Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 releases later this year and its set to be the most beautiful and in-depth flight simulation game since the franchise began.
With the original launching 37 years ago, the game has always featured on PC until now - it will get its first outing on console.
Here's everything you need to know about Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
Release Date
Microsoft Flight Simulator launched on August 18th.
The Xbox version is coming in Summer 2021.
What Is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020?
Microsoft Flight Simulator is the next generation of one of the most beloved simulation franchises.
Developed by Asobo Studio and published by Xbox Game Studios, the game is being produced for Microsoft Windows and Xbox Consoles exclusively.
It will simulate the entire Earth using textures and topographical data from Bing Maps. Three-dimensional representations of the world's features, such as terrain, trees, grass, buildings, and water will be generated using Microsoft Azure technology.
The game will also implement an aerodynamics system, considering air mass, airflow and impact of the surrounding terrain.
From light planes to wide-body jets, fly highly detailed and stunning aircraft in an incredibly realistic world.
Create your flight plan and fly anywhere on the planet. Enjoy flying day or night and face realistic, challenging weather conditions.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is 38 years old this year
Platforms
The game is already out on Windows 10, and available through Xbox Game Pass, and is coming to Xbox in Summer 2021.
What Is The Price Of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020?
A price is currently unknown but will likely feature for a standard retail price at £49.99.
However, the title will be coming to the Microsoft Game Pass.
Trailers And Gameplay
An hour of gameplay was previously leaked onto YouTube but has since been taken down.
The footage depicted a calming flight amidst clouds that eventually turned to a rainy storm.
Here is the 2019 E3 trailer for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020:
PC Specs
Here are the minimum specs:
- CPU: Ryzen 3 1200 / Intel i5-4460
- GPU: Radeon RX 570 / NVIDIA GTX 770
- VRAM: 2GB
- RAM: 8GB
- HDD: 150GB
- Bandwidth: 5 Mbps
Here are the recommended requirements:
- CPU: Ryzen 5 1500X / Intel i5-8400
- GPU: Radeon RX 590 / Nvidia GTX 970
- VRAM: 4GB
- RAM: 16GB
- HDD: 150GB
- Bandwidth: 20 Mbps
Here are the ideal specs:
- CPU: Ryzen 7 Pro 2700X / Intel i7-9800X
- GPU: Radeon VII / Nvidia RTX 2080
- VRAM: 8GB
- RAM: 32GB
- HDD: 150GB (SSD recommended)
- Bandwidth: 50 Mbps
Multiplayer
Virtual pilots will be able to join online games filled with other players.
The online servers are split into categories.
There are servers that encourage a full and realistic experience, where players will need to abide by the weather and schedules etc.
There will also be servers for causal flying and new players.
Planes
Here's a complete list of all the planes you can fly in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
Available in Standard Edition / Battle Pass:
- Airbus A320neo
- Aviat Pitts Special S2S
- Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental
- CubCrafters XCub
- Daher TBM 930
- Diamond DA62
- Diamond DA40 NG
- EXTRA 330LT
- Flight Design CTLS
- ICON A5
- JMB VL-
- Robin CAP 10
- Robin DR400-100 Cadet
- Beechcraft Bonanza G36
- Beechcraft King Air 350i
- Cessna 152
- Cessna 172 Skyhawk (G1000)
- Cessna 208 B Grand Caravan EX
- Cessna Citation CJ4
- Zlin Savage Cub
Exclusive to Deluxe Edition / Premium Deluxe Edition:
- Diamond DA40-TDI
- Diamond DV20
- Beechcraft Baron G58
- Cessna 152 Aerobat
- Cessna 172 Skyhawk
Exclusive to Premium Deluxe Edition:
- Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner
- Cirrus SR22
- Pipistrel Virus SW 121
- Cessna Citation Longitude
- Zlin Shock Ultra
Modding
The title will support modding from its release date.
This is an exciting announcement as it will allow community-based content to be created.
Third-parties companies have already been given access to the Flight Simulator Development Kit and are preparing content for the launch of the title.
Features
- You can fly ANYWHERE in the world and we mean ANYWHERE.
- Fly from or to 37,000 airports
- Seasonal weather will feature for the first time
Game Pass
The title will be available on Microsoft's subscription-based service Game Pass.
The subscription is $5 a month and even has a $1 month trial for new customers.
Editions
- The Microsoft Flight Simulator Standard Edition ($59.99 USD): includes 20 highly detailed planes with unique flight models and 30 hand-crafted airports. The Standard Edition will be available with Xbox Game Pass for PC (Beta).
- The Deluxe Edition ($89.99 USD): includes everything from Microsoft Flight Simulator’s standard edition plus 5 additional highly accurate planes with unique flight models and 5 additional handcrafted international airports.
- The Premium Deluxe Edition ($119.99 USD): includes everything from Microsoft Flight Simulator Standard Edition plus 10 additional highly accurate planes with unique flight models and 10 additional handcrafted international airports.
Beta And Demo
The closed beta for the game will arrive in July.
This suggests the release date shouldn't be too far in the future.
Download
There are currently no download links or locations for the game as it has still yet to make its way to the Microsoft, Xbox or Steam Store.
Naturally, physical copies are not available.
It's been a year since the E3 announcement, when will we see gameplay?
Will Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 Have VR Support?
Yes, head of Microsoft Flight Simulator Jörg Neumann has said that VR is a "high priority" for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, following fan feedback.
It may not be available at launch, but there is a strong ambition to have it feature in this game.
Mods
Microsoft has confirmed that Flight Simulator will support community content and mods.
The details are scarce at present, but it's likely to feature a mix of paid and free content.