For its 40th anniversary, majorly updated Microsoft Flight Simulator release in 2020, fans of the popular simulator have been anticipating big things for its 40th anniversary.
One of the absent features that fans most often requested was the ability to pilot helicopters and gliders. This request did not seem like much of a stretch, as both are aircraft vehicles. However, even in the 2020 release, these vehicles were not available in-game. As a result, the modding community took it upon themselves to create a mod that enabled players to control a helicopter, specifically an Airbus H135 helicopter. Developer Asobo heard the clamor for the ability to pilot a helicopter and promised to release a patch in 2022 which would add a helicopter to Microsoft Flight Simulator.
As reported in PC Gamer, the free Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition patch will be released on November 11th and feature 12 new aircraft, four commercial airports, 10 glider airports, 14 heliports, and 20 past missions from the series. In addition to a full-size airliner, the update will also include historical planes like the Spruce Goose, the largest wooden plane and seaplane ever built. The other six historical planes being introduced in the new patch also include the Wright Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, and the Douglas DC-3. Lastly, the 40th Anniversary Edition is bringing in a cities update that will give photogrammetry-modeled detail to several German cities.
Microsoft Flight Simulator Stays Relevant 40 Years Later
Despite the series' age, Microsoft Flight Simulator has kept current throughout the years. In June of this year, Microsoft Flight Simulator delivered a free DLC that featured Halo Infinite's Pelican, a sci-fi troop transport aircraft that breaks the atmosphere. Players with this DLC can soar far above the clouds and experience a more sci-fi side to the usually painstakingly realistic simulator. In May of this past year, the series also released a Top Gun: Maverick-inspired DLC in conjunction with the recent movie. With these collaborations, the decades-old series Microsoft Flight Simulator has been able to remain popular.
Both long-time players and recent fans should look forward to the Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition patch. Whether it's piloting the Spruce Goose or a state-of-the-art helicopter, players are bound to have a good time. After an update this substantial, only time will tell where else Microsoft Flight Simulator might go.
Sources: PC Gamer, Xbox/YouTube
