Flight Simulator leaves Earth for the first time with free Dune expansion

Xbox has teamed up with Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Entertainment to launch a free Dune expansion for Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Available now, it takes the simulation franchise beyond the confines on Earth for the first time, transporting players to the deserts of the planet Arrakis.

Pilots are challenged to get to grips with a bug-like ornithopter and complete the expansion’s three tutorials (take-off, landing, and freefall), five time trials and a rescue mission.

“The skies of Arrakis are traversed by a deft craft called an ornithopter, a nimble flying machine propelled by four precisely tuned oscillating wings,” said Microsoft Flight Simulator head Jorg Neumann.

“The Royal Atreides Ornithopter is a special ultra-performance variant of the craft, renowned for its lightning acceleration, blazing speeds, and precision maneuverability when under the control of pilots skilled in its operation – and who have the fortitude to survive the harsh extremes of Dune.

“Once simmers have mastered the basics, they can move on to attempt the package’s six activities: five-time trials and a daring rescue mission where aviators must save their flight instructor before a massive sandstorm engulfs him.”

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