How to Use Sim Rate in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Speed Up Long-Haul Flights

Flying for hours in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (MSFS 2024) can feel like a grind, especially on long-haul routes. But fear not! With the Sim Rate feature, you can speed up time, making those endless skies zoom by in no time. Let’s break it all down, plus explore some insider tips and speculate on future updates!

Sim Rate Basics: Setting It Up

Unfortunately, MSFS 2024 doesn’t come with preset controls for Sim Rate, so here’s how to get started:

1. Go to Settings: Navigate to the Controls tab.
2. Search for Sim Rate: Type “Sim Rate” into the search bar.
3. Assign Key Binds: Pick a convenient shortcut like ALT + R to toggle the Sim Rate. Use other keys for increasing or decreasing it.
4. Test During a Flight: Once assigned, press your shortcut keys to adjust time.

For Xbox players, select Sim Rate in the key binding menu and wait for the "Scanning" prompt. Assign buttons wisely to avoid conflicts with flight controls.

 

 

Turning Sim Rate Into a Travel Hack

Want to breeze through Career Mode flights or reach your destination faster? Here’s how:

1. Enable Autopilot: Activate NAV mode to keep your aircraft following its flight plan.
2. Speed It Up: Use your Sim Rate controls to skip the boring stretches.
3. Stay Alert: Monitor your instruments to avoid surprises—especially when approaching your destination.

While this is a fantastic workaround, remember to remain cautious. Autopilot can’t handle everything, especially during turbulent conditions or emergency scenarios.

Pro Tips for Sim Rate Use

• EXP and Credits Stay Intact: Using Sim Rate doesn’t penalize your experience or rewards, so it’s perfect for Career Mode grinding.
• Master Emergency Responses: Practice handling inflight issues at normal speed before relying on fast-forwarding.
• Track Speed Manually: Each press of the Increase Sim Rate button roughly doubles the speed. After four presses, you’ll hit max speed; press Decrease the same number of times to return to normal.
• System Performance Matters: On weaker setups, fast-forwarding can cause lag or even crashes, so use it sparingly if you’re running into frame rate issues.

Speculations: What Could Come Next?

MSFS 2024 focuses heavily on realism, but Sim Rate could use some love. Imagine:

• Real-Time Speed Display: A clear on-screen indicator showing your time adjustment levels.
• Dynamic Fast Travel: A system that lets you skip to certain milestones, like crossing an ocean or nearing an airport.
• Condition-Based Warnings: Alerts when fast-forwarding near weather events or critical parts of your route.

Could a future patch bring these quality-of-life features? With player feedback, anything’s possible!

Fast Forward Like a Pro

Using Sim Rate is the ultimate way to skip the monotony while still enjoying all the realism MSFS 2024 offers. Whether you’re cruising through Career Mode, practicing long-haul routes, or just exploring the skies faster, this feature is a must-know.

So, set up your key binds, take to the skies, and fly smarter—not harder. Who said long-haul flights had to be boring?