Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – everything we know

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will be the next standalone entry in the iconic series and the great news is that it’s planned for release later this year. 

Just like the first game, which was released in 2020, players can expect to test out various planes in realistic and exciting settings. There will also be updates on aircraft, avionics, the city, and the rest of the world. 

Thanks to a recent showing, we now know a fair bit about Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Still, with it being labeled as a step up from the legendary franchise, there’s a lot of expectation resting on what we can only assume to be one of the best simulation games. Due to this, there’s a good reason it’s quickly become one of our most anticipated upcoming games. Here’s everything we know so far. 

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: cut to the chase 

• What is it? The next generation of the Microsoft Flight Simulator franchise
• When can I play it? November 19, 2024
• What can I play it on? Xbox Series X|S and PC 
• Who is making it? Asobo and Xbox Game Studios

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 release date and platforms

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will launch November 19, 2024. When it does, it’ll be available for Xbox Series X|S and PC, with day one availability on Xbox Game Pass.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 24 trailers

A new trailer for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 debuted at the Xbox Showcase on June 9, 2024. It showed off a bunch of new activities, from hot air balloon rides to mountain rescues. Check it out below:

The first trailer for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 was showcased as part of the Xbox Game Showcase in 2023, clearing up existing confusion and rumors about a potential DLC for MSFS. 

The trailer itself features the first look at in-game footage, involving a handful of challenges you can expect to embark on during your training, like aerial firefighting, search and rescue, and helicopter cargo transportation. In addition, we received the first glimpse of a release window of 2024. The full trailer can be found below:  

Microsoft Flight Simulator 24 gameplay

With only two trailers to go off of so far, in-game content is challenging to dissect right now. However, the most exciting addition to MSFS 24 is the variety of new aviation careers to pursue during gameplay rather than just being left to your own devices. 

In total, we got to see brief spotlights on 19 possible careers to follow within the game – and that might not even be the end of them. There’s still a significant amount of time until we enter the anticipated release window for the title, so that brings with it a chance to hear about more options before release. 

There are several careers and activities that involve mechanics that have been heavily anticipated by players of previous games, such as hot-air balloon rides, which are making their debut in the newest game. Although we don’t get to see a whole lot of content regarding this career, player reception has already been positively overwhelming.

In addition, careers such as aerial firefighting highlight the new enhanced weather dynamics the game will feature, including things like wild and forest fires, alongside things like dynamic seasons and harsh weather conditions such as tornadoes which you might have to face during your flight. 

Although you’re still encouraged to enjoy aviation as a relaxing pastime, there will be a little more challenge in your average flight than you may have experienced during previous titles. 

However, there are multiple other activities and careers to sink into upon launch outside of facing environmental obstacles or adventuring out in a hot air balloon. The list of remaining activities and careers to embark on are as follows:

• Search and rescue
• Cargo transport by helicopter
• Air ambulance service
• Agricultural aviation
• Mountain rescue
• Skydive aviation
• Aerial construction
• Industrial cargo transport
• Remote cargo operations
• VIP Charter services
• Air racing
• Glider pilot
• Scientific research
• Experimental flight
• Low altitude training
• Executive transport service
• Airship tours

Microsoft Flight Simulator 24 story

In terms of story, Microsoft Flight Simulator has massively encouraged players to make their own fun. Of course, there are missions and challenges to complete – as shown within the initial announcement trailers – but outside of that, there isn’t much of a central campaign to follow. 

Instead, you’re encouraged to test and try new vehicles and aircraft to find something to suit your playstyle, alongside seeing whether or not you’ve got what it takes to embark on the epic challenges real-life pilots face in the new aviation career modes being introduced to the franchise. 

Generally, the aim of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is to train and pursue your dream career in aviation. By completing challenges, you’ll climb the ranks and develop confidence in each aircraft and setting, while developing an understanding of how these scenarios actually play out as they would in real life. 

The groundbreaking simulator is designed to replicate aviation training and practice as precisely as possible, especially with such an emphasis on MSFS 24 being the most immersive game of the franchise yet.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 24 news

First look at Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 shown as part of the Xbox Games Showcase
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 received its first announcement trailer as part of the Xbox Games Showcase on June 11, 2023, offering the first look at in-game content and new career paths to follow during your time with the game. 

At the end of the trailer, the vague release window of 2024 is offered, alongside the platforms the game will be available on. Since the game will be arriving on Xbox Game Pass, there’s a high chance it could become one of the best single-player games on the service should launch be as captivating as its initial trailer.  

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is no longer just about passenger planes
A touch of modern industry has been implemented in the next big flight sim as helicopters carrying cargo from oil rigs can be seen. It looks like an incredibly challenging new addition, given the handling of the small aerial vehicles and the precise nature of the pickup and drop-off. 

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