Explore 30 Biomes with 3D Landscapes in MSFS 2024

Explore 30 Biomes with 3D Landscapes in MSFS 2024

New details about Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 have been revealed, shedding light on several improvements that were hinted at in the recent trailer. These enhancements include a complete overhaul of world modeling, the introduction of a 3D ground map, significant visual upgrades across various environments, and expanded commercial aviation activities.

One of the most striking visual changes is the transformation of the Earth’s landscape. In MSFS 2024, the terrain below your aircraft is rendered in full 3D, rather than just being a flat texture. This includes procedurally generated vegetation spread across 30 distinct biomes, offering a dramatic visual upgrade. The difference is especially noticeable when comparing the same areas in the 2020 and 2024 versions of the simulator.

The representation of the world has also been refined. AI-controlled planes will now feature more detailed models, complete with authentic liveries. In addition, the simulation will now include global ship traffic, and every oil rig in the world has been added, complete with helipads. Microsoft has also incorporated every known helipad and glider airport worldwide. Additionally, the new version will feature around 500,000 tall obstacles, such as antennas, towers, turbines, masts, and cooling towers.

Commercial aviation is also getting new activities, like the ability to walk around your plane to complete pre-flight checklists. This feature complements the upgraded airport models, which now include visible passengers moving inside terminals and boarding planes through jetways.

The physics engine has received an upgrade as well, with more contact points on aircraft models and improved physics for factors like cargo weight. These enhancements will be easy for third-party developers and modders to integrate into existing models.

Beyond these major changes, there are also other visual improvements, such as enhanced clouds and shadows. Ray-traced ground shadows add a new level of realism, and the updated cloud engine now simulates cirrus clouds, complete with lighting and atmospheric effects.

Flight Simulator 2024 will also include an in-game flight path planner and a flight replay feature, making it easier for pilots to plan and review their flights.

Set to release on November 19, 2024, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is the latest entry in this long-running series. The game was first announced earlier this month with a trailer showcasing hot air balloons, blimps, and even some wildlife photography.

For more details, you can watch the full presentation on the Microsoft Flight Simulator YouTube channel, which also includes information about new planes, including the Boeing 737 MAX, coming to MSFS 2024.