Microsoft used Gamescom 2021 yesterday to announce the next major update to Microsoft Flight Simulator, which includes the ability to race against other players at up to 500 mph.
As Xbox Wire reports, a number of updates are heading to Microsoft Flight Simulator for PC and Xbox Series X|S, starting with the World Update VI on Sept. 7th. It’s focused on Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and offers “new aerial imagery, high-resolution elevation maps and several brand-new 3D cities in Germany, Basel in Switzerland, Graz and Vienna in Austria are drastically enhancing the visuals of these three countries and the beautiful mountain-ranges of the Alps.”
Players can also expect to see 100 “hand-crafted” famous locations, four airports (Lübeck, Stuttgart, Klagenfurt and St. Gallen), as well as new discovery flights, landing challenges, and bush trips. It’s a free update, so be sure to download it next month.
Also on Sept. 7th, but not free, will be the famous 1930 German plane called the Junkers JU-52. It’s part of Microsoft’s “Local Legends” aircraft, which involves the development team scanning entire planes using a high-resolution digital scanner and working with as many people as possible involved directly with the aircraft. In this case the grandson of the original designer was involved. The Junkers JU-52 will cost $14.99. Microsoft is also adding the Volocopter VoloCity electric vertical take-off and landing air taxi in November, although no price was revealed.
And finally, Microsoft is embracing air racing by announcing the first major expansion for Flight Simulator called Reno Air Races. Through a partnership with the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), the STIHL National Championship Air Races will be available to enjoy as a competitive multiplayer experience. You’ll be able to fly planes at up to 500 mph against your friends or other pilots around the world, but the release date hasn’t been specified yet beyond “this Fall.”
