Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is about to make your wildest aviation dreams come true—and possibly your nightmares, if you’re bad at landing. This isn’t just a tweak of the 2020 version; it’s an all-out reinvention. Think of it as the difference between driving a go-kart and piloting the Starship Enterprise. The game promises not only better graphics (cue thousands of rocks, gravel, and individual blades of grass), but also the addition of wild animals, real-time ship traffic, and a career system that will take you from rookie to top pilot without needing an actual license.
You can choose your own adventure: whether it’s flying commercial jets, embarking on search and rescue missions, or herding sheep with a helicopter (yes, that’s actually a thing now). Want to feel like you’re in the middle of a Cirque du Soleil stunt? Try out the new “soft body” hot air balloon physics. You’ll even get to see the fabric of the balloon flapping in the wind, because why wouldn’t you want that level of detail?
And just when you thought they couldn’t make it more immersive, MSFS 2024 offers a completely revamped flight management experience. From pre-flight planning to balancing your plane’s warranty costs, the game has more layers than a seven-course meal. Plus, you can expand your fleet and basically become the Elon Musk of virtual aviation.
With all this, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is not just a game—it’s practically a second job you’ll actually enjoy. Available on November 19, 2024, with pre-orders netting you the CL-415 firefighting aircraft. Prices start at US$59.99 for the Standard Edition, with the Aviator Edition offering 125 planes for those who want to go all in. The Aviator Edition commands a cool US$199.99.
Before you jump on it…. serious aviation enthusiasts may want to check out the holy grail edition, the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Premium Deluxe SteelBook Edition – Xbox Series X|S and Windows Digital Code. This edition is the Premium Deluxe Edition which has everything the Standard Edition has plus 25 additional aircraft plus 10 additional handcrafted international airports, AND the Jumbo SteelBook case, a custom pilot’s lanyard with digital game code, and a message from the developer. The Premium Deluxe SteelBook Edition is available for pre-order for US$129.99.
Readers support this website through ads and affiliated links. As such, we may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to the reader – if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase.
Images: Microsoft.