With the current running of Gamescom 2021, Microsoft Flight Simulator has certainly turned a lot of heads with the announcement of their major update. There are new aircraft, improvements in several flight regions, and a whole new game mode that will be introduced. Make sure to strap your seatbelts in because we have a lot of content to cover. 

Multiplayer

Microsoft Flight Simulator, for the most part, has focused on single-player gameplay. However, this expansion will introduce a new multiplayer mode where you can race against your friends or other simmers and showcase your piloting skills.  To keep the integrity of realism of the game, the developers actually teamed up with RARA or the Reno Air Racing Association and based the racing mode on the STIHL National Championship Air Races. Consequently, we will most likely see some themes in the multiplayer mode, such as vintage World War 2 fighter planes or classic jets like the De Havilland Vampire. The release date of the Reno Air Races expansion pack was unfortunately not specified. However, Microsoft did announce that it will be available around this Fall.

World Update 6

Germany, Austria, and Switzerland have been drastically refurbished in the upcoming World Update on September 7th . There will be new aerial imagery and major overhauls on the 3D terrains of Basel, Graz, Vienna, and the extensive mountain ranges of the Alps. Furthermore, custom-made regional landmarks or famous locations, airports, and new flight missions will also be added. Needless to say, this update will immensely improve the visuals of the game and provide a more realistic experience to simmers. To top that all off, World Update 6 will be completely free to download in the in-sim marketplace.

New Aircraft

Last but not least, Microsoft also announced that they will be adding a new series of aircraft called Local Legends, which introduces planes that are more well-known in specific regions. One of the teased aircraft is called the Junkers JU-52, which just happens to originate from Germany, a country touched up in the World Update. Again, the developers go as far as collaborating with Bernd Junkers, the grandson of the original JU-52 designer in 1930, and an experienced pilot of the craft to assure that every element of the plane is as accurate and realistic as it can be. The Junker JU-52 will be available to purchase for $14.99 on the same date as the World Update.

But enough with history, let’s venture into the future because Microsoft Flight Simulator will also be releasing a next-generation aircraft. Microsoft has been working closely with Volocopter’s eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) air taxi prototype to create VoloCity. VoloCity does closely resemble a helicopter, a highly requested aircraft that Microsoft also plans to introduce in the future. For now, however, the VoloCity air taxi will only be released later in November.