The wait is over: it’s release day for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
The game builds on the staggering success of the world’s most popular flight simulator series and is the most immersive and technologically advanced flight simulator to date.
The game is available for players on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC (10/11), and Xbox Cloud Gaming. It is also available on PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
MSFS24 Features Four Unique Editions
Microsoft is launching the game simultaneously worldwide today (19 November). Players can download the game beginning at 1100 EST / 0800 PST.
Four different game editions are available, each with unique features and requirements.
Standard ($69.99): This is the basic version of MSFS24 and includes over 65 aircraft and 150 airports.
Deluxe ($99.99): This edition includes all features from the Standard Edition plus ten additional aircraft and five additional airports.
Premium Deluxe ($129.99): This upgrade includes all the features of the Standard Edition, plus 25 additional aircraft and ten additional airports.
Aviator ($199.99): This upgrade includes all the features of the Premium Deluxe Edition plus the complete fleet of 30 Microsoft Marketplace aircraft available for MSFS between 2021 and 2024.
Given the advanced technology and the graphically intensive gameplay, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 requires robust hardware to run smoothly.
Minimum technical specifications indicate users will need at least 16 GB of RAM. However, Microsoft’s ideal RAM specification is 64 GB. At least 50 GB of free storage is recommended across the board.
Check out the complete list of PC specifications below.
What’s New in MSFS24
One of the standout features of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (MSFS24) is its stunning graphics. Leveraging the latest in gaming technology and powered by French video game developer Asobo Studio, MSFS24 features hyper-realistic visuals that blur the line between real life and digital life. The game world is rendered in stunning detail using satellite data and Azure AI, from bustling global cityscapes to serene rural landscapes. The game utilizes real-world data to simulate hyper-realistic weather patterns, day-night cycles, and seasonal changes. Additional atmospheric and weather features include the Northern and Southern Lights, tornadoes, hurricanes, and other severe storms.
In addition, the game features live air traffic with accurate models and liveries of airlines worldwide.
The global map in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 covers virtually every corner of the Earth. From the remote islands of the Pacific to the sprawling metropolises of Europe, players have the opportunity to explore like never before. The game features major landmarks, natural wonders, and even small local airports – down to 3D tessellated dirt, stones, trees, and grass.
MSFS24 also improves the appearance and performance of maritime traffic on the world’s waterways. Additionally, players will notice marked improvements in vertical obstacles (such as towers, smokestacks, and powerlines), oil rigs, glider airports, and heliports.
On the ground, players will see migrating herds of animals and more realistic vehicular traffic on highways around the world.
MSFS24 Features a Remarkable Lineup of Aircraft
MSFS24 introduces many new aircraft, ranging from light general aviation planes to blimps and everything in between. Each aircraft is 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.
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.
Check out the complete list of new aircraft available in the image below. For more detailed information on the new aircraft types available in MSFS24, click here.
Endless Missions and Aviation Career Paths
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 includes authentic aviation missions. Developers have worked with global partners to bring careers in aerial firefighting, search and rescue ops, Coast Guard missions, helicopter cargo hook missions, air ambulance, skydiving, VIP air charters, and air racing to life.
The career mode offers a structured path with missions and objectives that simulate a professional pilot’s journey. This mode will include various challenges, such as emergency situations, complex flight plans, more realistic failures, and problems with wear and tear.
Players will notice a massive improvement in the flight management system in MSFS24. Filing flight plans is much more intuitive, with users able to file on their web browser, phone, in the game menu, or in the cockpit.
MSFS24 also introduces an electronic flight bag, pilot walkarounds, and detailed pre-flight inspections.
The Future is Here
If you’re one of the lucky ones to have the opportunity to play MSFS24 later today, please let us know what you think!
However, consider upgrading your system before taking flight. Upgrading your GPU and CPU is the most impactful way to prepare your system for MSFS24. While Microsoft has issued minimum requirements for the game, let’s not kid ourselves: the sophisticated and immersive technology at our fingertips in MSFS24 requires robust and top-of-the-line performance. Nobody wants to fly through a thunderstorm over Paris during the Aurora Borealis in a hot air balloon while their system drags.
It’s hard to imagine where flight simulation will go from here. But whenever we think technology has reached its limit, something better comes along. The same goes for Microsoft’s flight simulator franchise. Since its launch in 1982, Microsoft Flight Simulator has captured the imagination of avgeeks and aviation enthusiasts of every age.
MSFS24 is no exception.
The future is here.
For a complete FAQ guide to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, click here.
