Just like the previous installment, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 gives players access to the entire globe for exploration, offering an overwhelming variety of things to do. The 2020 version of Microsoft Flight Simulator was the first—and so far, only—game to which I’ve awarded a perfect 10. The sheer amount of options in this year’s sequel is impressive, though they are accompanied by some persistent issues. The launch didn’t allow for early access codes, and unexpected technical hiccups left the game unplayable for the first day. As a result, I’m still mapping out my aviator ambitions, alongside writing this review. While Flight Simulator 2024 introduces some truly remarkable features, I haven’t experienced the same level of awe as I did before. I hoped for something more transformative but find myself “merely” impressed instead.
The standout feature this time around is the career mode. You start by choosing an airport as your home base to join a fictional aviation company, which marks the beginning of your pilot adventure. It works much like a skill tree in traditional games: as you complete beginner tasks, new challenges become available, unlocking further opportunities. For instance, after completing requirements for a commercial pilot’s license, you can get a tailwheel endorsement, paving the way to new aircraft and jobs like search and rescue. Alternatively, you might choose rotorcraft certification, leading to exciting roles like operating a sky crane. The mere mention of that gets me fired up with a “hell yeah!” vibe. Each new qualification or endorsement opens up different career paths, from simple sightseeing flights to more complex operations involving helicopters.
Eventually, you accumulate enough earnings and reputation to branch out and establish your own aviation business. I haven’t reached that point yet, but I’m making solid progress with my fixed-wing endorsements. I’m still contemplating my ultimate aim, but the prospect of establishing my own company and claiming the majority of the profits is enticing. The profits will be plowed back into expanding my business, and I can’t wait to afford my own fleet of aircraft.
The initial missions are all about getting to grips with basic flight through training exercises designed to teach you the fundamentals of aviation. Disappointingly, these training missions are a bit of a rerun from 2020, taking place at the same Sedona, Arizona airfield, with tasks mirroring those of the last edition. What’s different? The guidance and on-screen instructions have been fine-tuned, offering clearer direction. The default tooltips in 2024 are a boon considering the overwhelming number of buttons and options. In the past, I often had to look up simple actions like releasing the parking brake. This time, I’ll probably keep those tooltips on to help jog my memory.
As you progress, more mission types become available. However, an odd quirk is that not all of them are conveniently located near your home airport. I started out at a tiny airfield in eastern Maine—KMVM Machias Valley Airfield—but found myself dispatched to Europe for tasks like aircraft deliveries and skydive missions. It’s not a major issue, but it did break the immersive “career” narrative I was constructing in my imagination. Lesson learned: imagination has its limits!
Back in 2020, my review praised Microsoft Flight Simulator as a groundbreaking game. It provided an incredible feeling of freedom, letting you fly to any destination worldwide. While the original came with 20 aircraft that could satisfy even hardcore aviation fans, the adjustable assist settings made it accessible for anyone eager to take to the virtual skies. The realistic world mapping elevated the game from a mere simulation into an awe-inspiring experience. Whether you’re landing at iconic airports or remote airstrips in South America, the exploration possibilities felt unparalleled.
Exploring career mode has been particularly enjoyable. In the 2020 edition, I devised my own missions, like air-delivering pizza from Knox County Regional Airport to remote Matinicus Island (this is a real-world scenario, by the way). Now, the structured career missions give me clear goals, helping me become a more competent sim-pilot. I’m enthusiastic about potentially starting my own airline or helicopter company—or maybe both. Time is on my side.
A fresh addition is the challenge league, catering to the competitive side by maintaining the flight models and physics I love. Every week features three challenges, complete with leaderboards, which I adore because I’m naturally competitive. Among the initial options is a thrilling F/A-18 jet rally through the Grand Canyon, chasing speed by navigating gates. It’s harder than it appears, yet incredibly exhilarating. After numerous attempts, I clocked in at roughly 1 minute and 54 seconds—landing me in the Bronze league. While not perfect, it’s rewarding to see my name above a stranger’s on Xbox Live, fueling a competitive spirit.
One of my favorite aspects of the earlier version was its virtual tourism, letting me visit locations I’d never see otherwise. The 2024 update puts that in the spotlight with photo challenges. You get to capture famous landmarks, but each has unique criteria, like photographing the Great Sphinx during the equinox with the sun perfectly positioned over its shoulder. And get this—you do it on foot. That’s right: you can now land, exit your aircraft, and walk around. Although moving at realistic walking speeds feels sluggish for seasoned gamers, the feature allows for new levels of exploration. Terrain details have improved, with realistically rendered ground effects like tracks and weather marks adding to the immersion.
The wildlife is also vastly improved. Instead of fixed markers, animals appear more naturally in their expected habitats. The thrill of seeing a bull moose crossing a Maine runway as I prepared for takeoff heightened the realism. I haven’t stumbled upon other creatures yet, but with the game relying on an open-source animal location database, I’m hopeful for more wildlife encounters.
On lifting my gaze from the runway, Flight Simulator 2024’s graphics can genuinely surpass its predecessor, offering stunning visuals. I noticed a significant enhancement during visits to familiar sites like the Grand Canyon, which now resembles its real-world counterpart more closely. Armed with a robust PC setup, the simulation both looks and performs significantly better, though the demand on my hardware is hefty.
The reliance on cloud streaming presents its challenges, as evidenced by a flightseeing mission around Venice where the Basilica had rendering issues. It’s moments like these when I miss the downloadable world packs from the previous version, as they allowed a more consistent experience without streaming hiccups. It’s unclear if a hybrid model will emerge in the future.
Despite working my hardware at full tilt, Flight Simulator 2024 continues to captivate me even after a rocky start. While it hasn’t quite recreated the ground-shaking impact of its predecessor, it offers enhanced features and gameplay. The initial launch issues are being resolved, meaning I can concentrate more on my favorite aspects of the game, often involving carefree flights but now with added career depth. While I’m not ready for a final verdict yet, Flight Simulator 2024 remains a thoroughly enjoyable experience that lives up to its legacy, even if it doesn’t entirely recapture its predecessor’s magic.
