Microsoft and the development studio Asobo were able to keep to their schedule and are now providing World Update 12 for Flight Simulator. The free update sends hobby pilots to New Zealand with a graphic rejuvenation. New geodata from satellite images, aerial photographs and digital elevation models should ensure that landscapes, cities and above all sights are integrated in photorealistic quality.
The developers put their hands on over 80 points of interest (POI) and cities such as Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and Christchurch. New “handcrafted” airports have also been added to Microsoft Flight Simulator, including Gisborne, Milford Sound and Martins Bay Aerodrome. World Update 12 also brings a handful of new wilderness and exploration missions. Among other things, these also lead to the North Island of New Zealand, where the well-known Hobbiton Movie Set from Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit was included in detail in the game.
New aircraft and outlook for next updates
In addition to World Update 12, Microsoft is expanding the “Local Legend” aircraft and is now offering the De Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou for a fee in the flight simulator marketplace. The Antonov AN-225, the world’s longest and heaviest aircraft, will follow on February 27th. The updated roadmap also shows that Flight Simulator will be equipped with Sim Update 12 in March 2023 and the next World Update 13 is planned towards the end of April. It is not yet known where the journey will lead to.
All updates are provided by Microsoft free of charge. Only the basic version of the Flight Simulator for Windows PCs, the Xbox Series X|S or for cloud gaming is required – whether purchased individually or as part of the PC and Xbox Game Pass.
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Now from 65 euros at Media Markt
