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Image: Microsoft / Aerosoft
Microsoft Flight Simulator has etched out a spot in the gaming hall of fame as one of the most popular flight simulators of all time, complete with licenses for numerous real aircraft plus detailed maps of cities.
When Microsoft rebooted Microsoft Flight Simulator in 2020, many people thought that would be the version to be perpetually updated — but this year, Microsoft announced they’d be releasing a completely new version called Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
It’s not just going to be an update; it’s going to include several new features and tons of new content. Here are all the key details you need to know about MSFS 2024.
What new content and features will be in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
Perhaps the most important new feature in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a new career path called Career in Aviation.
You’ll be able to choose between various specializations, with each one helped or hindered by the type of aircraft you fly. The following career paths have been announced so far:
- Mountain rescue
- Agriculture
- Air racing
- Research flights
- Firefighting from the air
- Cargo transport by helicopter
- Industrial cargo transport
- Passenger transport by private jet
- Skydiving operations
- Aerial construction
- Low altitude training
- Glider pilot
- Photo safari
If you found it hard to motivate yourself to explore in Microsoft Flight Simulator, or if you just want more goals and challenges to pursue, then these offerings will keep you busy for a while.
Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft
Based on the various specializations listed above, you can also expect completely new types of aircraft — including gliders, airships, and hot air balloons — that all handle differently, require greater flying skills, and significantly expand the possibilities for travel.
And for the first time in the franchise’s history, you’ll be able to leave the cockpit of your aircraft and walk around the world as your character. You’ll also be able to jump onto the wings of any aircraft or even parachute down to the ground.
Other new features include more realistic vegetation and extensive weather effects, including dense snow, tornadoes, and auroras. All four seasons will be simulated in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
On top of all that, overall engine that drives Flight Simulator will be significantly improved with shorter loading times (thanks to cloud streaming) and lighter system requirements. However, more detailed information isn’t yet available.
Which aircraft are available in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
Microsoft has yet to announce a full list of the aircraft that will be available in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
According to the developers, however, there will be several new airliners that weren’t previously included. We assume that the selection will be huge, also due to the new types of transport.
When will Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 be released?
According to Microsoft, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will be released on November 19, 2024 for PC and Xbox Series X/S. The predecessor Xbox One is unfortunately being left behind. (But you’ll be able to play Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 via Xbox Cloud Gaming!)
Related: Which cloud gaming service is right for you?
How much will Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 cost?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is expected to cost between $59.99 and $69.99 at launch, depending on the platform. However, if you’re subscribed to PC Game Pass or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you’ll receive the flight sim free of charge on day one as part of the subscription.
Related: Game Pass just got Microsoft 365’d
How big will Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 be?
According to initial statements by Microsoft Flight Simulator head Jörg Neumann, the 2024 version will only take up 50GB of storage space. That’s tiny when you consider the sheer size of the world.
Microsoft will store and process the 2.5 petabytes (that’s about 2,500 terabytes) of pure aerial image data in its own cloud to enable fast loading times on as many systems as possible.
Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft
What will happen to the current Microsoft Flight Simulator?
Since Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a new standalone game, the previous version of Microsoft Flight Simulator won’t be required — and if you’re already playing that, you don’t have to worry about losing all the content you’ve purchased for it.
Microsoft promises that all official aircraft and airports included in Microsoft Flight Simulator as well as practically all Marketplace add-ons will also be supported in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and won’t need to be purchased again.
There may be exceptions, particularly when add-on developers aren’t able to port their content to the new version. (Microsoft elaborates in the official FAQ.) But access to all content via the Flight Simulator Content Manager remains guaranteed for the time being.
For content that’s already been purchased in MSFS 2020, upgrades to content produced by Microsoft (e.g., Reno Air Races, Local Legends, Famous Flyers, Expert Series) will be free of charge for players.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and localized from German.
Author: Laura Pippig, Staff Writer, PC-WELT
Laura is an enthusiastic gamer as well as a movie and TV fan. After studying communication science, she went straight into a job at PCMagazin and Connect Living. Since then, she has been writing about everything to do with PCs and technology topics, and has been a permanent editor at our German sister site PC-WELT since May 2024.
