Latest Microsoft Flight Simulator update enhances U.S. National Parks

There are 31 new areas of interest being overhauled in this massive Microsoft Flight Simulator update

There is a brand-new World Update rolling out to both of the modern iterations of Microsoft Flight Simulator. Landing just a few weeks after the most recent update, this one is targeting the National Parks of the United States. It also lands celebrating the nation's 250th birthday.

Partnering with Bing Places, Vexcel, Gaya, and Asobo, the Flight Simulator development team has managed to improve the terrain, landmarks, and scenery of these locations using photogrammetry, TIN (triangulated irregular network) surface texturing, and digital elevation modeling (DEM).

"The United States of America is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, including breathtaking mountains, serene coastlines, austere deserts, and lush forests," says the development team. "The nation protects these beautiful natural wonders in world-renowned national parks and national forests like Death Valley National Park, Olympic National Park, Acadia National Park, and Mount Hood National Forest."

There are 31 new areas of interest being overhauled in this update, while sights like visitor centers, lodges, lookouts, resorts, and natural wonders are also being enhanced for visits by pilots. Three new guided tours and nine discovery flights are included in the free package too.

Microsoft Flight Simulator World Update 22: United States National is now available in Microsoft Flight Simulator as well as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 as an optional download from the in-game marketplace for free.

It can be accessed across Steam and the Microsoft Store for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5, as well as Xbox and PC Game Pass subscriptions. Meanwhile, Xbox One, mobile, and PC players can also jump into the new content using Xbox Cloud Gaming if they have a Game Pass Ultimate membership. Keep in mind that the game must be updated to the latest version to download this free update from the marketplace.

This is the fifth major update to hit the Flight Sim titles in 2026. So far this year, the development team has brought in improvements for California, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, and three Midwest cities in the United States.

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Posted Friday 3 July 2026 at 1:12 pm AEST (my time).

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