Asobo Studio released Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on 19 November 2024 as a separate product from the 2020 sim, built around a career mode rather than free flight alone. The Standard Edition ships more than 65 aircraft and the world engine draws on over 500 TIN cities, more than 100,000 square kilometres of countryside photogrammetry, roughly 1.5 billion buildings and close to 3 trillion trees. Career progression runs through more than 20 certifications, each opening specialisations from skydive drops up to heavy cargo.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skydive | A | Balanced | Cessna 172 Skyhawk | Yes |
| Search and Rescue | A | Balanced | Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX | Yes |
| Aerial Firefighting | A | Balanced | Beechcraft King Air 350i | Yes |
| Medevac | A | Balanced | Air Tractor AT-802 | Yes |
| Charter Service VIP | A | Balanced | Airbus H125 | Yes |
New player? Start with Search and Rescue. See our beginner's guide for why.
Skydive
Skydive is a strong option in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Cessna 172 Skyhawk |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Career mode with certifications |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Cessna 172 Skyhawk
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Courchevel Altiport to learn Skydive-specific mechanics
- Focus on Career mode with certifications. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Cessna 172 Skyhawk as your first major upgrade
- See our full Skydive build guide for the optimal gear progression
Search and Rescue
Search and Rescue is a strong option in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Specialisations and mission payouts |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Courchevel Altiport to learn Search and Rescue-specific mechanics
- Focus on Specialisations and mission payouts. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX as your first major upgrade
- See our full Search and Rescue build guide for the optimal gear progression
Aerial Firefighting
Aerial Firefighting is a strong option in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Beechcraft King Air 350i |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Aircraft wear and maintenance |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Beechcraft King Air 350i
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Courchevel Altiport to learn Aerial Firefighting-specific mechanics
- Focus on Aircraft wear and maintenance. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Beechcraft King Air 350i as your first major upgrade
- See our full Aerial Firefighting build guide for the optimal gear progression
Medevac
Medevac is a strong option in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Air Tractor AT-802 |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Rebuilt world engine |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Air Tractor AT-802
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Courchevel Altiport to learn Medevac-specific mechanics
- Focus on Rebuilt world engine. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Air Tractor AT-802 as your first major upgrade
- See our full Medevac build guide for the optimal gear progression
Charter Service VIP
Charter Service VIP is a strong option in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Airbus H125 |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Companies and hired pilots |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Airbus H125
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Courchevel Altiport to learn Charter Service VIP-specific mechanics
- Focus on Companies and hired pilots. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Airbus H125 as your first major upgrade
- See our full Charter Service VIP build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Search and Rescue is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Skydive is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Cessna 172 Skyhawk for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Charter Service VIP offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Medevac shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Guides
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Overview
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Best Builds
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Tier List
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Walkthrough
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Beginner's Guide
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Tips & Tricks
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Weapons Guide
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Combat Guide
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Boss Guide
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Maps & Locations
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Crafting Guide
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