The MSFS team didn’t let the typically slower month of August go by without providing their usual monthly developer update. With MSFS 2024 quickly approaching, the team is certainly very busy, taking as little time off as possible while continuing to dedicate time to unveil a range of exciting updates, new content, and future plans for both the current MSFS 2020 and the upcoming MSFS 2024.
In the latest developer stream, which took place a few days ago and can be watched in full on YouTube, we were presented with new information regarding upcoming World Updates, new aircraft, technical improvements, roadmap adjustments, and more. If you don’t have a full hour to watch the entire stream, below is our quick recap of the major announcements made during the stream.
World Update 18 – DACH Region Revisited
One of the highlights of this developer stream was undoubtedly the announcement of World Update 18, focusing on the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). This update, scheduled for release on August 22nd alongside Gamescom, marks a significant enhancement to an area previously covered in World Update 6.
Key features of World Update 18 include:
- Enhanced Terrain Resolution: Thanks to newly available data from the European Union’s High Value Data initiative, the majority of the region will now boast an impressive 1-meter resolution terrain mesh, a substantial improvement over the previous update.
- Photogrammetry Cities: The update introduces or enhances photogrammetry for several major cities:
- Germany: Berlin (including Potsdam and Karow), Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt Hanau
- Austria: Vienna, Salzburg, Linz
- Switzerland: Zurich, Bern
- New Hand-Crafted Airports: Three meticulously detailed airports are included:
- EDDM Munich Airport (Germany)
- LOWS Salzburg Airport (Austria)
- LSZB Bern Airport (Switzerland)
- Points of Interest: A staggering 116 new points of interest have been added across the three countries, significantly enhancing the visual fidelity and authenticity of the region.
- Updated Aerial Imagery: The update utilizes new aerial imagery, providing a preview of the visuals that will be standard in MSFS 2024.
Of particular note is the inclusion of Munich Airport, developed by Gaya Simulations. Interestingly, Gaya had previously previewed a payware version of this airport, but it now seems to be incorporated into the base simulator as part of this World Update.
Local Legend 19: Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor
Alongside WU19, the MSFS team will release the Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor as the next Local Legend aircraft. This German airliner from 1936 holds a significant place in aviation history as the first land-based aircraft to fly non-stop between Berlin and New York in 1938.
Key details:
- Developed by Oliver Moser (known for Junkers aircraft) in collaboration with iniBuilds for artwork
- Price: $14.99 ($9.99 for Deluxe/Premium Deluxe owners)
- Release date: August 22, 2024 (alongside World Update 18)
- Historical significance: The team worked closely with a German museum that has restored the only remaining Condor
- Features: Highly detailed exterior and interior, fully functional systems, animated fuel dumping system, and explorable cabin
World Update 19 – Brazil
The highly anticipated World Update 19, focusing on Brazil, has been officially confirmed as the next major update following the DACH region. Scheduled for release in December 2024, this update promises to significantly enhance the South American country’s representation in the simulator. It will feature updated aerial imagery, improved terrain data, and a plethora of new points of interest, bringing Brazil to life with unprecedented detail. Brazil is a large country with millions of simmers who have been eagerly waiting for this news!
Accompanying this update will be Local Legend 20, the CAP-4 Paulistinha, a popular Brazilian trainer aircraft being developed by iniBuilds.
Updates on other Aircraft
Besides the confirmation of two upcoming World Updates and corresponding Local Legends, the developer stream brought important news regarding the development of other aircraft. Here’s a breakdown:
ATR Updates
Hans Hartmann has been working on significant updates to the regional airliner:
- Extensive bug fixes and improvements based on community feedback
- Two new variants:
a) ATR 42-600S (STOL variant)
b) ATR 72-600F (Freighter variant) - Expected release: September 2024
- Free update for existing owners
Boeing 707-320C
The long-awaited Boeing 707, developed by Aeroplane Heaven, has a new tentative release date for September 17.
Sud Aviation Caravelle
Confirmed as Famous Flyer XI, now planned for an early 2025 release.
Aircraft and Avionics Update 3 (AAU3)
Replacing the planned Sim Update 16 (full Sim Update now expected in early 2025, after MSFS 2024 release), AAU3 will focus on improving existing aircraft:
- A310 improvements: Enhanced FMS predictions, magnetic bearing fixes, tail number corrections
- A320neo enhancements (by iniBuilds):
- Completely rewritten LNAV code for improved autopilot precision
- New terrain radar system with minimal performance impact
- Adjusted rotation logic and takeoff power
- Functional ‘radial in’ logic
- Performance optimizations
- PC-6 improvements (details to be announced)
- Expected release: Mid-September 2024
As usual, the August 2024 developer stream for Microsoft Flight Simulator has provided a wealth of information, primarily focused on the current MSFS 2020 edition. From the imminent release of World Update 18 for the DACH region to exciting new aircraft additions like the Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor and new ATR variants, the team continues to enhance the existing platform.
However, this stream may represent one of the last major development updates primarily dedicated to MSFS 2020. The development team has indicated that starting next month, their focus will shift significantly towards the upcoming MSFS 2024 edition. While support for MSFS 2020 will continue until 2028, the lion’s share of new features and innovations will naturally be directed towards the new version.
