Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Promises Major Improvements Over Its Predecessor

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is set to launch with a dramatically reduced install size of approximately 30 gigabytes, a notable decrease compared to the previous entry in the series. This smaller file size means that players will need to free up far less space on their Xbox or PC hard drives than they might have anticipated.

As the sequel to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, this latest installment was unveiled during the Xbox Games Showcase in June, along with 29 other exciting titles and expansions. True to its legacy as a realistic flight simulation, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will introduce over a dozen new mission types when it releases on November 19.

The significant reduction in file size can be attributed to the incorporation of cloud streaming technology, as detailed in a game preview posted on September 19 by Xbox Wire. This advancement allows a large portion of the game’s content to be accessed remotely, minimizing the need for extensive hard drive space on consoles and PCs. Highly detailed regions will not be directly installed; instead, the specific details relevant to a player’s current flight path will be streamed to their device. This innovation is particularly beneficial given the new feature that enables players to land and exit aircraft anywhere in the world, allowing for close-up exploration on foot.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 File Size Overview

- Estimated Size: Approximately 30 GB  

- Comparison: The previous title required around 130 gigabytes, meaning the new game will take up less than a quarter of that space. While Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 was praised for its stunning graphics and diverse aircraft selection, its large file size was a drawback that deterred some potential players.

Though the release is still a couple of months away, excitement among fans is palpable. Additionally, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will be available on Game Pass Ultimate from day one, allowing subscribers to enjoy the game without any extra cost beyond their membership fees.