Microsoft Flight Simulator gets a free Game of the Year update in November

A major update is coming to Microsoft Flight Simulator on Windows PC and Xbox Series X, one that will add five new aircraft (including the game’s first military jet, the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet), eight new airports, and other new community-requested features. Microsoft and developer Asobo Studio are calling the update Microsoft Flight Simulator: Game of the Year Edition and it will be a free release for existing owners on Nov. 18.

Microsoft Flight Simulator: Game of the Year Edition will also be available through Xbox Game Pass for console and PC.

The flight sim’s November update will add the previously mentioned Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet — that jet was planned to be a key component of the Top Gun: Maverick expansion, prior to that film’s delay to 2022 — as well as the VoloCity eVTOL helicopter, the Pilatus PC-6 Porter, the CubCrafters NX Cub, and the single-seat Aviat Pitts Special S1S.

Simmers can take those new aircraft to new airports in the U.S. and Europe. Here are the eight new airports being added with Microsoft Flight Simulator: Game of the Year Edition.

Germany

• Leipzig/Halle Airport (EDDP)
• Allgäu Airport Memmingen (EDJA)
• Kassel Airport (EDVK)

Switzerland

• Lugano Airport (LSZA)
• Zurich Airport (LSZH)
• Luzern-Beromunster Airport (LSZO)

United States

• Patrick Space Force Base (KCOF)
• Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (KNKX)

The update also adds six new Discovery Flights (Helsinki, Freiburg im Breisgau, Mecca, Monument Valley, Singapore, and Mount Cook), 14 new tutorials, an updated weather system, early access to DirectX 12, and new Bing Maps-powered photogrammetry cities.

Also launching on Nov. 18 is Microsoft Flight Simulator’s promised Reno Air Races expansion. Asobo Studio and Microsoft will release two add-ons that bring high-speed racing to the sim, the Reno Air Races: Expansion Pack and Reno Air Races: Full Collection.

Reno Air Races: Full Collection offers 40 officially licensed aircraft, including 10 North American P-51 Mustangs, 10 North American T-6 Texans, 10 Aero L-39 Albatros, and 10 Aviat Pitts Special S1S for $59.99. The lighter, less expensive Reno Air Races: Expansion Pack includes four starter aircraft: a North American T-6 Texan, a North American P-51 Mustang, an Aero L-39 Albatros, and an Aviat Pitts Special S1S, for $19.99.