Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is almost here, and it is gearing up to be a game-changer for flight enthusiasts and avgeeks.
As we inch closer to its release, anticipation is building for what promises to be the most immersive and technologically advanced flight simulator ever created. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming release.
All I Want for Christmas is You Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
MSFS24 will hit the shelves on 19 November 2024, just in time for the upcoming holiday season. The game will be available exclusively on Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. In addition, Xbox Game Pass subscribers will have immediate access to it.
Because it is a Microsoft release, MSFS24 will not be available on Apple, Nintendo, or Playstation platforms.
Magnificent Graphics and Mind-Blowing Performance
One of the standout features of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (MSFS24) is its undeniably breathtaking graphics. Leveraging the latest in gaming technology and powered by French video game developer Asobo Studio, the simulator promises hyper-realistic visuals that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
The game world will be rendered in stunning detail using satellite data and Azure AI, from bustling cityscapes to serene rural landscapes. The powerful technology will dynamically simulate weather effects, day-night cycles, and seasonal changes, adding unprecedented realism.
Hyper-Realistic Aircraft and Flight Dynamics
The 2024 edition will introduce a plethora of new aircraft, ranging from light general aviation planes to massive commercial airliners. Each aircraft will be meticulously detailed, both externally and internally, with accurate cockpits and flight dynamics. Microsoft has worked closely with aviation experts and pilots to ensure that each plane behaves as it would in the real world, offering a true-to-life flying experience.
While a complete list of new aircraft has not yet dropped, Microsoft says players should get excited:
“We have not yet announced the full list of aircraft available in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, but it will include several new airliners. We are certain that players will be very excited when they see the full list of available aircraft.”
More Planes, More Fun
Eagle-eyed viewers of the two MSFS24 trailers released so far will notice a plethora of new aircraft, including:
- Airbus A330-200 and -300
- Airbus A400M
- Airbus BelugaXL
- A-10 Thunderbolt
- Boeing 737 MAX 8
- de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter
- Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet
- Pilatus PC-12 NGX
- Plus, hot air balloons, crop dusters, EVTOL aircraft, a blimp, ultralights, helicopters, and much more.
Areas of improved flight performance and simulator technology include accelerated download, load, and installation times, enhanced aircraft electrical, fuel, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems, improved avionics, and enhanced multithreading.
Although MSFS24 is a standalone sequel to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, Microsoft promises that “virtually all” aircraft, airports, and Marketplace add-ons will work with it. Also, those still using the 2020 version will be supported even after MSFS24 launches.
Flying in a Virtual World Unlike Any Other
The global map in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will cover virtually every corner of the Earth. From the desolate outposts of Antarctica to the sprawling metropolises of Europe, players will have the opportunity to explore like never before. Major landmarks, natural wonders, and even the smallest local airports will be recreated – right down to 3D tessellated dirt, stones, trees, and grass.
In addition, Microsoft says one of the most significant upgrades to MSFS24 is to “improve the simulator’s data management.” This version will use Cloud streaming, prioritizing textures, map data, and meshes needed at any location and moment. Thus, users will not have to compromise bandwidth and disk space for optimal performance.
MSFS24 will also continue improving maritime traffic dynamics on the world’s waterways, enhancing both looks and performance. Also, users can expect to see marked improvements in vertical obstacles (such as towers, smokestacks, and powerlines), oil rigs, glider airports, and heliports.
Multiplayer and Virtual Reality Integration
SCREENSHOT OF AIR RACES OVER THE AMERICAN WEST | IMAGE: MICROSOFT/XBOX
Community engagement has always been a significant aspect of flight simulators, and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is no exception. The game will offer robust multiplayer options, allowing pilots to fly together in real time. Whether co-piloting a commercial jet or participating in global flying events, users will have plenty of opportunities to engage with other players around the globe. And for those who play MSFS 2020, any improved multiplayer support will be most welcome.
Enhanced virtual reality (VR) support is another exciting feature of MSFS24. Although details are scarce, a recent developer stream confirmed improved VR integration.
MSFS24 Will Introduce New Missions and Scenarios
IMAGE: MICROSOFT/XBOX
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will include many new and authentic aviation missions. Developers have teased some of them, including aerial firefighting, search and rescue ops, coast guard missions, helicopter cargo hook missions, air ambulance, skydiving, VIP air charters, air racing, and more.
The career mode–a main focus of MSFS24–offers a structured path with missions and objectives that simulate a professional pilot’s journey. This mode will include various challenges, such as emergencies, complex flight plans, more realistic failures, and problems with aircraft wear and tear.
Users will notice a massive improvement in the flight management system in MSFS24. Filing flight plans will be much more intuitive, allowing users to file on their web browser, phone, in the game menu, or directly in the cockpit.
MSFS24 will also introduce an electronic flight bag, pilot walkarounds, and detailed pre-flight inspections.
Fly to Iceland to See the Northern Lights
One of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s most compelling features is its dynamic world. The game will utilize real-world data to simulate hyper-realistic weather patterns, live air traffic (with models and liveries), and environmental changes.
MSFS24 features breathtaking new natural phenomena such as full seasonal transitions, the Northern (and Southern) Lights, tornadoes, hurricanes, and other severe storms.
WillMSFS24 Bog Down Your System?
SCREEN GRAB OF HELICOPTER RESCUE AT SEA IN MSFS24 | IMAGE: MICROSOFT/XBOX
Due to the the advanced technology and graphics, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will require robust hardware to run smoothly. Minimum and recommended system requirements will be released closer to the launch date.
However, Microsoft assures that if MSFS 2020 ran smoothly on your system, MSFS24 likely will as well. That’s because improvements to the data management system and Cloud streaming should keep the specs for MSFS24 similar to those for MSFS 2020—great news for those who may not want to (or can’t) upgrade their entire setup.
Assuming similar specs to MSFS 2020, users will need a minimum of 150GB of storage space for MSFS24.
This Isn’t Your Father’s Flight Simulator
Perhaps I am aging myself here, but I vividly remember days when I would stay home sick from school, turn on my Amiga computer, and lift off from Runway 27R at KOAK into a virtual sky on Sublogic’s Flight Simulator II.
Those days are long gone.
With each subsequent release, the realism and technology dramatically improved. And following each release, we think, “How can it possibly get any better than this?”
And yet, it does. In fact, with all we know about MSFS24 so far, it’s clear that this game will set incredible new standards for what’s possible in the world of flight simulation.
With an astonishing 15 million unique users, Microsoft knows it needs to deliver a masterpiece.
Get ready. November is coming.
Article courtesy of https://avgeekery.com
Dave Hartland
Dave Hartland has spent his life immersed in all things aviation. A self-proclaimed avgeek who grew up under the flight path of his local airport, he began flight lessons at the age of 14. He is a copywriter for the aviation industry and is the owner of The Aviation Copywriter. He lives in snowy Erie, Pennsylvania with his wife Danielle and their 6-year-old son Daxton. Besides aviation, Dave loves traveling, RVing, Disney cruises, camping, hiking, meteorology, and spending time with family and friends.
