I’ve been a long-time fan of Microsoft Flight Simulator, and I eagerly anticipated the launch of MSFS 2024 in November 2024. Unfortunately, from the very beginning, my experience has been a far cry from the immersive simulation I loved in MSFS 2020. Here’s what I’ve encountered and why I’m curious if anyone else is facing the same issues:

Personal Experience & Key Issues

Frequent Crashes:
Almost immediately after launching, I’ve been met with random crashes that send me straight back to my desktop. It feels like a stability issue that hasn’t been ironed out, even months after release.

Control Scheme Overhaul:
The new controls introduced in MSFS 2024 are frustratingly unintuitive. I miss the familiar layout of MSFS 2020, which made flying feel natural. The changes not only complicate the learning curve but also detract from the overall enjoyment of the sim.

Career Mode Glitches:
One of the most disappointing aspects has been the career mode. Essential elements simply don’t load correctly, and ghost or phantom objects appear in the environment. These glitches aren’t just visual oddities—they cause mission failures, which undermines the entire progression system.

File Size vs. Content Delivery:
On a small plus side, the sim’s file size is only 50GB. While this might sound like a benefit for download speeds and disk space, it raises the question: does this lean file footprint come at the expense of a fully developed simulation experience?

Distribution Confusion:
Another major point of contention is the absence of the Microsoft Store. For a flagship release from Microsoft, it’s odd not to have a clear, centralized platform for updates and support. It feels as if the sim was rushed out the door without the necessary polish or infrastructure in place.

Broader Context & Community Observations

Multiple articles and user reviews (from sources such as PC Gamer and Eurogamer) have noted similar issues. Reviewers have pointed out that:

The persistent crashes and control issues are a common complaint among early adopters.
The career mode’s bugs—especially the problem of phantom objects—are not isolated incidents but part of a larger pattern affecting gameplay integrity.
There’s a growing sentiment that Microsoft might have prioritized a slim release (50GB) over thorough testing and quality assurance, leaving fans with a half-baked product ​.

These concerns mirror what I’ve experienced first-hand. The promise of a revolutionary update has instead delivered a product that feels incomplete and, frankly, unready for full-price release.

Questions for Discussion
Has anyone else experienced these random crashes or found a reliable workaround?
What do you think of the new control scheme? Would you prefer the classic layout from MSFS 2020?
For those who have ventured into career mode, how severe are the glitches? Have you managed to progress despite them?
Does the smaller file size justify any benefits at all, or does it clearly point to a lack of content?
How do you feel about the absence of the Microsoft Store? Does this impact your overall trust in Microsoft’s handling of the simulator?

I’m keen to hear your thoughts, workarounds, and any hope for upcoming patches. Let’s use this space to discuss whether MSFS 2024 can redeem itself in future updates or if this rocky launch is a sign of deeper issues within the development process.