The wait for the next Microsoft Flight Simulator is almost over. The best way to see the world from a plane's cockpit outside of training to become a pilot and flying a plane for real, although Flight Sim is arguably even better for a few reasons. Chief among them is even though you'll have to pay a little bit to play the next game in the series, it won't cost nearly as much as putting yourself through pilot school.

The new Flight Sim is only a few days away which means if you plan on taking to the skies as soon as possible, you'll want to place a pre-order. That decision is trickier with Flight Sim than almost any other game as it has five editions to choose from. The aircraft and airports included will be dictated by the edition you choose, and we've mapped out what you get with each edition below.

Differences Between Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024's Five Editions

via Microsoft

If you opt for an expensive enough edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, you'll get some physical stuff thrown in alongside all the extra aircraft and airports, all of which is detailed in the table.

Standard Edition

Deluxe Edition

Premium Deluxe Edition

Aviator Edition

Limited Collector's Edition

Aircraft

70

80

95

125

125

Airports

150

155

160

160

160

Jumbo Steelbook

Custom Pilot's Lanyard

Antonov An-225 Model Plane from Herpa

Custom Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Flight Bag

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Luggage Tag

Platinum-Looking Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Logo Pin

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Key Art Lithograph

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Collectible Retail Box

Letter From The Developer

As you can see, you've got some decisions to make. If you just want to fly around the world in an airplane and you don't care that there will be locations missing from your base version of the game, then the standard edition is all you need. Even then, you've still got 70 airports to choose from and 150 aircraft to land in them.

If the base version isn't enough then you can keep creeping on up through the editions, adding more airports and aircraft as you go. If you land on the two most expensive editions of Microsoft Flight Sim, then you'll get some other things thrown in, particularly if you've arrived in time to grab the limited collector's edition. You can pre-order that and every other edition of the game through the links below.

5.0/5 Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Like Follow Followed Flight Simulator Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 76/100 Critics Rec: 68% Released November 19, 2024 ESRB Everyone / Users Interact, In-Game Purchases Developer(s) Asobo Studio Publisher(s) Xbox Game Studios 10 Images Close
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SUBSCRIPTION
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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. 

Launch your aviation Career wherever you choose in the world. Gain experience, build your reputation, and complete certifications to gain access to authentic aviation activities ranging from Medevac, Remote Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue and more, all the way to becoming an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a truly global aviation adventure with virtually unlimited missions across the planet.

Compete against other pilots in the all-new Challenge League mode or hone your skills in dozens of Activities ranging from exciting Rally Races and Precision Landings to Low-Altitude challenges and more. Fly head-to-head in the iconic Red Bull Air Races and the legendary Reno Air Races, including the new Roswell courses.

Be a World Photographer and travel across our beautiful planet to capture awe-inspiring natural vistas, visit famous landmarks, and record these adventures with pictures in your travel book. Unique photo challenges test your creative eye along with your piloting skills while you strive to capture the perfect moment.

Genre(s) Flight Simulator Powered by Expand Collapse

Playing Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 On Xbox Game Pass

via Microsoft

Some of you might not plan on buying Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 at all since it will be a day one release on Game Pass. Xbox will be following the blueprint it set out for Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 for Flight Sim. The standard edition of the upcoming installment in the Flight Sim series is the only one that will be included with Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass on PC. If you want any of the more expensive editions, you will be able to upgrade by paying the difference.

Microsoft Flight Simulator will be released on Xbox Series X|S and PC on November 19, 2024, and will be available on Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass on PC the same day.

FAQ

What Time Will Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Be Released?

Xbox is taking a slightly different approach to the release time for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 as the sim game will be available to play from 11 am EST on November 19, 2024.

What Will Be Different In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?

Some of the upgrades and improvements included in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 include a photography mode, a guided aviation career path, and a challenge league system.

Will Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Have A Career Path?

Yes, players will choose between a helicopter or a fixed-wing aircraft to begin and can then experience a branching career path from that point on.