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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: New Features, Plans, and More

By Deidra Hayes

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Reviewed by: Deidra Hayes

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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Microsoft’s Longest-running franchise is touching new heights with its latest iteration, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Scheduled to be released on 19 November 2024. Built on the groundbreaking success of its 2020 predecessor, this new version of the game promises to revolutionize virtual aviation with unprecedented features and an expanded scope that caters to both aviation enthusiasts and game players. 

Release Details And Editions Of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will be available across different platforms like Steam and Xbox Series XS and PC ( Windows 10/11 ). This game will be launching with multiple new editions to suit different player choices. The standard edition will have 70 different aircraft and 150 upgraded airports. The Microsoft Flight Simulator Delux Edition will have 10 additional aircraft and 5 extra airports.

The premium deluxe edition will have 15 additional aircraft, a total of 95 aircraft. The Aviator edition of this game will have everything included above, 30 planes from the 2020 marketplace totalling 125 aircraft.

All the Microsoft Flight Simulator game editions will be available for players on the Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass. Pre-order customers will get the De Havilland Canada CL-415 firefighting aircraft for immediate use in the currency Microsoft Fight Simulator.

Carrer System

One of the most significant additions to the simulator is the career system which is made to copy real-world aviation careers. In this, the players can start their aviation journey at any airport they want around the world. They can progress through a certification system to unlock different aircraft types and specializations. Players can engage in different missions like Search and rescue, Commercial Flights, and Aerial Firefighting.

You can also manage our own fleet of aircraft, and consider their maintenance and operation costs. And they can create a reputation and earn credits to expand their aviation business in the game as well. The career mode uses new elements like pre-flight procedures. Management simulation and mission objectives where players must consider the economic implications of their aircraft flying decisions. 

Enhanced Digital Twin Of Earth 

The Microsoft Flight Simulator’s presentation of Earth has also been improved a lot with ground detail increased by a factor of 4,000 key enhancements like detailed 3D modelling of stones, rocks, grass and gravel to make it look realistic. There are new cloud types and enhanced weather phenomena along with improved sky and atmospheric lighting mainly during the sunrise and sunset.

New real-time traffic with accurate ship models has been added. The players will also see helipads, oil rigs and glider airports with more than 150 hand-crafted airports and 10,000 heliports. And lastly, there is an addition of wildlife and domesticated animals in the appropriate habitats. 

Technical Advancements In The Microsoft Flight Simulator 

Here are the technical advancements in the Microsoft Flight Simulator: 

Cloud-based Innovations

Previously there were some installation size concerns but in the 2024 version of this game those issues are addressed and some cloud-based innovations are added. The base installation size is reduced to almost 30 GB. There is seamless integration of World Updaes without any additional downloads. On-demand streaming of high-detail areas specific to flight paths and optimized asset streaming based on the proximity of players and their needs. 

Improved Physics And Systems

This flight simulator game has significant improvements to its Physics engine for instance there are enhanced aircraft systems simulations like pneumatic, electrical, fuel and hydraulic systems. The soft body physics supports the balloon simulations, ropes and clothes. Advanced aviation systems like the Universe UNS-1 FMS and Honeywell Primus Epic-2. And finally, there is an addition of improved ground and water handling for enhanced realism.

New Gameplay Features

Challenging League Mode Players can compete against others in different challenges like the Low-altitude challenges, rally races and precision landing competitions. They can also compete in Red-bull air races and Reno air races including new Roswell courses. 

World Photographer Mode

There is a new creative world photographer mode is added to the flight simulator game of 2024 which allows players to capture beautiful aerial photographs of the Earth and unique photo challenges that test both the creativity of the player and piloting skills the players will also get to document famous landmarks in a virtual travel book. 

Flight Planning And Navigation

The simulator introduces an astonishing flight planner which supports both OFR and VFR map layers. It has comprehensive route planning with fuel and payload considerations. It also has ETOPS planning, vertical profile planning and real-time airport information like weather updates and NOTAMS. The planner is available for players within the simulator and they can access the planner on mobile devices or web browsers for convenient flight preparation. 

Visual And Environmental Improvements

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has enhanced its visual and environmental improvements like enhanced digital elevation maps, and 27 highly detailed biomes with hundreds of vegetation species. There will be over 500 TIN cities and more than 100,000 square kilometres of countryside photogrammetry.

A new photometric lighting system for more accurate rendering is added along with a diverse representation of humanity at airports and in aircraft. Dynamic seasonal changes affecting environmental details will be added too. 

Community Impact And Development Philosophy

The development of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has been mainly influenced by community feedback. The head of the Microsoft Flight Simulator Jorg Neuman emphasizes the explosion in the flight simulation hobby with the 2020 version attracting 15 million users as compared to the 5 million users Flight Simulator X accumulated over 16 years. 

The development team, including Asobo Studio and Working Title Simulations, as focused on removing barriers to entry while maintaining depth for experienced users. This whole philosophy is evident in the integrated flight planning tools and the carefully designed progression system in the career mode. 

Future Of Microsoft Flight Simulation 2024

As Microsoft Flight Simulation 2024 prepares for takeoff, it represents not just an upgrade but a reimagining of what is possible in-flight simulation. With its blend of advanced technology, unprecedented detail and innovative features, it promises to deliver an experience like never before to aviation enthusiasts and newcomers as well, ensuring the franchise’s legacy which continues to soar to new heights. 

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Deidra Hayes

Deidra Hayes is a gaming journalist with over 10 years of experience. She holds a Bachelor's in Interactive Media Design from Stanford University and has written for IGN and GameSpot. Deidra specializes in game reviews, industry analysis, and developer interviews. Her expertise spans multiple gaming platforms and genres.

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