It’s been more than a year since Microsoft Flight Simulator launched for both the PC, with the Xbox platform coming in the middle of this year. Since then it’s gone on to be one of the most critically acclaimed titles of 2020, so much so that it won Best Sim/Strategy Game at The Game Awards 2020. Now more than 14 months since it initially launched, Microsoft has decided to bring the game back with some serious updates and content. The company has officially announced Microsoft Flight Simulator Game of The Year Edition, and it will launch just next month on November 18.

Microsoft Flight Simulator Game of The Year Edition announced, coming November 18https://t.co/iWovKIcwC5 pic.twitter.com/YE9Ws3vtY7

— Nibel (@Nibellion) October 19, 2021

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this newer version is that the game will fully support DirectX 12 for those on PC. This is an amazing update as it will allow PC users to further utilize options on their RIG, giving them more graphical capabilities should they have a newer graphics card installed. This also opens the door for the game to use ray tracing, which gives a serious visual overhaul to water physics and reflections. They will also introduce an updated weather system as well as a Dev Mode Replay System in a future update.

The Microsoft Flight Simulator Game of The Year Edition also includes a separate mode dubbed Reno Air Races Mode. In this mode, you can race against other players online in either a friendly or competitive manner. The game is scheduled to launch in the middle of November, right after Forza Horizon 5 on November 9 and ahead of Halo: Infinite on December 8. If there was any way for Microsoft to stack some excellent company exclusives for the Holiday, this is arguably the best approach for it.

Microsoft Flight Simulator Game of The Year Edition will officially launch on November 18 for the Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Windows and Steam. It’ll also be available to download on the Game Pass if you’re a subscriber.