Upon its launch last year, Microsoft Flight Simulator proved to be a big hit for longtime fans as well as those with a passing interest in flying. Not only did it take over the likes of Twitch and YouTube, but Microsoft Flight Simulator went on to become the fastest growing entry in the franchise. Better yet, it also managed to give players stuck under the lockdowns of the COVID pandemic a way to escape reality and virtually travel to experience the world without having to physically leave. Thankfully, the game is positioned as a live service title, enticing players to continually comeback and experience what's new.
While the game continues to recieve various updates including new vehicles to try out as well as World Updates which essentially adds a number of iconic landmarks and improving the consistency of the game's mapping. Part of what makes the liove-service game so appealing outside of the constant stream of updates is the game'sdedication to realism, through data reporting. While this includes real world reports and in-game navigation, players have been taking advantage of the game's ability to display live weather conditions around the globe.
For those who have opted in to Microsoft Flight Simulator's real-time weather feature, players can now experience what its like to fly through a hurricane without being subjected to the dangers of doing it in real life. Hurricane Ida, at one time a category 4 storm at landfall, is currently impacting the Gulf Coast of the United States, specifically Louisiana and the surrounding lands. With the game continually updating itself through data uploading, fans have found that Ida is now in-game as well.
With the storm currently raging, fans have taken to Microsoft Flight Simulator to see what it's like thanks to the real time weather updating feature. Recent tweets from fans and players have shown what the hurricane is like in-game with thick, billowing clouds and extremely poor visbility. In fact, some videos posted to social media reveal columns of dark clouds and canyon looking paths to fly through. Clearly, it's a unique opportunity that fans otherwise woudln't normally be able to experience.
In addition to quick updates such as this, Microsoft has recently announced some bigger changes on the horizon. At Gamescom 2021, new DLC for Microsoft Flight Simulator brings competitive air racing to the title. Thanks to a partnership with the Reno Air Racing Association, players will be racing above the Nevada desert at speeds of up to 500 miles per hour in high performance racing planes. Unfortunately, a specific release date has not been announced, but players should expect it sometime this fall.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is available on Windows PC and Xbox Series S/X.