Microsoft and Asobo held their October 2025 Developer Stream, highlighting major updates for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, new details on the PlayStation 5 beta, and a glimpse at the franchise’s long-term roadmap.
Platform Updates and Performance
The stream opened with an overview of ongoing optimisation work for MSFS 2024. The simulator now implements multi-threading, asynchronous processing, and CPU cache optimisation, which improve frame rates and reduce loading times. Asobo confirmed that the install size has been cut to under 500 GB, down from early 1–2 TB projections.
The team also discussed the mainthread bottleneck, confirming that efforts are underway to improve CPU scheduling and balance workloads across cores for smoother performance, especially around dense airports and large object clusters.
Visual upgrades include a rebuilt night lighting system using a 16-terapixel global lighting texture streamed from the cloud. Further improvements to VRAM usage, LOD management, and ground texture sharpness are expected in upcoming Sim Updates 4 and 5.
Sim Update 4 Beta and PS5 Testing
Two new Sim Update 4 beta builds (1.6.15.0 and 1.6.16.0) were released this week, addressing bugs and refining core systems. A separate PS5 beta build (1.006.015) also launched, confirming Thrustmaster T Flight HOTAS 4 support with haptics and touchpad functionality. Microsoft says more invite codes were sent to registered testers, though access remains limited by server capacity.
Aircraft and Avionics
Development updates covered several aircraft, including the Embraer Praetor, whose art assets are nearly complete. The aircraft’s EFB and Pro Line Fusion avionics are still in active development.Asobo also confirmed more than 70 aircraft will receive changes in SU4, with over 500 fixes in total. Highlights include updates for the 747 Dreamlifter, Super Tanker, and Boom XB-1, the latter gaining improved supersonic physics. The T-38A Talon from Blackbird has been validated by multiple AATC instructors for authenticity.Finally, the Avidyne IFD 540/550 avionics suite will debut in Sim Update 5, expanding beyond Garmin’s GNS ecosystem.
Roadmap and Future Features
The developers confirmed that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 will receive Sim Update 17 in summer 2026, bringing selected 2024 features to the older platform. The long-awaited Red Bull Air Race mode is now in active testing with Red Bull pilots and is expected to launch alongside SU4. Work is also ongoing to expand helipads, refine LOD systems, and deliver new bush trip content next year.
Marketplace and Community
A Top-Rated Aircraft Sale is currently running in the in-game Marketplace until October 21, offering up to 69 % discounts on top-rated aircraft across both MSFS 2020 and 2024. The team also mentioned that over 1,800 marketplace submissions are under review, with priority given to verified developers.
FSNews will continue to follow the development of Sim Update 4 and report on future updates as they are released. The next Developer Stream is expected later this year, where Asobo is likely to share further details on Sim Update 5 and upcoming aircraft releases.
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