Today’s trailer was a short teaser to introduce Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. We are excited to share much more information about the next generation of the Microsoft Flight Simulator franchise in the coming months. We have been monitoring your feedback to the trailer very closely and apologize for our delayed communication. We would like to take the opportunity to address some of the most common questions we’ve seen.
Will Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 be a completely standalone sequel, or will it also be offered as a paid update for existing players?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a standalone simulator and the next-generation sequel to Microsoft Flight Simulator that launched in 2020. 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.
What kind of support can Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) players expect to see once Flight Simulator 2024 has been released?
We will continue to deliver our Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) Roadmap which has content ranging from Aircraft and Avionics Updates, Sim Updates, City and World Updates, and also the free Dune DLC. We will continue to support Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) post the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 launch.
Will all purchases users have made from the Marketplace be transferrable to the new simulator?
With very few exceptions, virtually all add-ons that work in Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) today will function in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Add-ons that were purchased from the in-simulator Marketplace will not need to be re-purchased in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
Will Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 have improved loading times?
One of the biggest priorities for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is to improve the simulator’s data management. One of the major changes to the simulator’s architecture being made is using Cloud streaming to help ensure that the client becomes thin. When users load into the sim, only the textures, meshes, and map data that they need will be downloaded to avoid unnecessary bandwidth and disk space usage.
This will keep the minimum specifications of the sim as low as it is now and will also reduce update and load times.
Will there be airliners in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
Yes! We have not yet announced the full list of aircraft available in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, but it will include several new airliners. We are certain that players will be very excited when they see the full list of available aircraft.
How many people are working on Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
We have over 500 team members across several teams who are working to make Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 the biggest and most advanced consumer flight simulator ever released.
Will the missions and activities in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 be like video game missions?
The missions and activities that are being included in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 are authentic re-creations of those performed in real-live aviation fields. We are working with a variety of organizations — such as firefighting, search and rescue, and coast guard organizations — across the planet to make these activities as accurate as possible.
Will there be improvements to the core simulator technology in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
The development team is improving almost every aspect of the simulator. Some examples include:
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- Improved multithreading to improve performance
- Faster download, load, and installation speeds
- Improved aerodynamics and physics simulation
- Improved aircraft systems including electrical, pneumatic, fuel, and hydraulics
- New failure and wear & tear system
- Deeper and wider avionics systems
- Cockpit tablet available by default
Will there be changes to the scenery and terrain in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
We are improving the global digital twin in three different ways:
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- Static World:
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- Improved ground details
- 3D tessellated ground materials
- Enhanced 3D trees with greatly increased diversity
- Improved cliffs
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- Living World:
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- Animal herds and migrations
- Worldwide live ship traffic
- Accurate live air traffic (models, liveries)
- Improved vehicle traffic
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- Dynamic World:
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- Full seasons
- Aurora Borealis / Aurora Australis
- Tornados
- Storms
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What aircraft partners are you working with for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
Announced partners:
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- On March 13, 2024, we announced our partnership with FlightFX and confirmed the following aircraft: Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet and Jetson ONE