When Microsoft Flight Simulator (commonly known as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020) launched in August of 2020, it was a huge generational leap from anything we had seen in flight simulation for quite some time. In fact, Microsoft had all but abandoned their longest-running franchise up until that point, despite trying with Microsoft Flight after the release of FSX in 2006.
When MSFS 2020 came out, it was a revolution in flight simulation. Using the vast technological advances since FSX, implementing AI, and support from the Azure and Bing teams, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 was hugely ambitious. We had a world that was visually pleasing, ready to be explored in a suite of planes.
It took the community by surprise in 2023 to learn that we would be seeing Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, thanks to the trailer revealed during the Xbox’s June show. With only 61 days to go until the new simulator is in the hands of everyone, it is time to go hands-on with Microsoft’s most ambitious simulator yet.

This article will feature my hands-on time with the simulator. If you want a more technical overview, then you can read that here. I want to also emphasise that everything you see is work in progress and subject to change, be improved, or fixed.
Before you hear about my hands-on experience, some context is important. I had approximately 60 minutes of hands-on experience with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The version we used was very much pre-release software and a number of features, planes and UI menus were inaccessible. This is very normal for software demoed at this stage of its development and in a preview environment. If I didn’t cover something you specifically want to learn about, check out your favourite creator’s channels as we all took very different approaches to our content creation.
The hands-on experience for us as the first group of media to try the sim at the Global Preview Event wasn’t without a few issues. The character creation tool sadly had an issue where, when you tried to customise your avatar, the sim immediately crashed.

This red error man became a bit of a meme, but the issue was fixed swiftly and quickly and actually demonstrated just how quickly the new thin client architecture was able to roll out updates without lengthy sim updates. This very much not going to be in the final sim, but here’s hoping for a mod just for the memories.
You could see the Microsoft team turn pale when they saw the sim crashing to the desktop. However, there were also a couple of benefits to this happening. First of all, we had to launch the simulator again when it happened, and it gave us a glimpse into how fast it loaded. Not even a minute had passed from launching the simulator and I was selecting my next flight on the world map. It was speedy, and that included the credits opening sequences.
Second, it demonstrated how quick the developers were able to patch and then distribute it to users. It’s not going to be a common use case in which they patch small things on a regular basis (likely leaving it for bigger Sim Updates), but within an hour or so, the bug was identified, patched, and then distributed via the cloud. Because the sim uses this new ‘thin client’ technology, no new download was needed, and launching the simulator rectified the problem. So sure, not an ideal start to the day, but a silver lining. Once this issue was dealt with, everything was mostly smooth sailing.

The first thing I did was check out the new UI and the various menus. It was immediately noticeable the glow-up MSFS 2024 has compared to its predecessor in terms of the user experience and menus. It feels more mature and snappy, with a more consistent design. You load the simulator with a few menu choices on the left-hand side and the world depicted in the background.
Going from world map to simulator in less than 30 seconds was great. Do consider this is a pre-release version.
Selecting aircraft looks much cleaner, the loading screen is replaced with you zooming into the world map as it loads, and the in-sim menu options are cleaner and more concise. It’s still familiar to those used to MSFS 2020, but an upgrade in the areas where it counts. In fairness, this is going to be a somewhat common theme throughout. Accessing activities, training, and settings is pretty much the same, but now you have new options for the all-new World Photography and career modes.
Starting My New Career
With World Photographer and Career Mode being some of the biggest additions to the simulator, I stepped into trying out Career Mode in my limited time. You start by picking any location in the world and then are introduced to your mentor, who is created based on your location in the world with an appropriate look and name. You take part in a basic take-off and bit of pattern work before bringing your Cessna back to the ground. It’s the introductory lesson and it will be something you need to complete before you can move on with your career. I can imagine this could be a bit frustrating if you’re a seasoned pilot since you are unable to skip this (at least in the build we used).
Once you have mastered the basics, you then open up the option to try out missions or advance your skills on the certification path. This branching path allows you to take your own route through various type-rating exams and courses, opening more missions and activities in the future. My limited time with the simulator meant I was unable to take part in the missions available, which was a little frustrating considering that was by far the most anticipated new addition to the sim I was keen to try out.







That aside, jumping into the simulator, you notice an immediate improvement in the visuals of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Considering we are using pre-release software, the graphical enhancements were obvious.
You begin the career mode by completing the walk around, having to inspect each element of the plane for any issues. This new walk-around mode means that aircraft details are far more advanced than ever before, with reflections and lighting looking far more impressive than even MSFS 2020 was able to achieve. Rivet counters will love this new enhanced level of detail. I began at Bristol Airport (EGGD) which is a procedurally generated airport. The ground itself was rich with detail, seeing bumps, markings, and other weathering effects that go beyond anything I’ve seen previously in a non-hand-crafted airport before.
As I took to the skies in the Cessna, ray tracing was in full effect with shadows looking sharp and realistic, along with the new atmospheric lighting engine. Cirrus clouds were present and the way the sun would cast shadows in the cockpit looked visually pleasing. In fact, I was really pleased with the lighting engine as a whole, with the atmosphere looking more natural than ever. As I continued my circuit around Bristol, I could identify various species of trees and really took notice of how the ground looked even more realistic than before thanks to the 4000x improvement in the geometry. Furthermore, from what I saw, cars, ground vehicles, and the generic airport buildings themselves look considerably better than they did in the previous simulator.
Photographing the World
Away from Career Mode, I jumped into Photography Mode—another new feature of the simulator. Personally, I have always been a fan of taking photos in the simulator to either share the experience with someone or to keep it as a memory for later. The new photography mode looks to achieve both, whilst adding a new skill element to the system.

Opening up the menu item in the simulator, you are presented with a range of categories to try out. You could be searching for animals worldwide, taking pictures of European castles, or finding notable rocks of the world. Within each category is a set of challenges that then have their own set of bonus conditions. That could be taking a picture on foot or with the moon in view. It’s another way to give you a broader view of the world.
I took a trip to Australia on the hunt for kangaroos. I love the quirky animal and I thought this was a great opportunity to see how the world looks closer to the ground, especially since Microsoft has emphasised this a lot with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
In the Photography mode, you are given the aircraft and then for the animals, given a population probability value. As you are never guaranteed to see animals, the concept is to give you enough information so you aren’t completely blind, but still able to discover it for yourself. I must have spent a good 10 minutes looking around the bushes for the jumping ‘roo, but no luck from the air.
So I found a strip of land, placed my Cub Crafters on the ground and entered Walk Around mode to find them on foot. I walked through trees, up small inclines, and through dense shrubs. Whilst I didn’t spot any animals, I found myself impressed by the level of detail despite being in a very remote part of the world. You could see how the terrain was formed with all kinds of layers and the vegetation variation was just incredible.





For those wondering about taking actual pictures, you can bring up ‘photo mode’ at any point and take full control of the camera (similar to drone mode). You can adjust zoom levels and the exposure in your shot. Additionally, there is the chance to change the focus if you really want to.
Flying the 737 MAX 8
By now you will know that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will come with a Boeing 737 MAX 8 as part of its all-new 45 aircraft line-up. It was one of the few aircraft available to use to test and I am pleased to report it is of a really good standard. From just a few short circuits with the plane, I’m pleased to say it is far beyond the A320neo that Asobo Studio developed for the original simulator.

Visually speaking, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 is pretty good. Inside, you will see a very clean cockpit but with crystal-clear displays. The ray tracing is really on display here as light casts gorgeous shadows on the displays and even the FMS buttons. What really struck me was the night lighting and how the new lighting engine handled external and internal lighting. It felt much more volumetric than before, with some great exposure on the displays.
With the avionics having been created by Working Title, I did not doubt that the functionality of the plane would work well. You could program the FMS with your routing and functions like LNAV and VNAV were present. I couldn’t test extensive features like holds or restrictions, so that will have to wait until the full release. Again, I only had a short amount of time with the 737 MAX 8, but the aircraft handling felt nice. It’s hard to really give a solid opinion here due to limited time, but it was a joy to fly with the controller set-up I had.
Regardless of my short time, I left the 737 flight deck wanting more. With this aircraft being one included in the standard version of the simulator, I can see this becoming a fan-favourite. It may not match the same quality we are hoping for from third-party content from other creators, but as a default plane, this already feels like a huge improvement on what we saw from Asobo with their A320neo in MSFS 2020.
Weather, Seasons and the World
The world itself has seen a huge overhaul compared to its predecessor, something I was keen to really appreciate more. With worldwide coverage for helipads, glider airports, and oil rigs now added, it’s going to be more exciting than ever to try new things. To test my hand at a new experience, I decided to try flying to one of the new helipad challenges in the sim, situated right at the end of a cliff edge. This edge was surrounded by a steep drop into the all-new waves down below.












The waves in the new simulator will have legitimate consequences now. Waves are rendered in 3D in real time depending on the weather conditions, meaning if you’re trying to land on water, you need to plan accordingly.
Back to my helicopter for now.I can’t speak to the physics of the helicopter (I will leave that to my good friend Sergio at Hellisimmer.com), but flying it felt fun. I didn’t have the controller set up to help my terrible skills, but I at least admired the world. The cliff rocks looked stunning, the helipad was rendered great, and the waves below looked super authentic.
I failed the challenge, but I loved the scenery.
Something else many have been clamouring for since 2020 is the addition of authentic seasons. The new engine for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 means we now have authentic-looking seasons around the world. Testing this out myself from overflying Manhattan in New York, I was able to manipulate the date to see tree and ground colours change accordingly. Mid-January, trees were lifeless and dull, whilst in the peak of summer they looked lush and green. Add a snowy weather preset and the city looked cold on a harsh winter day.



One of the coolest moments from using the simulator was the new dynamic way the ground reacts to your plane. Land in snow and you will create tyre tracks. Take off through dense grass fields and watch as your wheels flatten everything under you. I even got to see the new particle effects in action and see how your aircraft’s airflow will affect them. Watching the smoke system dance around your helicopter in a dynamic way is extremely satisfying.


Camera System
Sadly, I don’t have much to report here as the camera system operated largely the same way we saw it in Microsoft Flight Simulator. The UI has had a bit of a change visually, but beyond that, I was unable to notice any significant changes here.
We did ask about a camera API and the question was passed on for something to consider in the future. Nothing concrete was given here, nor was there anything too exciting to write about here.
The EFB
Working Title not only supplied new avionics to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, but also built a new EFB that allows for more advanced route creation and implementation of built-in charts. From the main menu, or in your aircraft, you are able to access the EFB. It has been designed to be fairly universal regardless of your plane. From a small Cessna to the bigger jets, you can see the EFB to help you with planning. Included is the ability to plot a route, add fuel and payload, and also get performance data.



Above: This is from in the simulator, but can be accessed via your aircraft on the onboard EFB.
In the build we used, you had to create the route manually, selecting SIDs and STARs and then adding your route between each point. I asked if it was possible to have the system ‘build’ a route but was told not at this time. For those who just want an accessible way to see and make a route, this is a great tool, but for hardcore simmers who appreciate the fact other tools like SimBrief can go into the finer details, it will fall short. Having a universal EFB for any aircraft, is, however, a very welcome addition and I hope to see this expanded and used for more aircraft in the future.
Thin Client
The ‘Thin Client’ is being touted as one of the most revolutionary aspects of the new simulator. Instead of chucking hundreds of gigabytes of data onto your harddrive, Microsoft wants you to only download the bits you need when you need it. The ‘thin client’ streams data and saves it to your rolling cache more effectively than in MSFS 2020. On top of that, now every component of the simulator is streamed.
This achieves quicker loading times, less storage used, and ultimately, less internet data being consumed. Whilst we saw the benefit of quicker loading times to get into the simulator, we also saw how a poor internet connection can negatively impact your experience. In our environment, the internet struggled to keep up with 25 machines all simultaneously downloading data. It is important to note that this is not a normal operating environment for anyone (all these machines connect to a single router). But it does raise questions on how this will be for those who struggle with internet, or in situations where the servers go down.
It is fair to say that since the launch of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, there have been a number of times when downtime was an issue. Whether it was a simulator issue or a wider Xbox Games service issue, it has left the simulator almost impossible to use in some situations. While it is rare for the simulator to be inaccessible for extended periods of time, it does show how reliant it is on reliable connections—something that will be even more apparent when everything is streamed or downloaded.
The concept sounds great, but in a realistic environment, we will have to see. But the idea of loading up the simulator in less than a minute and my hard drive not being absorbed by hundreds of gigabytes of data I’ll likely never use is actually really exciting.
Performance
It is fair to say that the test computers we had were pretty powerful. Equally, we were using the simulator with high settings (presumably) on a 4K monitor, all whilst capturing directly to an SSD. Furthermore, running on a pre-release build, where I was told performance optimisation is still very much ongoing. Plus, Sebastian Wolch also confirmed that they are still working on optimising the compression algorithms to get the most out of the simulator.









All that said, the simulator is packing more detail than ever and everything feels slick and smooth. Initially loading into some areas saw some stutters or waiting times, but overall it was a highly impressive display. However, we would need more time in a more controlled environment in order to run more thorough tests in order to give a proper perspective.
A Revolution or an Evolution?
So how do I feel about the next generation of flight simulation? Without a doubt, the ambition is clear. The fleet of planes promises to be absolutely mind-blowing and the new technology powering the simulator will give us the most detailed world ever. There are huge benefits to the new thin client, but it needs to be reliable and protected from server outages. Regardless, the fact Microsoft is still so heavily invested in the series is a true win for the entire community and core simmers, gamers, and digital tourists will all benefit from having Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 in your hard drive.
But the question is, is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 going to be a revolution or an evolution? When MSFS 2020 was released, there was a 14-year gap between that and FSX. Therefore, almost every element felt revolutionary. Every aspect was taking advantage of new technology with UI, aircraft and the world completely overhauled. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 expands massively on the 2020 title in many ways, but perhaps doesn’t feel quite as revolutionary as the change we saw back then. It builds on everything about MSFS 2020 and then some to create this more authentic world, taking into account feedback from the community from the past few years.












Yes, it’s going to be exciting and it’s going to be the next generation of flight simulation. But if you’re expecting the same level of shift in experience between FSX and MSFS 2020, you should begin to temper your expectations. The next few months will certainly be exciting and with years worth of content still to come from Microsoft and third-party developers, flight simulation has never been in a healthier spot than it is in 2024.
Be sure to stay tuned to FSElite for more on Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.