Microsoft has released Microsoft Flight Simulator World Update 22, a major content drop that celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States. The update is available now for all owners of the simulator across Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5, and cloud-supported devices.

Developed in partnership with Bing Places, Vexcel, Gaya, and Asobo, this release focuses on the natural heritage of the U.S. The team has utilized updated photogrammetry, triangulated irregular network (TIN) surface texturing, and digital elevation modeling (DEM) to overhaul 31 specific areas of interest (AOIs). These include iconic locations such as Arches National Park, Badlands National Park, Death Valley, and the Redwood National Park coastline.

New Missions and Exploration Tools

Beyond the visual upgrades, the update introduces a new mission type: the Guided Tour. These missions provide narrative-driven experiences as players navigate specific regions. The initial lineup includes:

  • Bryce Canyon National Park: A flight in an Airbus Helicopters H125 covering landmarks like Sunrise Point and Pink Cliffs.
  • Grand Canyon National Park: An exploration of the South Rim and features like The Dragon and Buddha Temple in a Draco X.
  • Grand Teton National Park: A flight in a Diamond Aircraft DA62 starting at Jackson Hole, featuring a handcrafted rendition of Jackson Hole Airport (KJAC) by Gaya.

For those looking for shorter experiences, nine new discovery flights have been added. These include trips to Acadia National Park, the Florida Everglades, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the volcanic landscapes of Crater Lake, among others.

Visual Enhancements Across the U.S.

In total, 46 points of interest (POIs) have been added to the game, ranging from visitor centers and lodges to natural formations like the Totem Pole in Arizona and Shiprock in New Mexico. The update covers a broad geographical range, from the temperate rainforests of Olympic National Park in Washington to the desert monoliths of Zion National Park in Utah.

To access the new content, ensure your copy of the simulator is updated to the latest version. The update is available to players on PC via Steam and Windows, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and via Xbox Cloud Gaming on supported mobile phones, tablets, and lower-spec PCs.

For further updates, keep an eye on Game Updates or visit the official Microsoft Flight Simulator website.