Third-party developer Got Friends has unveiled a new project for Microsoft Flight Simulator, but this time, it’s not one of the unique, highly immersive aircraft the team is known for. Instead, the developer is introducing a ground vehicle, following in the footsteps of Parallel 42’s Juice Goose (which, coincidentally, just received an update for MSFS 2024).
Got Friends is calling this Project Crosskart—a simulated off-road buggy designed to take advantage of the simulator’s terrain and weather systems, representing a notable departure from Got Friends’ usual aviation-focused work.
At the core of Project Crosskart is a lightweight buggy powered by a custom physics engine, separate from Microsoft Flight Simulator’s default aircraft mechanics. The vehicle is modeled after a modified Suzuki GSX-R-1300 Hayabusa engine, featuring realistic torque curves, gear-shifting behavior, and suspension dynamics specifically tuned for off-road driving.
Key technical features include:
- Dedicated Ground Physics: Custom braking systems to address MSFS’s default handling limitations, with shorter stopping distances and drift mechanics.
- Terrain Interaction: Integration with MSFS 2024’s enhanced terrain deformation and weather effects, such as tire tracks in mud and hydroplaning.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Functionality across both MSFS 2020 and 2024, though the latter’s updated systems unlock advanced features.
Got Friends is taking a different approach this time, venturing into ground simulation in Microsoft Flight Simulator and providing simmers with new ways to interact with the simulator’s digital twin of Earth.
Early beta testing is already underway, and there’s some enticing preview material available—particularly the latest video, which showcases the vehicle’s intricate details and realistic handling. It looks really fun!
There’s no release date yet, but it likely won’t be long. Stay tuned for further updates as we hear more from Got Friends!
