The new Microsoft Flight Simulator will be a lot smaller

Preorders are now open for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 through the Microsoft Store. The next installment of the franchise will launch on Xbox and PC on November 19th, with updates that include new aircraft like hot air balloons and a more realistic-looking simulated earth. But the most welcome upgrade could be a much smaller installation size.

The current version of Microsoft Flight Simulator needs over 130GB of storage, but that’s just for the base version of the game. Players can enhance their experience by downloading additional aircraft or installing world updates that bring more details to local scenery and airports, but that can gobble up even more storage. Those playing on the Xbox Series S, which only offers players 364GB of storage, could potentially see almost all of that disappear on one game.

Microsoft says the installation size for MSFS 2024 has been reduced to “about 30GB” by “tapping into the latest cloud streaming technology” and “streaming in the higher detailed areas that are only necessary for your flight path.” The game will no longer require players to download hefty world updates, but not at the cost of the game looking worse. That data will instead be streamed on demand with higher-resolution graphics being swapped in as players soar closer to landmarks like airports and cities.

Aspiring pilots still can’t use Flight Simulator 2024 as a way to earn their license, but it does introduce a new career system that will mimic an aviation career. Players start off by taking flying lessons that include more preflight procedures like route planning based on weather forecasts. As their skills improve, they’ll be able to take on jobs like search and rescue missions, aerial firefighting, and commercial flights, before eventually earning enough virtual money to start and manage their own companies within the game that includes maintaining a private fleet.

New aircraft coming to MSFS 2024 include the Boeing 747-400 LCF Dreamlifter, a custom variation of the plane that Boeing uses to help manufacture the 787. For pilots who prefer something less stressful than flying airplane parts around a simulated world, the game will feature hot air balloons powered by a realistic “soft body simulation.” Turning on the burners will actually cause the balloons to inflate and gain altitude.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will be available in several editions, ranging in price from $69.99 to $199.99 depending on the number of planes and airports that come bundled. The Standard Edition will also be available through Xbox Game Pass starting on launch day.

Those who’ve been playing the previous version of the game for four years will have a chance to put their piloting skills to good use earning a simulated salary, and MSFS 2024 will potentially let them free up some storage space so they can try another game.