SummaryMicrosoft Flight Simulator 2024’s spectacular photogrammetry expertise has produced a surprising “digital twin” of Planet Earth.We revisit a few of our favourite locations we’ve personally explored in actual life, conjuring up recollections and private nostalgia.Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is accessible now for Home windows PC, Xbox Collection X|S, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Steam.
As I become old, I discover myself reminiscing extra typically concerning the locations I’ve lived and traveled all through the world, and marvel on the rising listing of nations I nonetheless need to go to (I’m taking a look at you, Japan). It has change into a rising appreciation of my success that I’ve been to so many – and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has in flip change into an exquisite conduit of nostalgia that permits me to revisit each one in all them.
Due to its unimaginable photogrammetry and enhanced digital elevation maps, its “digital twin” of Planet Earth has produced a surprising world to discover. Its lifelike element permits me to fly over my outdated neighborhoods, revisit a nationwide park, or recreate a memorable shoreline drive that I haven’t taken in years. I may even get out of my plane and take a jaunt round practically any location on this planet now – and you’ll too.
Flying By way of Recollections
“What I noticed throughout Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020)‘s growth is that essentially the most emotional tales are those that already reside in us,” says Head of Microsoft Flight Simulator Jorg Neumann throughout a latest interview with Xbox Wire. “Whereas Earth would possibly simply be a rock, a hill, or a tree, it has particular which means for particular folks due to their recollections. These are very private tales. It’s virtually a common platform for an emotional connection as a result of all of us dwell right here, and that is what our planet appears to be like like.”
I noticed the dawn from the highest of Haleakalā a long time in the past and I’m nonetheless eager about it.
Neumann faucets into one thing I used to be feeling as properly throughout my time to date with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Whereas it’s an extremely superior flight simulator with a plethora of plane and experiences available, from its Profession Mode to World Photographer mode, the facet that had pulled me in a lot was how emotionally impactful it was all beginning to really feel for me to simply fly over acquainted places in considerably increased element.
“I keep in mind lacking my mother and father rather a lot (in the course of the pandemic),” continues Neumann. “My dad is in his mid-90s now, and I used to be nervous that I would by no means see him once more as a result of none of us knew what was going to occur. So, I flew there in Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020), flew to my mother and father’ home, landed on the lake, and referred to as my mother and father up. I stated, “Hey, I can’t be there in individual with you, however I’m as shut as I can get as a result of I’m taking a look at our home.”
Neuschwanstein Fort is often often called the inspiration behind Disney’s Cinderella fortress.
“Now (with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024), it’s a lot nearer to actuality. It’s emotionally extra impactful as a result of now the precise bushes are across the lake, the bottom appears to be like proper, the water appears to be like right. It’s outstanding how all of the issues that you simply keep in mind abruptly come again. I keep in mind leaping into the lake as a child, taking part in with my mates, swimming over for the primary time. All this stuff that you simply noticed, now you can digitally recreate.”
Revisiting Favourite Locations
I had lots of the similar emotional reactions as I started to revisit a few of my favourite places. Recollections that I hadn’t considered for years, just like the time I noticed the solar rise on the prime of Haleakalā crater on Maui; strolling throughout San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge; exploring the streets of Paris, France; getting misplaced in Venice, Italy. It was this emotional resonance that bubbled up once more whereas flying round these memorable places in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
“The primary place I went to was Kauai,” Neumann tells me after asking him what a number of the first locations he likes to discover. “The second place was Grindelwald, the place I used to go snowboarding. I walked across the Alps to test it out. Then, I began going to New Zealand as a result of I adore it there and go to often. I picked about 10 places I’ve been to in actual life to confirm how good they give the impression of being now — after that, I went on a film tour and visited locations the place they filmed “Indiana Jones,” “Lord of the Rings,” and “Out of Africa.”
I left my coronary heart in San Francisco.
The latest enhancements have made these distinctive experiences rather more reasonable for your complete flight sim neighborhood. Now we’ve got detailed environments to fly round that embrace correct terrain, rocks, and water situations that improve not solely the useful facet of flight simulation however more and more the immersive and genuine expertise as properly. There’s a lot element now that even the rocks will journey your airplane up for those who don’t have the precise tires to handle the terrain.
Changing into a Photographer of the World
When you’re on the bottom, you’ll not solely discover how a lot the bushes and grass have improved, but in addition how enjoyable it’s to step exterior your plane and stroll round, capturing images of your journey. Whether or not it’s native wildlife or iconic places just like the Nice Pyramids of Giza or the gorgeous Neuschwanstein Fort, there’s tons of cool stuff to see “in individual.” The World Photographer mode factors you in lots of of those instructions, providing you with a problem to not solely uncover these places, however doc them in such a approach that the problem turns into a part of the enjoyable of flight and appreciating the world during which we dwell.
“One of many neighborhood’s requests was to present them extra to do,” Neumann explains about how the World Photographer mode happened. “I assumed, ‘OK, straightforward sufficient. Aviation Careers received it. Let’s attempt to get as near an precise aviation profession as we will.’ Avid gamers like competitors, so we got here up with the Problem League system. In some unspecified time in the future, I used to be pushing laborious for animals, as a result of I noticed I take loads of photos of people, locations, and animals. Then, I considered individuals who simply love the Earth, and I keep in mind taking photos with my mother and father utilizing a slide projector to revisit our holidays. I needed to have the power to take photos to characterize a reminiscence. Now it’s fantastic to see everybody having fun with it.”
That is simply one of many volcanoes on the island of Hawai’i.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 isn’t just a step up from its earlier iteration; it’s a major technological leap that allows you to discover the world extra dynamically than ever earlier than with its “digital twin” of Earth. Having the ability to hop from one finish of the planet to the opposite in such extremely excessive element will not be solely extremely cool but in addition capabilities as a gateway to your personal private travels and expertise as properly.
It has not solely renewed my ardour for journey but in addition offered a novel method to relive cherished recollections and discover new locations from the consolation of my house. It’s a outstanding mix of superior expertise and nostalgia, providing countless alternatives to find the world anew, one flight at a time.
A Few of My Favourite Locations
As I discussed earlier, I’ve been lucky sufficient to have travelled in my time. So, I assumed I’d share a number of of my private favorites that double as nice places to go to inside Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 — a number of of those spots double as a problem in its World Photographer mode. For plane desire in Free Flight, as a result of helicopters will be fairly a problem, I appreciated utilizing CGS Hawk Arrow II when flying round these locals – it maintained the suitable pace and straightforward dealing with that allow me actually take within the views. It’s additionally comparatively straightforward to land on a brief strategy.
ParisI’ve been fortunate sufficient to go to Paris twice and each occasions I principally went again to all the identical places, like spending approach an excessive amount of time within the Louvre Museum, going up the Eiffel Tower, climbing the steps of the Arc de Triomphe, visiting Notre Dame, and others. It’s such a walkable metropolis filled with historical past and doubles as an incredible location to fly round to essentially respect how large that lovely metropolis is.
Seeing Paris from the highest of the Arc de Triomphe makes climbing all of its stairs price it.
SingaporeI visited Singapore for about three days throughout a piece journey years in the past and was blown away at how busy its transport ports had been. I knew it functioned as a serious commerce hub earlier than visiting, nevertheless it was spectacular to simply see it in motion. Additionally, the structure within the metropolis was equally spectacular to see. At night time, I’d stroll alongside the waterfront and marvel at a few of its iconic spots, just like the Marina Bay Sands, all that are worthy of a fly by in MSFS 2024.
Subsequent time I’m going to swim in that ridiculous pool on prime of the Marina Bay Sands.
San Francisco Bay AreaI lived within the Bay Space for practically 10 years and by no means uninterested in seeing many iconic sights just like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, the Bay Bridge, the Ferry Constructing, and so many different landmarks that make it one of many best cities on the planet. It’s additionally an incredible start line if you wish to do a coastal flight over Freeway 1 and observe that down (or up) the shoreline.
Nothing prefer it.
SeattleSpeaking of sights, everybody is aware of of the House Needle (I feel it’s nice), however I’ve by no means uninterested in seeing Mount Rainier off within the distance, which is a surprising landmark that’s simply south of town that appears so rattling superior – as cloud cowl permits. Seattle can be surrounded by pure magnificence any approach you look, stuffed with majestic waterways just like the great Lake Washington, and tons of greenery that make any location you fly over extremely scenic. For those who’re up for flying round, go for a watercraft so you possibly can contact down on any of the various our bodies of water.
Mount Rainier, an energetic stratovolcano, is only a quick drive from Seattle. Nothing to fret about.
Hawaiian IslandsI’m very lucky to say I grew up right here, particularly on the island of Oahu within the city of Kailua, however I traveled to every of the primary islands at the very least as soon as whereas I lived there. I took an incredible helicopter tour on the island of Kauai; hiked Haleakala Nationwide Park on Maui; walked throughout (dry) lava fields on the island of Hawai’i; and drove as much as the North Shore so many occasions. So naturally I choose this as my house base in Profession Mode with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, working as a little bit of a tour information operator in my hometown.
My hometown, Kailua.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Normal Version
Xbox Recreation Studios
☆☆☆☆☆
635
★★★★★
$69.99
PC Recreation Cross
Xbox Recreation Cross
Normal Version
Discover the world with our largest fleet of plane and take simulation to new heights whereas pursuing your aviation profession inside Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The Normal Version contains over 65 plane and 150 handcrafted airports.
Fly with Function
· Launch your aviation Profession wherever you select on this planet. Acquire expertise, construct your popularity, and full certifications to realize entry to genuine aviation actions starting from Medevac, Distant Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue and extra, all the best way to turning into an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a really world aviation journey with just about limitless missions throughout the planet.
· Compete towards different pilots within the all-new Problem League mode or hone your expertise in dozens of Actions starting from thrilling Rally Races and Precision Landings to Low-Altitude challenges and extra. Fly head-to-head within the iconic Pink Bull Air Races and the legendary Reno Air Races, together with the brand new Roswell programs.
· Be a World Photographer and journey throughout our stunning planet to seize awe-inspiring pure vistas, go to well-known landmarks, and report these adventures with photos in your journey e book. Distinctive photograph challenges take a look at your inventive eye alongside together with your piloting expertise whilst you attempt to seize the right second.
Superior Simulation
· Enhanced physics system permits 10,000+ rigid-body surfaces that allow the simulation of any form of plane. Delicate physique physics helps material, ropes, balloons, and extra. Improved floor and water dealing with additional improve realism.
· New, extremely correct plane programs together with electrical, pneumatic, gas and hydraulic programs, payload and passenger programs, and avionics just like the Common UNS-1 FMS and Honeywell Primus Epic 2. Preflight inspections and walkaround checks add to immersion.
· Plan your flights with a groundbreaking flight planner which helps each IFR and VFR map layers, IFR charts, route planning, gas and payload planning, vertical profile planning, and ETOPS planning. It additionally offers airport data together with climate and NOTAMS and is accessible native within the sim, on cellular units or internet browsers for flight planning exterior the simulator.
Discover Our Visually Gorgeous Digital Twin
· Discover our most detailed re-creation of planet Earth thus far. Enhanced digital elevation maps, over 500 TIN (triangular irregular community) cities and greater than 100,000 sq. kilometers of countryside photogrammetry enable for visually gorgeous digital twin experiences. Greater than 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports, 10,000 heliports, 2,000 factors of curiosity, and 900 oil rigs have been fastidiously hand-crafted whereas a procedural system generates all 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and practically 3 trillion bushes our planet.
· Land wherever and, for the primary time in Microsoft Flight Simulator, exit your plane to discover 27 extremely detailed biomes with lots of of species of vegetation, dynamically created particulars together with grass, rocks, and flowers – all influenced by seasonal adjustments. The all-new photometric lighting system renders the world extra precisely than ever earlier than, and enhanced climate options reminiscent of new cloud varieties, auroras, and different climate phenomena produce contemporary and compelling atmospheric experiences.
· The world comes alive with an unlimited array of land-based wildlife of their pure habitats and free-ranging livestock throughout your complete globe. The oceans and waterways are teeming with dwell, worldwide maritime site visitors starting from giant tankers and cargo ships to trawlers, tugs, and extra. A richly various, regionally correct illustration of humanity brings life to the airports, plane, and passenger cabins of the world. Enhanced real-world air site visitors populates the skies and airport tarmacs with lots of of precisely depicted plane fashions and dozens of formally licensed liveries.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Deluxe Version
Xbox Recreation Studios
☆☆☆☆☆
960
★★★★★
$99.99
Deluxe Version
Discover the world with our largest fleet of plane and take simulation to new heights whereas pursuing your aviation profession inside Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The Deluxe Version contains all the things from the Normal Version plus 10 extra plane and 5 extra handcrafted worldwide airports.
Fly with Function
· Launch your aviation Profession wherever you select on this planet. Acquire expertise, construct your popularity, and full certifications to realize entry to genuine aviation actions starting from Medevac, Distant Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue and extra, all the best way to turning into an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a really world aviation journey with just about limitless missions throughout the planet.
· Compete towards different pilots within the all-new Problem League mode or hone your expertise in dozens of Actions starting from thrilling Rally Races and Precision Landings to Low-Altitude challenges and extra. Fly head-to-head within the iconic Pink Bull Air Races and the legendary Reno Air Races, together with the brand new Roswell programs.
· Be a World Photographer and journey throughout our stunning planet to seize awe-inspiring pure vistas, go to well-known landmarks, and report these adventures with photos in your journey e book. Distinctive photograph challenges take a look at your inventive eye alongside together with your piloting expertise whilst you attempt to seize the right second.
Superior Simulation
· Enhanced physics system permits 10,000+ rigid-body surfaces that allow the simulation of any form of plane. Delicate physique physics helps material, ropes, balloons, and extra. Improved floor and water dealing with additional improve realism.
· New, extremely correct plane programs together with electrical, pneumatic, gas and hydraulic programs, payload and passenger programs, and avionics just like the Common UNS-1 FMS and Honeywell Primus Epic 2. Preflight inspections and walkaround checks add to immersion.
· Plan your flights with a groundbreaking flight planner which helps each IFR and VFR map layers, IFR charts, route planning, gas and payload planning, vertical profile planning, and ETOPS planning. It additionally offers airport data together with climate and NOTAMS and is accessible native within the sim, on cellular units or internet browsers for flight planning exterior the simulator.
Discover Our Visually Gorgeous Digital Twin
· Discover our most detailed re-creation of planet Earth thus far. Enhanced digital elevation maps, over 500 TIN (triangular irregular community) cities and greater than 100,000 sq. kilometers of countryside photogrammetry enable for visually gorgeous digital twin experiences. Greater than 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports, 10,000 heliports, 2,000 factors of curiosity, and 900 oil rigs have been fastidiously hand-crafted whereas a procedural system generates all 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and practically 3 trillion bushes our planet.
· Land wherever and, for the primary time in Microsoft Flight Simulator, exit your plane to discover 27 extremely detailed biomes with lots of of species of vegetation, dynamically created particulars together with grass, rocks, and flowers – all influenced by seasonal adjustments. The all-new photometric lighting system renders the world extra precisely than ever earlier than, and enhanced climate options reminiscent of new cloud varieties, auroras, and different climate phenomena produce contemporary and compelling atmospheric experiences.
· The world comes alive with an unlimited array of land-based wildlife of their pure habitats and free-ranging livestock throughout your complete globe. The oceans and waterways are teeming with dwell, worldwide maritime site visitors starting from giant tankers and cargo ships to trawlers, tugs, and extra. A richly various, regionally correct illustration of humanity brings life to the airports, plane, and passenger cabins of the world. Enhanced real-world air site visitors populates the skies and airport tarmacs with lots of of precisely depicted plane fashions and dozens of formally licensed liveries.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Premium Deluxe Version
Xbox Recreation Studios
☆☆☆☆☆
1061
★★★★★
$129.99
Premium Deluxe Version
Discover the world with our largest fleet of plane and take simulation to new heights whereas pursuing your aviation profession inside Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The Premium Deluxe Version contains all the things from the Normal Version plus 25 extra plane and 10 extra handcrafted worldwide airports.
Fly with Function
· Launch your aviation Profession wherever you select on this planet. Acquire expertise, construct your popularity, and full certifications to realize entry to genuine aviation actions starting from Medevac, Distant Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue and extra, all the best way to turning into an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a really world aviation journey with just about limitless missions throughout the planet.
· Compete towards different pilots within the all-new Problem League mode or hone your expertise in dozens of Actions starting from thrilling Rally Races and Precision Landings to Low-Altitude challenges and extra. Fly head-to-head within the iconic Pink Bull Air Races and the legendary Reno Air Races, together with the brand new Roswell programs.
· Be a World Photographer and journey throughout our stunning planet to seize awe-inspiring pure vistas, go to well-known landmarks, and report these adventures with photos in your journey e book. Distinctive photograph challenges take a look at your inventive eye alongside together with your piloting expertise whilst you attempt to seize the right second.
Superior Simulation
· Enhanced physics system permits 10,000+ rigid-body surfaces that allow the simulation of any form of plane. Delicate physique physics helps material, ropes, balloons, and extra. Improved floor and water dealing with additional improve realism.
· New, extremely correct plane programs together with electrical, pneumatic, gas and hydraulic programs, payload and passenger programs, and avionics just like the Common UNS-1 FMS and Honeywell Primus Epic 2. Preflight inspections and walkaround checks add to immersion.
· Plan your flights with a groundbreaking flight planner which helps each IFR and VFR map layers, IFR charts, route planning, gas and payload planning, vertical profile planning, and ETOPS planning. It additionally offers airport data together with climate and NOTAMS and is accessible native within the sim, on cellular units or internet browsers for flight planning exterior the simulator.
Discover Our Visually Gorgeous Digital Twin
· Discover our most detailed re-creation of planet Earth thus far. Enhanced digital elevation maps, over 500 TIN (triangular irregular community) cities and greater than 100,000 sq. kilometers of countryside photogrammetry enable for visually gorgeous digital twin experiences. Greater than 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports, 10,000 heliports, 2,000 factors of curiosity, and 900 oil rigs have been fastidiously hand-crafted whereas a procedural system generates all 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and practically 3 trillion bushes our planet.
· Land wherever and, for the primary time in Microsoft Flight Simulator, exit your plane to discover 27 extremely detailed biomes with lots of of species of vegetation, dynamically created particulars together with grass, rocks, and flowers – all influenced by seasonal adjustments. The all-new photometric lighting system renders the world extra precisely than ever earlier than, and enhanced climate options reminiscent of new cloud varieties, auroras, and different climate phenomena produce contemporary and compelling atmospheric experiences.
· The world comes alive with an unlimited array of land-based wildlife of their pure habitats and free-ranging livestock throughout your complete globe. The oceans and waterways are teeming with dwell, worldwide maritime site visitors starting from giant tankers and cargo ships to trawlers, tugs, and extra. A richly various, regionally correct illustration of humanity brings life to the airports, plane, and passenger cabins of the world. Enhanced real-world air site visitors populates the skies and airport tarmacs with lots of of precisely depicted plane fashions and dozens of formally licensed liveries.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Aviator Version
Xbox Recreation Studios
☆☆☆☆☆
1080
★★★★★
$199.99
Aviator Version
Discover the world with our largest fleet of plane and take simulation to new heights whereas pursuing your aviation profession inside Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The Aviator Version contains all the things from the Premium Deluxe Version plus your complete fleet of 30 Microsoft-published Market plane developed for Microsoft Flight Simulator between 2021 and 2024.
Fly with Function
· Launch your aviation Profession wherever you select on this planet. Acquire expertise, construct your popularity, and full certifications to realize entry to genuine aviation actions starting from Medevac, Distant Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue and extra, all the best way to turning into an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a really world aviation journey with just about limitless missions throughout the planet.
· Compete towards different pilots within the all-new Problem League mode or hone your expertise in dozens of Actions starting from thrilling Rally Races and Precision Landings to Low-Altitude challenges and extra. Fly head-to-head within the iconic Pink Bull Air Races and the legendary Reno Air Races, together with the brand new Roswell programs.
· Be a World Photographer and journey throughout our stunning planet to seize awe-inspiring pure vistas, go to well-known landmarks, and report these adventures with photos in your journey e book. Distinctive photograph challenges take a look at your inventive eye alongside together with your piloting expertise whilst you attempt to seize the right second.
Superior Simulation
· Enhanced physics system permits 10,000+ rigid-body surfaces that allow the simulation of any form of plane. Delicate physique physics helps material, ropes, balloons, and extra. Improved floor and water dealing with additional improve realism.
· New, extremely correct plane programs together with electrical, pneumatic, gas and hydraulic programs, payload and passenger programs, and avionics just like the Common UNS-1 FMS and Honeywell Primus Epic 2. Preflight inspections and walkaround checks add to immersion.
· Plan your flights with a groundbreaking flight planner which helps each IFR and VFR map layers, IFR charts, route planning, gas and payload planning, vertical profile planning, and ETOPS planning. It additionally offers airport data together with climate and NOTAMS and is accessible native within the sim, on cellular units or internet browsers for flight planning exterior the simulator.
Discover Our Visually Gorgeous Digital Twin
· Discover our most detailed re-creation of planet Earth thus far. Enhanced digital elevation maps, over 500 TIN (triangular irregular community) cities and greater than 100,000 sq. kilometers of countryside photogrammetry enable for visually gorgeous digital twin experiences. Greater than 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports, 10,000 heliports, 2,000 factors of curiosity, and 900 oil rigs have been fastidiously hand-crafted whereas a procedural system generates all 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and practically 3 trillion bushes our planet.
· Land wherever and, for the primary time in Microsoft Flight Simulator, exit your plane to discover 27 extremely detailed biomes with lots of of species of vegetation, dynamically created particulars together with grass, rocks, and flowers – all influenced by seasonal adjustments. The all-new photometric lighting system renders the world extra precisely than ever earlier than, and enhanced climate options reminiscent of new cloud varieties, auroras, and different climate phenomena produce contemporary and compelling atmospheric experiences.
· The world comes alive with an unlimited array of land-based wildlife of their pure habitats and free-ranging livestock throughout your complete globe. The oceans and waterways are teeming with dwell, worldwide maritime site visitors starting from giant tankers and cargo ships to trawlers, tugs, and extra. A richly various, regionally correct illustration of humanity brings life to the airports, plane, and passenger cabins of the world. Enhanced real-world air site visitors populates the skies and airport tarmacs with lots of of precisely depicted plane fashions and dozens of formally licensed liveries.