
Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition
Microsoft Game Studios · Xbox Game Studios
Take to the skies in the World’s favourite flight simulator! The multi award winning Microsoft Flight Simulator X lands on Steam for the first time. Take off from anywhere in the world, flying some of the world’s most iconic aircraft to any one of 24,000 destinations.
Year 5
Dec 18, 2018 - Dec 18, 2019
A new beta branch for telemetry data launched on November 15, 2019, allowing users to assist in data collection. This update also reintroduced the Live Weather feature, enhancing the simulation experience with improved METAR data handling.
- New beta branch: The fsx-beta – External Beta branch became available for users to help with telemetry data collection.
- Live Weather feature: The Live Weather system was reintegrated, improving the handling of METAR data for a more realistic flying experience.
- METAR improvements: A fix was implemented for failing METAR readings, allowing data to be extrapolated from the nearest sources instead of resetting weather.
- Navigation fixes: The update resolved intermittent crashes when using navigation way-points with the Agent radar.
- Turbine adjustments: Several issues were fixed, including incorrect N1 values that had been set to zero and a problem where fuel flow was not saved when starting in the air.
- C172 oil pressure: The oil pressure for the C172 now starts with a valid value, ensuring more accurate readings.
Year 4
Dec 18, 2017 - Dec 18, 2018
Flight Tales II - Adrenaline launched on June 19, 2018, marking a significant content drop for Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition. This year also introduced a variety of new aircraft and features, including the Republic P-47D Thunderbolt and the A2A Simulations F4U, enhancing the gameplay experience with detailed models and functionalities.
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New DLC Releases:
- Flight Tales II - Adrenaline on June 19, 2018.
- Mega Airport Berlin-Brandenburg on May 8, 2018, providing a detailed airport experience.
- Revolution-X on March 19, 2018, enhancing VFR flying in the UK.
- F-4 Phantom II Add-On on March 8, 2018, featuring multiple variants.
- TerraFlora DLC on December 20, 2017, improving global scenery with new vegetation.
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New Aircraft:
- P-51D Mustang and Mooney M20J launched in August and May 2018, respectively, both featuring realistic details.
- Cessna® 152 and Piper PA-28R Turbo Arrow released in July and May 2018, introducing players to new flying experiences.
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Gameplay Enhancements:
- The Drop Wing Tanks Mechanic introduced on July 25, 2018, allowed players to manage fuel weight dynamically.
- The Configuration Manager Tool launched on May 8, 2018, optimized performance for better gameplay experience.
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Visual Improvements:
- High Definition Vegetation Textures were introduced on December 20, 2017, enhancing the simulation's scenery.
- The 3D Night Lighting System from Revolution-X improved night flying experiences.
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Audio Features:
- An Authentic R2800 Sound Set added on March 19, 2018, provided a realistic audio experience for players.
Year 3
Dec 18, 2016 - Dec 18, 2017
Airbus A320/A321 Add-On launched on March 16, 2017, bringing a high-fidelity rendition of these aircraft to FSX: Steam Edition. This was accompanied by the Hawker Heroes Add-On, featuring iconic RAF aircraft from the 1940s, and several new terrain mesh DLCs improving landscape accuracy across various regions in the United States.
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Major Content Drops:
- Airbus A320/A321 Add-On released on March 16, 2017, offering detailed models and realistic flight dynamics.
- Hawker Heroes Add-On released on February 22, 2017, featuring the Fury, Hurricane, Typhoon, and Tempest.
- Toposim DLCs launched, including US Mountain West, Upper Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Mexico, enhancing terrain accuracy with LOD 12 / 10m Multi-LOD mesh.
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New Aircraft and Features:
- Airbus A318/A319 Add-On released on March 16, 2017, adding more aircraft options.
- McDonnell Douglas DC-10™ and Boeing 747™ - 200/300 released in July and June 2017, respectively, both featuring HD graphics.
- Cessna CU206 Stationair and Cessna C152 II added in February 2017, each with detailed models and multiple paint schemes.
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New Systems and Mechanics:
- Custom Electrical Bus System and Realistic Fly-by-Wire Systems introduced on March 16, 2017, enhancing realism.
- Advanced Checklist System and Custom Weather Radar added for improved in-flight management.
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Visual and Gameplay Enhancements:
- 3D Clouds and Enhanced Atmospheric Effects introduced on October 25, 2017, improving the visual fidelity of the environment.
- New Beginner Missions featuring the Hawker Fury added on February 22, 2017, to enhance accessibility for new players.
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Improvements and Fixes:
- Improved Terrain Mesh for Southern Africa released on January 11, 2017, enhancing landscape accuracy.
- Hotfix for Airbus Configuration Tool released on September 14, 2017, addressing UI issues.
Year 2
Dec 18, 2015 - Dec 18, 2016
Treasure Hunt DLC launched on May 24, 2016, introducing players to the quest for the lost Treasure of Patiti through 20 missions featuring a custom Grumman Goose. Additionally, the Farm Air DLC and the US Cities X: Las Vegas scenery pack released on December 15, 2016, expanding the gameplay options with crop duster scenarios and new exploration areas.
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Major DLC Releases:
- Treasure Hunt DLC (May 24, 2016): 20 missions with a Grumman Goose.
- Farm Air DLC (December 15, 2016): New crop duster pilot scenarios with five challenges.
- US Cities X: Las Vegas (December 15, 2016): New VFR scenery for Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.
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New Aircraft and Scenery:
- AH-64D Apache Longbow™ (December 16, 2016): Features nine loadout variants and realistic animations.
- McDonnell F3H-2 Demon™ (December 8, 2016): A detailed aircraft add-on with various payload versions.
- Boeing B-29 Superfortress™ (August 24, 2016): Iconic bomber now available for FSX: Steam Edition.
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New Night Environments:
- Night Environment: Rhode Island (November 16, 2016): Enhances night flying with authentic lighting.
- Night Environment: California (September 22, 2016): Adds realistic night lighting to FSX: Steam Edition.
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Gameplay Enhancements:
- 3D Highway Lighting Implementation (November 16, 2016): Improved night lighting for highways.
- Night Environment Manager v1.8 (September 22, 2016): A tool for customizing night lighting intensity.
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Seasonal Event:
- Piper Aztec Livery Design Competition (September 5, 2016): A competition for players to create new liveries for the Piper Aztec.
Year 1
Dec 18, 2014 - Dec 18, 2015
Discover Arabia Expansion launched on January 29, 2015, marking a significant content addition to Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition. This update introduced new flight experiences across the Arabian Peninsula and Middle East. Additionally, The Early Years of Flight DLC released on January 21, 2015, featuring five historic aircraft from aviation's golden age, complete with missions and authentic flight characteristics.
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New Content: Multiple DLCs and aircraft were added:
- Arctic Rescue Mission Pack (December 8, 2015): Introduced 20 rescue missions set in the Arctic.
- Around The World In 80 Flights (January 14, 2015): A DLC allowing players to take an 80-leg journey around the globe.
- Grumman A-6E Intruder and EA-6B Prowler (November 18, 2015): New aircraft featuring various model variants and animations.
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Premium Collections: The FSX: Steam Edition Premium Collection launched on December 11, 2015, bundling several add-ons like REX Texture Direct 4 and A2A Simulation’s 3D Lights Redux.
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Gameplay Enhancements: The DA20-100 Katana introduced three flight modes (Realistic, Simple, Instructor) on December 8, 2015, offering varied gameplay experiences.
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Visual Upgrades: Significant visual improvements were made, including the introduction of 3D Lights Redux on September 29, 2015, which enhanced lighting effects for all core aircraft.
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Quality of Life Improvements: A new Player Support System was launched on May 19, 2015, to facilitate quicker responses to player queries, along with support for offline mode, allowing gameplay without an internet connection.