If you’ve been flying around in Microsoft Flight Simulator wondering when the northeastern U.S. would get some extra love, this update is for you. As part of the FlightSimExpo 2025 celebrations in Providence, Rhode Island, the MSFS team has just released City Update 11: Northeastern United States 2, a free update that significantly upgrades several key areas across four states: Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.
This update includes newly captured high-resolution aerial imagery, refined elevation data, and detailed TIN (triangulated irregular network) surface modeling. The result? A substantial visual overhaul that makes urban flying across this corner of the U.S. noticeably more compelling.
What’s new? A tour through the highlights
Let’s take a little sightseeing tour of what’s included:
Massachusetts
- Boston – The historic capital gets the full treatment, including its iconic downtown skyline and waterfront. Whether you’re buzzing past Fenway Park or tracking the Charles River, there’s plenty of detail to take in.
- Plymouth – Arguably one of the most significant locations in American history, this is where the Mayflower Pilgrims landed back in 1620. Now it’s rendered with modern photogrammetry accuracy.
New Jersey
- Northeastern New Jersey – This includes Newark, Hackensack, and Paterson, all major contributors to the Greater New York metroplex. You can now appreciate Newark’s busy port and industrial areas or spot the historic Great Falls in Paterson from the air.
- Central Jersey – Cities like Elizabeth, Edison, and New Brunswick are part of this AOI. From Thomas Edison’s old stomping grounds to the first capital of New Jersey, it’s an area rich in history and now rich in visual fidelity too.
New York
- Manhattan – Probably the most instantly recognizable skyline on the planet, now with improved clarity and detail. From One World Trade Center to the Empire State Building, and all the green space of Central Park, it’s all sharper than ever.
- Brooklyn – Take in sweeping views over the Brooklyn Bridge, the East River, and the bustling neighborhoods that define this borough.
- Long Island’s East End – A change of pace from the urban jungle, this region covers the serene landscapes of the Hamptons, Southampton, and the lighthouse at Montauk Point.
Rhode Island
- Providence, Cranston, Warwick – The smallest state in the U.S. gets a big upgrade. Providence’s riverside cityscape and surrounding towns have been carefully reconstructed to reflect their real-world charm. Fittingly, this coincides with FSExpo taking place right here in Providence.
Interestingly, Microsoft opted not to just focus on the mega-cities. While Manhattan and Boston are obvious headliners, the inclusion of smaller yet culturally and historically significant areas like Plymouth, Montauk, and Central Jersey reflects a broader vision: to showcase the diversity of the northeastern U.S., not just its urban centers.
How to get it
As usual, City Update 11 is free for all owners of Microsoft Flight Simulator, whether you’re on the 2020 version or the newer 2024 edition. To grab it, make sure your simulator is updated to the latest version (1.38.2.0 for MSFS2020 or 1.3.23.0 / 1.3.25.0 for MSFS2024, depending on your platform). Then head to the in-sim Marketplace, download the update, and off you go.
