Welcome to the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Sim Update 5 public beta test!

The Sim Update 05 Beta is now available on Steam, Windows PC, and Xbox.

The release notes for the first SU5 test build (1.7.6.0) can be found on our forums here[forums.flightsimulator.com].

Just like the recent Sim Update 4 Beta, Career and Challenge League will have separate progress and leaderboards from the live build.

This means Career mode progress in the live build will not carry over to the flighting build, and vice versa. In addition, Challenge League in the flighting build will have a separate leaderboard from the live build.

Making Career and Challenge League progress separate in the flighting build allows us to test additional changes and fixes that cannot be tested in the live build. All Career specializations will be unlocked by default in the flighting build to allow participants to preview changes that might not be available (based on Career mode progress) in the live build.

Will joining the Sim Update 5 Beta (and future Sim Update Betas) impact my progress in Career mode on the live build?

• No, Career mode progress is locked to the live build. No Career progress made in the flighting build will carry over to the live build. However, all Career mode specializations are unlocked by default in the flighting build.

Will my leaderboard records in Challenge League transfer when the flighting build becomes the live build?

• No, Challenge League leaderboards in the flighting build will always be separate from the live build.

Will progress in other game modes (Discovery, Free Flight, etc.) be separate in the flighting build and live build?

• No, only progress in Career and Challenge League are affected. This could change in the future.

Will content I own or purchase in the Marketplace be available on both the flighting build and the live build?

• Yes, all content owned or purchased in the live build or the flighting build will always be available in both builds.

Please find instructions to join the Sim Update 05 Beta below. You must own Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (or have an appropriate Xbox Game Pass subscription) to participate on the platform of your choice.

While in Multiplayer Mode, you will only see users who are in the same build as you.

1. Open your Steam Library

2. Right-click Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

3. Click “Properties”

4. Click “Betas”

5. Select “flight_sim_beta – Sim Update 5"

If you would like to exit the pre-release test before it ends and revert back to the live build, follow these instructions:

1. Open your Steam Library

2. Right-click Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

3. Click “Properties”

4. Click “Betas”

5. Select “None”

We have good news! Sim Update 5 Public Beta officially begins tomorrow, February 13th, and will be available for Xbox, PC, and Steam users at this time. This beta is an opportunity for those who would like to help test and shape the update ahead of release, and we appreciate everyone’s continued enthusiasm and patience as we kick things off.

As a reminder on how to join: for Xbox and PC (Microsoft Store) users, start by completing the sign-up here[www.flightsimulator.com]. Once registered, install and open the Xbox Insider Hub on your PC or Xbox, navigate to Previews, and select Microsoft Flight Simulator Beta. Choose Join, then under Manage, select Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Sim Update 5 and save your selection. After registration completes, restart your PC or Xbox to refresh the Microsoft Store and begin downloading the update. You’ll see your group name update to reflect the current Sim Update flighting.

Steam users can opt into the beta by opening the Steam Library, right-clicking Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, selecting Properties, and navigating to Betas. From the dropdown menu, choose flight_sim_beta – Sim Update 5, and Steam will handle the update automatically.

The forums for viewing release notes, reporting feedback, taking surveys, and posting any noted regressions will open tomorrow once the Beta is underway.

In other news, we’re also introducing a new way to connect with fellow simmers through Airport of the Day[discord.gg] on Discord[discord.gg]. Every 24 hours, a new airport is selected as a shared destination, giving the you an easy, low-pressure way to fly together, hop into voice chat, and cross paths in-sim.

We are also excited to continue expanding our in-person B.A.R. events. An upcoming event is planned for Dallas, Texas, with another new B.A.R. event coming to Melbourne, Australia. Scroll down for full event details if you’re interested in attending! We encourage you to RSVP as soon as possible so the event coordinators and properly plan their activities.

Thank you again for your patience, feedback, and ongoing support. We’re excited to kick off the Sim Update 5 Public Beta and can’t wait to hear what you think. See you in the skies.

Click here to continue reading the rest of the Weekly Briefing![www.flightsimulator.com]