Microsoft6 min read

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Still Struggles on Xbox

Despite recent updates aimed at improving the game, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 continues to face persistent issues for some Xbox players, particularly with glitching textures and visual inconsistencies. While the game’s rocky launch has smoothed out in many areas, there are still frustrating problems that dampen the experience for a portion of the player base.

A Rocky Takeoff: The Game’s Troubled Launch

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 made its debut on November 19, but its launch was far from smooth. Players encountered a host of issues, ranging from server overloads that locked gamers in long queues to overheating GPUs on PC, and even content that was missing entirely. The initial excitement around the game quickly turned to disappointment, with a flood of negative feedback leading to an “Overwhelmingly Negative” review status on Steam. The title was supposed to deliver a seamless and immersive flight experience, but these widespread problems turned it into an exercise in patience for many fans.

Since then, developer Asobo Studio and Microsoft have rolled out multiple patches aimed at resolving these major issues. Server traffic has become more manageable, missing content has been restored, and many PC performance problems have been alleviated. Yet, as patches trickle in, Xbox Series X/S players are still reporting major frustrations, particularly surrounding the game’s visuals and stability.

Visual Glitches Plague the Xbox Series X Experience

Earlier this week, a player known as romanw2702 took to social media to share their ongoing struggles with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on the Xbox Series X. In a video posted online, the player demonstrated significant graphical glitches, including textures that flicker, disappear, and reappear. Rivers, trees, and other environmental textures flash continuously, creating a jarring and distracting experience that pulls players out of immersion.

Romanw2702’s complaints quickly gained traction, with other gamers chiming in to share similar frustrations. In the comments, multiple users pointed out that the problem could stem from the game’s reliance on streaming textures rather than allowing players to download them directly to their console. This dependence on streaming could be particularly problematic for players with less-than-perfect internet connections, even if their speeds meet the game’s requirements.

For a game as visually stunning as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, these graphical glitches feel like a significant letdown. The simulator prides itself on breathtaking realism, from lush forests and flowing rivers to meticulously detailed cities and landscapes. When textures refuse to load properly or flash erratically, it disrupts the beauty of the game and makes it hard to enjoy the core experience.

Patches Help, but Problems Persist

To be fair, the game has improved since launch. Initial server overloads, which prevented players from accessing the game entirely, have largely been addressed. Players are no longer waiting in endless queues to get into the skies. Similarly, issues with missing content and PC performance have seen marked improvements. But for Xbox Series X/S players, the progress hasn’t been as smooth.

The reliance on cloud-based texture streaming remains a sticking point, and it’s clear that not all players are having the same experience. While some have praised the patches for making the game far more stable, others are left struggling with glitches that make the game virtually unplayable. And for a title designed to be a relaxing, immersive simulation, these issues are more than just minor annoyances—they undermine the very essence of what makes the game enjoyable.

Players Call for Offline Texture Downloads

A common sentiment among frustrated Xbox players is the desire for an offline texture download option. If players could preload world textures instead of relying on live streaming, it might alleviate many of the current graphical issues. This would allow for a smoother experience, especially for those with unreliable or slower internet connections.

While Asobo Studio has not yet responded to these specific requests, it’s clear that a solution is needed. The current streaming model, while beneficial for maintaining up-to-date and expansive content, doesn’t seem optimized for all console players just yet. Asobo will need to strike a balance between streaming innovation and performance stability to satisfy its Xbox audience.

The Game’s Bright Spots: Xbox Game Pass Accessibility

One silver lining for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 players is the game’s inclusion in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. As a Day One release on the subscription service, players have been able to dive into the skies at no additional cost. This has undoubtedly helped soften the blow of its launch issues, allowing subscribers to test the waters without the sting of a full-price purchase.

For those who haven’t tried the game yet, Game Pass offers an opportunity to experience it firsthand and see if the current state of the game meets their expectations. For some players, the issues might be minimal enough to overlook, while others may find the glitches too disruptive.

Looking Forward: Can Asobo Fix the Problems?

The core of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 remains impressive. Few games offer the same level of realism, scale, and attention to detail as this simulator. From faithfully recreated aircraft to a stunningly rendered world, it’s easy to see why fans were so excited for its release. Unfortunately, the ongoing issues, especially on Xbox, have clouded what should have been a triumphant launch.

Asobo Studio and Microsoft have shown commitment to improving the game through patches and updates, and there’s reason to believe they will continue to address player feedback. The key question is how long it will take for Xbox players to get the polished experience they were promised.

In the meantime, players like romanw2702 continue to advocate for fixes, hoping their concerns will reach the developers. Whether it’s through more robust patches or new features like offline texture downloads, the community remains eager for solutions that will make Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 a smoother and more enjoyable experience across all platforms.

Final Thoughts

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 may be on the road to recovery, but it’s not there yet. Xbox players, in particular, continue to deal with visual glitches and streaming-related frustrations that hold the game back from its full potential. The good news is that Asobo has already made significant progress since launch, and with continued effort, there’s hope that these lingering problems will soon be resolved.

For now, the game remains an ambitious and impressive experience, even if it’s still a work in progress for some players. If Asobo can smooth out these remaining issues, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 could soar to the heights it was always meant to reach.