Massive patch released for MSFS 2024: Version 1.2.7.0 now available

The largest update yet for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has arrived, bringing a sweeping list of changes, improvements, and fixes. Patch 1.2.7.0 introduces a new feature for managing Marketplace 2020 ported content, various aircraft and scenery enhancements, significant performance optimizations, and bug fixes across multiple areas of the simulator.

Following two hotfix patches that came shortly after the release, this is the first really comprehensive update from the MSFS team that the community was waiting for. The changelog is absolutely massive with more than 700 notes across seemingly the entire experience in MSFS. Here are some key highlights of the update!

Marketplace 2020 Ported Content Management

Users can now enable or disable Marketplace 2020 ported content on a per-item basis, giving greater control over their library. Non-Microsoft ported content is disabled by default, meaning players must activate their preferred items through the “My Library” menu. The update also resolves issues related to loading times and stability, particularly on Xbox Series X|S consoles.

Stability and Performance Improvements

The update tackles several critical crashes and improves overall simulator stability. Highlights include:

  • Fixed crashes involving WASM aircraft gauge textures, flight planning, and audio systems.
  • Optimized memory usage and reduced stuttering during gameplay.
  • Improved boot times and reduced latency with HTTP requests.
  • Added a new Safe Mode feature that disables custom content to allow recovery from crashes.

Aircraft Enhancements

The update includes significant upgrades and fixes for various aircraft:

  • Cessna 172, Boeing 737 MAX 8, and Airbus Helicopters H125 received new liveries and texture improvements.
  • Several aircraft, including the Beechcraft King Air 350i and Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, now feature updated EFB functionality with takeoff and landing performance tables.
  • Helicopters like the Airbus H125 and Guimbal Cabri G2 received enhanced preflight interactions and checklist refinements.
  • Performance improvements were applied to passive aircraft models to reduce texture issues and optimize visual quality.

General Bug Fixes

A wide array of fixes addresses issues ranging from windshield effects to toolbar usability. Aircraft systems and missions have also been improved:

  • Fixed night haze, visual artifacts, and shoreline rendering.
  • Improved integration of modular aircraft components and updated localization.
  • Adjusted runway lights intensity and corrected issues with glider spawning.

Career Mode and Mission Updates

Career Mode saw refinements to company management, mission logic, and aircraft wear-and-tear tracking. Missions such as Medevac, Search & Rescue, and Scientific Research received specific fixes to address scoring errors, dialogue overlaps, and navigation problems.

Scenery and World Enhancements

The update improves scenery across standard and World Update airports:

  • Enhanced LODs, collision detection, and terrain at airports like London Heathrow (EGLL) and San Francisco International (KSFO).
  • Addressed vegetation issues around landmarks and points of interest in regions covered by World Updates, such as Australia, Iberia, and Oceania.
  • Fixed visual and collision issues at bridges, monuments, and observatories.

Developer and SDK Tools

Developers working on content for MSFS 2024 benefit from updates to the SDK, DevMode, and various tools. Notable changes include:

  • Improved WASM and SimConnect support for aircraft and liveries.
  • Added new samples for aircraft modifications and scenery updates.

How to update

The patch is now live and will download automatically through the Microsoft Flight Simulator client. As always, simmers are advised to ensure their Community Folder content is compatible with the new update to avoid potential stability issues.

This should be the first of an extensive list of big updates aimed at improving the simulator and addressing player feedback. For a complete list of changes, visit the official MSFS release notes.