Microsoft Flight Simulator Gets Massive Australia Overhaul in World Update 21

Microsoft has released World Update 21 for Microsoft Flight Simulator, delivering a major visual overhaul centered entirely on Australia. The update significantly improves terrain detail, city rendering, coastlines, deserts, mountains, and landmarks throughout the country.

This is the first major World Update since the Japan expansion launched in September 2025. According to Neowin, Microsoft worked with Bing Maps, Vexcel, Gaya, and Asobo Studio to recreate large parts of Australia using upgraded aerial imagery, photogrammetry, and advanced surface texturing.

Major Australian cities receive upgrades

World Update 21 upgrades several major Australian cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, and Canberra. Microsoft also added 40 new detailed points of interest covering both urban environments and regional natural landmarks.

The update focuses heavily on improving visual realism across coastlines, mountain ranges, remote desert areas, and populated metropolitan regions.

Six handcrafted airports included

Microsoft also introduced six handcrafted airports as part of the expansion. These include Broken Hill Airport, Broome International Airport, Coober Pedy Airport, Bathurst Airport, RAAF Base Tindal, and Lord Howe Island Airport.

Each location features upgraded textures, custom buildings, and more detailed surroundings compared to the default airport versions.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 gets extra activities

Players using Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 also receive additional gameplay content through the update. Microsoft added new discovery flights, precision landing challenges, low-altitude activities, and rally race events.

Some of these activities remain limited in the older Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 release.

Free download available now

World Update 21 is available now as a free optional download through the in-game marketplace for both simulator versions.

In other gaming news, Xbox recently received new leadership changes tied to Microsoft’s CoreAI division, while the Xbox CEO confirmed that the planned Copilot on Xbox initiative has been canceled. Microsoft also recently revealed the latest Game Pass Wave 1 lineup for subscribers.

Via Neowin