Since it was first introduced in 1982, Microsoft Flight Simulator has become one of the longest-running video game franchises. With the announcement of the 40th Anniversary Edition, both console and PC players can get their hands on a rather substantial upgrade. As a bonus, these updates come at no extra cost and are even available to gamers who have chosen to play via Game Pass.

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Historical aircraft including the 1903 Wright Flyer, the 1915 Curtiss JN-4 Jenny, and the famous 1947 Hughes H-4 Hercules “Spruce Goose” have all been added to the game today as a free update. Along with these iconic planes, helicopters and gliders have made their return to the series. Furthermore, a true-to-life Airbus A310 that has been recreated down to the most minute detail rounds out Flight Sim’s vehicular additions.

With these new avionic wonders, players will be pleased to know that they come coupled with 14 new Heliports, 15 glider airports, and classic airfields such as Chicago’s Meigs Field. The latter should be recognizable to fans of the series as this served as the traditional home airport for the franchise. Much like the Flight Simulator crossover with Top Gun: Maverick earlier in the year, players will have their flight skills put under the microscope. 24 challenges that have been featured in the franchise’s past will be available to test even the most seasoned pilots.

In the last year alone, the devs at Asobo Studio have added major updates to the game. Most recently, an Italy update was made available for Flight Simulator that improved the detail around the European country. Fans will no doubt be happy that the developers are going to such lengths to celebrate the franchise hitting such a monumental milestone.

As Microsoft Flight Simulator starts its fifth decade, it continues to be a popular game among PC and Xbox players. While most players fly around the world from the comfort of their own homes, some fans have added tracks from Mario Kart into Flight Sim. That’s despite the title not having any specific racing mechanics built into the game’s engine. With such love from the community, it will be interesting to see how gamers will integrate these new additions.

Microsoft Flight Simulator is available for PC and Xbox Series X/S.

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