When announced in 2023, some gamers were skeptical that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 would be a significant upgrade. As it turns out, the launch trailer shows how Asobo Studio has dramatically boosted the level of detail inside and outside cockpits. Meanwhile, players looking for more continuity from flight to flight anticipate a surprisingly complex career mode. With pre-orders now live, how can players best prepare for these challenges before the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 release date?
DLC is a major attraction for Flight Simulator titles, allowing players to fly in nearly any aircraft. Five pre-order editions include some of the best planes for beginners and experts but differ with each configuration. Below, Game Rant has a complete breakdown of the aircraft and upgraded airports showcased in every Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 version.
How to Play Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on Release Day?
Microsoft’s latest Flight Simulator is set for release on November 19th, 2024. Unlike many titles these days, there is no early access period. However, retailers selling the editions with physical collectibles plan to ship the game shortly before the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 release date. The only pre-order configurations with these tangible items are the Premium Deluxe Edition and Limited Collector’s Edition. Otherwise, the game is a digital download for Xbox and PC players. With Play Anywhere support, gamers with any version can play the title on both platforms.
The Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Standard Edition will be playable on day one for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. Gamers with PC Game Pass can also take flight on November 19th without added costs. Steam users can expect pre-orders to open on September 26th. Other buyers can purchase pricier versions of the game at retailers like Amazon and GameStop or download it digitally from the Xbox Store.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Standard Edition
Career Mode is among the most anticipated additions to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. While the previous version included plenty of landing challenges and activities, some flyers turned to third-party add-ons for single-player campaigns. Career types are nearly unlimited in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, ranging from firefighting to passenger transport. Gamers will need a variety of specialized aircraft like the De Havilland Canada CL-415, which is included in every pre-order version of the game.
Even though the Standard Edition is the most limited in terms of aircraft, Microsoft ensures players are well-equipped, regardless of the task. In total, there are 70 planes to choose from, with 30 making their debut in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Buyers can find a complete breakdown of the options on Microsoft’s official website. Some of the more interesting new aircraft include:
- Air Tractor AT-802
- Airbus A330 (-200, -300, 300 P2F)
- Airbus Helicopter H125
- The Boeing Company 737 MAX 8
- Cessna 400 Corvalis TT
- Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt 2
- FlyDoo Hot Air Balloon
- Jetson Jetson One
- Pilatus PC-12 NGX
- Stemme S12G
Airports have also received a makeover in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, with more detail and ground activity. The Standard Edition ships with 150 handcrafted airports that have received extra attention. Players can expect many of the same facilities as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 but revamped to look even more lifelike. Sadly, Microsoft has not provided details on exactly what upgraded airports are part of the pre-order editions.
For newer players, the Standard Edition is a sensible way to decide on a preferred aircraft class or career. If pilots desire more freedom, they can upgrade to the Deluxe or Premium Deluxe digital version without a separate purchase.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Deluxe Edition
Some virtual pilots can never have enough aircraft to test or bustling airports to circle around. The Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Deluxe Edition adds ten primarily single and dual-engine fixed-wing planes to hangers. Players can also request clearance to land at five more remodeled airports scattered around the globe. In this version, there are 80 aircraft and 155 upgraded airports. All the content from the Standard Edition also finds its way into the Deluxe Edition.
Five of the ten aircraft part of the Deluxe Edition are brand new to the series, with the full list including:
- Amphibian Aerospace Albatross G111/HU16 (new)
- Cessna 188 AG Truck (new)
- Cessna 404 Titan (new)
- Cessna 408 Sky Courier (new)
- Dornier Seastar (new)
- Beechcraft Baron G58
- Cessna 152 Aeroboat
- Cessna 172 Skyhawk
- Diamond DV40 TDI
- Diamond DV20
Unless gamers are particularly fascinated with one of the above aircraft, there isn’t much reason to pay $30 more than the Standard Edition. Still, buying planes individually with painstaking accuracy from the Marketplace often costs significantly more. Also, the Cessna 408 Sky Courier has been one of the most requested aircraft by Flight Simulator fans. FedEx has used the Cessna 408 Sky Courier to ship packages to the most difficult-to-access destinations. Highly practical, the Sky Courier can also seat 19 passengers and is invaluable for cargo or passenger transport missions.
Once again, buyers are left in the dark about the five extra airports in the Deluxe Edition. Nevertheless, gamers can experience some Farming Simulator 25 elements, such as seeding or fertilizing fields with the Cessna 188 AG Truck. Alternatively, they could prove their agility against the Challenge League by piloting the Amphibian Aerospace Albatross.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Premium Deluxe Edition
The Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Premium Deluxe Editon increases the number of available aircraft to 95, with 45 making their debut. Compared to the Deluxe Edition, pilots can safely land in five more destinations for a total of 160 airports.
When gamers spend $100 or more on a title, they are justified in expecting more than a game code. The Deluxe Edition is the most inexpensive version that includes physical bonus items. Although there is no game disc, to commemorate the release of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, players can display a Jumbo SteelBook. Microsoft cleverly supplies a digital code to download the Premium Deluxe Edition with a pilot’s lanyard. Ahead of the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 release date, users can also order this configuration from a much wider selection of retailers than the Standard or Deluxe Editions.
Here are the ten new aircraft bundled in the Premium Deluxe Edition:
- Airbus H225 Helicopter
- Beechcraft C90 GTX King Air
- Boeing 747-400 Global Supertanker
- Boeing 747-400 LCE Dreamlifter
- Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
- Boeing CH47D Chinook
- Pilatus PC-24
- Pipistrel Taurus M
- Saab 340B
- Zlin Aviation Savage Norden
Clearly, Boeing loyalists will be attracted to this version of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. As players progress in their careers and are granted the responsibility of piloting large passenger jets, they can take the helm of the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner. However, the Dreamliner is not new to the Flight Simulator series, so the 747-400 Global Supertanker and LCE Dreamlifter may be more of an incentive. The Dreamlifter is a gigantic cargo jet, while the Global Supertanker hauls water to extinguish massive forest fires.
One of the notable improvements in Microsoft Flight Simulator is a more advanced flight planner, which benefits any preferred aircraft. Previously, players had to consult third-party programs to download or plan the same realistic routes as real-world aircraft.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Aviator and Limited Collector’s Edition
Selling a version of a game that costs several hundred dollars is becoming increasingly common. The priciest Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 releases are the Aviator and Limited Collector’s Edition. Virtual pilots prioritizing having the most aircraft in their hangers will be attracted to the Aviator Edition, a digital-only release with no physical bonuses. If gamers didn’t buy DLC from the official Microsoft marketplace over the past several years, this is a great opportunity to catch up. The Aviator Edition ships with 30 premium aircraft plus all the extra content from the other editions, with some highlights below:
- Antonov An-225
- Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing
- Boeing 707-320C
- Cessna 195 Businessliner
- Douglas Aircraft Company & Waco C-47D Skytrain & CG-4A
- Focke-Wulf FW 200 Condor
- Ford 4AT Trimotor
- Granville Gee Bee R2 / Z
- Junkers F13
- Latécoère 631
This collection of aircraft has a definite historical emphasis. Some planes, like the Junkers F13, originated just after World War I. Many are from the Local Legends and Famous Flyers series of marketplace aircraft. Special attention is being given to the more modern Antonov An-225 MRIYA, a gigantic cargo plane that broke records for transporting incredibly heavy payloads. After making its first flight in 1988, the jet was mothballed before being destroyed in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. With hopes to rebuild the An-225, it has become a symbol of hope and national pride for Ukraine.
While it’s limited to a supply of 5,000, paying $60 more for the Limited Collector’s Edition makes sense, considering what it offers. Generous with collectibles, this version can only be pre-ordered at Aereosoft’s website. Buyers can celebrate the best flight sim series with these items:
- Collectible retail box with Premium Deluxe game code
- Herpa metal model of Antonov An-225 with stand
- Flight bag with six logos
- Logo pin and key ring
- Commemorative lithograph
- Personal letter from Jorg Neumann
PC and Xbox gamers shouldn’t want to wait long to reserve a Limited Collector’s Edition, showcasing the best content from all the available versions.
Which Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Edition Should You Buy?
Pre-orders opened relatively late, considering the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 release date is less than two months away. The list of included aircraft is extensive, and gamers still don’t know some details, like which upgraded airports are included in each version. Buyers waiting for more clarification are safe purchasing the Standard Edition and unlocking the De Havilland Canada CL-415 water bomber. This version is a day-one Xbox Game Pass addition with a well-rounded aircraft list that suits any career path or challenge. Players won’t have regrets since they can upgrade to another edition later.
The digital-only Deluxe Edition boasts 80 aircraft and 155 airports. Still, it’s not worth the extra cost unless a player is interested in one of the ten added planes. Moving up a rank, the Premium Deluxe Edition is more enticing, with a few collectibles and enormous Boeing cargo jets. Next, the Aviator Edition has an impressive roster of mostly historical aircraft. However, most pilots should consider upgrading to the Limited Collector’s Edition for a bevy of commemorative physical items.
Whichever version gamers decide on, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 looks like a significant improvement in visuals and realism. Game Rant will inform readers if more specifics about these pre-order options are revealed before the November 19th release date.
FAQ
Q: How much hard drive space will Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 require?
A significant reduction from the previous game, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, will take up as little as 30 GB on hard drives. This is possible because the title will only download cloud data for scenery and airports relevant to a flight plan.
Q: Do pilots use Microsoft Flight Simulator?
Microsoft Flight Simulator is not a substitute for real-world flight training. Still, many pilots practice with flight simulators to experience emergency scenarios that are difficult to replicate otherwise. It’s also a great way to learn the instrument layout of various aircraft and how to route a flight path effectively.