The first public test build for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Sim Update 6 is now available. This major update, originally detailed at FSExpo last month, introduces significant graphical upgrades and quality-of-life changes ahead of its full release later this summer.
#1 DLSS 4.5 and FSR 4 upscaling support
The most notable technical additions in the beta are updated upscaling technologies for both NVIDIA and AMD hardware. The update upgrades NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Super Sampling to version 4.5, which becomes the new default setting because it supports all generations of RTX GPUs. This includes Dynamic Frame Generation with integrated in-game VSync.
For users on AMD graphics cards, the update introduces support for FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 4. Unlike the NVIDIA implementation, FSR 4 is not supported on older generation AMD GPUs. The specific version of FSR you utilize will depend on your current driver installation rather than a manual in-game selection.
#2 Improved lighting and visual fidelity
Visual enhancements are also present in this initial build, specifically regarding night-time rendering. The beta includes preliminary improvements to lighting at generic airports, adding more realistic illumination effects while the full suite of lighting updates is still being finalized for the stable release.
#3 Skip walkaround in Free Flight
Responding to community feedback, Microsoft has added a new option to bypass the pre-flight walkaround sequence. In Free Flight mode, you can now start your flight immediately without walking around the aircraft exterior first, providing a quicker way to jump into flying sessions.
How to join the beta
If you want to test these changes yourself, access depends on your platform. PC and Xbox users must register as Flight Simulator Insiders and manage the build through the Xbox Insider Hub app. Steam users can enable the beta via the game’s Properties menu, while PlayStation 5 players can download the update directly from the PlayStation Store.
The full patch notes for Sim Update 6 beta 1.8.5.0 are available on the official Microsoft Flight Simulator forums, detailing numerous fixes and improvements across various aircraft systems. The stable version of Sim Update 6 is expected to arrive in July or August.
Source: Windows Central
Over to you: Will you test the Sim Update 6 beta to try the new upscaling options, or wait for the stable release?
