Is there Microsoft Flight Simulator for Mac?
Microsoft Flight Sim (MSFS) is a flight simulator game that allows players to experience the beauty and thrill of flying with a variety of aircraft. Currently, there is no native Microsoft Flight Sim for Mac version, however there are a few workarounds that can help you play it on a Mac, and we will discuss them in this article. Please check the instructions below if you want to get as near as possible to the original experience of playing the Windows PC version of the game on your Mac.
Flight Simulator is a highly demanding game that requires a powerful computer to run smoothly. While the game is available on Xbox Series X|S and PC, it is not officially supported on Mac. However, it is possible to run it on a Mac using a Windows virtual machine.
FSX will run on your Mac if you create a Windows environment on it. A simple solution is to install Parallels or use Boot Camp and set up a Windows OS with their help.
The game is not available to play natively on Mac, and we cannot guarantee that it will perform correctly on an emulator. However, Microsoft Flight Simulator is available on PC and can be played on a laptop that meets the minimum system requirements.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is available on PC Windows 10 via the Microsoft Store and Steam. The Xbox Series X|S was released on July 27th, 2021.
In order to run Microsoft Flight Simulator, the minimum system requirements include an Intel i5-4460 or an AMD Ryzen 3 1200 CPU, paired with an Nvidia GTX 770 or AMD RX 570 graphics card. Additionally, you’ll need at least 8GB of RAM. However, it is important to note that Flight Simulator is a demanding game and higher-end components will result in better performance and a more enjoyable experience.
Flight simulators are used by pilots in training to simulate various types of scenarios, from basic cockpit procedures to full-motion simulations of real-life scenarios. Flight schools often use simulators like these to provide a safe and cost-effective way for pilots to train and gain experience.
Are there other Flight Simulator Mac games?
Although Microsoft Flight Simulator is the most popular flight sim, there are other great titles in the same genre, including ones with Mac support, that you can try on your Apple machine. So, if you are interested in playing a flight sim game but prefer it to have native support for your machine, then you should check the end of this post, where we’ve included several alternatives to MSFS that we are certain a lot of you will greatly enjoy!
So can you play MSFS on Mac?
Fans can play MSFS on Mac in several ways on their Macs, despite the fact that the game has no official macOS version. Of course, what they need to use are some workaround methods. A very convenient solution, that can give you a good gaming experience, is to use the Xbox Cloud Gaming service, which lets you play the game without even needing to download it. As of the time of writing this, Microsoft Flight Simulator is available there and can be played through the service on any Mac. Another option is to install Windows OS on your Mac with the help of Parallels or Boot Camp Assistant to be able to download and play MSFS for Windows. Below, we’ll give you detailed instructions on exactly how to do that.
But can you also run Microsoft Flight Simulator on MacBook M1 or M2
If you follow our Xbox Cloud Gaming instructions, you’ll be able to play Microsoft Flight Simulator on any Mac, including M1 and M2 MacBooks. And on the off-chance the game gets removed from that service, you can still play it by first setting up Windows on your Mac. While the Boot Camp method won’t work here, you can play Microsoft Flight Simulator on M1/M2 MacBooks using Parallels, which is a versatile app that’s compatible with both Intel and Apple Silicon Mac models. However, we should mention that gaming through this app should be done on more powerful MacBooks and won’t work great if your Mac is older, and its hardware is on the weaker side.
How to play Microsoft Flight Simulator on macOS?
Currently the best way to play Microsoft Flight Simulator on macOS is through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Subscribing to this plan gives you access to the game itself, a large library of other popular gaming titles, and to the cloud gaming platform through which you’ll be able to run MSFS on your Mac. As mentioned, the other options to play this game on an Apple computer is to download its PC version after having installed Windows on the Mac. Instructions on how to get the Windows OS on your Mac will be provided further down this post.
Play Microsoft Flight Sim on Mac with Xbox Game Pass
If you’re looking for a way to play Microsoft Flight Simulator on your Mac, using the XCloud platform included in the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan is one of the best options available. This plan provides you with access to the cloud platform itself, as well as to a vast collection of games, including Microsoft Flight Simulator, all for a monthly fee of $14.99.
With an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Plan subscription, you’ll be able to play Microsoft Flight Simulator on your Mac via the Xbox Cloud Gaming service. This cost-efficient plan allows gaming enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite titles without breaking the bank, and it’s an excellent choice for Mac gamers who want to access hundreds of games without the need to own them separately.
Xbox Game Pass Instructions
- Sign up for Xbox Game Pass and then join the Ultimate Plan.
- A Microsoft account will be required to proceed. Create one if you don’t have already. Once you join Game Pass, you will need to do one additional step if you are using the cloud solution: In case you don’t have a controller, download an extension that emulates it for keyboard and mouse for Chrome.
- Then use the search box to search for the game and, once you find it, you will be ready to play MSFS.
Other Methods to Play Microsoft Flight Simulator on Mac
In addition to the cloud gaming option described above, owners of Macs can also learn how to use Parallels and/or Boot Camp Assistant to emulate Windows and play Microsoft Flight Simulator on Mac. Here we have detailed guides for these two programs, but please note that the gaming performance that you can get with them may vary between Mac models.
Other Flight Simulator Mac Games
Here are our other suggestions for Flight Simulator games you can play on your Mac. Each of the following games is natively supported for macOS systems, so you can easily download and play them on your Mac in case you don’t want to use any of the suggested workarounds for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Sky Rogue
Sky Rogue takes the flight simulation genre and adds a lively, stylized aesthetic that sharply contrasts with the photorealistic approach of MSFS. This indie game sports vibrant, retro-style graphics and offers a blend of flight simulation with exciting air combat. Its physics might not be as granular as MSFS, but the simplified, arcade-like controls make it easily accessible. It’s an excellent choice for gamers seeking fast-paced action and a more relaxed flying experience. Sky Rogue might not provide the immersive world tour of MSFS, but it offers its own unique charm and thrilling gameplay, perfect for those afternoons when you just want to blow stuff up in a brightly colored sky.
X-Plane 11
In the flight simulation sphere, X-Plane 11 shines brightly as a compelling challenger to Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS). This title is lauded for its realistic physics and flight dynamics, making it a favorite among serious enthusiasts and even professional pilots. Unlike MSFS, X-Plane 11 boasts of an open-source ethos, letting the community create a wide range of mods and custom content. However, when it comes to visuals, it doesn’t quite match up to MSFS’s strikingly realistic environments. The graphical interface of X-Plane 11 may feel a bit less polished, but don’t let that fool you! This simulator offers you a lifelike flight experience that can test and hone your piloting skills.
Sky Gamblers: Storm Riders 2
Sky Gamblers: Storm Raiders 2 brings an action-filled aerial combat spin to flight simulation. Although not as hyper-realistic as MSFS in terms of graphics and physics, it offers a truly engaging, arcade-style gameplay experience. You’ll participate in thrilling dogfights and master a diverse fleet of World War II-era aircraft. The focus here is more on the adrenaline rush of combat rather than the intricate details of flight controls or navigation. While it might not fulfill the desires of hardcore flight sim enthusiasts, its accessible gameplay and cinematic air battles make it a solid alternative for action-lovers.
Aerofly FS 4 Flight Simulator
If you’re on the hunt for a rich and expansive flight simulation experience, Aerofly FS 4 Flight Simulator could be your next cockpit. Much like MSFS, Aerofly FS 4 is firmly rooted in simulation, yet it manages to cater to pilots of all levels with a variety of assistive features to help novices master the art of flying.
The game truly excels with its meticulous detail to airports and aircraft, and the highlight is undoubtedly its myriad of routes – over ten thousand to be precise. Whether you fancy taking a small two-seater for a quick local jaunt or helming a massive airliner on a long-haul journey, Aerofly FS 4 has you covered. And the addition of helicopters and fighter jets adds further versatility to your flight experiences.
Running smoothly on M1, Aerofly FS 4 does come with a significant storage requirement of 100GB due to its high-resolution textures. Intel users, worry not, you can still join the fun, given you have a quad-core processor. While it may not possess the hyper-realistic global scenery of Microsoft Flight Simulator, Aerofly FS 4 offers a splendid simulation environment that’s sure to please the aviation enthusiast within you.
There’s no boot camp on the latest MacBooks and the older ones aren’t well equipped graphically… how is gameplay, say, on the most current x86 MBP? 2019 w/AMD 5600? (The highest bto option apple offered before the M series SOCs were implemented)