Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is the highly anticipated next installment in the iconic Microsoft Flight Simulator series, set to launch on November 19, 2024. It aims to be the most ambitious consumer flight simulator ever created, offering not just the joy of flight but also the opportunity for players to pursue their dream aviation careers
A technical alpha of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has thrown up some unexpected results: the game’s bandwidth requirements in-flight can spike as high as 180 Mbps. At that rate, a single hour of gameplay could consume 81 gigabytes of data, depending on what you’re flying over and how detailed the environment is. And while that might not be a huge problem for users with gigabit connections and no data cap, it’s a very different story for others.
The 2024 version of this classic sim has a smaller install size than its predecessor, which was infamous for its massive storage demands. While Flight Simulator 2020 needed up to 400 GB of space with all the DLCs installed, this new version trims that down to just 9 GB in its alpha build. But the catch? Much more of the game now streams data directly, causing the bandwidth usage to balloon during high-detail sections.
Shifting Storage to Streaming
The previous game had its own internet-heavy moments, especially when you flew over photogrammetry-dense cities. In Flight Simulator 2020, some users saw peaks of 100 Mbps in these areas, though it would drop as low as 10 Mbps when over less busy terrain. But even the 50 Mbps bandwidth recommendation for 2020 looks modest compared to what we’re seeing in the early version of 2024’s flight sim.
Part of this bandwidth spike may be down to the reduction in local storage. Microsoft is clearly shifting more of the game’s data load to streaming rather than relying on installed content. As a result, users who don’t have an unlimited internet plan—or who live in areas where data caps still exist—might quickly find themselves running into limits.
Is Your Connection Ready for This?
While many users in the U.S. have access to unlimited data, it’s not a given. Internet service providers (ISPs) often enforce data caps that range from 150 GBto 1 TB per month. Given the extreme bandwidth requirements of Flight Simulator 2024, it’s easy to see how just a few hours of gameplay could push users over their limits, leading to hefty fees or throttling.
And it’s not just about data caps. Users whose internet speeds can’t keep up with the 180 Mbps bandwidth demands might struggle to play at all in high-density areas. The game’s heavy reliance on real-time data could cause issues for those without fast connections, making for a frustrating experience if their internet can’t keep up with the data streaming demands.
Trade-Offs: Storage vs. Bandwidth
The smaller install size of the 2024 version will be a relief for players with limited hard drive space, especially after Flight Simulator 2020’s massive storage needs. But this trade-off—less local storage, more streaming—comes with its own set of challenges. As the game tries to push for higher-fidelity simulations of the planet and the environments players fly through, it’s clear that the cost has shifted from local hardware to internet infrastructure.
For many gamers, the idea of downloading hundreds of gigabytes for a game install is daunting, but now the conversation is shifting to whether their internet connection can handle the game instead. This move highlights the changing nature of gaming and raises questions about accessibility.
Future Updates Could Change the Numbers
With Flight Simulator 2024 still in its alpha phase, the numbers we’re seeing now might not reflect the final product. But with the game’s emphasis on high-quality global simulations, it seems likely that the final build won’t stray far from these early bandwidth requirements. Gamers who are used to the idea of massive installs might have to rethink their approach, as bandwidth demands for modern games continue to rise.
Microsoft has yet to release any detailed guidance on what the final version of the game will look like in terms of system requirements, but players with strict data limits should start paying attention. The balance between storage and bandwidth will be a key consideration for users hoping to experience the best of Flight Simulator 2024.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: New Features and Technology Upgrades
The upcoming release of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 promises to be a major evolution for both fans of the series and newcomers alike, set to launch on November 19, 2024. Available on Xbox Series X|S and PC, the game will also be accessible on Xbox Game Pass from day one, making it widely available to a global audience. But what really sets this edition apart are the new career modes and cutting-edge technology enhancements that push the boundaries of flight simulation.
New Aviation Careers and Experiences
One of the standout features in Flight Simulator 2024 is the introduction of aviation career modes, allowing players to take on various roles beyond just flying commercial jets. Whether you’re interested in aerial firefighting, search and rescue operations, or piloting air ambulances, the game offers a broad range of activities. Even less conventional experiences, like hot air balloon rides, will be included, bringing new dimensions of gameplay to an already diverse simulator.
These careers aim to deepen player engagement, making it more than just a flying experience. For instance, the search and rescue missions may involve scanning large, complex environments for missing individuals, while aerial firefighting could have you tackling dynamic wildfires with real-time wind and weather conditions.
Cutting-Edge Technology Meets Realism
At its core, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 features a revamped aerodynamic engine that offers an even more realistic flying experience. Players will notice enhanced weather systems, including extreme events like tornadoes, wildfires, and the stunning aurora borealis. These environmental factors not only add to the visual appeal but also affect flight mechanics, challenging players to adapt to various atmospheric conditions.
In terms of visual upgrades, the game will take advantage of ray-tracing technology and an improved lighting engine that brings both aircraft and landscapes to life in incredible detail. From the subtle reflections on plane surfaces to realistic shadows in airport terminals, these enhancements offer a new level of immersion.
Expanding the World with Global Details
The world within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is set to be more detailed than ever. Iconic landmarks, including oil rigs and lighthouses, add authenticity to the global map, while airports now feature more life-like elements, such as passengers walking through terminals and enhanced vehicle traffic around airports. Players can even encounter vertical obstacles, adding new layers of complexity to landings and takeoffs.
For those who want to go beyond flying, the game now allows players to walk freely in and out of aircraft, further expanding the scope of exploration. This feature, paired with the enhanced world details, offers a more immersive experience of not just the skies but also the environments below.
Backwards Compatibility and Gameplay Enhancements
Long-time players of the series will appreciate that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 offers backwards compatibility for most add-ons purchased in Flight Simulator 2020. This ensures that users won’t lose any of their previously acquired content, offering seamless continuity.
Additionally, the game introduces new tools like an in-game flight planner, also accessible via a web interface, and an integrated replay tool for reviewing past flights. These features not only enhance gameplay but make Flight Simulator 2024 a more versatile platform for both casual and hardcore flight enthusiasts.
With the expanded aircraft systems, including detailed electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems, as well as failure simulations that add unexpected challenges mid-flight, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 aims to be more than just a visual upgrade.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 2:32 pm CET
