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SimAtlas FAQ

SimAtlas is a subscription service for payware Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024 add-ons. Here are answers to the questions we hear most.

Getting started

What is SimAtlas?
SimAtlas is a subscription service for payware Microsoft Flight Simulator add-ons. We built SimAtlas because as simmers ourselves, we were spending way too much time discovering all the amazing add-ons out there, deliberating whether to buy them, and then keeping them updated. We thought there has to be a better and more affordable way to help simmers experience the wide array of great add-ons that exist, and for developers to maximize both their revenue and the number of users who get to enjoy their creations.
What is included in SimAtlas+?
Every payware scenery and tool in the SimAtlas library, for one monthly price. Browse the full list in the scenery library and on the tools page. New add-ons become part of your subscription automatically as they join the library.
Is SimAtlas cheaper than buying add-ons?

If you fly to many different airports, usually yes: one subscription covers the whole payware library. If you only fly one or two airports and want to keep them forever, buying those add-ons can work out better.

See our comparison of SimAtlas and buying add-ons.

Are there free add-ons available?
Yes! Free add-ons in our library are available to everyone. No subscription required. Browse our collection to see what's available for free.
How do I install SimAtlas?
Download our lightweight client, run the installer, and you're done. The client runs in the background and handles everything automatically.
What does the SimAtlas client do?
The SimAtlas client securely installs, updates, and manages all add-ons, with no manual ZIP files or Community folder work. Make sure to open the client before you start MSFS and keep it open for the duration of the MSFS session, or included add-ons will not work.
How does SimAtlas work with developers?
We license add-ons directly from developers and they receive a significant majority of all subscription revenue we collect. In return, our subscribers get access to their commercial work. It's a win-win that supports the flight sim creator community.

Compatibility

Which simulators are supported?
  • Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS 2020)
  • Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (MSFS 2024)
Does it work on Xbox / PlayStation?
No, it's for PC only.
Can I use other add-ons?
Sure! Your existing add-ons will continue working just fine.
Does SimAtlas work with FSLTL, AI Traffic, and GSX?
Yes! FSLTL, AI Traffic, and GSX are all fully supported. GSX profiles for included sceneries can be installed automatically through the SimAtlas client.
Are there any known limitations?
  • SimAtlas does not work when MSFS is running in admin mode or developer mode
  • Some tools that read the Community folder directly (e.g., LittleNavMap) may not work correctly with SimAtlas add-ons

Performance and technical

Does SimAtlas affect my loading times / fps?

SimAtlas works just like any other add-on. The more scenery you have enabled, the longer MSFS takes to load. However, there is no additional performance impact from SimAtlas itself, only from the scenery you choose to enable.

The good news: Enabling and disabling sceneries with SimAtlas is incredibly easy. We recommend enabling only the airports you're actively flying to keep loading times fast. You can enable/disable sceneries anytime with one click. No file management needed.

FPS Impact: SimAtlas adds almost no observable FPS overhead. Any FPS impact comes purely from the scenery itself, exactly as if you'd installed it manually.

How much disk space do I need?

Each add-on ranges from a few MB to several GB. We recommend at least 50 GB of free space.

Downloaded scenery stays on your disk (even when disabled) so you can re-enable airports instantly without re-downloading. You can manually remove scenery anytime through the client if you need to free up space.

Do I need a fast internet connection?
Enabled add-ons are downloaded in advance, so they are ready on your disk before you launch MSFS.
Does SimAtlas work offline?
Once your enabled add-ons have finished downloading, the scenery data stays on your disk. You will still need internet access to launch SimAtlas, but the amount of data exchanged at launch is minimal.
How does SimAtlas handle add-on updates?
When developers release updates, SimAtlas intelligently downloads only the changed files, not the entire add-on. This means faster updates and less bandwidth usage, keeping your add-ons current with minimal wait time.
Does SimAtlas install a driver?

Yes. SimAtlas installs a copy-protection driver to securely deliver your simulator packages. It is developed by Callback Technologies, whose filesystem components have been trusted by Fortune 500 companies for over two decades.

  • Microsoft-signed and recognized by Windows
  • Does not access the internet
  • Can be uninstalled at any time

Billing and account

How do I cancel my subscription?
We bill monthly with no contracts or commitments. Cancel anytime from your account dashboard. No questions asked, no hoops to jump through. You'll keep access until your current billing period ends.
What happens if I cancel?
To ensure developers get fairly rewarded, we implement content protection so that only active subscribers can use the included add-ons. After your subscription expires, you will lose access to the included paid add-ons.
Can I get a refund?

Subscription fees are generally non-refundable, except for persistent technical issues our support cannot fix, duplicate charges, or unauthorized transactions. Full details are in our refund policy.

Can I use SimAtlas on multiple PCs?
Yes! Your subscription works on any PC where you're signed in. Just install the client on each device. A single account cannot be used simultaneously on multiple machines.

Still unsure? Read our comparison of SimAtlas and buying add-ons, ask on our Discord, or contact us.