What you need to know
- World Update 3 is rolling out for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
- The update includes dramatic visual enhancements to the UK and Ireland within the game.
- The update is available for free on all platforms.
World Update 3 is rolling out for Microsoft Flight Simulator today. The update brings dramatic upgrades and visual enhancements for the UK and Ireland within the game. It also includes new challenges based in the region. The update is free for all Microsoft Simulator players. Microsoft Flight Simulator is available on Windows 10, Steam, and is part of Xbox Game Pass for PC.
Microsoft outlines the update and shares a video in a news post. The video showcases several landmarks and cities throughout the UK and Ireland. The update has high-resolution 3-D photography for Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, London, and Oxford, and five airports (Barra, Liverpool, Land's End, Manchester-Barton, and Out Skerries). It also has visual and logistical improvements to 85 more airports in the area, as well as improved digital elevation information across the UK.
World Update 3 also adds architectural elements through the region, such as British manors, Victorian homes, stone structures, castles, churches, and more. There are over 70 custom landmarks and points of interest, including bridges, cathedrals, and football stadiums.
In addition to major visual updates, World Update 3 also includes three new activities, a flight in the Northern Isles, and two landing challenges. One of the landing challenges is on the Shetland archipelago, and the other is over Southeast England.
While the update looks gorgeous, I'm a bit disappointed that it doesn't feature my local airport, East Midlands Airport. We'll have to jump into the game to see what my area looks like following the update. Joking aside, as someone who lives in the UK, the update looks incredibly impressive.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 has taken to the skies, promising a cloud-powered globe, with authenticity on an unmatched scale. It's out now exclusively on Windows PCs, offered in three flavors.
Flight sim accessories
Into flight simulation games like Microsoft Flight Simulator, Ace Combat, Elite Dangerous, or Star Wars Squadrons? You'll want to check out these accessories.
Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS (Xbox, PC) ($80 at Amazon)
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Thrustmaster 2960778 T.16000M (PC) ($160 at Amazon)
If you want to get more serious with your flight on PC, this is your best bet.
