Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has delivered a more dynamic and varied experience than any of its predecessors. From exhilarating rescue missions to delicate cargo drops, the game has redefined what it means to engage with the world from above. However, not every mission is a smooth ride.
Some of the game’s more intricate challenges—like rescuing stranded individuals or navigating tight landing zones—turn into tests of patience rather than skill. While it’s understandable that not every scenario should be a cakewalk, a few missions push the envelope too far, leaving players scratching their heads or cursing at their screens.
Here’s a look at why some of these missions cross the line from thrilling to frustrating.
The Rescue Mission That Isn’t Rescuable
Imagine you’re tasked with rescuing a stranded hiker in the wilderness. The mission brief is straightforward: locate the person, land nearby, and ferry them to safety. Easy, right? Not so fast.
You spot the hiker waving frantically near a clearing, but as you approach, you realize the so-called “landing zone” is anything but clear. Towering trees surround the area like a fortress, while uneven terrain makes even a helicopter landing feel like threading a needle.
This isn’t a rare occurrence, either. Missions like these often feel like they were designed to frustrate, with little thought given to realism or fairness. Even skilled pilots, armed with the most nimble aircraft, struggle to find a viable solution. And while the challenge can be exciting at first, repeated failures quickly turn that excitement into exasperation.
The Curse of Invisible Obstacles
Another gripe comes from obstacles that seem minor—or downright invisible—until it’s too late. For instance, you might line up a perfect approach to what looks like an open field, only to clip an unmarked tree branch or bounce off a barely noticeable rock.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s world is beautifully detailed, but sometimes that detail works against you. Trees, for instance, are rendered with such realism that their hitboxes often feel unforgiving. A small miscalculation can send your aircraft spiraling, undoing minutes of careful planning and execution.
“Trial and Error” Gameplay Isn’t Always Fun
Many of these missions devolve into trial-and-error gameplay, forcing players to repeatedly fail just to figure out the “right” way to succeed. This can be particularly grating in scenarios where the mission objectives or terrain details aren’t clearly communicated.
For example, a cargo drop mission might require you to land on a precarious mountainside. The first attempt reveals the incline is too steep; the second attempt ends when your plane tips over due to an unseen ridge. By the third or fourth try, frustration replaces immersion, and you’re no longer focused on the joy of flying—just on getting the mission over with.
Why It Feels Unfair
Part of the frustration stems from a lack of tools to deal with these scenarios. MSFS 2024 gives players incredible aircraft and mechanics, but missions like these often make you feel ill-equipped. You might think a helicopter would be ideal for a tricky rescue, only to find that even its vertical landing capabilities are no match for the tight quarters or dense vegetation.
Additionally, the game’s difficulty spikes can feel disproportionate. While many missions are designed to be accessible, others suddenly demand near-perfect precision without warning or preparation. This lack of consistency leaves players feeling blindsided.
A Learning Opportunity for Future Updates
To be clear, challenge isn’t a bad thing. Many of MSFS 2024’s missions succeed precisely because they push players to hone their skills. But there’s a difference between a satisfying challenge and one that feels like a chore.
Future updates could address these frustrations by:
- Improving Mission Design: Ensuring landing zones and objectives are challenging but achievable, with clear paths or hints for players.
- Providing Alternate Solutions: Allowing more flexibility in how missions are completed, such as letting helicopters hover and winch passengers instead of forcing landings.
- Refining Terrain Interaction: Tweaking collision physics and hitboxes to reduce unfair failures caused by minor obstacles.
The Silver Lining
Despite these frustrations, it’s important to recognize the ambition behind these missions. They aim to capture the unpredictability of real-world flying, where not every situation is ideal and quick thinking is often required.
And when you finally do manage to stick the landing after a particularly grueling attempt, the sense of accomplishment is unparalleled. But that high only comes after overcoming a mountain of irritation—a balance MSFS 2024 hasn’t quite nailed yet.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s mission system is an exciting step forward for the series, but it’s not without its turbulence. While many scenarios are engaging and rewarding, a few feel more like a battle against the game’s quirks than an authentic aviation challenge.
Here’s hoping future updates smooth out these rough edges, turning frustrating missions into opportunities for satisfying triumphs. Until then, remember: patience isn’t just a virtue in aviation—it’s a necessity.