It’s been an absolutely packed week in the world of MSFS 2024. The highlight? A massive Developer Livestream on April 15 that laid out the entire roadmap for the rest of 2026 — including new aircraft, world updates, performance improvements, and PlayStation VR2 support landing any day now. Whether you’re a casual weekend flyer or deep into career mode, there’s something exciting on the horizon. Let’s break down the 10 biggest stories from this week.
1. April Developer Livestream Drops a Huge 2026 Roadmap
The biggest event of the week was the April 2026 Development Update, which arrived alongside a full Developer Livestream featuring Jorg Neumann, Sebastian Wloch, and Martial Bossard. The team revealed the complete release roadmap for the rest of 2026: three Sim Updates, three World Updates, three remaining City Updates, and a free aircraft coming in July. This is the clearest picture we’ve ever had of what’s ahead, and it shows a team delivering at an impressive pace. If you’re new to following these updates, our beginner guides section is a great place to get up to speed on the sim.
Read the full Development Update →
2. Sim Update 5 Coming Next Week — With Weather Radar and Major Optimisations
Sim Update 5 is targeted for release on all platforms (PC, Xbox, and PS5) between April 20–24. The update includes a long-requested weather radar with tilt functionality developed by Working Title, significant CPU and multithreading optimisations, improved airflow simulation, and dozens of bug fixes. Jorg noted there are just 2-3 “must-fix” bugs remaining. For those curious about dialling in their graphics, our best settings guide for beginners will help you get the most from these performance improvements.
Read more at Simulation Daily →
3. PlayStation VR2 Support and Third-Party Marketplace Coming to PS5
PS5 simmers have had a great run since launch, and things are about to get even better. Jorg confirmed that PSVR2 support launches with Sim Update 5, and the first batch of third-party add-ons will arrive on the PlayStation Marketplace at the same time. Products must pass Sony’s performance certification, so the initial selection will be curated — but it marks a major milestone for console simmers. Jorg also praised the “surprisingly large” PS5 player count and thanked the community for welcoming new pilots.
Read more at Simulation Daily →
4. World Update 21: Australia Announced for May
G’day, simmers! World Update 21: Australia is landing in May 2026, bringing 30+ new Areas of Interest, updates to previous Australian AOIs from World Update 7, six bespoke airports, and 29 Points of Interest. There will also be new activities for both MSFS 2020 and 2024: Discovery Flights, Precision Landings, Bush Trips, Low Altitude Challenges, and Rally Races. If you’re itching to brush up on your skills before exploring the outback, check out our guides on how to take off and how to land.
5. Local Legend 24: CAC Boomerang by iniBuilds
Accompanying the Australia World Update is Local Legend 24: the CAC Boomerang, developed by iniBuilds. This WWII-era fighter holds special significance as the first combat aircraft designed and manufactured in Australia. It’s a fitting companion for the World Update and should be a joy to fly across the Australian bush. Expect it in May alongside WU21.
6. Expert Series 2: Piper M600 Announced for June
FSReborn is partnering with Asobo and Working Title to deliver the Piper M600 as Expert Series 02, targeting a June release at FSExpo. The aircraft features G3000 avionics by Working Title, simulated failure scenarios, three interior configurations, a full HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) system, and optional consequences for improper procedures. Casual flyers can turn down the realism, while procedure-focused pilots can enable full consequences — a thoughtful design choice for all skill levels.
7. Expert Series 3: Embraer Praetor 600 Sneak Peek
Working Title’s Matt Nischan gave us a deep preview of Expert Series 03: the Embraer Praetor 600, planned for November 2026. This business jet will feature “engineering-grade” turbine simulation with individually modelled engines, a fully simulated electrical architecture down to the circuit breakers, physics-based hydraulics with thermal modelling, independent dual FMS units, and IRS drift following real-world inertial navigation equations. This is shaping up to be the most systems-deep aircraft in the sim to date.
8. Aircraft & Avionics Update 4 Upgrades Five Classic Aircraft
Releasing alongside Sim Update 5, Aircraft & Avionics Update 4 upgrades five existing aircraft to full MSFS 2024 standards: the ATR 42/72-600, Antonov An-2, Fokker F.VII, Savoia-Marchetti S.55/S.55X, and Latécoère 631. Asobo also confirmed that two default aircraft are being completely redone and four more are receiving updates. The team’s goal is to have all payware aircraft upgraded to 2024 standards by next year, and once upgraded, each will also be available for individual purchase outside the Aviator Edition.
Read the full Development Update →
9. PMDG 737-600 Gets High Detail Visual Overhaul
PMDG rolled out the High Detail Update for the Boeing 737-600, drastically improving its exterior model in MSFS 2024. The update is free for existing owners and continues PMDG’s series of visual upgrades across the 737 family. If you’re flying the PMDG 737 series, our PMDG Boeing 737 tutorial covers everything from cold & dark startup to landing.
10. Massive Marketplace Week — FlyTampa Las Vegas, iniBuilds TriStar Update, and More
The Marketplace Update for the week of April 13 was stacked. Highlights include the FlyTampa Las Vegas Airport/City Pack ($19.99), Miltech MH60 & Mission Hub Bundle ($49.99), iniBuilds Liverpool Airport, and a major update to the iniBuilds TriStar Airliner. The marketplace also saw a wave of new airports across South America, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Europe. The recently ended 13-day marketplace sale (up to 80% off 1,000+ items) also gave simmers a chance to stock up. For help managing all those downloads, our Content Manager guide walks you through the process.
Browse the full Marketplace Update →
That’s a wrap for this week’s roundup! It’s an exciting time to be a flight simmer, with Sim Update 5 just days away and a packed 2026 roadmap stretching out ahead of us. What story are you most excited about? Which upcoming feature or aircraft can you not wait to try? Drop a comment below and let us know — we’d love to hear what the Flight Sim Workshop community wants to see covered next! ✈️
