Flight Simulator will receive a Game-of-the-Year edition, packed to the brim with new content and free for owners of the main game.
Virtual hobby pilots have been floating on cloud nine since 2020, when the latest edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator was finally released after many years of abstinence – and it was also found to be decidedly good, as our review shows.
Since then, there have been several updates that have sanded down the game’s remaining rough edges and integrated new content. But the Game-of-the-Year Edition that has now been announced is likely to make fan hearts finally take off.
All info on the GOTY edition of Flight Simulator
When will the Game-of-the-Year-Update be released?
The Game-of-the-Year-Edition will be released on 18 November 2021 for PC and Xbox Series X/S. Unsurprisingly, the new version will also be available on both platforms via Game Pass. On PC, it will also be available via Steam and the Microsoft Store.
What does the Game of the Year Update cost?
For owners of the game, the huge update is free, but new graduates of the Pilot Academy will have to pull out their wallets. It is not yet known how much the updated version will cost.
What content does the Game of the Year update bring?
All DLCs and updates released so far are part of the GOTY edition. In addition, a whole range of new features and, of course, aircraft will be added. All this awaits you:
- DirectX 12: Microsoft’s latest graphics interface finds its way into the game. It is not known which graphical improvements will find their way into the game in addition to the new weather system, such as ray tracing or even fancier water. However, in the best case scenario, you should be able to expect better performance, as DirectX 12 makes better use of the CPU.
- Updated weather system: The representation of meteorological events was already considered a highlight of Flight Simulator, but the developer Asobo has once again lent a hand and improved the weather system. This should make storms and thunderstorms look even more spectacular.
- New aircraft: Five new aircraft await you – the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, VoloCity, Pilatus PC-6 Porter, CubCrafters NX Cub and the Aviat Pitts Special S1S.
- New and revised airports: The approach stations of Helsinki, Freiburg im Breisgau, Brighton, Derby, Eastbourne, Newcastle, Nottingham and Utrecht got a facelift thanks to updated photogrammetry. Brand new will be the airports in the following cities or locations: Leipzig/Halle, Allgäu Memmingen, Kassel, Lugano, Zurich, Lucerne-Beromunster, Patrick Space Force Base and the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
- New Discovery Flights: A total of six new routes are waiting for you to explore.
- More Tutorials: 14 new missions have been designed to teach you the craft of a pilot through play.
New races thanks to Reno Air Races
Simultaneously with the Game-of-the-Year Edition, an update for the multiplayer will also be released on 18 November 2021, which will come in two variants in terms of price and scope: the Reno Air Races: Expansion Pack and the Reno Air Races: Full Collection.
The motorsport series around aeroplane racing thus finds its way into Flight Simulator. You can compete with your friends to see who can manoeuvre their powerful aircraft through the air the fastest.
The price for the Full Collection is not yet known. This version comes with 40 officially licensed aircraft, including the models 10 North American P-51 Mustangs, 10 North American T-6 Texans, 10 Aero L-39 Albatros’ and the 10 Aviat Pitts Special S1S.
If you like it cheaper, go for the slimmed-down Expansion Pack. Here you still get four aircraft with which you can compete in races: North American T-6 Texan, North American P-51 Mustang, Aero L-39 Albatros, and an Aviat Pitts Special S1S. Here the price is 20 Euro.
Are you looking forward to the Game-of-the-Year-Edition of Flight Simulator, or have you already hung up your pilot’s hat again? And what do you think of the new multiplayer races? The flight crew of GS 10/97 would like to hear your opinion!
