Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a substantial standalone sequel with a broader mix of open-ended flying and structured aviation activities. Its Career Mode, aircraft variety and world exploration make it worth considering if those are what you want from a flight simulator. The important caveat is that performance and add-on compatibility depend on your platform and setup, so check those before switching or buying.
What kind of simulator is MSFS 2024?
Microsoft describes MSFS 2024 as a standalone follow-up to Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020), not a paid upgrade to the earlier game. Its planned focus included career activities, deeper aircraft systems, wear and failures, avionics and data streaming. That makes it more than a scenery refresh in concept, though the feature list by itself does not establish how well every system performs on a particular PC or console. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 FAQ
Career activities or free flight?
Career Mode gives flights a defined purpose, with activities such as firefighting and aerial advertising. Sim Update 5 later expanded available specializations and adjusted systems including dispatching, ATC queues, ground services and mission spawning, according to Microsoft. If you prefer to choose a destination and fly without objectives, open-ended exploration remains part of the appeal; if you want aviation tasks and progression, Career Mode is the more distinctive reason to look at this entry. Microsoft’s Sim Update 5 announcement
Is it stable and still being updated?
Microsoft’s update record shows continued development: Sim Update 5 was announced on April 30, 2026, and the official forums list a public Sim Update 7 beta, including build 1.9.16.0 notes dated October 2, 2026. Microsoft says Sim Update 5 improved frame rates and reduced stuttering, particularly in large cities and complex airports. Those are publisher-reported changes, not independent benchmark results. Sim Update 5 announcement · Sim Update 7 beta notes
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![Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Standard Edition (Pre-Purchase/Launch Day) – Play on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51wzIlxO80L._SL160_.jpg)
- CONTENT IS PLAYABLE AT 6AM PST ON NOV-19-2024.**
- MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 2024: Explore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
- STANDARD EDITION: Includes over 65 aircraft and 150 handcrafted airports
- FLY WITH PURPOSE: Pursue your aviation career throughout the world with dynamically generated missions ranging from Medevac and Search & Rescue to Aerial Firefighting and Passenger Transport
- CHALLENGE LEAGUE: Compete against other pilots in the iconic Reno and Red Bull Air Races
A Microsoft Support page for Sim Update 3, updated September 29, 2026, identifies version 1.5.27.0 as live on all platforms and says, “There are currently no known issues.” That statement is specific to the issues listed on that Sim Update 3 page; it is not a guarantee that every configuration is trouble-free. Separately, the Sim Update 7 beta forum has active categories and reports covering performance, VR, hardware and aircraft. Those are beta discussions, not a count of defects in the stable release. Sim Update 3 release notes and known issues · Sim Update 7 beta forum
What should you check before buying on PC?
Microsoft’s FAQ published June 12, 2023 listed these PC specifications. Treat them as a dated official reference, not a current performance promise: later builds, resolution, graphics settings and add-ons can change what a comfortable setup requires. Check the current requirements shown for your platform and store before buying.
Rank #2
![Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Premium Deluxe Edition (Pre-Purchase/Launch Day) – Play on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51p9VlYT7TL._SL160_.jpg)
- CONTENT IS PLAYABLE AT 6AM PST ON NOV-19-2024.**
- MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 2024: Explore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
- PREMIUM DELUXE EDITION: Includes everything from the Standard Edition plus 25 additional aircraft and 10 additional handcrafted international airports
- FLY WITH PURPOSE: Pursue your aviation career throughout the world with dynamically generated missions ranging from Medevac and Search & Rescue to Aerial Firefighting and Passenger Transport
- CHALLENGE LEAGUE: Compete against other pilots in the iconic Reno and Red Bull Air Races
| Tier in Microsoft’s June 2023 FAQ | Processor | Graphics card and VRAM | Memory | Storage and other listed requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | AMD Ryzen 5 2600X or Intel Core i7-6800K | AMD Radeon RX 5700 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970; 4 GB VRAM | 16 GB RAM | 50 GB; Windows 10 with latest update; DirectX 12 |
| Recommended | AMD Ryzen 7 2700X or Intel Core i7-10700K | AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080; 8 GB VRAM | 32 GB RAM | 50 GB |
| Ideal | AMD Ryzen 9 7900X or Intel Core i7-14700K | AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080; 12 GB VRAM | 64 GB RAM | 50 GB |
Microsoft’s 2026 update announcement describes optimization work but does not give reproducible benchmark figures, so these tiers cannot tell you what frame rate to expect on your machine. Microsoft’s FAQ and PC specifications
Will your MSFS 2020 aircraft and scenery carry over?
Microsoft said most 2020 Marketplace and Community Folder content should work, while noting that non-Microsoft developers may charge for upgrades. That was a general expectation in the FAQ, not confirmation that every add-on remains compatible today. Before switching, check the developer’s current compatibility and upgrade information for any aircraft or scenery you rely on. The Sim Update 7 beta notes also advise removing outdated PC Community Folder packages if they cause stability or load-time problems. Microsoft’s FAQ · Sim Update 7 beta notes
Rank #3
- MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 2024: Explore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
- PREMIUM DELUXE STEELBOOK EDITION: Includes the Jumbo SteelBook case, custom pilot's lanyard with Standard Edition digital game code, and a message from the developer.
- FLY WITH PURPOSE: Pursue your aviation career throughout the world with dynamically generated missions ranging from Medevac and Search & Rescue to Aerial Firefighting and Passenger Transport.
- CHALLENGE LEAGUE: Compete against other pilots in the iconic Reno and Red Bull Air Races.
- ADVANCED SIMULATION: Enhanced physics and aircraft systems and a groundbreaking flight planner create an unparalleled simulation experience.
Should you switch from MSFS 2020?
Base the decision on what matters in your own setup rather than assuming every old add-on or performance characteristic carries over. Compare the two games across these points:
- How you want to fly: Career Mode and its aviation activities may appeal if you want structured objectives; free-flight priorities may lead you to weigh aircraft and scenery more heavily.
- Your platform and PC: Look for current performance information that matches your hardware and platform. The published update claims are not a substitute for a benchmark on your setup.
- Your must-have add-ons: Confirm current compatibility and whether an upgrade is needed before treating your existing library as a reason to switch.
- Your controls: The beta notes refer to HOTAS behavior, making a joystick or HOTAS a relevant optional accessory. The sources do not establish that a flight stick is required or verify any specific model across platforms.
Microsoft’s FAQ also addresses edition carryover: it asks whether a Premium or Premium Deluxe Edition of the 2020 simulator carries over regardless of the 2024 edition purchased. Check the current edition terms rather than assuming that ownership of a 2020 edition determines what is included in 2024. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 FAQ
Quick Recap
Best Value
- OFFICIAL MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR CONTROLS - Officially licensed flight joystick for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, fully compatible with Xbox Series X|S and PC for seamless plug-and-play flight simulation.
- COMPLETE FLIGHT CONTROLS WITH HIGH PRECISION - Features 10-bit precision with 5 axes including Z-axis rudder control, 14 action buttons, rapid trigger, and multidirectional hat switch for realistic flight deck control.
- DETACHABLE THROTTLE FOR VERSATILE SETUPS - Modular design allows the flight stick and throttle to be used together on a desk or separately on your lap, ideal for cockpit, desk, or casual flight simulator setups.
- DUAL RUDDER SYSTEM FOR REALISTIC MANEUVERS - Control aircrafts using the joystick Z-axis or the integrated rudder lever on the throttle, providing authentic flight simulator handling for jets, helicopters, and prop aircraft.
- ADAPTED FOR ALL FLIGHT SIMULATION TYPES – Adjustable joystick resistance and ergonomically placed buttons deliver precise control across all aircraft categories. Ideal for commercial aviation, combat jets, and helicopters, making it perfect for both beginner pilots and seasoned flight sim enthusiasts.
Rank #4
- Use Simverse Coins to purchase aircraft, airports and more exciting content created by Microsoft Flight Simulator’s add-on developers.
- Check back in regularly on the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 in-sim Marketplace to discover new items that will enhance your flight simulation experience.
- You can access your coins and purchases through all of your supported devices that run Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
