Microsoft’s Flight Simulator: How to Play in VR

One of the most unique gaming experiences that have appeared in recent years has most definitely been Microsoft’s Flight Simulator. While technically a video game, it gives its players absolutely no objectives other than to just be a pilot. Players are given the ability to hop into an airplane of their choosing and fly to any location they wish around the world. The whole world is rendered in incredibly impressive detail, and most players are still finding new things and secrets to uncover.

Those who have been exploring the world through the lens of Microsoft’s Flight Simulator for a while now have a new way of experiencing the game: Virtual Reality. The newest update allows players to turn VR on and pilot planes as if they were actually there. This is an incredible new development for the game, but players will need to know that there are a few prerequisites to making it work. This guide shows players how to activate VR in Microsoft’s Flight Simulator.

Microsoft’s Flight Simulator – How to Activate VR

In order to play the game in VR players will need to make sure of a few things first before trying. For one they will need to be in possession of an OpenXR compatible headset in order to play. This means that anyone who owns any of the big headsets like the Valve Index, HTC Vive, or Oculus Rift should be perfectly fine, but those who own something older or not a part of the big brands will want to check and make sure it is compatible. Players will also need to be in possession of a pretty powerful PC in order to make VR work. A Ryzen 5 1500 X or i5-8400 processor will need to be paired up with a GTX 1080 (or an equivalent) to get the game working just at its minimum specs.

Once players have ensured that their hardware is all compatible with VR they can then begin soaring through the skies. All they have to do is start up a game, make sure that everything is plugged in correctly, and then press CTRL+TAB to switch directly to VR if players are using the default keybindings. Those who are using custom keys may have to do something different, but this can be checked in the game’s control settings.

Microsoft’s Flight Simulator can be played on PC.

About The Author

Cody Peterson
(951 Articles Published)

Cody Peterson is an avid reader and writer. Graduated from Midwestern State University with a BA in English where he worked as an editor for the University literary journal. Currently a freelancer for Screenrant, where he spends most of his time writing guides or reviews. Be warned that any conversation started with him will probably wind up gravitating towards his two dogs, The Adventure Zone, or Kingdom Hearts 2.

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