Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, released in November, offers a range of free content and promotional opportunities for users in the United Kingdom. This article details the official free city updates available for both the 2024 and 2020 versions of the simulator, as well as a significant hardware and software sweepstakes. The information is derived exclusively from official Microsoft sources and the promotion's official rules.
Free City Update 10: United States 1
Microsoft and Asobo Studio have released City Update 10: United States 1, which is available completely free of charge for both Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. This update is accessible to users on PC and Xbox Series X|S platforms.
The update includes high-quality photogrammetry for five American cities: Dallas and Fort Worth in Texas, Denver in Colorado, San Francisco in California, and Honolulu in Hawaii. According to the source, this represents some of the best photogrammetry created for the simulators, with a notable improvement in visual consistency.
To access the free content, users must unlock it through the official marketplace within their simulator of choice. A key detail is that unlocking the update in one simulator version will unlock it for the other if the user owns both. The delivery method differs between versions: * Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020: The update must be downloaded manually from the marketplace. * Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: The update will stream automatically once unlocked.
It is important to note that certain aircraft add-ons, such as those from Fenix, are reported to be exclusive to the PC version of the simulator.
Microsoft MSFS 2024 Launch Package Sweepstakes
Microsoft, in partnership with several hardware and software companies, is running a sweepstakes for a grand prize package designed for flight simulation enthusiasts. The sweepstakes is open to eligible participants, with specific rules governing entry and eligibility.
Prize Details
The grand prize package has an approximate retail value of $1,457.00 USD. It includes the following items: * A Thrustmaster TCA Airbus Captain Pack X (Approximate Retail Value: $299.00 USD). * A Tobii Eyetracker 5 (Approximate Retail Value: $279.00 USD). * A Next Level Racing® Flight Simulator Cockpit MSFS Edition (Approximate Retail Value: $599.00 USD) or a Next Level Racing Flight Seat Pro, depending on the source document. The official rules specify the cockpit edition. * An Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 – Black (Approximate Retail Value: $150.00 USD). * A digital code for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Premium Deluxe – Microsoft Store Version (Approximate Retail Value: $130.00 USD).
The total approximate retail value of all prizes is $1,457.00 USD. The value of electronic prizes is subject to fluctuations in the consumer marketplace, and the fair market value at the time of award will be determined by the sponsor.
Eligibility and Entry Process
The sweepstakes sponsor is Microsoft Corporation. Prize providers include Guillemot Corporation S.A. (Thrustmaster), Tobii AB (Tobii), Next Level Racing (NLR), and Corsair Gaming (Corsair). These prize providers are not responsible for the promotion's administration or execution.
To enter, participants must visit the official sweepstakes website and register. Entry actions include completing specific tasks on the website, such as following social media accounts. For each completed action, one sweepstakes entry is awarded. The entry limit is nine (9) entries per person. Use of multiple accounts, identities, or automated systems to obtain more entries is prohibited and will result in disqualification.
The sweepstakes is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by the social media platforms themselves (Instagram, Twitch, TikTok, YouTube, Discord, and Reddit). Participants are providing their information directly to Microsoft for the purpose of administering the sweepstakes and contacting potential winners.
Age and Winner Selection
Participants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. If a potential winner has reached the age of eighteen but has not reached the age of majority in their legal place of residence, a parent or legal guardian may be required to sign all required forms on their behalf.
Only three (3) alternate winners will be selected. If a prize remains unclaimed after this process, it will not be awarded. Only one prize will be awarded per person during the entry period.
Additional Free Content and Tools
Beyond official updates, the flight simulation community offers a variety of free add-ons. A resource exists where users can discover and download freeware for Microsoft Flight Simulator. This includes a wide range of community-created content, from aircraft to scenery and utilities. One example mentioned is LukeAirTool, a comprehensive add-on offering features such as passenger simulation, pushback assistance, METAR information, and chart viewing.
Users can typically access these freeware options by visiting community platforms dedicated to flight simulator add-ons, where they can browse, download, and install user-created content to enhance their simulation experience.
Conclusion
UK-based flight simulation enthusiasts have two primary avenues for obtaining free content for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Firstly, the official City Update 10 provides free, high-quality photorealistic scenery for five major US cities, accessible directly through the in-simulator marketplace for both the 2024 and 2020 versions. Secondly, a substantial hardware and software sweepstakes is being run by Microsoft and its partners, offering a complete home cockpit package. Entry to this sweepstakes is governed by specific rules, including age requirements and entry limits. Furthermore, a vibrant community continues to develop and share free add-ons, expanding the possibilities for customisation and immersion within the simulator.