Few games test your storage like a modern flight simulator. Between a huge base install, streamed scenery, optional world data, and add-on aircraft and airports, a serious sim setup can devour hundreds of gigabytes. If you are planning a drive around one, here is a realistic breakdown so you buy enough space the first time instead of scrambling to free room later.
Where the Space Goes
The base install is only the beginning. Photogrammetry scenery, high-resolution world updates, and cached streamed data grow the footprint substantially over time. Add-ons compound it: detailed study-level aircraft can be several gigabytes each, and payware airports add more. Enthusiasts commonly end up with a footprint far larger than the box suggests.
Realistic Space Budget
| Setup | Approximate space | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base install only | ~130-170 GB | Plus room for updates |
| Base + rolling cache | ~170-220 GB | Cache speeds streamed scenery |
| Base + several add-on aircraft/airports | ~250-350 GB | Payware grows fast |
| Enthusiast library | 400 GB – 1 TB+ | Photogrammetry, mods, liveries |
Because updates and cache grow the install after launch, never size your drive to the base figure alone. Leave generous headroom so the sim and Windows both keep breathing room.
Why an SSD Is Essentially Required
Flight sims stream terrain constantly as you fly, loading textures and mesh data just ahead of the aircraft. On a mechanical hard drive, that streaming stutters and detail pops in late, hurting immersion and smoothness. A SATA SSD is a big improvement, and an NVMe drive is better still for the rolling cache and fast loads. Given how much data streams during flight, solid-state storage is the practical minimum for a good experience.
The Rolling Cache Trick
Enabling a manual rolling cache on a fast SSD stores previously streamed scenery so revisited areas load instantly and without re-downloading. Sizing it to 8-32GB on an NVMe drive can smooth out repeated flights over favorite regions, at the cost of that space. It is one of the best uses of spare SSD capacity for sim fans with data-capped or slower internet.
Managing the Install Over Time
A flight sim is not a set-and-forget install; it grows. World updates add regional detail, marketplace purchases pile up, and the streamed cache expands as you explore. A few habits keep it under control. Review installed add-on scenery and remove regions you never fly, since a handful of detailed cities can reclaim tens of gigabytes. Cap the rolling cache to a size that fits your drive rather than letting it balloon. And keep an eye on total free space, because the sim and Windows both perform worse when the drive is nearly full. If you find the footprint outgrowing a shared drive, moving the sim to its own larger NVMe volume is cleaner than constantly juggling other games around it. Planning for growth from the start beats scrambling for space the night before a big update lands.
FAQ
Can I install a flight simulator on a hard drive to save money?
You can, but the experience suffers. Constant scenery streaming causes stutter and late-loading textures on mechanical drives. If budget forces it, at least put the rolling cache on any SSD you have. For smooth flying, a SATA or NVMe SSD for the whole install is strongly recommended.
How big a drive should I buy for a flight sim plus other games?
For the sim alone with add-ons, plan on 250-500GB dedicated. If it shares a drive with other large games, a 1TB or 2TB NVMe SSD is the comfortable choice, leaving room for the sim’s growth, your other titles, and the free space SSDs need to stay fast.
Bottom Line
Budget at least 200GB for a modern flight simulator with room to grow, and 400GB or more if you plan to add aircraft, airports, and photogrammetry scenery. Install it on an SSD, ideally NVMe, and use a rolling cache on fast storage to smooth repeated flights. A 1TB or 2TB drive is the sweet spot for enthusiasts who want the sim to share space with a broader library.
