If you're anything like me, the recent storm around the new Microsoft Flight Simulator has you itching to play. Unfortunately for me, the only computer on hand was the lightweight laptop I use for work, which means the game is unplayable on my local machine.
Enter the solution: cloud gaming
I'm going to share with you a simple process that you can use to play Microsoft Flight Simulator (or any game you own for that matter), running maxed out settings and getting 60 fps, regardless of your computer, for as low as 45 cents an hour.
Setting up the Paperspace cloud gaming machine
Step 1: Download Parsec on your local machine.
Once you have launched it, you should see an empty connect screen like this. You won't have access to any servers until we complete the next step.
Step 2: Set up a Paperspace gaming machine.
After signing up for Paperspace, navigate to CORE and hit the Launch Console button in the upper right hand corner.
Be sure to watch the helpful video below so you make sure you launch the correct Parsec machine type.
Protip: Use the promo code GL60LD to get $10 free credit on Paperspace.
Step 3: After you've created your new machine, you can access the desktop via the browser in the Paperspace machines tab. Connect to the machine by clicking on it, and use the browser interface to log into Parsec on the remote host.
Now you can go back to the Parsec app on your local computer and click Reload on the connect page. You should see your instance up!
Press Connect and play!
Next Steps and Tips
Before you press connect in the Parsec app, make sure the in-browser view of the Paperspace machine has been closed out. I have had trouble with the mouse when the in-browser window is open and simultaneously connecting via Parsec.
This is a pay-per-minute solution. The recommended machine type, P5000, is currently at 78 cents an hour, but if you boot up your machine only for 10 minutes, you will only be charged for 10 minutes.
If you're keen on playing Microsoft Flight Simulator at the absolute maximum settings, select the P6000 machine type. It's a little more expensive per hour, but this machine will have no problem playing at max settings. You may need to submit a request to Paperspace to unlock the P6000 machine, but they usually get back to you within the hour and it shouldn't be a problem.
Finally, because this is ultimately a remote desktop type of solution - you REALLY need to be plugged in via ethernet. Wifi can work, but you may experience fuzziness in the stream quality. Also, when creating the initial machine, be sure to pick a Paperspace region closest to your own region, for minimum latency / input lag.
Optimizations
We need to adjust the Parsec configuration file from its default settings on both the host (Paperspace machine) and the client (the computer you are using locally). This will drastically increase the quality of the game play.
On both the host and client machines, navigate to settings > edit configuration file directly (bottom of page):
Paste these at the bottom of the file, save, and restart the Parsec application.
client_vsync = 0
client_decoder_h265 = true
encoder_bitrate = 100
encoder_min_bitrate = 100
encoder_h265 = 1
If you do not restart Parsec, these settings may be overwritten if you change anything else.
These settings should optimize performance, and you can find out more about them here.
I don't generally recommend increasing FPS past 60 unless your monitor supports it, as it takes more bandwidth and can potentially lower stream quality if your internet connection isn't great. Likewise, be sure to adjust in-game settings on your new gaming computer to match the FPS you've set on the stream.