Microsoft Flight Simulator VR will be launched as a free upgrade in late December

The highly anticipated virtual reality update for Microsoft Flight Simulator launches on December 23rd as part of Sim Update 2. The announcement was made on a regular schedule Live developer update on Twitch. Previously, this VR component was only launched with support for a specific Microsoft Mixed Reality device. Developer Asobo Studio now says that the update will be available for “all devices”.

A VR mode for Flight simulator was first announced in July. At this point, developer announced to Polygon that they were working with the HP team to plan for release with the launch of the new Reverb G2 headset. Asobo Studio also said that compatibility with additional VR headsets would not come until later, but that plan has changed.

“We’re going to open VR to everyone,” said Martial Bossard, executive producer at Asobo Studio. “Everyone will now have access to VR, and if I say everyone […] It will also be open to all devices including the Oculus family, the Valve family. Really every headset family is supported there. “

The VR experience will be seamless, Bossard said, and include the full pre-flight menu interface. This way, players do not need to remove the headset at any time during a gaming session. Sim Update 2 will also contain two new tutorials for the Airbus A320neo.

After the launch of Sim Update 2, Asobo Studio will begin completing World Update 3 for launch on January 28th. This free update will add additional details and gameplay to the UK, including new landmarks, points of interest and bush travel.

The livestream also contained broad release windows for a number of fan-requested features. Playback will be available later in 2021, while multi-screen setups will be supported for the next two years. Airworthy helicopters are planned for 2022.

No word yet on when the game will be released on Xbox devices.