
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
MSFS 2024, MFS 2024
Release Date: November 19, 2024
Simulation, planes, sandbox, Xbox exclusive, Game Pass, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet
OpenCritic
Steam
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a flight simulator that bets on realism, allowing players to fly aircraft all around the world in various atmospherical conditions. The game makes use of satellite photos, the Azure data cloud, and machine learning.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is an advanced flight simulator developed by Asobo Studio, known both for their work on the series' previous installment from 2020 and the acclaimed A Plague Tale games.
According to the project lead, Jorg Neumann, it's no ordinary game, but rather a precise aerial sim. The product is extremely realistic due to its use of satellite images and such technologies as machine learning and the Azure data cloud.
Mechanics
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 once again lets us explore the entire planet aboard civilian aircraft, starting and ending our journeys at one of thousands of airport all around the world. Thanks to its multiple difficulty levels, the simulator can pose a challenge to veterans and entertain newcomers alike.
Apart from freely moving between different points on the map, we'll also participate in rescue service activities. They realistically portray actual emergencies, including extinguishing fires from the air, transporting injured people or extracting those stuck in hard to reach places, such as the mountains. Players desiring less stressful challenges can pilot agricultural planes to spray chemicals over cropfields, passenger planes and hot air balloons to enjoy the view.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 features authentic weather conditions as well as air and marine traffic - all data is downloaded from the internet in real time. It also features an increased level of detail on the ground, including nature. Depending on locations visited, we can spot grazing cows or wild animals migrating in search of food. From the cockpit we'll also experience changing seasons, polar lights, tornadoes and storms.
Technical aspects
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 was designed with reducing installing, updating and loading times in mind. To do so, the developers have implemented cloud data, meaning the game only uses files necessary at the moment. The game's performance has been improved, as well as the aerodynamics simulation, physics and aircraft systems (electrical, pneumatic, fuel and hydraulic).
As stated by the developers, most expansions to Microsoft Flight Simulator from 2020 are compatible with the new release. Users who have purchased them previously won't need to purchase them again.
September 19, 2024
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Hands-On - Big Aviation Sandbox With Career Mode Straight From Gran Turismo
Aviation fans will be impressed by MSFS 2024 and its current version. Many will find fun in Career mode and the Challenge League. But most importantly, everyone will be amazed by the advanced technologies in this virtual world.

Videos and Screens
[0:30] Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Xbox Game Pass Trailer
[2:33] Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Xbox Games Showcase 2024
Checkpoint Gaming: 9 / 10
Overall, Microsoft Flight Simulator is an absolute technical marvel when everything is running as it should. While there were significant hiccups at launch, the level of ambition Asobo brought to the table is clear. With numerous challenges, missions, and a vast and beautiful world to explore, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is sure to keep you entertained. While the learning curve for newbie pilots may be steep, Flight Simulator has plenty on offer for beginning players and veterans alike, no matter whether you're keen to just do some in-flight sightseeing, or embark on a career mode to get all possible qualifications in-game.
IGN: 9 / 10 by Seth G. Macy
After a very bumpy take-off, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has hit a smooth cruising altitude, with impressive new features and exciting modes that once again make it an outstanding achievement.
Windows Central: 4 / 5 by Ben Wilson
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is more of a live service than a standalone game, one that continues to recover from a catastrophic launch. It relies so heavily on streaming its assets and world textures from the cloud that it's plain to see how its offerings could disappear should the service ever shut down. Nonetheless, Asobo Studio's developers have worked tirelessly to recover this visually breathtaking but temperamental simulator into something that appeals to a broader audience rather than a tight-knit niche. It could become a category-leading example of post-launch improvements if it continues its upward trajectory, and I encourage everyone to try it at least once.
The main pros of the game
- Stunning Graphics: Many users praised the visual fidelity, citing breathtaking landscapes, lighting, and atmospheric effects that enhance immersion.
- Improved Flight Dynamics: Some reviewers noted improvements in flight dynamics and realism, particularly for general aviation (GA) aircraft.
- Career Mode Potential: The introduction of a career mode was highlighted as a promising feature, providing a structured gameplay experience and goals for players.
- Variety of Aircraft: The game offers a larger fleet of aircraft compared to its predecessor, which some players appreciated.
The main cons of the game
- Performance Issues: Numerous users reported a drastic drop in performance compared to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, with crashes, long loading times, and significant lag affecting gameplay.
- Bugs and Glitches: The game is described as being riddled with bugs, including issues with mission objectives, aircraft spawning, and general functionality, making it frustrating and sometimes unplayable.
- Unfinished Career Mode: Many players found the career mode to be plagued with problems, including mission failures, incorrect ATC interactions, and a lack of meaningful progression.
- Lack of User-Friendly Controls: Users criticized the control mapping process as cumbersome and not intuitive, particularly for new players.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Add-ons and Compatibility: Players expressed disappointment that add-ons from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 were not compatible with the new version, limiting customization and gameplay options.
- Marketplace and Content: The absence of a marketplace was noted, with users wanting more content and expansions available at launch.
- Realism and Authenticity: Many felt that the game did not deliver on its promise of realism, with bugs affecting critical flight systems and ATC functionality that detracted from the overall experience.
- Stability in Career Mode: Users noted that core elements of career mode, such as proper mission design and realistic flight procedures, were missing or poorly executed.
Conclusion
- Overall, while Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has potential with its impressive graphics and expanded aircraft selection, it is currently marred by performance issues, bugs, and a lack of polish, particularly in its career mode. Many users recommend waiting for significant updates and fixes before purchasing the game, as it feels unfinished and more akin to an early access title than a fully realized product.
Summary generated on:
9
GAMES
in Microsoft Flight Game Series
Game Series
Microsoft Flight Series
The series of realistic aviation simulations considered one of the oldest game series in history. Owned by Microsoft, the brand is sometimes considered to set the genre standards.
9 video games
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows
Xbox Series X/S
Developer: Asobo Studio
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios / Microsoft Studios
Similar Games:
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i7-6800K / AMD Ryzen 5 2600X, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 4 GB GeForce GTX 970 / Radeon RX 5700, 50 GB HDD, Windows 10
Recommended: Intel Core i7-10700K / AMD Ryzen 7 2700X, 32 GB RAM, graphic card 8 GB GeForce RTX 2080 / Radeon RX 5700 XT, 50 GB HDD, Windows 10
Ultra: Intel Core i7-14700K / AMD Ryzen 7 7900X, 64 GB RAM, graphic card 16 GB GeForce RTX 4080 / 20 GB Radeon RX 7900 XT, 50 GB HDD, Windows 10
Xbox Series X/S
Supports: XSX: 30 fps @ 4K | XSS: 30 fps @ 1080p

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