Microsoft Flight Simulator Controls: Best Hardware for MSFS 2024
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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is the most visually advanced civilian flight sim ever released. The world is rendered from real satellite data, the aircraft are modelled to real-world specifications, and the weather is pulled from live data. Running it with a keyboard or gamepad is functional but misses the point entirely. The right hardware makes MSFS what it's meant to be. This guide covers exactly what to buy.
Is MSFS the Most Popular Flight Sim at GGD?
Yes - Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is the most popular flight sim title among GGD customers. The combination of stunning visuals, real-world airports, live weather and an enormous range of aircraft makes it the sim that brings the most people into flight simulation for the first time, and keeps experienced sim pilots coming back.
What Controls Do You Need for MSFS 2024?
Our primary recommendation for MSFS 2024 is a HOTAS setup with rudder pedals. The HOTAS - a joystick and separate throttle - gives you pitch, roll, throttle and system controls across the widest range of MSFS aircraft: jets, helicopters, bush planes and GA aircraft all work naturally with a HOTAS. Pair it with rudder pedals and you have everything you need for the complete MSFS experience from day one.
A yoke is the better choice for sim pilots who fly exclusively civil aviation and airliners in MSFS - it's more ergonomically correct for those aircraft types. But a HOTAS covers everything, and it's the setup we recommend most.
For a deeper look at the HOTAS vs yoke decision, see our HOTAS beginner's guide and our flight simulator controls guide.
MOZA HOTAS for MSFS 2024
MOZA AB6 Flight Simulator Bundle - Entry HOTAS
The MOZA AB6 Flight Simulator Bundle is the cleanest entry into MSFS with proper dedicated controls. A complete HOTAS bundle - joystick and throttle - in a single purchase. Works across jets, helicopters, GA aircraft and space sim titles. The natural starting point for GGD customers setting up MSFS for the first time.
MOZA AB9 FFB Base + MH16 Flightstick Bundle - Force Feedback HOTAS
The MOZA AB9 FFB Base + MH16 Flightstick Bundle adds force feedback to the HOTAS experience. Airspeed, G-loads and control surface load communicated physically through the stick. For MSFS pilots who want the most immersive experience possible, particularly across military aircraft and fast movers.
Rudder Pedals: Complete the Setup
Rudder pedals are the most important add-on to any MSFS setup. Crosswind landings, coordinated turns, helicopters - all require proper rudder input to fly correctly. The Honeycomb Charlie Rudder Pedals are our recommended pairing with any HOTAS or yoke setup.
For Civil Aviation Focus: Honeycomb Yoke + Bravo
For MSFS pilots who fly exclusively GA aircraft and airliners, a yoke and throttle quadrant is the more realistic ergonomic choice. The Honeycomb Alpha Yoke and Bravo Throttle Quadrant are the standard setup for civil aviation in MSFS. The Honeycomb Aeronautical Bundle packages both together.
Head Tracking: NaturalPoint TrackIR 5
The NaturalPoint TrackIR 5 is the accessory that transforms MSFS. Head tracking lets you look around the cockpit naturally - glance left at your wingtip, look up at the altimeter, check the runway on approach. It's one of the most impactful upgrades you can add to any MSFS setup after your main controls.
Recommended MSFS 2024 Setups
Best starter MSFS setup: MOZA AB6 Bundle + Honeycomb Charlie Rudder Pedals. HOTAS and rudder pedals gives you everything you need for jets, helicopters, GA and space sim from day one.
Complete MSFS setup: MOZA AB6 Bundle + Honeycomb Charlie Rudder Pedals + NaturalPoint TrackIR 5. Full immersive setup with head tracking.
Premium MSFS: MOZA AB9 FFB + MH16 Bundle + MOZA MTP Throttle + Honeycomb Charlie Rudder Pedals + TrackIR 5.
Civil aviation focus: Honeycomb Alpha + Bravo Bundle + Honeycomb Charlie Rudder Pedals + TrackIR 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What controls do I need for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
Our primary recommendation is a HOTAS setup (joystick and throttle) paired with rudder pedals. The MOZA AB6 Bundle covers jets, helicopters, GA and space sim from a single purchase. Add rudder pedals and you have a complete MSFS setup.
Is a yoke or HOTAS better for MSFS 2024?
HOTAS is our first recommendation because it covers the widest range of MSFS aircraft - jets, helicopters, bush planes and GA. A yoke is better if you exclusively fly civil aviation and airliners, but a HOTAS is more versatile as a starting point.
Does MOZA work with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
Yes - MOZA flight controls including the AB6 and AB9 FFB Base work with MSFS 2024 on PC.
Does Honeycomb work with MSFS 2024?
Yes - the Honeycomb Alpha Yoke, Bravo Throttle Quadrant and Charlie Rudder Pedals are all natively compatible with MSFS 2024.
What is TrackIR and do I need it for MSFS?
The NaturalPoint TrackIR 5 lets you look around the cockpit by physically moving your head. It's not essential to start but is one of the most impactful upgrades for MSFS immersion - widely considered the best value addition after your main controls.
Where can I try MSFS 2024 controls before buying in Australia?
Gamer Gear Direct's Dandenong South showroom stocks MOZA and Honeycomb flight controls. Visit us to get hands-on before you buy.
Ready to fly? Browse the full MSFS 2024 controls range at Gamer Gear Direct - Australian warranty, fast delivery, and available to try at our Dandenong South showroom.
Written by Kurt Ebrado, Sales Manager at Gamer Gear Direct. With over five years of hands-on experience across sim racing and flight simulation gear, Kurt has helped hundreds of Australian sim enthusiasts find the right setup for their space, budget and goals. If you've ever called the GGD showroom for advice, there's a good chance you've already spoken to him.
