Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is another leap in complexity and fidelity for the long-running series of flight sims, now modeling things like cross-turbulence, seasonal weather conditions impacting flight handling, and even the hydraulics systems of aircraft. Although that’s great news for pilots seeking an ever more realistic simulation, these added layers in Microsoft Flight Simulator also pose additional challenges for less experienced pilots.
In an interview with Game Rant, CEO SebastianWloch explained how Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024‘s features seeks to ease the burden for those just now getting into the hobby-within-a-hobby. AI flight assistances, virtual flight instructors, and a more involved Career Mode are the primary means by which the sim helps newcomers find their bearings both literally and figuratively.
Related
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: How to Use Photo Mode
Take stunning captures of planes and locales in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 by using the in-game photo mode.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Offers Plenty of Assistance
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 does as much as any flight simulator can to ease new pilots into the incredibly deep rabbit hole that is simulated aviation, beginning with the very first flight. New pilots are seated with a virtual flight instructor who helps pilots learn the craft’s controls, systems, and procedures for takeoff and landing. As Wloch said, “You have an instructor, which is basically like the assist system in the game.”While in the air, just like real flight instructors, the virtual instructor hands off the controls so that players can get a feel for the plane’s handling without needing to be concerned with much else. Wloch also pointed to the sim’s handy suite of AI assistance that keeps the flight going smoothly.
When you launch the sim for the first time, it asks, “Hey, do you know anything about aircraft?” If you say you’re a beginner, you get all the assistance turned on. If you pick an easy airplane or start directly in the air, it’s as easy as possible. You don’t do much— not much can go wrong, and you just progress step by step.
Many of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024‘s aircraft are quite easy to fly, too. Players can start off with relatively straightforward aircraft like the Cessna 152, then work their way up to increasingly complex planes and flight scenarios. With an entire planet littered with content, Wloch assures that there’s no shortage of things to do even if budding pilots stick to the easiest activities as they earn their stripes, explaining:
Also, you don’t have to start with an airliner with 1,000 buttons. You can stay with a small, easy-to-fly aircraft in the countryside and have plenty to do. The world is huge, and there’s a huge number of missions and activities. You can stay on the easy side, and it’s still interesting in
2024
because the world is so much more detailed now— with seasons, night cycles, and things like aurora-watching. There’s so much to do.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s Career Mode Gives New Pilots Goals
Perhaps the biggest boon to would-be virtual pilots is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024′s career system, which adds a much-needed sense of direction and progression. In the Career Mode, pilots begin in a small, simple plane and work toward earning their private pilot license. From there, they can take odd jobs to earn funds toward their commercial license, which opens up increasingly complex planes and scenarios. Wloch says that this offers plenty of opportunities for beginners to work their way to the big leagues.
The career progression is designed so that you unlock certifications to access different aircraft. The trainings are optional, so if you’re already a good pilot, you can skip them. But for new players, there are plenty of trainings to teach the basics, like rudder control and landing.
You choose your starting airport—anywhere in the world, except for some very large airports like JFK. From there, you complete your first flight, earn your PPL, and start taking missions. You can then work toward a commercial pilot license (CPL), start making money, and unlock advanced certifications like multi-engine or night flying.
The gamification inherent to a money-based career mode is also an excellent motivational tool for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 beginners. Having a good reason to take on a few more flights to open up new options is a much-needed carrot for many players, encouraging them to fly well and fly often to earn a seat in the cockpit of a gigantic commercial airliner.
Asobo Studio’s Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a realistic flight simulator with the biggest lineup of aircraft ever, along with in-depth portrayals of airports and air traffic.
- Franchise
- Microsoft Flight Simulator
- Released
- November 19, 2024
- Publisher(s)
- Xbox Game Studios
- Engine
- Asobo’s
- ESRB
- e