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Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) has been a cornerstone of the flight simulation community for decades, continually pushing the boundaries of realism, immersion, and technical innovation. With the release of MSFS 2020, the franchise took a massive leap forward in terms of visual fidelity, world detail, and complex weather systems. As we look forward to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, expectations are sky-high, with enthusiasts and casual players alike eager to see how Asobo Studio will build on the success of its predecessor. In this blog, we'll explore the key features, improvements, and potential surprises that might be awaiting us in MSFS 2024. 1. Next-Level World Immersion The hallmark of MSFS 2020 was its incredible depiction of the entire planet, made possible by satellite imagery, AI technology, and data from Bing Maps. In MSFS 2024, we can expect this to be taken to even greater heights. With more refined terrain modelling, enhanced photogrammetry, and improved AI-driven auto-generation, the virtual Earth is expected to feel even more alive and detailed. The key improvement here is likely to come from deeper integration of real-time data. We may see dynamic updates that allow seasonal changes, vegetation growth, and urban developments to be represented in real time. For example, a new skyscraper being built in a city could appear in the simulator within a short period of being constructed in real life. 2. Advanced Weather and Environmental Effects MSFS 2020 stunned users with its real-time weather systems, volumetric clouds, and dynamic lighting that responded to environmental changes. But MSFS 2024 promises to push the envelope further. Expect even more accurate and nuanced weather patterns, from thunderstorms and rain to fog and snow. Potentially, we could see improvements like localized storm systems, enhanced turbulence modelling, and advanced airflow simulations that affect the handling of aircraft more dynamically. One of the rumoured features includes more in-depth atmospheric interactions like microbursts, updrafts, and complex wind systems that would impact takeoffs, landings, and cruising at altitude. Also, environmental effects such as icing and wind shear could be enhanced to provide a more challenging and immersive experience for pilots flying in extreme conditions. 3. Mission-Oriented Gameplay MSFS 2024 is not just about flying for the sake of it; there will be a significant focus on mission-based gameplay. This feature could be a game-changer for those looking for more structure and purpose in their flights. While free-flight modes will remain a core element, the inclusion of diverse missions adds depth. Expect missions ranging from search and rescue operations in remote locations to firefighting, humanitarian aid delivery, and military-style cargo drops. With MSFS 2024, you might be called upon to fly into a hurricane, evacuate civilians during an emergency, or land on a glacier with supplies. These missions will demand a mix of piloting skills, weather navigation, and aircraft management, creating a new level of challenge and excitement. 4. More Aircraft Variety and Realism MSFS 2020 set a high bar with its wide array of detailed aircraft, ranging from light propeller planes to commercial airliners. However, MSFS 2024 is expected to expand this roster even further with new aircraft types that cater to a variety of interests. In addition to standard passenger planes and private jets, we may see helicopters, gliders, and even more military aircraft becoming available. Helicopters, in particular, will allow for a completely new style of flight, adding vertical takeoff and landing capabilities and missions that require intricate manoeuvring, such as medical evacuations or oil rig landings. The physics and realism of flight models are also expected to improve significantly. Enhanced aerodynamics could make aircraft handling more responsive to different conditions, such as crosswinds or engine failures. Damage modelling could be another area of improvement, adding a layer of risk and realism for those wanting a more authentic flight experience. 5. Enhanced Multiplayer and Social Features While MSFS 2020 offered multiplayer functionality, allowing users to see and fly alongside others in real time, it wasn’t always the most seamless or dynamic experience. MSFS 2024 is expected to improve upon this with more robust multiplayer systems, allowing for greater interaction between players. Whether it's cooperative missions, virtual airline events, or competitive challenges, the social element is expected to be taken to a new level. Expect improved tools for organizing and managing multiplayer events, including the ability to easily set up virtual airshows, races, or even real-time global events like simulated airline operations. Additionally, new communication tools could allow for more immersive ATC (Air Traffic Control) interactions, making the multiplayer environment feel more like a living, breathing aviation ecosystem. 6. Virtual Reality and Controller Integration MSFS 2020 introduced VR (Virtual Reality) support, which allowed users to fully immerse themselves in the cockpit. In MSFS 2024, expect VR to be even more integrated and optimized. Improved VR performance could result in smoother frame rates, higher-resolution visuals, and better compatibility with a range of VR headsets. Moreover, Asobo Studio is likely to focus on making the VR experience more accessible to casual players, perhaps with better in-game tutorials for VR users or improved interfaces that make interacting with complex cockpit controls more intuitive in a virtual environment. Controller support is another area that may see enhancements. The next iteration could include improved support for flight sticks, yokes, rudder pedals, and throttle quadrants, allowing for a more authentic flight experience. There could even be better integration with haptic feedback devices to simulate engine vibrations, landing gear deployment, or turbulence. 7. AI Co-pilot and Improved ATC Systems In MSFS 2020, the AI co-pilot feature was a helpful but somewhat limited tool for managing flights when players needed assistance. MSFS 2024 is likely to feature a more advanced AI co-pilot system capable of handling more complex tasks like radio communication, managing in-flight systems, and even reacting to emergencies like engine failures or unexpected weather conditions. Improved ATC (Air Traffic Control) is another likely improvement. The ATC system in MSFS 2020, while functional, had its limitations in terms of realism and accuracy. MSFS 2024 may include smarter ATC with more lifelike responses, dynamic rerouting, and the ability to handle complex airspaces more efficiently. Real-time traffic integration could also make the skies busier and more challenging, adding to the realism of navigating in congested airspaces. 8. Continued Community and Modding Support The modding community played a huge role in expanding the scope and capabilities of MSFS 2020, creating everything from highly detailed aircraft to custom airports and scenery. In MSFS 2024, this tradition will undoubtedly continue, with even more robust support for community-created content. Asobo Studio is likely to make it easier for modders to build and share content through the in-game marketplace, ensuring a steady stream of new airports, liveries, and aircraft for players to enjoy. Conclusion Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is shaping up to be the next big leap in the world of flight simulation. With stunningly realistic visuals, advanced weather systems, diverse mission-based gameplay, and an even more expansive selection of aircraft, the upcoming version promises to cater to both casual players and hardcore aviation enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking to fly casually over your hometown or challenge yourself with complex missions in hostile environments, MSFS 2024 looks set to deliver an unforgettable flight simulation experience. Stay tuned as more details are released, and get ready to soar to new heights in MSFS 2024!

Not a lot to say really, If your buying/ looking at this your likely to already have the boxed retail version from 2006, this is a download version of the famous Microsoft DVD rom flight simulator x. As suspected due to the huge amount of power it required back in its day of release, it has certainly stood the test of time, and this version was DOVETAIL GAMES until Microsoft bought the rights back in 2019. (by the way they have a new 64bit revamp of fsx called FSW or Flight Sim World, if you're lucky like me and bought Flight School which is also based on fsx from Dovetail you will be given FSW for free!, so far it's good, but needs a lot of work as time/season/weather are all locked to specific themes, we want real-world weather again and hopefully they will bring that back) So what's different from the retail (Microsoft) version? Well, first thing to notice is you get ALL the planes that you'd get with the Gold and Deluxe versions of FSX, which is nice, oh and the extra cities. Secondly Dovetail have tweaked things slightly, DX10 preview actually increases framerates now rather than dropping them, the clouds have been replaced with better ones, the sky is better, they seemed to of ruined the Sun textures and now it appears very small in the sky however if you have a multi-monitor setup you will be using a much closer FOV or zoom setting so the sun might seem better then, also there's "Nicks Sun MOD" which is a good replacement of the default fsx sun. Addon scenery and aircraft dramatically enhance the basic flight simulator, pushing the limits nearer what current computer hardware is capable of. UK scenery based on real-world aerial photography, detailed 3d airports for the UK, both civil and military, finally, the pride of place, pmdg provide a fresh update, steam compatible of their procedural Boeing 737 800/900/600/700 ngx aircraft Most of the difference is for steam edition to the old boxed edition there seems to be a pleasantly surprised at how many more fps your getting! It is noticeable too. It is still 32bit though. Multiplayer used to work but never tend to try it out since I use third party addon apps, but I hear it's mostly full of folk being silly, there are communities online that can give you access to their slightly more mature servers if realistic flying is your thing. The only side to this which is showing its age a little are the physics, they are amazing even by today's standards, but there isn't much that can be done about that, other than buying premium quality plane addons from Carenado, etc, this often nullifies and quirks with the fsx physics as these addon companies really know their s***! But as mentioned FSW is basically the FSX core, but rebuilt from the ground up, and other than the many limitations it has right now, the flight model feels freakishly real. Highly recommend this download. it was released not long ago and many third-party developers are busy updating existing addons and creating more steam compatible addons from scratch. Microsoft no longer supports flight simulator, as they are busy working on there near 2020 version, this is an ideal way to explore the world of flight safely. crash as many aircraft as you like, you won't get hurt and you won't be hit with multimillion repair bills! So, if you're new to this kind of thing, then FSX without any shadow of a doubt is the perfect place to start if your and actual airline pilot something like Xplane11 might suit you more, however!!! and that's a big fat loud, however! lol... I do a lot of flying many times on fsx, too much in my life and do come across real pilots who are working or retired. procedural means everything works, every switch, dial and system beautifully modeled in detail, so everything acts like the real thing, even if you do something silly! extensive documentation based on real-world counterparts helps you with the details with all this being available relatively cheaply Base game), a whole generation of new real-world flyers may have kick-started their career with software like this. But people who are mad like I am, who spent around £200 on addons and whatnot can make this into your dream job from home, just exciting, dive in, it's easy to start, but beware, once hooked the clock will spin away the hours rapidly as you try just once more landing a 747 jumbo jet or an airbus on a busy Heathrow airport. " It's just an amazing sim so realistic and generally fun to play, unlike most simulators! graphics are out of this world with Orbx and paid add-ons, even on a low-end computer. But you will find so much freeware available to download. It has a wide range of places to go to 24,000 airports in total. Great fun, no manual but I worked out the buttons. The flight sim is really realistic and is actually used by pilots. I have had it for about three years ' coming now and I reckon I could fly a real plane if they needed real-life help support. 10/10 MUST HAVE!