Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Sim Update 3 Beta Now Available

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has released the Sim Update 3 (SU3) Beta, introducing a range of enhancements and fixes aimed at improving the simulation experience. The beta is accessible to users on Steam, Windows PC, and Xbox platforms.

Key Highlights of Sim Update 3 Beta:

• Enhanced Stability and Performance: The update addresses several crash scenarios, including those occurring during startup and when loading multiple packages. Optimizations have been made to boot and loading times, and VRAM consumption has been reduced, particularly concerning company name textures.
• User Interface Improvements: New filters have been added to the controls settings menu, and a loading spinner now appears when aircraft are loading. Additionally, helipad and port markers are no longer displayed when flying a plane, reducing on-screen clutter.
• Bug Fixes: The update resolves issues such as unresponsive map filter buttons, incorrect icons for live and multiplayer traffic on the world map, and problems with the ATIS not appearing in the ATC window. It also fixes a crash that could occur when updating player input profiles.
• Graphics and Visual Enhancements: Exposure bias settings are now available on Xbox, and the frame rate limiter has been renamed to “V-Sync Interval” with an updated description for clarity. A new setting has been added to cap the frame rate, providing users with more control over performance.
• Career Mode and Challenge League: Progress in Career Mode is now locked to the live build, meaning any progress made in the beta will not carry over. However, all Career Mode specializations are unlocked by default in the beta, and users receive unlimited credits to test and purchase any plane. Challenge League leaderboards in the beta are separate from the live build.

Joining the SU3 Beta:

To participate in the SU3 Beta, users must own Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 or have an appropriate Xbox Game Pass subscription. The process involves signing up through the Insider Registration page, completing a survey, and then joining the beta via the Xbox Insider Hub. Steam users can opt into the beta through the Steam client by selecting the appropriate beta branch.

For detailed instructions and to read the full release notes, visit the official Microsoft Flight Simulator website.

Note: As with any beta release, users may encounter issues, and it’s recommended to back up any important data before participating.