Simmers, take note: The fourth major sim update for the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is there (version 1.6.32.0), and the release notes read less like a feature list and more like a much-needed spring cleaning.
Microsoft and Asobo have apparently used the last few weeks to develop a impressive number of crashes and performance brakes to eliminate them. This is not a cosmetic correction, but a fundamental step to make everyday flying significantly more stable, especially for PC pilots.
The developers explicitly warn PC users: Outdated packages in the community folder could lead to stability issues or endless loading times after the update. The golden rule is: If problems occur, first remove everything from the folder and test. Microsoft Flight Simulator is now really taking off on PS5.
Finally, buttery-smooth frames?
Perhaps the most important aspect of the SU4 is its stability and performance. Anyone who... Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Anyone familiar with the game knows it's a hungry beast. This update tackles the problems at their root. The list of fixed crashes is long, affecting almost every area: from the ATC system and the world map to tissue simulation and special effects. The dreaded random crashes should be a thing of the past.
Specific optimizations:
- CPU optimization: The main CPU threads have been optimized, which should provide a performance boost, especially in complex scenarios (airports, densely populated areas).
- Image smoothing: A major annoyance that Jerking (Stuttering), was tackled on PC and Xbox. New procedures at Mip-Eviction (Texture management) and the GPU usage The goal is to reduce stuttering frequency during mipstreaming on the Xbox. This also addresses the notorious... Pop-in The number of objects should be reduced.
- AI traffic: Air and road traffic, as well as the sim flow codes, have also been optimized. Stabilized traffic means less load on the main engine.
Of particular note is the fixed sepia night light setting based on community feedback; this feature, a holdover from the 2020 version, is now intended to appear less blurry and overexposed. This could significantly enhance the visual experience of night flights.
A new flying experience thanks to physics and avionics tuning
This update also brings substance for those who take the "Sim" in the name seriously. In the physics area, full inertial tensor correction has been integrated for some aircraft, such as the C-17 and Extra 330LT. This means more realistic rotational behavior and more precise mass changes.
For helicopter pilots, there is an important new feature: an optional Vortex Ring Protection (VRS) function that automatically adjusts the collective pitch setting in case of excessively rapid descent to prevent the dreaded stall in the main rotor. This represents a significant improvement in accessibility.
Significant improvements have also been made to the glass cockpits:
- G1000 NXI/G3000/G5000/G3X: All Garmin avionics suites received performance optimizations for map display and flight paths. Bugs in the handling of VPTH (Vertical Path) and traffic display were fixed.
- Airbus H125: The helicopter underwent a complete overhaul of its electrical system.
Careers and DevMode: The foundation for the future
The career mode also received fixes that ensure a smoother mission flow, such as improved automatic pushback logic and adjustments to the back-on-track system after a crash. This highlights that the new career structure still needs some fine-tuning.
For add-on developers who keep the game alive, the DevMode section is extremely important. It contains numerous bug fixes and new parameters (how the Community2024 folder is used to separate 2020 packages) make work easier and ensure the compatibility of the accessories.
A must-have for the PS5 release
Sim Update 4 isn't a flashy update boasting new aircraft or regions. It's a work-oriented update focused on the fundamentals. The sheer number of crash fixes and performance optimizations, particularly related to memory management and CPU processes, is impressive and was desperately needed.
If he Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Whether it's now permanently free of crashes remains to be seen in long-term use. But this update lays the foundation for a more stable future. Impressions of the excellent PS5 port can be found in... our review.
