Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is the latest iteration of the acclaimed flight simulation franchise, offering an unparalleled experience for aviation enthusiasts and casual gamers alike set in the most impressive virtual representation of the planet Earth.



This version introduces groundbreaking features that enhance realism and immersion, such as a comprehensive Career Mode, free flight modes, and an incredible variety of challenges in the driving seat of a large variety of flying vehicles.

In this Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 game, users can fly it all, from helicopters and small starter planes all the way to military fighters, cargo airplanes, experimental crafts, and more.



With support for both casual play and highly realistic commands, this game is today regarded as the peak of the flight simulation genre that can be even used as a training simulator for real-world airplane certification.

The game boasts an advanced "digital twin" of Earth, featuring stunning graphics and detailed objects that faithfully replicate real-world locations, complete with dynamic weather systems and live air traffic.

Due to its highly realistic visuals and gameplay systems, this game can today attract both hobbyists and flight professionals, enabling them all access to an endless number of hours of engaging flight experiences, exploration, challenges, and the joy of flight.



Features

Career Mode – A brand new gameplay mode that empowers users to create their in-game pilot and build up their hangar of flight vehicles.

New Challenges – Complete missions that reflect real-world aviation tasks such as aerial firefighting and medevac operations.

Aircraft Variety – Choose from over 125 commercial airliners to helicopters and even gliders.

Stunning Graphics – Explore every corner of the planet Earth with enhanced ground detail, improved atmospheric effects, and realistic weather patterns.

Dynamic World – Fly over a living world with real-time ship tracking, wildlife migrations, and seasonal changes that affect gameplay.

Multiplayer Support – Play alone or join friends or other pilots online to share experiences in the skies.

Customizable Controls – Take full control over all flight options, calibrate accessories such as flight sticks, or even play in VR!

Installation and Setup

This game can be installed on any modern gaming PC via Steam and Microsoft Store web stores.

However, due to the incredible complexity of environments showcased in this game, the basic installation package of this simulator only covers the most necessary data such as airplanes, UI, and other general elements.

This means that even after the installation is fully completed, the players will have to automatically download the stunning-looking Planet Earth “digital twin” data about their in-game environments during flight, requiring the presence of quite a fast broadband internet connection.

How to Play

Once in the game, users should first complete the tutorials available in the main menu to better familiarize themselves with the basic air flight procedures needed for taking off, navigating, and landing.



After mastering basic controls and aircraft handling, players can dive into Career Mode or Free Flight mode to explore various locations around the globe. Engaging in missions will help unlock new aircraft and certifications while providing practical experience in different flying conditions.

Flying is showcased via several in-game camera modes, including external cameras and realistic first-person cockpit views.

User Interface

While this game tries hard to be newcomer-friendly, under the surface it hides a fully featured simulator that can satisfy even the most hardcore flight enthusiasts.




The main menu offers straightforward navigation options for starting flights, accessing settings, and viewing career progress.

In-flight menus provide essential information such as navigation aids, aircraft status indicators, and mission objectives without overwhelming the player. Customization options are easily accessible, allowing players to adjust controls and settings according to their preferences seamlessly.

The game fully supports all input modes – gamepad, keyboard and mouse, and advanced flight accessories such as flight sticks and even cockpit replicas.

Enthusiast players can also expand the capabilities of this title with a wide variety of content and UI-altering community mods.

FAQ

What is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 for PC?
It is a realistic flight simulation game that allows players to experience flying various aircraft in a highly detailed digital world.

Is it safe?
100% yes. The game is maintained and updated directly by Microsoft.

When did this game come out?
The game was released on November 19, 2024.

Was this game a success?
While the game has received excellent overall reviews, the early impressions were negative due to the online connectivity problems.

Does it require a large time commitment?
Yes. This highly advanced simulator can provide hundreds of hours of entertainment to both novices and seasoned flight sim fans.

Does it support multiplayer?
Yes, players can join multiplayer sessions with friends or other online pilots.

Does this game offer in-game microtransactions?
Additional content is available for purchase through expansions or downloadable content (DLC).

What areas of planet Earth are represented in the game?
The entire planet! This includes all major and mid-size airfields located in all countries worldwide.

How large is the installation size?
The base download requires around 50GB of SSD storage space. But more space is required for dynamic streaming content while flying.

Is this game online only?
Yes. Users are recommended to have at least a 50mbit bandwidth internet connection.

Alternatives

X-Plane – A highly realistic flight simulator known for its detailed flight physics and extensive modding community.

DCS World – A popular combat flight simulator that features realistic combat scenarios.

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown – A crowd-pleasing combat flight game set in a distant future.

Microsoft Flight Simulator (old version) – Face realistic weather conditions and pilot stunning aircraft in this game.

Pricing

Standard Edition: $69.99 (70 Aircraft / 150 Airports)

Deluxe Edition: $99.99 (80 Aircraft / 155 Airports)

Premium Deluxe Edition: $129.99 (95 Aircraft / 160 Airports)

Aviator Edition: $199.99 (125 Aircraft / 160 Airports)

Additionally, the game is available on Xbox Game Pass on launch day for subscribers.

System Requirements

• OS: Windows 11/10 (64-bit)
• CPU: Intel Core i7-6800K or AMD Ryzen 5 2600X (i7 10700K or R7 2700X are recommended)
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 (RTX 2080 or RX 5700 XT are recommended)
• RAM: 16 GB of memory (32 GB is recommended)
• Storage: 50 GB off free space (SSD is recommended)

PROS

• Highly realistic flight physics and controls.
• Stunning graphics.
• Comprehensive Career Mode.
• Extensive variety of aircraft.
• Realistic weather systems.
• “Digital Twin” of the entire planet Earth.

CONS

• High system requirements.
• High learning curve.
• Online only requirement.
• Requires fast home internet connection.

Conclusion

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is an excellent flight simulation game that focuses on realism, depth of content, and stunning visuals. The introduction of Career Mode adds an engaging layer that appeals not only to gamers but also to those interested in aviation as a profession.

While the game is quite hard on modern gaming hardware, it rewards everyone for tackling this simulator into enabling them to truly explore the entire planet Earth.