How MSFS 2024 differs from MSFS 2020

At first glance, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 seems to be just an updated version of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. But in reality this is a different approach to simulation, and not a cosmetic update with a new number in the name.

In MSFS 2020, the main emphasis was on the visual component. Photogrammetry, clouds, global coverage and the wow factor were the key features. MSFS 2024 shifts the focus from beauty to process. Now the simulation covers not only the flight itself, but also everything that surrounds it: preparation, ground operations and interaction with the world.

An important difference was the missions and aviation roles. If in 2020 the user came up with scenarios for himself, then in 2024 they are built into the very structure of the simulator. Search and rescue operations, fire fighting, ambulance flights and special missions appeared. This makes the sim more complete and understandable, especially for those who don’t want to just fly “from point A to point B.”

The interaction of the aircraft with the environment has been greatly reworked. Behavior on the ground feels more alive, the effects of wind and terrain are more noticeable, and animations of equipment and personnel add to the feeling of a real airport rather than a static scene. The world in MSFS 2024 ceased to be a decoration and began to respond to the pilot’s actions.

Preparation of an aircraft no longer looks like a formality. The cold start, the work of ground services and the execution of checklists feel like a full-fledged part of the simulation. Even defaulted aircraft require more attention to procedures than was the case in MSFS 2020.

From a performance standpoint, MSFS 2024 shows a more modern approach to resource utilization. The simulator scales better for different hardware and works more efficiently with the processor, although the final result still depends heavily on the addons and scenes used.

The transition from MSFS 2020 to MSFS 2024 cannot be called mandatory. For those who fly exclusively on airliners and spend most of their time online, the 2020 version is still relevant. But if the process, the atmosphere and the feeling of “live aviation” are important, MSFS 2024 offers a noticeably deeper and more holistic experience.