New users can often find promotional trials, such as a 14-day trial for $1 or even free codes bundled with hardware purchases (like ASUS or MSI laptops).

The most common way to play is through a subscription. Both Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 are included at no additional cost for members of Xbox Game Pass for PC and Game Pass Ultimate.

Collaborations like the Stranger Things Expansion or the Top Gun: Maverick content have been released as free downloads within the in-game marketplace.

For those who already own the game or access it via Game Pass, Microsoft provides massive amounts of content for free:

Frequent updates like the recent City Update 14 (Netherlands and Belgium) or California updates are provided at no extra cost to enhance terrain and landmark detail.