Microsoft Flight Simulator just got a free upgrade to the Game of the Year Edition with Sim Update 7. Patch version 1.21.13.0 brings some significant updates to the game, including new aircraft, new handcrafted airports, new missions, early access to DirectX 12, updated weather, and more. The patch notes show that this is one of the biggest updates to FS2020 yet, and best of all, it’s free.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 GOTY Sim Update 7 new aircraft
Five new aircraft are being introduced in FS2020 Sim Update 7:
- Aviat Pitts Special S1S
- Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet
- CubCrafters NX Cub
- Pilatus PC-6 Porter
- VoloCity
The most anticipated aircraft in this patch for most is the F/A-18 Super Hornet. This plane is the first official military jet release for the game, and flying it is a vastly different experience than the civilian craft that have made up the roster so far. It was originally supposed to release with the Top Gun: Maverick expansion, but that movie was delayed. However, since the work was finished on the F/A-18 the devs went ahead and released it as a preview of that upcoming content.
Also of note is the VoloCity. It’s the first VTOL aircraft in the game and gives us a hint of what flying helicopters will be like when they’re released in FS2020 next year.
Sim Update 7 airports
Sim Update 7 adds 8 new handcrafted airports to the game:
- Allgäu Airport Memmingen (EDJA)
- Kassel Airport (EDVK)
- Leipzig/Halle Airport (EDDP)
- Lugano Airport (LSZA)
- Luzern-Beromunster Airport (LSZO)
- Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (KNKX)
- Patrick Space Force Base (KCOF)
- Zurich Airport (LSZH)
Sim Update 7 DirectX 12 support
With Sim Update 7, Asobo has added “early access” DirectX 12 support to the game. Unfortunately, the patch notes don’t state what parts of the game will see improvements by moving to a newer API, but we can assume we’ll see better multithreading and some improved effects.
FS2020 GOTY Sim Update 7 patch notes
There are plenty of other additions and bug fixes that come with this latest update. Check out the full patch notes on the official site.
