Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Release Date, Aircraft, Improvements and More

A large military plane is sitting on top of a lush green field in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Credit: Microsoft.

A large military plane is sitting on top of a lush green field in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Credit: Microsoft.

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A massively upgraded version of the iconic sim series, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 brings new visuals, engine upgrades and planes to its loyal fanbase of airheads. But when is the Microsoft Flight Sim 2024 release date and what do we know about the game?

Revealed alongside the likes of DOOM: The Dark Ages and Gears of War E-Day, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is one of the biggest Xbox releases of the year.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Release Date

Xbox has confirmed that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will be released on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. The new Flight Sim game will see a simultaneous release across Xbox Series X, Series S, PC and Xbox Cloud Gaming platforms.

Just like the game’s predecessor, MFS24 will only be available on current-gen machines. This means that Xbox One owners will either be unable to play the game or have to play the game via cloud gaming services.

All Microsoft Flight Sim 2024 Aircraft

At the time of writing, developer Asobo has yet to confirm the full list of aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. However, there are a few vehicles that have been announced, although this is not the full list of newcomers.

  • Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet
  • Cirrus Jetson One
  • Airbus A400M
  • Airbus BelugaXL
  • Cessna 188 Agtruck
  • Erickson S-64 Skycrane
  • Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will also include all previous aircraft added to the 2020 version. Developer Asobo has confirmed that “current aircraft and airports that are in Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020), as well as virtually all Marketplace add-ons, will be supported in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.”

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Activities

The new version of Microsoft Flight Simulator will include all-new activities to take part in. When you’re not free-flying across the world, you’ll be able to engage in specifically crafted missions with a variety of aircraft.

The new Flight Simulator 2024 activity types are as follows:

  • Air Ambulance
  • Cargo Transport, Remote Cargo and Industrial Cargo Transport
  • Search and Rescue
  • Skydive Aviation
  • Aerial Construction
  • Airship Tours
  • Air Racing
  • VIP Charters
  • Low Altitude Flying
  • Airship Tours
  • Scientific Research
  • Glider Flying

What Improvements Are There In Flight Sim 2024?

Microsoft Flight Simulator will benefit from wholly redone scenery and terrain including improved details, tessellated ground, enhanced trees and cliffs, accurate air and ship traffic and revised weather technology. This time around, you’ll be able to chase real storms and tornados as they devastate real locations in real-time.

As for its aircraft, the upcoming sequel also benefits from overhauled physics simulations, a new wear and tear system, a more robust avionics system and better controls. Planes, helicopters and other vehicles will also have more accurate internals that allow you to control fuel, hydraulics and more.

Flight Sim 2024 also benefits from massive improvements in performance, loading speeds, download speeds, and a revised cloud streaming backend. This means that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 should look and run better than its predecessor.

Is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Coming to Game Pass?

Players will be able to experience the base version of Microsoft Flight Simulation on Xbox Game Pass across PC, Xbox and Cloud. However, those who want to get access to more planes and airports via its more expensive tiers will have to buy upgrades.

That's a round-up of everything there is to know about Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 ahead of its release date. Keep checking back for all the latest news on the leading flight sim.