Shaun Jooste
Shaun JoosteUpdated 5 months ago

A comprehensive flight experience

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is a single-player flight simulator video game developed by Asobo Studio, available on PC and a gaming console. It’s the first release in the Flight Simulator series since Microsoft Flight Simulator X  was released. This version has upgraded its graphics to mimic the textures of Earth, going as far as using topographical data from Bing Maps. The three-dimensional representation of natural wonders was created using Microsoft Azure technology

With its cutting-edge technology, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 delivers a deeply immersive experience for aviation enthusiasts and casual gamers alike. 

A realistic flight simulator 

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 was created with Asobo’s in-house developed game engine. Leveraging Bing Maps data, you will have on-demand access to two petabytes of data from the cloud. Asure artificial intelligence scans map information and photogrammetry to project photorealistic three-dimensional models of nature and urban areas. Fly out from 37 thousand real-world airports and visit 2 million cities and towns, with 1.5 billion buildings and 2 trillion trees altogether.  

Living and non-living beings will appear in all areas of the game. This includes flora and fauna that are living in nature and moving vehicles that populate the area. A prime example of the simulator’s attention to detail is the effect wind direction has on your surroundings. Waterfalls will flow according to the wind, and the individual leaves of the trees will begin to rustle, creating the appearance of a living world.  

The flight model processor was used to simulate thousands of surfaces and 3D forces. Its appearance will vary depending on the weather conditions, seasons, and time of day. Utilizing real-world weather data allows the game to follow the same conditions as the area you’re flying in. For example, you’re flying over the United Kingdom, where it often rains. Most likely, you will be navigating through thick and moist clouds which can greatly affect your ability to fly.  

What’s included in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020? 

Just like Microsoft Simulator X, this game is also available in Standard, Deluxe, and Premium Deluxe Versions. The difference between the three is that they provide an incremental set of airplanes to choose from as well as additional airports with more detailed visuals. The Standard version offers walkthroughs and a manual, while the Premium Deluxe edition has the same inclusion plus an artbook. All three editions are available for PC and console, including Microsoft Game Pass users. 

It’s also important to note that all the versions come with the installer and basic content only. This means the aircraft and default world are already included in the game. The simulation and other updates can be downloaded during installation, which requires an active internet connection. This will allow it to automatically update on its own. Higher-quality ground imagery, sharper details, and more accurate weather data will appear as you continue to update the game.  

Assignment-situated objectives have likewise been added to the game to urge clients to fly universally and locally. This usage of multipath and occasion-arranged circumstances gives a motivating force to clients to cooperate. You will receive benefits for finishing missions and meeting explicit amounts all through the game. By finishing your preparation, you will get recreated pilot appraisals in particular: Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, and Airline Transfer Pilot. 

On the other hand, its free update called City Update II brings changes to five cities in France, which are Amiens, Angers, Nantes, Nîmes, and Reims. Plus, it adds the renowned Paris–Le Bourget Airport in standard and festival modes. Besides that, it also introduces a new plane, the Local Legend 09: the Latécoère Model 631. The six-engine, high-wing beast comes with 16 liveries and can be purchased by the player. However, while the game provides tutorials and assistance options, the complexity of flight mechanics and navigation can be daunting for newcomers. 

Offers a new content for its 40th anniversary edition 

As the game celebrates its 40th anniversary, it also offers a new comprehensive package that adds significant content and refinements, solidifying the game as the ultimate flight simulation experience. The 40th Anniversary Edition introduces historic aircraft, including the Wright Flyer, Spirit of St. Louis, and a range of helicopters and gliders. These additions bring a nostalgic yet fresh perspective, allowing players to explore aviation history alongside modern-day flying. Helicopter flight dynamics and glider aerodynamics are meticulously modeled, offering a unique challenge to experienced players. 

Also new are four classic commercial airports and over 20 additional mission types. These activities, including search-and-rescue operations and historical recreations, breathe life into the gameplay. The enhanced world-building continues to impress, with photorealistic landscapes, real-time weather updates, and incredibly detailed aircraft. The series' trademark realism is elevated further with improvements to ground physics and an expanded fleet. The introduction of helicopter and glider tutorials ensures accessibility for newcomers as well. Coupled with varied difficulty settings and assistance options, the game accommodates a broad range of skill levels, making it approachable yet rewarding for enthusiasts. 

High-octane and detailed flight simulator 

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 allows you to encounter enormous planes, helicopters, and different airplanes in different conditions. You will be tested by a one-of-a-kind blend of landscape, season, climate, and time of day. Likewise, meeting the necessities set by the trainers and control pinnacles will test your critical thinking aptitudes, mindfulness, and time with the executives, making it an appropriate game for air travel devotees and experienced gamers. 

  • Pros

    • Photorealistic graphics
    • Extensive use of real-world data
    • Includes task-oriented goals
  • Cons

    • Steep learning curve
 0/3

App specs

  • License

    Full

  • Version

    1.27.21.0

  • Latest update

  • Platform

    Windows

    Other platforms (2)
  • OS

    Windows 10

  • Language

    English

    Available languages

    • English
    • French
    • Italian
    • German
    • Spanish
    • Polish
    • Portuguese
    • Russian
  • Downloads

    198.7K

    Last month's downloads

    • 2.3K
  • Developer

Also available in other platforms

Program available in other languages



User reviews about Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

by Robert Higgins

Why does the lead in say free when it cost close to $50? You get 1 star for misleading

by Laurie Phillips

Have been downloading a Mandatory Upgrade for 3 days!! and it is still not finished. Bring back the CD's.

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