Microsoft and Asobo Studio have released World Update 21 for Microsoft Flight Simulator, this time returning to Australia with a refreshed and expanded take on the region.
The update revisits areas previously covered in the original Australia world update, but with improved data and additional detail. In total, the update includes over 30 new or reworked areas, along with 29 newly created points of interest and further refinements to existing landmarks. Major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth, and Darwin all benefit from updates, with Melbourne seeing a notable expansion to its photogrammetry coverage. You can read the official blog post for a detailed account of specific POIs.
Six handcrafted airports from Gaya are included, offering a varied mix across Australia. These range from remote outback fields like Broken Hill (YBHI) and Coober Pedy (YCBP), to coastal and regional hubs such as Broome (YBRM) and Bathurst (YBTH). Also featured is the dual-use RAAF Base Tindal (YPTN), alongside the scenic and isolated Lord Howe Island Airport (YLHI), which serves as a key stop for light aircraft between Australia and New Zealand.
As with previous world updates, a range of activities has been included to showcase the updated region. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 users can take part in a mix of discovery flights, precision landings, low-altitude challenges, and rally races. For Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020), the update brings additional landing challenges and a new bush trip.
World Update 21 is now available to download for free via the in-sim Marketplace for both MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024.
