Competitive racing comes to Microsoft Flight Simulator this fall

Microsoft Flight Simulator CAP 10
Microsoft Flight Simulator CAP 10 (Image credit: Microsoft)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft Flight Simulator is picking up competitive multiplayer racing with an upcoming Reno Air Races expansion developed in partnership with the Reno Air Racing Association.
  • The upcoming release, announced at Gamescom 2021, marks the "first major expansion" for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
  • The Reno Air Races expansion is slated to launch "this fall."

Microsoft has announced plans to bring competitive racing to Microsoft Flight Simulator, with a Reno Air Races expansion slated to launch later this year. The forthcoming update represents the "first major expansion" for the title, bringing a new high-speed championship to its multiplayer offerings.

The free update takes cues from the STIHL National Championship Air Races, partnering with the Reno Air Racing Association to deliver a virtual spin on the competitive event. It's slated to release this fall, building on the existing multiplayer offerings available through the simulator.

Reno Air Racing joins Microsoft Flight Simulator for PC and its new Xbox Series X|S version, with more details expected closer to launch. The expansion is the latest straying from the traditional Flight Simulator formula, accompanying the forthcoming Top Gun Maverick DLC, also slated for later in 2021.

Microsoft Flight Simulator is now available on Windows 10 PCs, via Steam and the Microsoft Store, plus Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles.

Matt Brown

Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central's Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft's gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.