaches, taxiing, and scenic flights, it can make a big difference.

8. Consider VR — But Be Honest About the Trade-Offs

Virtual reality can be incredibly immersive in Microsoft Flight Simulator. The feeling of sitting inside the aircraft is hard to match. Looking around the cockpit naturally, judging height, seeing the aircraft around you in 3D — it can be quite special.

But VR isn’t for everyone.

The trade-offs can include:

• Higher performance demands
• Lower image clarity compared to a good monitor
• Comfort issues on longer flights
• Headset weight and heat
• More setup time
• Difficulty using keyboards, charts, and external tools

For short, scenic, high-immersion flights, VR can be brilliant. For longer flights, writing notes, or making videos, a large monitor is often more practical.

VR isn’t essential — it’s another option worth knowing about.

9. Upgrade the Controls You Actually Touch

The controls matter because they’re your physical connection to the aircraft.

Even a beautiful simulator can feel detached if the controls are imprecise or uncomfortable. You don’t need everything at once, but upgrading the controls you use most often makes flying feel much more believable.

Joystick or Yoke

If you mostly fly Airbus-style aircraft, fighters, helicopters, or GA aircraft with sticks, a good joystick makes sense. If you fly Cessnas, Pipers, business jets, or Boeing-style airliners, a yoke can feel more natural. There’s no single right answer — it depends on what you fly most.

Throttle Quadrant

A separate throttle quadrant makes throttle movement more physical and deliberate. Especially useful for multi-engine aircraft, turboprops, airliners, and anything with mixture or propeller controls.

Rudder Pedals

Rudder pedals are one of the most important immersion upgrades you can make. They make taxiing, take-off, landing, crosswind correction, and coordinated turns feel far more authentic.

You can still fly and enjoy the sim without them. But with them, the aircraft just feels more complete.

10. Use Add-ons That Add Purpose, Not Just Complexity

Add-ons can genuinely improve immersion — but only if they add something meaningful.

It’s easy to overload the sim with add-ons and end up with more menus, more setup, and more things to troubleshoot. The best immersion add-ons are the ones that make the world feel alive or give your flight a real sense of purpose.

ATC Add-ons

Better ATC can make a big difference. When air traffic control feels believable, the whole flight feels more structured. Clearances, handoffs, altitude changes, and approach clearances give the flight a real-world rhythm. For many simmers, ATC is one of the weakest parts of the default experience, so a good add-on here can be a serious upgrade.

Passenger Add-ons

Passenger simulation can make airline and charter flying feel more purposeful. Instead of flying an empty aircraft from one airport to another, you feel like you’re carrying people who expect a smooth, comfortable trip. Even simple things like boarding sounds, cabin announcements, or a landing score can make a flight feel more alive.

Ground Service Add-ons

Pushback, baggage loading, catering, fuel trucks, stairs, jetways, ground crew — these details help create the feeling that the aircraft belongs in a working airport environment. Especially useful if you enjoy airliner operations.

Camera and Sound Effect Add-ons

Camera shake, touchdown effects, ground roll, turbulence movement, and subtle cockpit vibration can all make the aircraft feel less static. The key word here is subtle — when overdone, these effects become distracting. When used carefully, they’re great.

11. Use Flight Planning Tools

Flight planning adds purpose.

Even if you’re not trying to fly like an airline captain, planning a route gives the flight a beginning, middle, and end. You know where you’re going, why you’re going there, what route you’ll fly, and what weather you might encounter. That turns a casual departure into a small but satisfying aviation exercise.

Tools like SimBrief and Navigraph are very useful for IFR flights and airliner operations. For simpler VFR flights, even a rough route idea is enough.

A simple flight planning checklist:

• Choose a departure airport
• Choose a destination
• Check the weather
• Pick a route
• Choose an aircraft that suits the flight
• Decide whether it’s VFR or IFR
• Think about fuel
• Review the runway layout
• Plan the arrival

You don’t have to make this complicated. The goal isn’t paperwork — it’s purpose.

12. Fly Real Routes and Real Places

One of the best ways to feel more immersed is to fly somewhere that actually means something to you.

That might be:

• Your local airport
• A place you’ve visited
• A holiday destination
• A famous scenic route
• A real airline route you’ve flown as a passenger
• A challenging approach you’ve read about
• A route connected to aviation history

MSFS 2024 is especially powerful when you use it to explore the real world. Flying over places you know can be surprisingly moving — you recognise coastlines, roads, rivers, towns, mountains, familiar airports. The sim stops being just software and becomes a way of revisiting the world from above.

That’s immersion at its best.

13. Give Each Flight a Reason

A flight feels more immersive when it has a reason — even a simple one.

• A short scenic flight at sunrise
• A delivery run between regional airports
• A passenger service to somewhere sunny
• A training circuit in windy conditions
• A night approach into a busy airport
• A bush landing on a short strip
• A real-world airline route recreation

When there’s a reason for the flight, you’re more invested in it. You’re not just loading the sim and taking off. You’re going somewhere, doing something, or recreating an experience.

14. Use Career Mode and Activities When They Suit You

MSFS 2024 includes career-style flying and aviation activities, and these can add a real sense of purpose — for some people.

Not everyone wants that kind of structure all the time. Some simmers prefer complete freedom; others enjoy missions, progression, and objectives. There’s no right or wrong approach.

If career activities make the sim feel more alive for you, use them. If you’d rather create your own flights and fly wherever you feel like, do that instead.

15. Reduce On-Screen Distractions

One of the quickest ways to improve immersion is to remove anything that reminds you you’re sitting at a computer.

That might mean hiding unnecessary toolbars, closing floating menus, turning off performance overlays, dimming notifications, and generally keeping the screen clean.

The less clutter you see, the easier it is to believe in the cockpit.

16. Set Up Useful Camera Views

Good camera views make a real difference.

Ideally, you want quick access to:

• Main pilot view
• Instrument view
• Overhead panel (if relevant)
• Throttle or centre console
• Left and right window views
• External cinematic views

For video creation, this matters even more — smooth pans, wing views, and cockpit glances can make MSFS 2024 look genuinely cinematic.

For everyday flying, the goal is simpler: useful views that help you operate the aircraft without breaking the spell.

17. Fly More Slowly and Stop Rushing

This might sound strange, but one of the best things you can do for immersion is slow down.

Many of us rush. We load the aircraft, get airborne quickly, skip the quieter moments, and focus mainly on the landing. But real flying isn’t just take-off and landing.

There’s preparation. Taxiing. Climbing. Trimming. Listening. Watching. Monitoring. Thinking. Adjusting. Waiting.

If you let the flight breathe, it feels more real. And that doesn’t mean every flight needs to be long — a focused 20-minute flight can be very immersive if you treat it properly.

18. Let Each Aircraft Feel Different

Different aircraft shouldn’t all feel the same.

A Cessna shouldn’t feel like an Airbus. A turboprop shouldn’t feel like a jet. A taildragger shouldn’t feel like a modern trainer.

Try flying different types and notice how they behave — how quickly they accelerate, how they climb, how they respond to rudder, how they approach and land, how much trim they need, how much workload they create.

This makes the simulator feel richer and more varied over time.

19. Use Checklists Without Becoming a Slave to Them

Checklists can add immersion, but they shouldn’t turn the flight into a chore — unless that’s what you enjoy.

For complex aircraft, checklists are genuinely useful. For casual scenic flying, a simple flow may be enough. The important thing is to create a rhythm that feels believable:

Pre-flight setup → Engine start → Taxi checks → Before take-off → Climb → Cruise → Descent → Approach → Landing → Shutdown

Even a simplified version makes the flight feel more complete.

20. Make the Approach Matter

For most flights, the approach is where immersion peaks.

You’ve flown the route, dealt with the weather, managed the aircraft, and now everything comes together. The runway appears. The aircraft slows. The lights line up. You manage speed, descent rate, configuration, wind, and alignment all at once.

This is where good sound, good visuals, good controls, and live weather all combine.

Don’t rush it. Set it up properly and enjoy it.

21. Real Pilot Tip: Keep Your Scan Alive

In real flying, your eyes are always moving. You’re not staring at one instrument or one part of the screen.

You’re scanning. Outside. Instruments. Attitude. Airspeed. Altitude. Engine. Weather. Runway. Back outside again.

This habit makes a big difference in the simulator. If you fly with a more active scan, the aircraft feels more real — because you’re behaving more like a pilot than a passenger watching a screen.

22. A Suggested Immersion Upgrade Path

If I were building immersion step by step, I wouldn’t start with the most expensive option. I’d build it gradually.

Step 1: Improve the flying environment

• Dim the lights and reduce distractions
• Improve seating position
• Set up a clean, comfortable flying space

Step 2: Improve the sound

• Use good headphones or speakers
• Consider a subwoofer
• Adjust engine and cockpit sound levels

Step 3: Improve the view

• Adjust your field of view
• Set up useful cockpit camera views
• Consider head tracking
• Consider an ultrawide monitor

Step 4: Improve the controls

• Joystick or yoke
• Throttle quadrant
• Rudder pedals
• Button box or Stream Deck if useful

Step 5: Add purpose

• Use live weather
• Plan real routes
• Try passenger or mission-style add-ons
• Use better ATC

This approach gives you noticeable improvements at every stage without feeling like you have to buy everything at once.

23. Add-ons Worth Considering

Rather than naming one “best” add-on, here’s a breakdown by category:

Flight planning: SimBrief, Navigraph — useful if you enjoy IFR flying, airliner operations, and real-world procedures.

ATC: BeyondATC and similar tools can make the airspace feel alive and give your flights more structure.

Passenger and airline immersion. Cabin announcement tools, passenger simulation, virtual airline, or career-style tools are useful if you want flights to feel purposeful.

Ground handling: Pushback tools, boarding and baggage simulation, ground services — especially good for airliner flying.

Camera and motion effects: Subtle touchdown, ground roll, turbulence, and cockpit vibration effects — great when kept subtle.

24. Common Mistakes That Break Immersion

A few things that can quietly pull you out of the experience:

• Using too many add-ons at once
• Leaving menus and toolbars open
• Flying with poor or thin sound
• Using unrealistic camera angles all the time
• Ignoring weather completely
• Rushing every flight
• Using a field of view that feels unnatural
• Flying only in perfect conditions
• Turning every flight into a technical exercise

Immersion is about balance. Too little realism can make the sim feel shallow. Too much complexity can make it feel like work. The sweet spot is where the flight feels believable and enjoyable.

25. The Most Immersive Setup Is the One You Actually Use

It’s easy to look at expensive cockpit builds and think that’s the only way to enjoy flight simulation properly.

It isn’t.

A large monitor, good sound, decent controls, live weather, and thoughtful flying can create a wonderful experience. You don’t need to own everything — you need a setup that makes you want to fly.

That might be a simple joystick and headphones. It might be an ultrawide and rudder pedals. It might be a full yoke and throttle setup with a speaker system. Or it might be VR. The right answer is whatever keeps you interested.

Final Thoughts

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 can be a lot of different things. A serious aviation tool. A scenic world explorer. A relaxing evening escape. A way to recreate real flights, visit famous airports, or simply enjoy being airborne.

For me, immersion is where the magic lives.

It’s that moment when you stop thinking about the computer and start thinking about the aircraft. The runway ahead. The weather outside. The sound of the engine. The glow of the cockpit at night. The coastline beneath you. The descent into somewhere familiar.

You can improve that feeling with better hardware, better sound, better lighting, better add-ons, and better planning. But you can also improve it simply by slowing down, choosing flights that mean something to you, and letting yourself enjoy the journey.

And sometimes, that’s the most realistic thing of all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to make MSFS 2024 more immersive?

Start with your display, sound, and flying environment. A larger monitor, better speakers or headphones, dim room lighting, live weather, and a comfortable setup can make a huge difference without spending a lot.

Do I need VR for immersion in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?

No. VR can be incredibly immersive, but a good ultrawide monitor with head tracking and quality sound can create a very convincing experience too.

Are add-ons necessary for immersion?

Not at all — but the right ones help. ATC, passenger, ground service, camera, and flight planning add-ons can make flights feel more alive and purposeful.

What hardware should I upgrade first?

For most simmers, sound, head tracking, flight controls, and display upgrades are usually the most impactful starting points.

Is an ultrawide monitor good for flight simulation?

Yes, it’s a great fit. The wider field of view helps with situational awareness, cockpit presence, and scenery — and it generally looks fantastic.

Is OLED worth it for MSFS 2024?

OLED can be excellent, especially for night flying, cockpit lighting, and high-contrast scenes. Just weigh up price, screen size, brightness, and burn-in concerns before buying.

Can I make MSFS 2024 immersive on a budget?

Absolutely. Dim the lights, use live weather, adjust camera views, improve sound if you can, fly meaningful routes, and slow down. You don’t need an expensive setup to have an immersive flight.

I’ve been thinking about upgrading my monitor for Microsoft Flight Simulator for quite some time now.

Like many simmers, I’ve watched countless YouTube videos, read forum discussions, and spent more time than I care to admit looking at OLED monitors online. Every time I see those deep blacks, vibrant colours, and incredible contrast, I find myself wondering whether now is finally the time to upgrade.

Yet here I am, still flying on my trusty 34-inch ultrawide monitor.

This isn’t a review of OLED monitors, and it certainly isn’t a buying guide. Instead, it’s simply my thoughts as a flight simmer who is genuinely considering an OLED upgrade but hasn’t quite convinced himself to spend the money yet.

My Current Monitor Still Does a Good Job

Before talking about OLED, it’s only fair to talk about what I’m currently using.

My monitor is a Samsung 34-inch ultrawide display, and for Microsoft Flight Simulator, it does a surprisingly good job. The extra width helps with immersion, the image quality is perfectly respectable, and it gives me plenty of screen space for flight planning, charts, and simulator windows.

In truth, there is nothing wrong with it.

That’s one of the reasons I’ve delayed upgrading. It’s much easier to justify replacing something that is failing than replacing something that continues to perform well.

What Attracts Me to OLED?

The answer is simple.

OLED monitors look incredible.

Whenever I watch a good flight simulator video filmed on an OLED display, the image immediately catches my attention.

What stands out most is the contrast.

• Blacker blacks
• Brighter highlights
• Richer colours
• More depth in cloud scenes
• Better sunrise and sunset visuals
• Improved night flying atmosphere

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most visually impressive games ever created, and OLED seems perfectly suited to showing off those visuals.

The Problem Is the Price

This is where things start becoming difficult.

A decent OLED monitor isn’t cheap.

Depending on the model, many of the displays I’m interested in cost somewhere between $1,500 and 2,500 Australian dollars.

That’s a significant amount of money.

For that sort of investment, I need to be convinced that the improvement will be genuinely worthwhile.

It’s not enough for something to be better. It has to be enough better to justify spending the money.

Burn-In Still Concerns Me

Even though OLED technology has improved considerably, burn-in remains one of the concerns that keeps appearing in discussions.

Flight simulators often display static information for long periods.

• Instrument panels
• Toolbar icons
• Navigation displays
• Menu systems
• Windows taskbars

Manufacturers have introduced various protections to reduce the risk, but the concern still lingers in the back of my mind.

If I’m spending thousands of dollars on a monitor, I want confidence that it will still be performing well several years down the track.

What Other Simmers Are Saying

The opinions seem divided.

Some simmers claim OLED was the single biggest visual upgrade they have ever made.

Others acknowledge that it looks fantastic but feel the difference isn’t large enough to justify the price.

That makes the decision even harder.

When everyone agrees on something, buying decisions are easy. When opinions are split, it becomes much more difficult to know what to do.

Would OLED Improve My Flying?

No.

And that’s worth remembering.

An OLED monitor won’t make me a better pilot.

It won’t improve my landings.

It won’t help me manage an approach any better.

What it will do is improve the visual experience.

That might sound obvious, but it’s important because sometimes we can convince ourselves that a hardware upgrade will transform everything.

Often it simply makes an already enjoyable hobby look even better.

What Would Convince Me to Buy One?

There are several things.

Lower Prices

OLED prices have already started falling, and I expect that trend to continue.

Long-Term Reliability Data

The more years OLED monitors spend in the market, the more confidence buyers gain.

Better Warranties

A strong warranty helps remove some of the uncertainty.

Seeing One in Person

Videos are useful, but nothing beats seeing a monitor with your own eyes.

Real Pilot Tip

One thing I’ve learned from both real-world flying and flight simulation is that the most expensive equipment isn’t always the most important.

A good monitor is nice to have, but good flying, good planning, and enjoying the experience matter far more than having the latest hardware.

Sometimes it’s worth appreciating what you already have while waiting for technology to mature further.

Common Mistakes When Shopping for a Flight Simulator Monitor

• Focusing only on screen size.
• Ignoring warranty coverage.
• Buying based solely on YouTube videos.
• Assuming more expensive automatically means better.
• Not considering desk space.
• Forgetting about GPU requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is OLED worth it for Microsoft Flight Simulator?

For many simmers, yes. The visual quality can be exceptional. Whether it’s worth the cost depends on your budget and expectations.

Is burn-in still a problem?

Modern OLED displays are much better than early generations, but it remains a concern for some buyers.

What size monitor is best for flight simulation?

That depends on your setup, but many simmers prefer ultrawide monitors between 34 and 49 inches.

Would I buy an OLED today?

At the moment, I’m still undecided.

My Thoughts Right Now

OLED is clearly an impressive technology.

Every time I look at one, I understand why so many people love them.

At the same time, I’m not convinced that rushing out and spending thousands of dollars is necessarily the right move for me right now.

My current monitor still performs well, and until I’m completely comfortable with the value proposition, I’ll probably keep flying with what I already have.

That may change tomorrow, next month, or next year.

For now, the research continues.

Summary

If you’re considering an OLED monitor for Microsoft Flight Simulator, you’re certainly not alone. I’ve been looking at them myself for quite some time.

They offer stunning image quality and can make the simulator look spectacular. However, they’re still expensive, and there are legitimate questions about long-term value, reliability, and whether the improvement justifies the cost.

For now, I’m still sitting on the fence. But if I eventually take the plunge and buy one, I’ll return to this article and share my real-world experience after living with it for a while.

Future Update

If I eventually purchase an OLED monitor, I’ll update this article with my impressions, what I liked, what I didn’t like, and whether I believe the upgrade was worth the money for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Stay tuned.

the base.

Last updated: June 2026

MSFS 2024 Xbox controller camera setup. If you’re after smoother cinematic camera shots in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, an Xbox controller is one of the best and easiest ways to go. You can still fly with your normal joystick, yoke, throttle, or pedals, but use the Xbox controller purely for camera movement, drone shots, slow pans, screenshots, and video recording.

I’ve been looking at getting back into making flight simulator videos again, and one thing that really stands out in good MSFS videos is the camera work. Smooth pans, gentle fly-bys, slow cockpit movements, and steady external shots can make a simple flight look far more professional.

The good news is that you don’t need a complicated setup to start. A standard wireless Xbox controller can work really well for cinematic camera control in MSFS 2024.

Why Use an Xbox Controller for MSFS Camera Shots?

For normal flying, I still prefer proper flight controls. A joystick, yoke, throttle, and pedals feel much more natural for actually controlling the aircraft. But for camera work, an Xbox controller makes a lot of sense.

The thumbsticks are ideal for slow, smooth movement. Instead of stabbing at keyboard keys and getting sudden jumps, you can gently ease the camera around the aircraft or through the cockpit.

An Xbox controller is especially useful for:

• Slow cinematic pans around the aircraft
• Drone camera shots
• Smooth external views
• Cockpit detail shots
• Take-off and landing fly-bys
• Scenic route videos
• YouTube showcase footage

For me, the idea is simple: fly the aircraft with my normal flight sim controls, then use the Xbox controller as a separate camera tool.

What You Need

• A wireless Xbox controller
• A Windows PC with Bluetooth, or an Xbox wireless adapter
• Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
• Your normal flight sim controls if you use them
• A little patience while setting up the camera controls

You can use the Xbox controller wired with a USB cable if you prefer. In fact, if you have Bluetooth connection issues, using a cable is often the simplest option.

Step 1: Connect the Xbox Controller to Windows

Bluetooth Method

1. Turn on the Xbox controller by pressing the Xbox button.
2. Hold the small pairing button on the controller until the Xbox light starts flashing.
3. On your PC, open Settings.
4. Go to Bluetooth & devices.
5. Select Add device.
6. Choose Bluetooth.
7. Select your Xbox controller when it appears.
8. Wait until Windows says the controller is connected.

USB Cable Method

1. Plug the Xbox controller into the PC using a USB cable.
2. Wait for Windows to recognise it.
3. Open MSFS 2024 once the controller is detected.

If you are setting this up for video work, I would probably use the most reliable connection possible. If Bluetooth behaves itself, that is fine. If it drops out or feels delayed, use a cable.

Step 2: Check the Controller in MSFS 2024

1. Go to Options.
2. Open Controls.
3. Look for the Xbox controller in the list of connected devices.
4. Select the controller.
5. Check whether MSFS has assigned a default profile.

In many cases, MSFS will recognise the Xbox controller automatically. If it does, you can start by testing the default assignments before changing anything.

Step 3: Create a Separate Camera Profile

This is very important. I do not recommend using the same Xbox controller profile for both flying and camera work if you already have proper flight controls.

Create a separate profile and name it something simple, such as:

• Cinematic Camera
• Video Camera
• Drone Camera Xbox

The reason is simple. You do not want the Xbox controller moving your aircraft controls when you are trying to film a slow pan or drone shot.

Step 4: Decide How You Want to Use the Controller

I suggest using the Xbox controller only as a camera controller.

That means:

• Your joystick, yoke, throttle, and pedals control the aircraft
• The Xbox controller controls the camera
• Your keyboard remains available for shortcuts
• Your mouse is still useful for cockpit interaction

This keeps things simple and avoids accidentally moving flight controls while trying to film a video sequence.

Step 5: Setting Up the Drone Camera

The drone camera is one of the best tools for cinematic footage in MSFS 2024. It allows you to move the camera independently of the aircraft. That makes it perfect for dramatic angles, aircraft walk-arounds, runway shots, and smooth fly-bys.

To access the drone camera:

1. Start a flight.
2. Move your mouse to the top of the screen to open the toolbar.
3. Open the camera menu.
4. Choose the drone or showcase camera option.

You may also have a keyboard shortcut assigned for drone camera. On many systems this is Insert, but do not assume it is the same on every setup. If it does not work, search your keyboard controls for Drone Camera.

Step 6: Recommended Xbox Controller Camera Layout

This is the basic layout I would use for cinematic filming:

Controller Input	Camera Function
Left Stick X Axis	Drone X Translation Axis / Move left and right
Left Stick Y Axis	Drone Y Translation Axis / Move forward and backward
Right Stick X Axis	Drone Yaw Axis / Look left and right
Right Stick Y Axis	Drone Pitch Axis / Look up and down
Left Trigger	Move camera down
Right Trigger	Move camera up
LB	Decrease drone speed
RB	Increase drone speed

The exact names may vary slightly depending on your MSFS 2024 control screen, but the principle is the same: left stick moves the camera, right stick aims the camera, and the bumpers adjust speed.

Step 7: My Suggested Sensitivity Settings

These are not magic numbers, but they are a good starting point for smoother video work.

If those settings still feel too fast, do not keep endlessly adjusting sensitivity. The bigger setting is often the actual Drone Speed, which is separate from stick sensitivity.

Step 8: Adjust Drone Camera Speed

This is where cinematic camera work really starts to improve.

If the drone camera moves too quickly, your footage will look jerky and rushed. For smooth video, slow is usually better.

Look for these commands in the camera controls:

• Increase Drone Translation Speed
• Decrease Drone Translation Speed
• Increase Drone Rotation Speed
• Decrease Drone Rotation Speed
• Increase Drone Speed
• Decrease Drone Speed

I strongly recommend assigning speed controls to easy buttons, such as:

• LB: Decrease Drone Speed
• RB: Increase Drone Speed

That way, when you are filming, you can quickly slow the drone right down for a gentle pan, then speed it up again when you need to reposition the camera.

Step 9: Turn Off Drone Follow Mode for Free Camera Movement

If the drone camera feels locked to the aircraft, look for an option called Drone Follow Mode or similar.

For many cinematic shots, you will want to turn follow mode off. This allows the camera to move more freely instead of being fixed to the aircraft.

This is especially useful for:

• Aircraft fly-bys
• Runway departure shots
• Landing shots
• Scenic shots where the aircraft passes through the frame
• Static camera views beside the runway

Step 10: Toggle Plane Control

One important camera command in Microsoft Flight Simulator is Toggle Plane Control. This allows you to control the aircraft while you are in drone camera mode.

That can be useful, but it can also cause confusion. If your controller suddenly seems to be controlling the aircraft instead of the camera, this is one of the first things to check.

For smooth video recording, I prefer to keep things simple:

• Set the aircraft up safely first
• Use autopilot where suitable
• Then work the camera
• Avoid trying to hand-fly and film complex shots at the same time

Trying to fly and film at the same time can get messy very quickly, especially near the ground.

Real Pilot Tip

In the real world, you would never let camera work distract you from flying the aircraft. The same idea applies in the simulator if you want smooth and believable footage.

Set the aircraft up first. Trim it, stabilise it, use autopilot if appropriate, and make sure it is doing what you want. Then start working on the camera shot.

Good flying makes good footage easier.

Step 11: ChasePlane and MSFS Camera Controls

This was the biggest lesson from my own setup.

I use ChasePlane, and it is a very useful camera tool. But while setting up the Xbox controller for MSFS 2024 camera work, ChasePlane was clearly affecting the way the controller behaved.

The symptoms were:

• The drone camera appeared to activate
• The mouse could look around
• The Xbox controller still affected aircraft controls
• Keyboard drone movement did not behave as expected
• Camera commands seemed confusing or inconsistent

Once I disabled ChasePlane, the Xbox controller started behaving properly with the native MSFS camera system.

Step 12: Practise Slow Pans

The biggest mistake with cinematic camera movement is going too fast.

For a slow pan:

1. Put the aircraft in a stable flight condition.
2. Enter drone camera mode.
3. Move the right thumbstick very gently.
4. Hold the movement steady.
5. Avoid sudden corrections.
6. Let the aircraft move through the shot naturally.

If the camera movement feels too twitchy, lower the drone camera speed first, then fine-tune sensitivity later.

Step 13: Use the Controller for Scenic Flight Videos

For scenic videos, the Xbox controller is especially useful. You can set up simple shots that make the flight look much more polished.

Good shots to practise

• Slow pan around the parked aircraft before take-off
• Low side view during taxi
• Runway edge view during take-off
• External rear view during climb-out
• Wing view during cruise
• Gentle orbit around the aircraft near the scenery
• A static camera near the runway for landing

These shots are simple, but they can make a video feel much more professional.

Common Mistakes

Moving the camera too quickly

This is the big one. Fast camera moves can make a video look rushed. Slow it down and let the aircraft do most of the work.

Changing views too often

Constantly jumping between views can be distracting. Hold a shot for a few seconds so the viewer can enjoy it.

Trying to fly and film manually at the same time

This can be done, but it is not the easiest way to start. Use autopilot where it makes sense.

Leaving the camera too close to the aircraft

Sometimes pulling the camera back gives a much better sense of scale, especially around mountains, clouds, coastlines, and city scenery.

Ignoring the light

Golden hour lighting can make a massive difference in MSFS. Early morning and late afternoon often look much better than harsh midday light.

Troubleshooting

The Xbox controller is not showing in MSFS 2024

• Check that Windows sees the controller first.
• Try turning Bluetooth off and on again.
• Reconnect the controller.
• Try a USB cable.
• Restart MSFS after connecting the controller.

The Xbox controller moves the aircraft instead of the camera

• Check whether the Xbox controller still has an active Airplanes Controls profile.
• Set Airplanes Controls to None if you only want the controller for camera work.
• Check for aileron, elevator, throttle, and rudder conflicts.
• Temporarily disable ChasePlane and test again.

The drone camera activates but will not move

• Confirm that you are actually in Drone Camera mode.
• Check Drone X Translation Axis and Drone Y Translation Axis assignments.
• Check Drone Follow Mode.
• Check Toggle Plane Control.
• Disable ChasePlane temporarily if you use it.

The camera moves too fast

• Lower Drone Translation Speed.
• Lower Drone Rotation Speed.
• Reduce controller sensitivity.
• Lower reactivity.
• Use smaller thumbstick movements.
• Avoid pushing the stick fully unless you want fast movement.

The camera feels locked to the aircraft

• Check whether Drone Follow Mode is turned on.
• Turn follow mode off for free camera movement.
• Try switching between drone, showcase, and external camera modes.

The aircraft stops responding in drone view

• Use the Toggle Plane Control command if needed.
• Check your key bindings.
• Use autopilot before entering drone mode.

My Simple Cinematic Setup

For my own videos, I like to keep the setup fairly simple:

• Use normal flight controls for flying
• Use the Xbox controller for camera movement
• Use the keyboard for important shortcuts
• Use the mouse for cockpit switches and menus
• Use autopilot for stable shots where appropriate
• Disable ChasePlane if it interferes with the native MSFS camera system

That gives you a nice balance. You are not trying to force one controller to do everything.

Best Type of Flight to Practise With

I would not start with a busy airliner approach into a major airport. That is too much going on at once.

A better way to practise is to choose a simple scenic flight. Pick good weather, use daylight or golden hour, and choose an aircraft that is easy to manage.

For practising camera shots, slower aircraft are often better than fast jets. A Cessna, Daher TBM, Cirrus, or smaller twin gives you more time to set up the shot.

Suggested First Practice Session

1. Start on the runway in a small aircraft.
2. Set clear weather.
3. Choose late afternoon light.
4. Take off normally.
5. Climb to a safe height.
6. Engage autopilot if the aircraft has it.
7. Open the drone camera.
8. Practise slow pans around the aircraft.
9. Try one wing view, one rear view, and one wide scenic shot.
10. Record a short test clip and watch it back.

Watching the footage back is important. Sometimes a movement feels slow while you are doing it, but it looks too quick in the final video.

FAQ

Why does my Xbox controller move the aircraft instead of the camera?

Usually because the controller is still assigned to aircraft controls. Check the Xbox controller profile and look for an active Airplanes Controls profile. If you only want the Xbox controller for camera work, set the Airplanes Controls profile to None.

Can ChasePlane interfere with MSFS camera controls?

Yes, it can. In my own testing, ChasePlane was one of the main reasons the Xbox controller did not behave as expected with the native MSFS camera system. Disabling ChasePlane allowed the controller to work properly again.

Do I need ChasePlane for cinematic camera shots?

No. ChasePlane can be useful, but MSFS 2024 already has a powerful camera system. For many simmers, the built-in drone and external camera tools are enough once the Xbox controller is set up properly.

Why does the camera still move too quickly after changing sensitivity?

Because camera speed and stick sensitivity are not always the same thing. If sensitivity changes do not make much difference, reduce Drone Translation Speed and Drone Rotation Speed instead.

Should I use the Xbox controller for flying as well?

You can, but I do not recommend it if you already have a joystick, yoke, throttle, and rudder pedals. I prefer using the Xbox controller purely as a camera tool.

What is the best camera setup for YouTube videos?

Keep it simple. Use your normal flight controls for flying, use the Xbox controller for camera movement, slow the drone speed down, and use autopilot where appropriate. Smooth footage usually comes from stable flying and slow camera movement, not complicated controls.

Final Thoughts

An Xbox controller is a very handy tool for cinematic camera work in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. You do not need to use it for flying the aircraft. In fact, I think it makes more sense to use it as a dedicated camera controller.

The key is to slow everything down. Slow pans, gentle camera movements, good lighting, and stable aircraft control will make a bigger difference than complicated editing.

The biggest lesson from my own setup was this: if the controller keeps acting like an aircraft controller, do not keep endlessly changing drone camera settings. Check the aircraft control profile, check for conflicts, and if you use ChasePlane, disable it temporarily and test again.

If you are planning to make MSFS videos for YouTube, setting up an Xbox controller for camera control is well worth doing. It is one of the simplest ways to make your footage look smoother, more polished, and more enjoyable to watch.