We've got another Xbox first-party release right around the corner! Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is almost ready for takeoff on Xbox Series X|S and PC, and the best bit is that it's also included with Xbox Game Pass at launch.
But what exactly is it? What makes it different from the Microsoft Flight Simulator that released a few years ago? We'll cover that information in this guide, as well as the release date, time, download size and a few other things.
Here's what you need to know about Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 ahead of launch:
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Release Date
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will release for Xbox Series X|S and PC on November 19, 2024.
This is the case regardless of which version you get - whether it's the cheapest (Standard) or most expensive (Aviator).
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Release Time
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will release at 8am PT / 11am ET / 4pm GMT on November 19th.
You can see a list of times for every single region below:
Is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 A Separate Game?
Yes, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a totally separate game to the Microsoft Flight Simulator that released a few years ago. This version adds a significant number of improvements, including a career mode, a Challenge League mode, new photo challenges, an enhanced physics system, and the "most detailed re-creation of planet Earth" that Microsoft Flight Simulator has ever seen. In other words, this is a BIG upgrade!
Here's a bit more information about the career mode in Flight Sim 2024 specifically:
"Launch your aviation Career wherever you choose in the world. Gain experience, build your reputation, and complete certifications to gain access to authentic aviation activities ranging from Medevac, Remote Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue and more, all the way to becoming an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a truly global aviation adventure with virtually unlimited missions across the planet."
The Flight Sim version from 2020 is expected to live on for now, and it'll even continue to receive updates for the foreseeable future. Of course, the hope and expectation is that most players will want to transition over to 2024 though.
What Is The Download Size For Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
Incredibly, the download size for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 looks set to be around 30GB at launch.
This is a massive reduction compared to the previous version which clocks in at well over 100GB, and it's because the team have tapped into the "latest cloud streaming technology". We've highlighted this elsewhere on Pure Xbox: