Netflix’s Stranger Things is crossing over with the Xbox game you’d least expect — I’m sure Microsoft is hoping this one takes off

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I always enjoy seeing different types of entertainment blend together, and it’s especially cool when a movie or TV show shows up in a video game. That’s what’s happening with Stranger Things, the popular Netflix series that just started its fifth season. But here’s the surprise – it’s coming to a game on Xbox you probably wouldn’t guess!

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is the newest version of the popular aircraft simulation game. It’s available on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC (through Steam and the Xbox app), and is included with Xbox Game Pass. You can also play it via Xbox Cloud Gaming, and it will be released for PlayStation 5 on December 8th.

The Stranger Things collaboration will now launch on December 9th. Microsoft and Xbox revealed the news Thursday morning with a brief teaser video, available on Xbox’s X channel and embedded below.

It’s currently unknown whether this new content will be a free update or a paid add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Microsoft has offered both free and paid collaborations in the past, so we’ll have to wait for official details to find out.

We don’t yet know exactly what new content the crossover will include, but a teaser trailer revealed a UH-1H Huey helicopter sporting a “Hawkins Heli-Tours” logo – referencing the town from the show. This strongly suggests the helicopter will be part of the update.

Microsoft Flight Simulator already features a Huey helicopter, but it was created by a third-party developer, Taog’s Hangar, for the 2020 version of the game. If this new partnership results in another Huey, it will likely be for the latest edition of the simulator and could be developed directly by Microsoft.

The trailer shows Hawkins National Laboratory from Stranger Things, suggesting players will be able to explore it – and maybe even the entire town of Hawkins – in the game.

It’s hard to say for sure what future content might be added, but I think we could see Yuri Ismaylov’s Antonov An-2 plane and Kamov Ka-26 helicopter, ‘Katinka,’ from Season 4 become available. I’d especially like to see the addition of ‘The Upside Down’ from Stranger Things as a new environment – flying through that dark, alternate dimension would be a really special experience in Microsoft Flight Simulator.

A bold, bizarre idea — I’m in

We won’t know exactly what to expect until Microsoft reveals more on December 9th, but I’m excited about the potential collaboration with Stranger Things. The show’s unique blend of science fiction, fantasy, and horror creates an unexpected and intriguing combination with a flight simulator, and that’s what makes this concept so appealing.

Stranger Things is a huge asset for any potential crossover, from Microsoft’s point of view. It’s consistently been one of Netflix’s biggest hits, and its popularity is at an all-time high with the release of its final season. Each new episode is breaking viewership records.

Given the massive popularity of Stranger Things, Microsoft is likely hoping this partnership will significantly boost sales and awareness for Microsoft Flight Simulator, a game that generally appeals to a smaller, dedicated audience. They’re counting on the crossover to be a success.

Even after several updates to address initial problems, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 still isn’t very stable, as we noted in our review.

A major reason the game hasn’t been more successful is its price, but there’s a deal right now! The Xbox and PC version, which works with Xbox Play Anywhere, is currently on sale for $55.39 at Loaded, down from its usual $69.99.

FAQ

Is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 multiplayer?

You can fly online with friends and other players in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, as long as you’re all on the same server. Just make sure to turn on the multiplayer features in the game’s settings.

Is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 free?

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 isn’t free to play. It costs $69.99 to buy, though you might find it on sale for less. You can also access the game through…

Is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on Xbox Game Pass?

You can play Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 with an Xbox Game Pass subscription. It’s included in the Premium plan for $14.99 per month, the PC Game Pass plan (for PC only) at $16.49 per month, or the Ultimate plan for $29.99 per month.

Is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 coming to PS5?

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will be available on PS5 starting December 8, 2025, just before the game’s Stranger Things content is released.

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2025-12-04 23:10