Microsoft Flight Simulator has just released World Update XIII, offering pilots the chance to explore the diverse and breathtaking regions of Oceania and Antarctica. The update, announced by Jorg Neumann, Head of Microsoft Flight Simulator, on April 25, 2023, allows users to experience the stunning beauty of these unique locations.
Oceania, which spans the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Hemispheres, is known for its diverse landscapes, including remote coral islands, white sand beaches, towering volcanoes, and vast rainforests. On the other hand, Antarctica offers adventure and intrigue, with pristine coastal and inland glaciated terrain.
World Update XIII covers a wide range of areas, including Polynesia (Hawaii and Easter Island), Melanesia (Fiji, New Caledonia, New Guinea, Indonesia’s West Papua, and the Solomon Islands), the Galapagos Islands, and key regions of Antarctica, such as the Antarctic Peninsula. The update is based on the latest aerial photographs, satellite imagery, and digital elevation modeling data, providing improved resolution for 13 countries and 28 non-sovereign territories.
The partner team at Orbx has added 150 points of interest (POIs) throughout the region, including Moai monoliths on Easter Island, the Autograph Tower in Indonesia, Antarctic research bases, and the Point Venus Lighthouse on Tahiti. Furthermore, Orbx has crafted over a dozen hand-made airports that will challenge short take-off and landing (STOL) aviators, including airstrips in Papua New Guinea, Easter Island’s Mataveri International Airport, Hawaii’s Kona International Airport, and airports in the Solomon Islands and French Polynesia.
To showcase the best of Oceania, the team at Perfect Flight has developed 11 missions, including five discovery flights, three landing challenges, and three bush trips. Pilots can explore locations such as West Maui Mountains, Tahiti, Tarawa, Mauna Kea, and Central Java, while tackling challenges at airports in Fiji, Palmyra Atoll, and Papua New Guinea.
World Update XIII: Oceania and Antarctica is available for free to all owners of Microsoft Flight Simulator. To access the update, ensure your simulator is updated to the latest version and download World Update XIII.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC with Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Windows, Steam, Xbox One, and supported mobile phones, tablets, and lower-spec PCs via Xbox Cloud Gaming.