A special movie tie-in DLC pack for Microsoft Flight Simulator featuring jets from the first movie was announced almost a year ago and was intended to launch with Top Gun: Maverick. But as the movie kept getting delayed by Paramount looking to release the movie at the right time, the developers at Asobo were just left with cool new planes sitting in the hangar. Top Gun: Maverick now looks to be on final approach and Asobo has moved up the release date of the Top Gun: Maverick DLC in Microsoft Flight Simulator.

The Xbox Twitter account made a tweet to garner attention for the release of the DLC inspired by the movie. It will be landing on the Xbox platform on May 25th, a few days before the movie will release in theaters on the 27th. The free Microsoft Flight Simulator - Top Gun: Maverick DLC will introduce the F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet that was prominent in the original 1986 film flown by Tom Cruise to the flight simulator with stunningly recreated interior and exterior. The DLC will also recreate the aircraft carriers that F/A-18s flew from in the movie.

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There has been rumored additional content coming with the DLC but Microsoft, Asobo, nor Paramount have confirmed anything else other than the Super Hornet as yet. When the DLC was first announced around the time of Xbox's 2021 Summer Showcase, it was set to be one of the first fighter jets to come to the simulator. Unfortunately, other 3rd party aircraft developers have since released other fighter jets like the F-16, training jets, and even aircraft carriers.

Top Gun: Maverick has been in a holding pattern for what seems like years at this point due to Paramount Pictures delaying the release of the film in order to get a better release window with audiences finally returning to theaters after the pandemic. Paramount has moved the release numerous times as stronger variants of COVID-19 kept causing spikes in the infection rates and deterring moviegoers from booking their seats in theaters.

Microsoft Flight Simulator isn't the only game with a Top Gun tie-in as Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is also set to get DLC aircraft. While Microsoft Flight Simulator is a more hardcore, yet leisurely game, Ace Combat 7 is the opposite in both ways and allows players to be the Goose to another player's Maverick to stake their claim of aerial superiority. With Paramount giving Microsoft the go-ahead to run promotions like this, the Top Gun: Maverick DLC on Microsoft Flight Simulator looks clear for takeoff.

Microsoft Flight Simulator is out now on PC and Xbox Series X|S. Top Gun: Maverick is coming to theaters on May 27th.

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Source: IGN