The wait is over! Microsoft Flight Simulator has finally launched World Update 19, which brings a stunning and much-needed visual and geographical upgrade to Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. This free update, available to all Microsoft Flight Simulator users, introduces breathtaking landscapes, meticulously recreated cities, and landmarks that, for the first time in MSFS, capture the essence of South America’s diverse environments.
As with previous World Updates, the MSFS team partnered with Bing Maps, Maxar, and Vexcel to craft this expansive update, using advanced aerial and satellite data, along with digital elevation models, to render a more detailed and immersive flying experience. Covering more than half of South America’s landmass, this update revitalizes the scenery from the Amazon rainforest to the vibrant coastlines and bustling metropolises.
What’s new in World Update 19?
75 new points of interest (POIs)
This update brings to life some of the region’s most important landmarks, including:
- Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Monte Roraima, spanning Brazil and Guyana
- Fort Zeelandia in Suriname
- Fort Diamant in French Guiana
Four new photogrammetry cities
Experience these Brazilian cities in realistic 3D detail:
- Brasília
- Ouro Preto
- Rio de Janeiro
- São Paulo
Seven handcrafted airports
Gaya Simulations has once again contributed to a World Update with seven custom airports:
- Brazil: Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (SBFI), Fernando de Noronha Airport (SBFN), Santos Dumont Airport (SBRJ), Santarém-Maestro Wilson Fonseca International Airport (SBSN)
- Guyana: Kaieteur International Airport (SYKA/PKSA)
- Suriname: Zorg en Hoop Airport (SMZO)
- French Guiana: Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni Airport (SOOM)
New activities
Another highlight of World Update 19 is the addition of new discovery flights, landing challenges, and bush trips that encourage players to explore the region’s landscapes.
Discovery Flights:
- Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil – Fly over vast sand dunes and turquoise lagoons.
- Paramaribo, Suriname – Discover the capital of Suriname from above.
- São Paulo, Brazil – Experience one of the largest cities in the world from the cockpit.
Landing Challenges:
- Santos Dumont Airport (SBRJ) – Test your skills on one of Brazil’s most challenging runways.
- Fernando de Noronha Airport (SBFN) – Face strong winds in a demanding approach.
- São Paulo–Congonhas Airport (SBSP) – Land in the heart of São Paulo’s dense urban landscape.
Bush Trips (only for MSFS 2020):
- Amazon Tour – Journey along the Amazon River from its dense rainforest origins to its vast delta.
- Discover Brazil – Navigate the stunning landscapes between São Paulo and Brasília.
- Guyana–Suriname–French Guiana – Explore rarely-visited regions, from highland terrain to Atlantic coastlines.
New content coming to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Starting March 17, MSFS 2024 users will gain access to additional Brazil-based challenges, including:
- Helicopter Landing Challenge at Mirante Dona Marta – Land in a scenic location overlooking Rio de Janeiro.
- F/A-18 Rally Race through Rio de Janeiro – Speed through the city in a thrilling aerial race.
- Low-altitude Challenge in an L-39 – Navigate through the Serra do Corvo Branco, a rugged mountain range in southern Brazil.
How to get it
The update is free for all Microsoft Flight Simulator users. To access it, ensure your simulator is updated to the latest version and download World Update 19 from the in-sim Marketplace, which is now also available in MSFS 2024.
