Weekly Recap

It’s been a huge week for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024! Following last week’s Early Access release for PlayStation 5 for those players who pre-ordered the Deluxe, Premium Deluxe, or Aviator Editions, we kicked things off with the full release for the Standard Edition on PS5. MSFS 2024 is now available to all PS5 and PS5 Pro players in all regions. We want to give a huge WELCOME to all the new PlayStation 5 simmers exploring the virtual skies of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024! If you have not yet discovered the Flight Planner website, it has now been updated to support logins from both Xbox and PlayStation Network accounts. This is an incredibly powerful tool that lets you plan your flights from a PC, laptop, tablet, or other device and then import them directly into Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 using the in-sim EFB. Check it out!

Next up, we launched Sim Update 4 (1.6.32.0) on PC and Xbox on December 8. This is a massive update which includes thousands of bug fixes and other improvements. We then released a smaller patch on Wednesday to update all platforms (PC, Xbox, and PS5) to version 1.6.33.0. You can find the full release notes for SU4 at the below links:

SU4 also launched with two exciting new features: the thrilling Red Bull Air Race mode and a new plane that is FREE for all players, the supersonic Boom XB-1. To learn more about this innovative new aircraft, the first American-built civilian plane to break the sound barrier, watch our new Boom Supersonic Partnership Series video below:

Last but certainly not least, on December 9 we released the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Stranger Things Expansion. Claim this DLC package for FREE from the in-sim Marketplace and then complete a helicopter training session, join a crew led by Murray Bauman to fly five hair-raising missions set in the world of the popular Netflix series, or embark as a pilot for Hawkins Heli-Tours and explore the show’s setting of Hawkins, Indiana.

This expansion also includes a new aircraft that can be flown in both the Stranger Things experiences and in Free Flight mode, the legendary Bell UH-1H Huey from developer Taog’s Hangar. Claim the Stranger Things Expansion for FREE from the in-sim Marketplace now!

This will be our final Weekly Briefing of 2025, but we will publish a Marketplace Update next week on December 18. We wish everyone a safe and peaceful holiday season, and we’ll see you again in 2026!

Check out this week’s NEW and UPDATED releases for both the MSFS (2020) and MSFS 2024 in-sim Marketplaces.

Explore Products

Interview with Jorg Neumann

Giuseppe Nelva from Simulation Daily recently talked with Jorg Neumann, Head of Microsoft Flight Simulator, to discuss a variety of topics including bringing the MSFS franchise to Sony PlayStation 5 consoles, new flight control peripherals coming to PS5, Sim Update 4, the Red Bull Air Race mode, the Boom XB-1 partnership, the in-sim Marketplace, and more! Check it out!

Community Fly-In Friday

Earlier this year on January 28, 2025, the Boom XB-1 flew into aviation history as the first civilian aircraft from the United States to break the sound barrier. With the release of SU4 on December 8, the XB-1 is now available FREE for all players to fly in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. For our Community Fly-In Friday event this week, we’ll be departing from Mojave Air and Space Port (KMHV) where the XB-1 completed its test flights.

From the Mojave area we will then fly on a generally northbound heading to Seattle for a full stop landing at Boeing Field (KBFI). It was in the Seattle area over 50 years ago where America’s previous attempt at building a supersonic civilian aircraft, the cancelled Boeing 2707, was originally designed.

Click here for event details! All are welcome to join!

upcoming Community Events

Red Bull Air Race Creator Challenge: On Tuesday, December 16th, join us on the official MSFS Twitch channel as we welcome special guest content creators from the flight sim community for our first broadcast of the new Red Bull Air Race mode! Joining Community Managers Chewwy94 and SeedyL will be: AvAngel, Grizzle, Jeff Favignano, Twotonemurphy, and Ultrasaurus. Expect friendly competition, plenty of thrills, and maybe some light-hearted banter between pilots as we crown our first Creator Champion in the Red Bull Air Races!
- Full event details are here.
As announced last week, The Netherlands will be the host country for the second B.A.R event, and the first of 2026. The B.A.R. event will be held during Flightsim Fest, which means that there will be additional activities, next to the meet up.
- Try out one (or more) of 17 flightsim setups with hardware provide by Honeycomb, Thrustmaster, Turtle Beach, MOZA, DOF Reality and Pimax. There is something for everyone (from couchpotato to thrill seeker)
- Compete in landing challenges and the Red Bull Air Race to compete for great prizes
- Join the sweepstake to win flightsim prizes
- Grab your free goodie bag
- Check out the extensive program with talks. We have planned something for everyone; from beginner (where to start) to more expert (how to use the A320 auto pilot properly)
- Socialize in the community area (and have fun!)
- Pre-registration details and further information about this event can be found on EventBrite here.

Community Video

Many of you will be familiar with the YouTuber Scott Manley, whose channel has amassed over 1.8 million subscribers! Scott recently dedicated a video on his channel to take a first look at the brand new Boom XB-1 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Scott explore the start up process, flight dynamics, and of course takes the XB-1 through the sound barrier to put it through its paces!