Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Where And What Edition To Buy?

As a seasoned gamer and aviation enthusiast with over three decades under my belt, I must say that the upcoming Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has stirred quite a buzz in the virtual skies! With my very own set of wings (albeit digital), I’ve been keeping an eagle eye on this game since its initial announcement.

In 2023, some gamers expressed doubts about Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 being a substantial improvement. However, the launch trailer reveals that Asobo Studio has substantially increased the detail within and outside cockpits. Moreover, a surprising level of complexity is expected in the career mode for those seeking continuity from one flight to another. With pre-orders currently available, what are the best ways for players to prepare for these challenges ahead of the release date for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?

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?

On November 19th, 2024, Microsoft will officially launch its newest addition to the Flight Simulator series. Unlike some modern games, there won’t be an early access period. However, retailers offering special physical collectibles with their editions are expected to ship the game slightly before the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 release date. Only the Premium Deluxe Edition and Limited Collector’s Edition come with these tangible items when pre-ordered. For everyone else, the game is available as a digital download for both Xbox and PC users. With Play Anywhere support, players can enjoy the game on either platform, regardless of their chosen version.

In simple terms, starting day one, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will be able to play the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Standard Edition. For PC Game Pass users, they can start flying on November 19th at no extra cost. Pre-orders for Steam users open on September 26th. If you’re not a subscriber or prefer other platforms, you can buy more expensive versions of the game from retailers like Amazon and GameStop, or download it directly from the Xbox Store.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Standard Edition

Among the highly awaited new features for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is Career Mode, a long-desired addition by many players. Previous versions had numerous landing challenges and activities, but some enthusiasts found themselves seeking third-party add-ons for single-player campaigns. In the upcoming version, career options are virtually limitless, spanning from firefighting missions to passenger transportation. To fully immerse in this game, gamers will require a diverse array of specialized aircraft such as the De Havilland Canada CL-415 – an essential inclusion in every pre-order package.

Despite the Standard Edition having fewer aircraft compared to others, Microsoft guarantees an ample selection of planes for players, no matter the mission at hand. In all, there are approximately 70 airplanes to pick from, with a third of them being newly introduced in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. For a comprehensive look at the choices available, head over to Microsoft’s official website. Among the intriguing new additions are:

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

In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, airports have undergone a facelift, featuring increased detail and bustling ground activity. The Standard Edition comes equipped with an impressive 150 meticulously crafted airports that have received special treatment. Players will find many familiar facilities in this new version, but they’ve been redesigned to look even more authentic and realistic. Unfortunately, Microsoft has yet to disclose specifics about which enhanced airports are included in the pre-order editions.

For beginners, opting for the Standard Edition offers a practical means of discovering their preferred type of aircraft or pilot role. Those seeking greater flexibility can elevate their experience by upgrading to either the Deluxe or Premium Deluxe digital versions at no additional cost.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Deluxe Edition

For some virtual aviators, there’s always a yearning for more planes to fly or busy skies to navigate. The Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Deluxe Edition enriches this experience by including ten main single and dual-engine fixed-wing aircraft, which can be stored in hangars. Additionally, players are granted permission to land at five newly refurbished airports located across the world. In this enhanced version, you’ll find 80 aircraft and 155 upgraded airports. All the content from the Standard Edition is also incorporated into the Deluxe Edition.

Five out of the ten aircraft that come with the Deluxe Edition are entirely new additions to the series. Here’s the complete list:

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

If gamers aren’t particularly drawn to one of the mentioned aircraft, it’s hard to justify spending an additional $30 over the Standard Edition. However, purchasing highly detailed planes from the Marketplace separately usually costs a lot more. Moreover, the Cessna 408 Sky Courier is a popular request among Flight Simulator enthusiasts. The Cessna 408 Sky Courier has been utilized by FedEx to transport packages to remote locations. This aircraft is incredibly practical and can accommodate 19 passengers, making it invaluable for both cargo and passenger transportation missions.

As a gamer, I’ve found myself in a bit of a pickle yet again. It seems that information about the additional five airports included in the Deluxe Edition remains shrouded in mystery. Still, there’s no reason to fret! The Farming Simulator 25 universe offers a variety of experiences, including sowing seeds or applying fertilizer using the versatile Cessna 188 AG Truck. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not test your skills in the Challenge League by maneuvering the Amphibian Aerospace Albatross? Let’s see who’s got what it takes!

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Premium Deluxe Edition

In the Premium Deluxe Edition of the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, you’ll find an impressive expansion of flight options, with a grand total of 95 aircraft at your disposal, including 45 new additions. This exceeds the selection offered in the standard Deluxe Edition, which allows pilots to touch down safely at five additional destinations, bringing the count up to a whopping 160 airports.

For gamers who invest $100 or more in a game, they deserve extra perks beyond just a game code. The most affordable option that offers additional physical goodies is called the Deluxe Edition. Despite not having a physical disc, as a special touch for the launch of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, players receive a Jumbo SteelBook to showcase. Microsoft thoughtfully provides a digital code to download the Premium Deluxe Edition along with a pilot’s lanyard. Prior to the release date of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, this enhanced version can be purchased from more 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

It’s evident that enthusiasts who favor Boeing will find appeal in the 2024 edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator. As players advance through their virtual careers and assume control of large passenger jets, they’ll have the opportunity to pilot the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner. Although the Dreamliner has been a part of the Flight Simulator series before, the addition of the 747-400 Global Supertanker and LCE Dreamlifter might serve as extra incentives. The Dreamlifter is a massive cargo jet, while the Global Supertanker is designed to transport water to combat extensive forest fires.

One significant enhancement in Microsoft Flight Simulator lies in its sophisticated flight planning tool, which caters to all chosen aircraft. Earlier versions required users to rely on external applications for downloading or mapping out similar realistic flight paths that mirror those of actual planes in the real world.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Aviator and Limited Collector’s Edition

It’s becoming more frequent to find expensive games on sale, such as the upcoming Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The most expensive versions available are the Aviator and Limited Collector’s Edition. Those who love virtual flying will likely be drawn towards the Aviator Edition, which is a digital-only version that doesn’t come with any physical extras. This could be an excellent chance for gamers who haven’t purchased DLC from Microsoft’s marketplace in the past few years to catch up. The Aviator Edition includes 30 premium aircraft, as well as all the additional content from the other editions, here are some of its key features:

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 assemblage of aircraft boasts a clear historical slant, with some models, such as the Junkers F13, emerging immediately post World War I. Numerous exhibits hail from the Local Legends and Famous Flyers collection sold in marketplaces. Notably, focus is also placed on the more contemporary Antonov An-225 MRIYA, a colossal cargo plane that set records for transporting exceptionally heavy loads. Following its inaugural flight in 1988, the jet was temporarily idled before being damaged during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As efforts to rebuild the An-225 continue, it has emerged as a powerful symbol of hope and national pride for Ukraine.

Given its availability of just 5,000 units and a $60 price increase, purchasing the Limited Collector’s Edition seems justified given its offerings. Rich in collectibles, this version is exclusively available for pre-order on Aereosoft’s website. By doing so, enthusiasts can savor the best of the flight sim series with the included 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

Gamers who prefer playing on PC or Xbox should not delay reserving the Limited Collector’s Edition, as it encompasses the finest content across all available versions.

Which Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Edition Should You Buy?

The pre-sales for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 started rather late, given that the game is set to launch in just about two months. While the array of aircraft available is impressive, some details remain unclear, such as which updated airports are incorporated in each version. Those holding out for more specifics might find it prudent to opt for the Standard Edition and gain access to the De Havilland Canada CL-415 water bomber. This edition will be a day-one addition to Xbox Game Pass, boasting a diverse aircraft lineup suitable for any career path or mission. Since players can always upgrade to another version later, they can rest assured they won’t regret their initial purchase.

Instead of just the digital version, the Deluxe Edition comes with 80 aircraft and 155 airports, but it might not be worth the additional expense unless a player is particularly interested in one of the ten new planes. If you’re looking for something more appealing, the Premium Deluxe Edition could be more enticing, as it includes a few collectibles and offers huge Boeing cargo jets. Moving on, the Aviator Edition boasts a large collection of mostly historical aircraft. However, most players might want to upgrade to the Limited Collector’s Edition for a variety of physical commemorative items.

Regardless of the chosen version, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 seems poised for a substantial enhancement in graphics and authenticity. Game Rant will update readers as soon as further details regarding these pre-order alternatives become available prior to the launch on November 19th.

FAQ

Q: How much hard drive space will Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 require?

As a gamer, I’m thrilled about the next installment of “Microsoft Flight Simulator,” coming in 2024. Unlike its predecessor, this version promises to take up just 30GB on my hard drive! Here’s why: Instead of loading the entire world, it will only download essential cloud data for the scenery and airports that are relevant to the flight plan I choose. This means a leaner, more streamlined gaming experience without compromising on realism or fun!

Q: Do pilots use Microsoft Flight Simulator?

Using Microsoft Flight Simulator doesn’t replace real-life aviation training, but it serves as an effective tool for pilots to practice handling emergency situations that are hard to simulate otherwise. It’s also beneficial for familiarizing oneself with the instrument layout of different planes and mastering the art of planning efficient flight paths.

2024-09-30 23:06