NZFF

This might sound a bit dumb, but I've been googling this for a while and not getting a satisfactory answer about MSFS 2020 multiplayer.

I've migrated from the MSFS Microsoft Store version to the Steam Version, as I want to own my software, not lease it.
Currently, paying monthly for XBOX Live Ultimate.

I'm ceasing XBOX Live Ultimate on 1 Feb, as I only use it for MSFS 2020.
Am I still going to have to pay for something like Xbox PC Game Pass ($12/month) to allow me to continue flying multiplayer and see other flyers?

I tried dropping it about 12 months ago, and I lost multiplayer access. But, this could have been due to other factors.

I spotted this in the XBOX FAQ ...

Do I need Xbox Live Gold to play online multiplayer games on PC?

No. There's no additional charge to play online multiplayer games on PC. You will, however, need a wired or wireless internet connection to play online

Are NZFF paying for XBOX Live subscriptions to fly multiplayer in MSFS 2020?
We didn't have to in FSX.

Regards, Dave

My installation is Steam. Never had Live.
I would imagine, worst case, you may need to re-install everything if you haven't already.

Thanks Jeff.

But you must still be logging on to your XBOX Account (in the top right hand corner of the MSFS Server selection screen)

So are you paying somehow for that access, or is it a free account ?

Hey DWF - I do have an XBox account which I use to log in as you say (am playing on a PC) but so far haven't had to shell out for a Gamer Pass or anything Premium to see other traffic/players

ZK-DWF wrote:Thanks Jeff.

But you must still be logging on to your XBOX Account (in the top right hand corner of the MSFS Server selection screen)

So are you paying somehow for that access, or is it a free account ?

I'll check next time I am at my personal computer, but I can confirm I am not paying anything to Microsoft in terms of game pass. I think I pay $3 for extra One-Drive storage and that's about it.

jpreou wrote:

ZK-DWF wrote:Thanks Jeff.

But you must still be logging on to your XBOX Account (in the top right hand corner of the MSFS Server selection screen)

So are you paying somehow for that access, or is it a free account ?

I'll check next time I am at my personal computer, but I can confirm I am not paying anything to Microsoft in terms of game pass. I think I pay $3 for extra One-Drive storage and that's about it.

Yep, I do indeed have an account / login, but confirm no payment for gamepass being made.
Cheers

Thanks guys.

I'm expecting that after my Xbox Ultimate lapses, that my XBOX account will go back to some 'free' state.

I will report back on 2 Feb, with my results.

Just a follow-up to this conversation.

My XBox Game Pass Ultimate lapsed yesterday. As expected, my XBOX account just transferred over to a no 'Game Pass' account.

Just flown MSFS 2020 (with the AAU 01 update) and the multiplayers are visible in the sky.

Thanks to all those flyers who replied.

Regards, Dave

Probably about time we had another one then ... though my office is taken up the next two weeks so I'll have limited access to my computer (guests).
Maybe after the NZ update comes out?

I was going to start next weekend, so that will be the first for this year.