Microsoft Flight Simulator launched on 18 August 2020 and streams Bing Maps imagery with Azure generated 3D buildings across roughly 37,000 airports. The 40th Anniversary Edition arrived with Sim Update 11 on 11 November 2022 as a free update, adding helicopters, sailplanes, seven historic aircraft and the Airbus A310, taking the roster to 37 flyable machines with individual flight models. Live weather and live traffic feed real conditions into the sim, so a departure into low cloud at 03:00 local is genuinely low cloud at 03:00 local.
Boss fights are where Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition tests everything you've learned. This guide covers strategies for bosses across all areas, organized by progression order. For general combat techniques, see our combat guide.
Boss Difficulty Overview
Innsbruck Airport (LOWI) Bosses
Area difficulty: Easy Recommended level: Intermediate Recommended build: Airline pilot with Daher TBM 930
Strategy
The first bosses teach core combat mechanics. Focus on learning patterns rather than dealing damage. Scenery is pulled from Bing Maps and rebuilt in 3D by Azure, with photogrammetry applied to several hundred cities. This is your primary tool here.
Key tips:
- Don't rush. Learn the attack patterns first.
- Use Streamed satellite terrain to create safe windows.
- Daher TBM 930 is enough to handle everything here.
Courchevel Altiport (LFLJ) Bosses
Area difficulty: Moderate Recommended level: Advanced Recommended build: Airline pilot with Daher TBM 930
Strategy
Early game bosses test your understanding of Live weather and live traffic. Players who skipped learning this mechanic will hit a wall here.
Key tips:
- Live weather and live traffic is critical for these fights.
- Farm Daher TBM 930 upgrades if you're struggling.
- Consider switching to Airline pilot if your current setup isn't working.
Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Lukla (VNLK) Bosses
Area difficulty: Hard Recommended level: Advanced Recommended build: General aviation VFR pilot with Cessna 172 Skyhawk (G1000)
Strategy
Mid-game bosses are the major skill check. They combine multiple mechanics and punish players who rely on a single strategy.
Key tips:
- You need both Streamed satellite terrain and Flight planning and ATC mastery.
- Cessna 172 Skyhawk (G1000) makes a significant difference. Get it before attempting these.
- See our combat guide for advanced techniques.
Princess Juliana International Airport (TNCM) Bosses
Area difficulty: Very Hard Recommended level: Intermediate Recommended build: General aviation VFR pilot with Cessna 172 Skyhawk (G1000)
Strategy
Late-game bosses are serious challenges. Build optimization matters as much as mechanical skill.
Key tips:
- Make sure your build is fully optimized.
- Cessna 172 Skyhawk (G1000) at max upgrade is recommended.
- Study each boss's attack patterns. Most have 2-3 phases.
Barra Airport (EGPR) Bosses
Area difficulty: Extreme Recommended level: Advanced Recommended build: General aviation VFR pilot with Cessna 172 Skyhawk (G1000)
Strategy
Endgame bosses are the ultimate test. They require mastery of all combat systems and an optimized build.
Key tips:
- Top-tier build with best-in-slot gear is mandatory.
- Master every mechanic. See our combat guide.
- These fights reward patience and pattern recognition above all else.
General Boss Tips
- Learn before you fight: Spend your first attempt observing attack patterns. Don't try to win on attempt one.
- Match your build: Some bosses favor certain builds over others. Don't be afraid to switch.
- Upgrade your equipment: A max-upgraded Cessna 172 Skyhawk (G1000) trivializes fights that seem impossible with weaker gear.
- Use Streamed satellite terrain: The core combat mechanic is your best defensive tool in every boss fight.
- Check the walkthrough: Our walkthrough tells you when you're ready for each boss.
More Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Guides
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Overview
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Best Builds
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Tier List
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Walkthrough
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Beginner's Guide
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Tips & Tricks
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Weapons Guide
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Combat Guide
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Maps & Locations
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Crafting Guide
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition, check out these related guides:
- Stardew Valley Boss Guide: simulation game with similar mechanics
- Satisfactory Boss Guide: simulation game with similar mechanics
- The Sims 4 Boss Guide: simulation game with similar mechanics
