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If you’re excited to explore the latest advancements in Microsoft’s flagship flight simulator, there’s fantastic news! You won’t have to wait until November for the full release of Flight Simulator 2024; a limited stress test is just around the corner. This upcoming “technical alpha” offers a unique opportunity to experience the game ahead of its official launch, making it a pre-flight checklist you can enjoy firsthand.

Microsoft shared the details on their official Flight Simulator website, outlining the system requirements for the PC version, which are notably demanding. The minimum requirements specify a second-generation Ryzen or sixth-generation Core i7 processor paired with at least a GTX 970 graphics card. For those aiming for optimal performance, the “ideal specs” call for a Ryzen 9 7900X or i7-14700K processor alongside a Radeon RX 7900XT or GeForce RTX 4080 graphics card. This configuration is significantly more powerful than what most casual gamers might have, suggesting that only a small percentage of the current gaming community will meet these benchmarks.

While the exact start date for the technical test hasn’t been disclosed, Microsoft hinted at a 2-to-3 day testing window, likely over a weekend. This suggests that players can anticipate the test starting around October 19th or 25th. However, it’s worth noting that not everyone who signs up will be guaranteed access; participants must submit a DxDiag scan to demonstrate their system’s capability to handle the game’s rigorous demands.

For those eager to take flight early, head to the signup page and keep your fingers crossed. Mark your calendars for the full game release on November 19th, when all players can finally enjoy the expansive virtual skies of Flight Simulator 2024.