Microsoft Flight Simulator PC Update Offers Huge Performance Improvements

• The comparison
• Video Games
• Microsoft Flight Simulator PC Update Offers Huge Performance Improvements

There's a big update coming to Microsoft Flight Simulator PC, and it's almost as if last year's groundbreaking PC flight sim game is determined not to be overshadowed by news of Xbox console releases. Series X and Xbox Series S have just launched. Microsoft Flight Simulator remains one of the most graphically demanding PC titles. While player reactions to highly anticipated games can be distorted and polarizing, the 2020 version of the flight sim has stirred memories of Crysis' 2007 release. Gamers with mid-range and high-end PCs that can run other modern games in "Ultra" settings they defaulted to a simple "Medium" in the very demanding heading. Today's PC update should help address these issues. The patch offers "significant performance improvements to make the experience smoother," according to developer Asobo. These tweaks include better support for multicore processors, memory and GPU usage, and load times. The patch also significantly reduces stuttering. The developers have rewritten some of the engine architecture to achieve today's leap forward, as recounted in a recent Twitch feed. Microsoft's new Flight Simulator PC patch is also expected to improve VR performance, where every little framerate hiccup can have a more noticeable effect. The PC version of the game supports VR headsets without any additional purchase.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Analysis: Where is Microsoft Flight Simulator Today?

Microsoft Flight Simulator is an amazing technical undertaking. The developers mapped the entire world with Bing Maps, providing a playable Earth with near photorealistic views. The game even includes real-time weather and traffic. In TechRadar's review, we praised the incredible flight simulation graphics, attention to detail, and support for flight sticks and other peripherals. Our complaints were relatively minor, centering around its beginner difficulty, a confusing array of editions, and vastly diverse airports. Work obviously isn't being done on the game, as PC gamers can download the update now, or eventually check it out on Xbox Game Pass as it's available through the subscription-style gaming service. Unlimited Netflix from Microsoft. To learn more about Microsoft Flight Simulator, you can check out our tips for getting started, as well as our flight stick recommendations.