Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has officially taken off! Now available on PC and Xbox Series X/S, the latest iteration of this beloved flight simulator promises a host of new features, refined mechanics, and unforgettable skies to explore.
Release Details and Installation Size
The global release of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 kicked off on November 19, 2024, at 11 a.m. EST. Players eager to take flight can get ahead by preloading the game if they’ve pre-ordered it or have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. Preloading is accessible via the Xbox app on PC or console, but note that it only downloads a portion of the game. Additional files will need to be installed after launch, which could take time based on connection speeds.
At 50GB, the base installation is impressively lean for such a massive title. However, a substantial day-one patch may increase the download size, as developers often use these patches to apply last-minute adjustments and fixes.
Bonuses for Pre-Orders
Depending on the edition, pre-ordering Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 unlocks exclusive content:
- Standard Edition: Includes the De Havilland Canada CL-415 Firefighting Aircraft.
- Deluxe Edition: Adds 25 more aircraft and 10 additional international airports to the Standard Edition perks.
- Aviator Edition: Goes even further with 30 extra marketplace aircraft on top of all Deluxe bonuses.
For players with lower-spec PCs, there’s good news: the game is available via cloud streaming with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. This allows players to enjoy the full experience without worrying about hardware limitations.
Challenges on Launch Day
Excitement for the launch has been tempered by technical difficulties, earning Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 mixed reviews—especially on Steam, where it currently holds an “Overwhelmingly Negative” rating.
The primary complaints stem from significant download issues, with many players unable to preload or even begin downloading the game. Frustrations have sparked jokes, including one user’s sharp comment:
“Ladies and gentlemen, a warm welcome to Download Simulator 2024. I’ve been in Download Simulator 2024 for exactly 43 minutes now and I’m only at 9%. So, if you were hoping it would go faster this time than in Download Simulator 2020, I have to disappoint you.”
Even those who successfully installed the game reported problems with server disconnects and extended queues. While these issues seem tied to server capacity, Microsoft has yet to address the situation publicly, leaving fans to wait for a fix.
For now, the skies await—if you can get past the runway delays.