Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) Deluxe 40th Anniversary Edition is a flight simulation game for Xbox Series consoles and PC that places players in control of detailed aircraft across a recreation of the entire planet. The title emphasizes realistic flight physics, accurate aircraft systems, and a living world environment that incorporates real-time conditions. Players handle everything from takeoff procedures to navigation and landing while scaling assistance levels to match their experience.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on selecting an aircraft, planning a route, and executing flights under varying conditions. Aircraft feature comprehensive flight models with realistic instrumentation in the cockpits. A checklist system guides pilots through procedures, with options to adjust assistance from full manual operation to highlighted instrument prompts for beginners. The physics engine simulates over 1000 control surfaces per plane, responding to inputs with precise aerodynamic behavior.
Live weather integrates actual wind speed, direction, temperature, humidity, and precipitation effects into every flight. A day and night cycle allows operations under visual flight rules at any time, including night conditions. The world includes over 1.5 billion buildings along with natural features such as mountains, roads, and rivers that influence navigation and visibility.
The Deluxe 40th Anniversary Edition adds five specific aircraft with unique flight models: the Diamond Aircraft DA40-TDI, Diamond Aircraft DV20, Textron Aviation Beechcraft Baron G58, Textron Aviation Cessna 152 Aerobat, and Textron Aviation Cessna 172 Skyhawk. It also includes five handcrafted airports: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Cairo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, O'Hare International Airport, and Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. The 40th Anniversary update further incorporates a true-to-life Airbus A310 airliner, two helicopters with 14 heliports, two gliders with 15 glider airports, seven historical aircraft including the Hughes H-4 Hercules, four classic commercial airports, and 24 classic missions drawn from the franchise history.
Game Modes
Free flight serves as the primary mode, accessed through the world map where players choose departure points, aircraft, and destinations anywhere on the globe. This mode supports custom routes and real-time environmental factors without structured objectives.
Flight training provides structured lessons on basic piloting, instrument use, and visual navigation. Activities consist of targeted challenges such as landing challenges and bush trips that test precision and route-finding in specific regions.
Multiplayer elements allow shared sessions alongside single-player options, enabling coordinated flights or observation of other pilots in the shared world.
World and Systems
The simulation renders a dynamic environment with live air traffic and animal activity alongside weather changes. Players interact with an AI air traffic control system and optional virtual co-pilot assistance for tasks like clearance requests. Helper tools include waypoint markers, landing path guidance, and the ability to advance through flight phases for longer journeys.
These systems combine to support both short scenic flights and extended cross-country trips while maintaining consistent performance across the detailed global map.
Is It Worth Playing?
Critical reception has been strong, with a Metacritic score of 91 reflecting praise for the simulation depth and visual fidelity. Players appreciate the ability to tailor difficulty through assistance settings, making the experience suitable for both novices and those seeking full realism. Ongoing simulator updates continue to refine stability, add content, and expand world details years after launch.
The game suits individuals interested in aviation procedures, realistic aircraft handling, and open-ended exploration of real-world locations. Those who enjoy methodical pacing and technical accuracy will find substantial replay value in experimenting with different aircraft, routes, and conditions. The Deluxe 40th Anniversary Edition expands the available options with additional planes and airports, enhancing variety for dedicated pilots without altering the fundamental simulation focus.
